Breville's Daisy makes exceedingly good toasties (Breville TR13S Daisy Toasted Sandwich Maker)

Member Name: apuskiduski

Product:	Breville TR13S Daisy Toasted Sandwich Maker
Date:	20/02/09 (171 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Speed, design, size

Disadvantages: Cleaning, needs care to operate

I bought this design for my daughter who loves cows of every kind. I thought she might take it to Uni when she goes but I can see we'll need to buy another as it's become so popular in our house.

I bought it in B&M, which is the new name for Au Naturale stores in our area. At the paltry sum of £11.99 I thought it had to be a mistake, or that it would blow up within a week, but to my surprise it's remarkably robust and produces delicious toasties every time.

You have to warm up the metal hotplates that are perfectly shaped to cut your sandwich diagonally in two when it's finished. When the green indicator light goes out, then off you go.

While the device is heating up you can be preparing the ingredients for your tasty snack. Our favourites at the moment are cheese and tuna, ham cheese and tomato, tuna and egg, cheese and pickle which is strangely satisfying when warm. Hadn't thought of it before to be honest.

Choosing the bread is important. Thick bread is unsuitable as the clip on the machine handle won't snap shut if the sandwich is too thick. I have found medium bread is best and my kids will actually eat wholemeal as you don't seem to be able to taste the difference when the sandwich is finished.

After buttering the bread (butter is best, margarine with high water content does not work as well) lay the bottom slice butter side down onto the hotplates. You can make two sandwiches at once which is OK but I could do with a machine that would make 5 or 6 at once.

Add your filling onto the nonbuttered side of the bread making sure not to put too much on, as overload is lethal. We're talking spillages and hard to remove cheese of nightmares.

Remember to add the top piece of bread butter side up. I once forgot and was cleaning the thing for some time. Carefully close the lid and you're away! Great tasting food at any time of day.

Cleaning the appliance is a bit fiddly as you have to first of all wait for it to cool down, then remove the hot plates carefully by clicking them out of their housing. These have to be washed, dried and replaced. Then the machine has to be reheated for a minute to evaporate any moisture. You wouldn't want rust in your sarnies. Having said all that I've just eaten a tuna melt with no cleaning since the last use and I think the flavour may have been enhanced slightly.

One word of caution. This appliance becomes extremely hot and if you're careless with the wiring or are short on space on your counter tops it could easily damage things around it. We had the wire touching the back of the hot plate and it began to burn it. So take care. Don't let young children use it unsupervised as they could get scalded from the steam that escapes from the gaps.

All told this is a fantastic little appliance and my kids haven't had to eat the dreaded beans and scrambled egg on toast since it's arrival, so well done Breville.

Summary: A great little addition to any kitchen