Microwave vs Electric Toastie Maker
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An electric toastie maker makes the better toastie: hotter, more even browning and properly sealed edges. A microwave toastie maker makes a surprisingly good one without a plug, preheat or worktop space, which is exactly what you need in student halls, offices or anywhere electric grills are not allowed. If you have the choice and the space, buy electric; if you do not, a microwave toastie maker is the best workaround.
Quick answer: Choose an electric sandwich toaster such as the Breville Deep Fill (VST041) for the best results and big fillings. Choose a microwave toastie maker such as the Morphy Richards Mico if you only have access to a microwave, have no worktop space, or live somewhere that bans grill appliances.
On this page
At a glance
| Electric toastie maker | Microwave toastie maker | |
|---|---|---|
| How it heats | Heating elements under non-stick plates | Susceptor-lined plates absorb microwave energy and get hot |
| Result | Evenly golden, crisp, sealed triangles | Crisp-ish and golden, less even; usually pressed rather than sealed |
| Preheat | Yes, a few minutes | Usually none (follow the maker's instructions) |
| Cook time | Roughly 3–5 minutes after preheat | Typically a few minutes, depending on microwave wattage |
| Space | Worktop and a socket | Fits in a drawer; uses the microwave |
| Fillings | Deep fill models handle generous, wet fillings | Best with simple, drier fillings |
| Typical price band | Roughly £15–£50 | Roughly £15–£30 |
How each type works
An electric sandwich toaster has heating elements behind its plates. Once it reaches temperature, the plates toast the outside of the bread while pressing the edges together, often cutting the sandwich into two sealed triangles. That combination of direct heat and sealing is what makes a classic British toastie. Read how to use a toastie maker for the basics.
A normal microwave cannot brown bread: it heats water in food, which turns toast soggy. Microwave toastie makers get round this with plates lined with a susceptor, a material that absorbs microwave energy and heats up enough to crisp the bread. The microwave heats the filling and the hot plates toast the outside. Our microwave toastie maker guide explains the technology and lists the options.
Round 1: Results
Electric wins clearly. Plates held at a steady temperature brown both sides evenly, and the sealed edges stop cheese escaping. Deep fill models take beans, chilli or a big tuna melt; see best deep fill toastie maker.
Microwave toasties are better than you might expect, with a crisp outside and molten middle, but browning tends to be patchier and the edges are not usually crimped. Wet fillings can make the bread soft. Our microwave toastie recipes page has fillings that suit the method.
Winner: Electric.
Round 2: Speed
An electric toastie maker needs a few minutes to preheat before a 3–5 minute cook, so allow roughly 7–9 minutes from switching on. Back-to-back toasties are quicker because the plates are already hot.
A microwave toastie maker usually goes straight in, with timings that depend on your microwave's wattage: a 700W microwave needs noticeably longer than a 1000W one. Follow the maker's guidance and our step-by-step microwave guide, which has timings by wattage. For a single toastie it is often a little quicker overall; for several in a row, electric catches up.
Winner: Microwave for one toastie; electric for a batch.
Round 3: Running cost
Both cost pennies per toastie. As a rough illustration at a unit rate of about 26p/kWh: a 750W electric toastie maker running for about 8 minutes including preheat uses roughly 0.1kWh, so around 2–3p. A microwave drawing about 1.2kW from the wall for 2–3 minutes uses roughly 0.04–0.06kWh, so around 1–2p. Use your own tariff and appliance ratings for an exact figure; our toastie maker electricity cost guide shows the full maths.
Winner: Microwave, but the difference is a penny or so.
Round 4: Space, portability and rules
This is where microwave toastie makers earn their place. They need no socket, no worktop and very little storage, which suits small kitchens and shared spaces. Many student halls and some workplaces ban toasters and grills in rooms, but allow use of a shared microwave. Always check your accommodation's rules; our best toastie maker for students guide covers this.
An electric machine needs worktop space and a socket, though compact models can stand on end in a cupboard. See best compact toastie maker.
Winner: Microwave.
Round 5: Cleaning and care
Electric toastie makers with removable plates are easy to wash; fixed-plate models need wiping in place. Microwave toastie makers are small and easy to wash by hand, but the susceptor plates need gentle treatment, and most makers advise against dishwashers or abrasive scourers. Our cleaning guide covers both.
Winner: Draw.
Round 6: Safety
Electric toastie makers get very hot on the outside as well as the plates, so keep them away from the worktop edge and let them cool before storing. Microwave toastie makers come out of the microwave hot, and their plates are hot enough to burn; use oven gloves. Follow the instructions on running them empty, use only standard microwave mode unless told otherwise, and never put any other metal object in with them. Filling, especially cheese, stays very hot after cooking in both types.
Winner: Draw, with sensible care.
Who should buy which
- Buy electric if: you have worktop space and a socket, you make toasties often, you like generous fillings, or you want the best possible result.
- Buy microwave if: you are in halls or an office with only a microwave, you have almost no kitchen space, you make an occasional quick toastie, or you need something light for a caravan with a microwave.
- Consider both: some people keep an electric machine at home and a microwave maker at work.
Final recommendation
If you can use either, an electric deep fill sandwich toaster is the better buy for results and fillings. If you cannot have an electric grill appliance, the microwave toastie maker is the clear best alternative, and the Morphy Richards Mico is the best-known option. Looking in store? Our Argos microwave toastie maker section covers what to expect there.
Breville Deep Fill Sandwich Toaster (VST041)
The UK benchmark electric toastie maker: deep plates, firm seal and a low typical price.
- Even browning, sealed triangles
- Handles big fillings
- Needs worktop and socket
- Fixed plates
Morphy Richards Mico Microwave Toastie Maker
Susceptor plates that crisp bread in a microwave, with no preheat and no plug. Read our full Mico review.
- No socket or worktop needed
- Compact, quick for one toastie
- Less even browning
- Not for wet or heavy fillings
More head-to-heads in our comparisons hub, or see the full best toastie maker shortlist.
FAQs
Do microwave toastie makers actually work?
Yes, as long as they use susceptor plates designed to heat in a microwave. They produce a crisp, golden toastie, though usually not quite as evenly browned or tightly sealed as a good electric machine.
Can I use a microwave toastie maker in a combination or grill microwave?
Check the maker's instructions. Microwave toastie makers are generally designed for standard microwave mode only. Using grill or convection modes can damage them.
Is a microwave toastie maker allowed in student halls?
It is usually the most practical option where grill appliances are banned, because it uses an existing microwave. Rules vary, so check your accommodation's policy before you buy.
Which uses less electricity?
A microwave toastie maker typically uses slightly less for a single toastie because there is no preheat. The difference is only around a penny per toastie at typical UK unit rates.