Hosts planning generously filled toasties
If you use large slices of bread or make thick waffles, check the size of the moulds before looking at the number of functions. Tefal France describes the plates on its Snack XL as wider and deeper.
Who is this guide for?
Anyone serving several guests
How many portions the appliance cooks at once may matter more than the variety of recipes it can make. According to E.Leclerc’s Duronic SWM60 product listing, it can cook four waffles or four sandwiches or toasties per batch.
Home cooks who like to switch things up
If you switch between waffles, toasties and paninis, check which plates come with the appliance. Lagrange offers compatible plates for its Super 2, with some styles sold separately.
What should you look for?
For your evening, start with your main priority: fitting in thicker recipes, serving several plates or changing plates to suit each recipe.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Plate depth and width | Look for clear details about plate depth and the space available for large slices. A product photo alone won’t tell you the dimensions. | To make thick waffles and generously filled toasties, the batter and bread need to fit on the plates in the first place. Around 42% of consumers put this compatibility first. |
| Capacity per batch | Compare how many waffles or sandwiches it can cook at once, and how much space the appliance will take up while you’re serving. | When several guests want to eat at the same time, avoiding a succession of batches becomes the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Plates and cleaning | Check which plate sets are included, then look at how they’re removed and cleaned for that particular model. | If your evening includes waffles, toasties and grilled food, being able to switch recipes without making cleaning a chore is the main priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Things to watch out for
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Assuming “multi-function” means there’s plenty of room
Having several plate sets doesn’t necessarily mean the moulds will fit a thick waffle or a large, generously filled toastie.
Check the stated size and depth separately, as well as the size of the bread you plan to use.
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Comparing appliances without checking which plates are included
Two versatile appliances may be ready for different recipes straight out of the box. For example, Lagrange offers compatible plates for the Super 2 that are sold separately.
List the recipes you’re planning for the evening, then check exactly what’s included in each pack and the reference numbers of compatible plates.
Extra plates also need somewhere to be stored.
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Choosing based on wattage alone
The wattage tells you neither the depth of the moulds nor how many portions the appliance can make. Cooking times on a product listing can vary depending on the recipe.
Compare the capacity and plates first; treat the wattage and stated cooking times as extra information.
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Mixing up two Super 2 references
The range name alone doesn’t mean the accessories are the same: Lagrange lists reference 039121, while a Joybuy France listing shows model 039653 with three plate sets.
Before comparing these appliances, check the manufacturer reference and the number and type of plates included with each offer.
Brands to consider
Tefal
The Snack XL SW701110 combines a waffle maker and toastie maker, with a particular focus on larger slices.
- Tefal France lists two sets of interchangeable plates that are wider and deeper, as well as plates that are dishwasher-safe.
- E.Leclerc’s listing states that this 850 W model doesn’t have a thermostat.
Duronic
The SWM60 comes with plates for waffles, sandwiches or toasties, and grilled food.
- E.Leclerc lists three sets of removable plates and a capacity of four waffles or four sandwiches or toasties.
- For generously filled toasties, check the plate dimensions and depth instead of assuming you know the size from the stated capacity.
Lagrange
The Super 2, reference 039121, is a reversible waffle maker with removable plates.
- Lagrange offers compatible plates for different styles, including toasties and paninis.
- Some plate sets are sold separately, so check which ones come with the reference you’ve chosen.
Carrefour Home
Carrefour France lists the HSWM1400-25 waffle maker and the HSWPM800-25 waffle, sandwich and panini maker.
- These two references make it easy to distinguish a waffle maker from an appliance that handles several recipes.
- If you’re choosing a model for thick waffles, check the plate size and cooking capacity on its product listing.
Appliances for trying different recipes
These Joybuy appliances let you make waffles and savoury recipes during the same evening. If your priority is fitting in large slices or thick fillings, check the plate size on the model you choose.
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Cuisinart GR5E, 6-in-1 multi-function grill
Worth considering if you’d like to switch between waffles, paninis and grilled food. The GR5E is described as a 6-in-1 appliance. For large toasties or thick waffles, check the size and depth of the relevant plates.
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Tefal Snack Time Colormania, waffle and sandwich maker
An option if your evening mainly alternates between waffles and sandwiches. It comes with two sets of plates; check whether there’s enough room for the large slices and fillings you have in mind. Don’t confuse this model with the Tefal Snack XL SW701110.
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3-in-1 waffle, sandwich and grill maker, 760 W
For switching between waffles, sandwiches and grilled food, this appliance is described as coming with three interchangeable plates and a non-stick coating. Before choosing it for thicker recipes, check the dimensions and depth of the plates, as well as how many portions it can make per batch.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell if an appliance is suitable for thick waffles?
Look for clear information about the depth and width of the plates, then check their size if you also plan to use large slices of bread. Tefal France, for example, describes the Snack XL plates as wider and deeper. This feature doesn’t automatically apply to other waffle makers from the brand.
Is a multi-function appliance useful for this kind of evening?
Yes, if you really plan to switch between waffles, toasties and grilled food. If so, check which plates are included and how many portions it can cook per batch. According to E.Leclerc, the Duronic SWM60 comes with three sets of plates and can cook four waffles or four sandwiches or toasties at once.
Are all removable plates dishwasher-safe?
No: cleaning instructions depend on the model and the plates. Tefal France says the Snack XL plates are dishwasher-safe; for any other appliance, check its manual before cleaning.
What should you do if an appliance bought in France is faulty or doesn’t match its description?
If you buy an item in France as a private individual from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity may apply. The Ministry of the Economy states that it covers, among other things, goods that don’t match the seller’s description. Contact the seller to discuss the issue. This guarantee is separate from returning an item simply because you’ve changed your mind.