Breville vs Russell Hobbs Toastie Maker

By toastiemaker.com · Updated 16 Oct 2026

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Breville is the better choice for classic deep fill, sealed toasties; its Deep Fill Sandwich Toaster is the model most UK reviews measure others against. Russell Hobbs is the stronger value pick for multi-plate 3-in-1 machines that also make waffles and grilled sandwiches. Both are mainstream brands sold everywhere, so the decision is really about which kind of machine you want.

At a glance

Price bands are typical and change often. Check current prices before buying.

Round 1: Sealed toastie quality

Breville's deep fill plates are designed to take a lot of filling and crimp the edges firmly, cutting each sandwich into two sealed triangles. That is why the brand dominates UK "best toastie maker" lists for classic toasties. See our Breville Deep Fill review for design and cleaning detail.

Russell Hobbs dedicated sandwich toasters also seal into triangles and make a good everyday toastie. On its 3-in-1 machines, the sandwich plates are typically shallower than a dedicated deep fill, which suits cheese, ham and tomato better than baked beans or chilli. Our deep fill vs shallow fill page explains the trade-off.

Heat matters too. Both brands' 2-slice sandwich toasters typically run in the same broad wattage range, so cooking times are similar: a few minutes to preheat, then roughly 3–5 minutes per round. Where you notice a difference is with thick fillings, because a deeper, well-sealed pocket keeps steam in and melts cheese through before the bread over-browns. That is where the Breville deep fill design earns its reputation. For timings by filling, see how long to cook a toastie.

Winner: Breville.

Round 2: Versatility and 3-in-1 machines

Russell Hobbs has made multi-plate sandwich makers a strength, with swap-in toastie, waffle and grill plates in one compact unit at a value price. If you want Sunday waffles as well as weekday toasties, it is a strong choice. See Russell Hobbs toastie makers and our best 3-in-1 toastie makers.

Breville also sells 3-in-1 machines, which we cover in Breville 3-in-1 toastie maker. They tend to cost a little more, and the Breville name carries less of an advantage on waffles than it does on deep fill toasties.

Winner: Russell Hobbs on value.

Round 3: Cleaning

Fixed-plate sandwich toasters from both brands must be wiped clean in place. Any 3-in-1 machine has removable plates, which you can wash in the sink, and some manuals permit the dishwasher. Breville also offers dedicated sandwich toasters with removable plates, which is the best of both: deep sealing plus easy washing. See best toastie maker with removable plates.

Winner: Draw. Removable plates are available from both, in different forms.

Round 4: Build and ease of use

Both brands make straightforward machines: indicator lights, a clip latch, cool-touch handle and cord storage on many models. Breville's deep fill toasters have a reputation for a firm, reliable latch, which matters with thick fillings. Russell Hobbs swap-plate machines involve release buttons for the plates, which owners generally find easy once learned. Our how to use a toastie maker guide applies to both.

Winner: Breville, narrowly, for deep fill latching.

Round 5: Price and value

Russell Hobbs models are often a little cheaper, and its 3-in-1s give you three appliances' worth of plates for the money. Breville deep fill models are rarely expensive and are frequently discounted. If you only want toasties, the small premium for Breville buys better toasties. If you want versatility, Russell Hobbs is better value.

Winner: Russell Hobbs for multi-plate value; Breville for toastie value.

Round 6: Guarantees and support

Both are established brands with manufacturer guarantees on small appliances, and both have at times offered extended cover when you register a product. Lengths vary by model, so check the box or brand website. If a machine fails, our toastie maker not working guide helps you work out whether it is a fault worth claiming for.

Winner: Draw.

Which brand for which household

Singles, couples and students

A compact Breville 2-slice deep fill is usually the better buy. It makes two sealed triangles per round, takes up little space and copes with whatever is in the fridge. If halls rules ban grill appliances, neither brand works; look at a microwave toastie maker instead.

Families

Families making several toasties at once should look at 4-slice models from either brand; see best 4-slice toastie maker. If children also want waffles at the weekend, a Russell Hobbs 3-in-1 covers both without a second appliance, though you will cook toasties in more rounds.

Keen toastie makers

If you experiment with fillings from our filling ideas, such as chilli cheese, beans or coronation chicken, deep plates matter more than extra functions. That points firmly to Breville.

Small kitchens

Both brands make compact models. A dedicated sandwich toaster is generally smaller than a 3-in-1 once you count the spare plates, so if cupboard space is the limit, the Breville is easier to live with.

Final recommendation

Buy a Breville deep fill if toasties are the main event and you like them stuffed. Buy a Russell Hobbs 3-in-1 if you want a cheap, flexible machine for toasties, waffles and grilled sandwiches, and your fillings are usually simple.

Whichever you choose, check the current price at a couple of retailers; both brands are discounted often enough that the cheaper machine on the day can change from week to week. Our where to buy hub lists the main UK shops.

For more choices see best toastie maker and all our comparisons.