Deep Fill vs Shallow Fill Toastie Maker
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. How this works.
Deep-fill toastie makers have deeper plate wells, so they take generous fillings like beans, chilli or a stacked ham and cheese, plus thicker bread, without squeezing everything out of the sides. Standard (shallow) plates make a thinner, crisper toastie and suit light fillings and smaller budgets. For most households deep fill is the better buy, because it does everything a shallow machine does and more.
Quick answer: Choose deep fill if you like loaded toasties, saucy fillings or thicker bread — it's the safer all-round pick. Choose shallow (standard) fill if you mostly make thin cheese or ham toasties, like a very crisp, flat result, or want the cheapest, smallest machine.
On this page
Spec comparison
| Deep fill | Shallow / standard fill | |
|---|---|---|
| Plate well depth | Noticeably deeper (varies by model) | Shallow |
| Filling capacity | Generous: beans, chilli, double cheese, stacked fillings | Light: grated cheese, a slice of ham, thin tomato |
| Bread it suits | Medium and thick sliced; more forgiving of large slices | Medium or thin sliced |
| Result | Puffy, pillowy triangles with lots of filling | Flat, very crisp triangles |
| Leak risk when loaded | Lower | Higher |
| Typical power | About 750–900W | About 700–800W |
| Typical price band | About £20–£40 | About £15–£25 |
Plate depth isn't standardised and manufacturers rarely quote it, so "deep fill" means deeper than that brand's standard plates rather than a fixed measurement. Price bands are typical ranges, not live prices.
Round 1: How much filling fits
This is the whole point of deep fill. The extra depth gives the filling somewhere to go as the lid closes, so a proper spoonful of cheese and beans, a ladle of chilli or a hearty tuna melt stays inside the seal.
On shallow plates, the same amount gets squeezed out of the edges before the bread seals, burning onto the plates. You can still make great toasties, but you have to be disciplined: about a tablespoon or two of wet filling, or a modest handful of grated cheese. Our guide to stopping leaks has quantities that work.
Winner: deep fill.
Round 2: Bread fit
Thick supermarket "toastie" loaves and larger slices are more likely to close properly in a deep-fill machine, because there's more room before the plates meet. Shallow plates prefer medium or thin sliced bread; very thick slices can stop the latch closing or seal poorly. Neither type takes ciabatta — for that you need a panini press (see toastie maker vs panini press). More in best bread for toasties.
Winner: deep fill.
Round 3: Crispness and browning
Shallow plates press the bread harder and closer to the hot surface, giving a thinner, flatter, very crisp toastie that browns quickly. In a deep-fill machine, the centre of each triangle can sit slightly further from the plate, especially with a light filling, so it may take a little longer and brown a touch less in the middle. Some people prefer the shallow result for a simple cheese toastie.
Winner: shallow fill, for crunch on light fillings.
Round 4: Cooking time
Expect roughly 3–4 minutes for a light toastie on shallow plates and around 4–5 minutes for a loaded deep-fill toastie on a typical 750–900W machine. Cold, thick fillings take longest — let them sit out briefly. See how long to cook a toastie for timings by filling.
Winner: shallow fill, slightly.
Round 5: Cleaning
Both types are cleaned the same way, and whether the plates are removable matters far more than their depth (see toastie makers with removable plates). That said, because deep-fill plates leak less when loaded, they often end up with less burnt-on cheese in practice. Deeper wells can be slightly fiddlier to wipe out on fixed-plate models. Tips in how to clean a toastie maker.
Winner: deep fill, narrowly.
Round 6: Price and size
Shallow machines are typically the cheapest and most compact on sale, which suits students and occasional users (see best cheap toastie makers). Deep-fill models usually cost a few pounds more and are a little bulkier, but mid-range deep-fill machines from major brands are still very affordable.
Winner: shallow fill.
Round 7: Versatility
Deeper wells are more useful beyond toasties. They hold a beaten egg for a toastie maker omelette, take grated potato for hash browns and fit folded tortillas or pizza pockets without overflow. Shallow plates can manage some of these, but liquids are more likely to spill over the edges before they set. See what to make in a toastie maker for more ideas.
Winner: deep fill.
How much filling to use in each
As a starting point for a typical 2-slice machine with medium sliced bread:
| Filling | Shallow plates (per toastie) | Deep-fill plates (per toastie) |
|---|---|---|
| Grated cheddar | About 30–40g | About 50–60g |
| Baked beans (drained a little) | About 2 tbsp, plus cheese | About 4 tbsp, plus cheese |
| Ham | 1 thin slice | 2 slices |
| Tuna mayo | About 2 tbsp | About 3–4 tbsp |
| Leftover chilli | Not recommended | About 3 tbsp, plus cheese |
Keep wet fillings away from the edges in both, so the bread can seal cleanly. These are guide amounts; plate sizes vary by model, so adjust after your first couple of toasties.
Mistakes people make when choosing
- Assuming "deep fill" is a standard size. It isn't; one brand's deep fill can be shallower than another's. Compare product photos and owner comments.
- Buying shallow to save a few pounds, then overfilling. That's the fastest route to burnt cheese on the plates and a machine that feels like a chore to clean.
- Forgetting the latch. A deep-fill machine with a weak latch won't seal a loaded toastie properly. A firm, positive clip matters more as fillings get bigger.
- Expecting 3-in-1 plates to be deep. Swap-plate machines usually use standard-depth sandwich plates.
Final recommendation
Go deep fill if…
- You like your toasties loaded, or use beans, chilli and saucy leftovers.
- You buy thick sliced bread.
- You want one machine that handles anything.
The Breville deep fill design is the best-known example — read our Breville Deep Fill review or check price on Amazon — and see the best deep fill toastie makers for alternatives.
Go shallow fill if…
- You mostly make simple cheese or ham toasties.
- You love a thin, extra-crisp result.
- Budget or cupboard space is very tight.
Budget sandwich toasters from brands like Russell Hobbs and Tower are typical examples; compare models in best cheap toastie makers, or check standard sandwich toaster prices on Amazon. For every other feature to weigh, see the toastie maker buying guide and our comparisons hub.
FAQs
Can you make a thin toastie in a deep-fill machine?
Yes. It works fine; the middle may brown slightly less than on shallow plates. Pressing the lid down gently for the first few seconds, or using slightly thicker bread, helps.
How do I know if a toastie maker is deep fill?
Manufacturers usually say so in the product name or description. Plate depth is rarely quoted, so if it doesn't mention deep fill, assume standard plates.
Are deep-fill toastie makers harder to clean?
Not really. The wells are slightly deeper to wipe, but they tend to leak less when loaded, which means less burnt-on residue overall.
Do 3-in-1 machines have deep-fill plates?
Usually not; most 3-in-1 sandwich plates are standard depth. Check the description if deep fill matters to you, or see our 3-in-1 toastie maker guide.