Contact Grill, Sandwich Maker or Waffle Maker: Which One Do You Need?

Toasted sandwiches for school, grilled kebab and chicken for dinner, or fresh waffles for the weekend: small grilling appliances make all of these quick and easy at home. But a contact grill, a sandwich maker, a waffle maker and an electric grill each do a different job. This guide explains the difference so you can choose the one that fits the food your family loves.

1. Contact grill: grill meat and press sandwiches

A contact grill has two heated plates that close on the food, so it cooks from the top and bottom at the same time. It grills meat, chicken, fish and vegetables quickly and also makes pressed, toasted sandwiches. Many contact grills open flat (180°) to double the cooking area.

• Best for: quick grilled meals, burgers, chicken breasts and panini-style sandwiches.
• Look for: power, temperature control, removable non-stick plates, a 180° opening and a drip tray to collect fat.

2. Sandwich maker: crispy, sealed sandwiches

A sandwich maker presses and seals the bread, so the filling stays inside and the outside turns golden and crispy. Some models come with swappable plates for grilling and waffles too, which makes them a great all-rounder for small kitchens.

• Best for: breakfast and school sandwiches, quick snacks.
• Look for: detachable non-stick plates, ready indicators and a cool-touch handle.

3. Waffle maker: thick, golden waffles

A waffle maker has deep patterned plates that turn batter into thick, fluffy waffles. Look for a design that stops the batter from overflowing, so cooking and cleaning are easy.

• Best for: weekend breakfasts, desserts and children's treats.
• Look for: anti-overflow design, non-stick coating and simple controls.

4. Electric grill: barbecue without charcoal

An electric grill gives you open grilling for kebab, tikka and vegetables without charcoal or smoke from a fire. Models with a stand can be used on the balcony or in the garden, and also on the table.

Quick comparison

Which MODEX model fits you?

Contact grills

• MODEX CG910: 2000W, 5-in-1, an adjustable thermostat up to 235°C, an LCD display for time and temperature, 5 thickness settings, reversible grill/griddle plates and a 180° opening. Holds up to 6 toasts.
• CG810: 1500W, 2-in-1 grill and sandwich maker with a 180° opening, removable non-stick die-cast plates, 3-level temperature control and 4 thickness settings. Holds 4 toasts.

Sandwich maker

• SM700: a 750W 3-in-1 sandwich maker with detachable non-stick sandwich, grill and waffle plates, 2 slices capacity and a cool-touch handle, available in black and white.

Waffle makers

• WM5490: 700W with a touch screen and programmable crunch presets, a wide funnel for pouring batter, and anti-overflow and anti-leak systems.
• WM5480: 700W with a wide funnel, anti-overflow technology, a non-stick coating and a measuring cup included.

Electric grill

• HG899: a 2400W electric grill with a temperature controller and a stand, for indoor and outdoor use.

Browse our contact grills, sandwich makers, waffle makers and electric grills collections.

Frequently asked questions

Can a contact grill make sandwiches?

Yes. Both MODEX contact grills work as a sandwich maker too: the CG810 holds 4 toasts and the CG910 up to 6.

I want one appliance for sandwiches and waffles. What should I buy?

The SM700 3-in-1 comes with sandwich, grill and waffle plates that you can swap in seconds.

Why does the 180° opening matter?

When the grill opens flat, both plates become one large cooking surface, so you can cook more food at once.

Can I use an electric grill on the balcony?

Yes. The HG899 is made for indoor and outdoor use and comes with a stand.

Every MODEX grill, sandwich maker and waffle maker comes with a 3-year warranty. Order online and pay on delivery. We deliver to all Iraqi provinces for a delivery fee of 5,000 IQD.