Tower Toastie Makers: Is the Budget Range Worth Buying?
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. How this works.
Tower is one of the best-value toastie maker brands in the UK, and its standout model is the T27032 3-in-1 Deep Fill Sandwich Maker: around 900W, removable dishwasher-safe toastie, panini and waffle plates, and a price that usually undercuts Breville's 3-in-1. Its basic 2-slice sandwich makers are fine for occasional use but are where the savings show.
Quick answer: Buy the Tower T27032 3-in-1 if you want removable plates and waffles on a budget. Buy a basic Tower 2-slice sandwich maker only if you make the odd toastie and want to spend as little as possible. If you only want sealed toasties and can stretch a little, the Breville VST041 has deeper, better-sealing plates.
Tower is a long-running British housewares brand. Its strategy is mid-to-budget pricing, wide supermarket and Argos distribution and colour-matched ranges (black, rose gold, sage green and similar finishes that come and go). Toastie makers fit neatly into that: a small range of models, frequently discounted. For a cross-brand budget shortlist, see our best cheap toastie maker guide.
On this page
The Tower toastie maker range
| Model / type | Plates | Best for | Typical price band |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-in-1 Deep Fill Sandwich Maker (T27032; T27032RG rose gold) | Removable toastie, panini and waffle plates; dishwasher-safe | Best all-round value | Usually £30–£45 |
| 3-in-1 Sandwich Maker (T27020, older model) | Removable swap plates | Only if found cheaply as old stock | Varies |
| Basic 2-slice sandwich makers (various codes and colours) | Usually fixed non-stick plates | Occasional use, tight budgets | Usually £15–£25 |
| Deep fill 2-slice sandwich makers | Deeper fixed or removable plates, depending on model | Bigger fillings on a budget | Usually £20–£35 |
Tower sandwich maker codes often start with T27, and letter suffixes such as RG (rose gold) mark colour versions. Check the plate type on each listing, as it varies more than the appearance suggests.
How the Tower range works
Swap-plate 3-in-1
The T27032 uses one hinged body with three pairs of clip-in plates. Retailers describe the plates as ceramic non-stick, with extra-deep pockets on the toastie plates, a cool-touch handle, non-slip feet and a locking latch. At around 900W it heats a little faster than many budget 2-slice models. Our best 3-in-1 toastie maker guide compares it with Breville, Salter and others.
Basic sandwich makers
Tower's cheapest models are simple clamshells with fixed non-stick plates and a ready light. They make perfectly decent cheese or ham and cheese toasties, but the shallower wells and lighter latches mean you need to be careful with quantities. See how to stop toasties leaking before you load beans or chilli into one.
Ceramic coatings
Tower often uses ceramic non-stick on its plates. Ceramic releases food well when new, and it is an alternative for people who prefer to avoid PTFE coatings, but it can lose its slickness faster if overheated or cleaned harshly. Our guide are non-stick toastie makers safe explains the differences without the scaremongering.
Recommended Tower models
Tower 3-in-1 Deep Fill Sandwich Maker (T27032)
The T27032 is the reason to consider Tower at all. For roughly the price of a single-purpose Breville, you get deep fill toastie plates, panini plates and waffle plates, all removable and dishwasher-safe. Retailer listings put it at around 900W, with a ready light, cool-touch handle and locking latch. It is sold in stainless steel and a rose gold version (T27032RG) at Argos and elsewhere. Lakeland sells it too, with its own guarantee terms.
- Three plate sets for a budget price
- Removable, dishwasher-safe plates
- Deep toastie pockets
- Spare plates need storing
- Ceramic coating needs gentle cleaning to last
- Sealing not quite as crisp as Breville's Cut and Seal
Tower 2-Slice Sandwich Maker
Tower's basic 2-slice sandwich makers are among the cheapest branded toastie makers in UK shops. They suit students, occasional users or a second machine for a caravan. Expect fixed plates, a simple ready light and lighter build quality than premium models. Pick a deep fill version if you can; the extra depth makes a real difference to leaks. Students should also look at our best toastie maker for students guide.
- Very low price
- Small and light
- Simple to use
- Usually fixed plates
- Shallower wells on basic versions
- Lighter latch and housing
Reliability, cleaning and warranty
Budget toastie makers have fewer failure points than you might think: element, thermostat, light and latch. Owner reviews of Tower sandwich makers tend to praise value and criticise coating durability on cheaper models, which is typical of the budget sector. Use silicone or wooden utensils, and never scrape the plates. With removable plates, soak cheese residue before washing. Our cleaning guide covers both plate types.
Tower typically offers a one-year guarantee, with an extension (often to two or three years in total) when you register the product online within a set period. Some retailers, such as Lakeland, apply their own guarantee. Terms change, so check Tower's UK site and the retailer at the time of purchase. If yours develops a fault, see toastie maker not working.
Who should buy a Tower toastie maker
Tower makes most sense for three kinds of buyer. First, anyone who wants removable plates and waffles without paying Breville prices: the T27032 is the obvious pick. Second, students and first-time renters who need something cheap that works, where a basic Tower 2-slice machine is enough. Third, people furnishing a caravan, holiday let or office kitchen, where a low-cost, easily replaced machine is more sensible than a premium one.
Skip Tower if you cook toasties daily with heavy fillings and want the most robust sealing and latch, or if you need four triangles at once; our best 4-slice toastie makers covers family-size options.
Where to buy Tower
Tower is widely sold at Argos, Amazon, The Range, Lakeland, Very and many supermarkets, as well as Tower's own website. Discounts are frequent, so a £40 listing price often drops into the low £30s. See our Argos toastie maker guide and the where to buy hub for tips on each store.
Tower vs other budget brands
Tower's closest rival is Salter, which also sells 3-in-1 deep fill machines at similar prices; our Tower vs Salter comparison goes through them in detail, and the Salter toastie maker guide covers that range. Against Breville, Tower gives you more features for the money but slightly less refined sealing. For pure deep fill performance, see best deep fill toastie makers.
FAQs
Is Tower a good brand for toastie makers?
Yes, for value. The T27032 3-in-1 is a well-reviewed budget machine with removable plates. Basic Tower models are fine for occasional use but less durable than premium brands.
Are Tower toastie maker plates dishwasher safe?
On the T27032 3-in-1, retailers list the plates as dishwasher-safe. Basic Tower sandwich makers usually have fixed plates that must be wiped clean, so check the listing.
Can I make waffles in a Tower toastie maker?
Yes, on the 3-in-1 models with waffle plates. Use a thick batter and see our toastie maker waffles recipe.
How long does a toastie take in a Tower sandwich maker?
Around 3–5 minutes once the ready light is on, depending on the bread and filling. See how long to cook a toastie.