Kitchen & Coffee
Toasters & grills
5 kinds worth knowing, 15 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Countertop cooking gifts land well with people who cook for fun but have little space: students in first apartments, young couples, and parents who make weekend breakfast for a crowd. What actually gets used is small, quick to heat and easy to wipe down. A mini waffle maker that lives in a drawer gets pulled out far more often than a bulky machine that needs its own shelf. Sandwich grills are the same: they turn leftovers into lunch in a few minutes. Before you buy, think about the person's counter space, how many people they usually feed, and whether they would really clean plates and drip trays.
Kind 1 of 5
Mini waffle makers for small kitchens
A mini waffle maker cooks one small waffle at a time, usually about the size of a hand. It suits students, kids learning to cook, and anyone who wants a quick breakfast without pulling out a full-size iron. Many people also use them for hash browns, cookies or cheese crisps. Before you buy, check whether the plates come out or only wipe clean, how long the cord is, and whether it stores upright. Also ask yourself if the person feeds a family, since cooking one small waffle at a time gets slow for four people.
DASH Mini Maker Griddle
A tiny plug-in griddle that turns one pancake, egg or snack into a satisfying breakfast ritual.
DASH Deluxe Egg Bite Maker
A compact steam-assisted cooker with four bite molds and one sandwich-sized egg cup.
Kind 2 of 5
Full-size non-stick waffle irons
A full-size non-stick waffle iron makes larger waffles, often several squares or a big round one in each batch. It's the better choice for families and anyone who hosts brunch, because breakfast moves faster. A non-stick coating lets waffles release cleanly with less oil and makes cleanup easier. Check the waffle style (thin and crisp or deep Belgian pockets), whether there is a browning dial and a ready light, and whether the unit flips or opens flat. Measure the cupboard too, since these take up more space than people expect.
Non stick waffle iron
Delight friends and family with homemade waffles for breakfast or dessert, offering a fun and customizable culinary experience.
Kind 3 of 5
Breakfast sandwich makers
The Hamilton Beach Sandwich Maker builds a breakfast sandwich in layers: bread or a muffin on the bottom, an egg cooked on a separate plate above it, then a slide-out divider that drops the egg into place. It suits commuters, teens and anyone who skips breakfast because making it feels like too much work. Check how many sandwiches it makes at once, whether the parts can go in the dishwasher, and whether the person actually eats egg sandwiches often enough to give it counter space.
Hamilton Beach Sandwich Maker
A compact cooker whose sliding egg plate drops a fresh breakfast sandwich neatly into place.
Kind 4 of 5
Small waffle makers that store easily
A small waffle maker sits between a mini model and a full-size iron. It usually makes one medium waffle or two small ones, so it works well for couples or one parent cooking for a couple of kids. It's a good fit for apartments and cottages where drawer space matters. Check the actual plate size rather than trusting the word "small," see whether the handle locks closed for storage, and look at how the cord wraps. A simple on light and ready light is usually enough for most people.
Kind 5 of 5
Sandwich grills and indoor grilling
A sandwich grill presses and toasts sandwiches between two heated plates, and many open flat to grill vegetables, burgers or chicken too. They suit people who pack lunches, make melts often, or can't grill outdoors through a Canadian winter. Floating hinges help with thick sandwiches, and removable plates are much easier to clean. Check whether it has a drip tray, whether the plates are ridged or flat, and how large the cooking surface is compared with how many people the person usually feeds.
Electric grilled sandwich maker
Perfect for creating delicious hot sandwiches, paninis, and wraps, this appliance brings café-style meals to any home kitchen.
Smokeless indoor grilling machine
Enjoy the taste of grilled foods year-round, regardless of weather, with this convenient appliance designed for countertop use.
How to choose toasters & grills as a gift
- Match the size to the household: mini models suit one or two people, and larger plates suit families who cook together.
- Removable or dishwasher-friendly plates make a big difference in whether the appliance keeps getting used after the first month.
- Think about where it will live; something that fits in a drawer or stands upright gets used more.
- Pick one clear job the person already does often, like weekend waffles or daily lunches, rather than a novelty.
- A browning dial and ready light are worth having; extra presets rarely matter for everyday cooking.
Usually safe to skip
- Single-use novelty shapes look fun at first, but they often end up in a cupboard after a few tries.
- Large all-in-one grills for someone with a tiny kitchen usually become clutter instead of a go-to appliance.
- A second toaster or waffle maker for someone who already owns one they like rarely adds anything.
Questions people ask about toasters & grills
- Is a mini waffle maker a good gift for a student?
- Usually, yes. It's compact, heats quickly, and handles more than waffles, including hash browns and quick snacks. For a student in residence, check the rules on small appliances first, and choose one that stores upright or fits in a drawer.
- What is the difference between a waffle maker and a waffle iron?
- In everyday shopping, the terms mean the same thing. Both are electric appliances with heated plates. The differences that matter are plate size, waffle depth, whether the unit flips, and whether the plates come out for cleaning.
- Can a sandwich grill be used for other foods?
- Many can. Models that open flat work for grilling vegetables, thin cuts of meat and quesadillas. Ridged plates give grill marks, and flat plates handle eggs and pancakes better. Check the cooking surface and whether a drip tray is included.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All toasters & grills picks
Showing 1–15 of 15
Classic two or four slice toaster
A reliable toaster is essential for quick breakfasts and perfectly browned bread, ideal for any busy kitchen.
Large surface electric griddle
Prepare pancakes, bacon, eggs, and more for a crowd with this spacious cooking surface, perfect for family breakfasts and brunches.
Non-stick electric crepe maker
Create delicate crepes, blintzes, or tortillas with ease using this specialized appliance, perfect for sweet or savory dishes.
Tabletop raclette and grill
A unique and interactive dining experience, this appliance allows guests to melt cheese and grill small portions of food right at the table.
Versatile countertop toaster oven
This multi-functional appliance bakes, broils, toasts, and reheats, making it a valuable addition to smaller kitchens or as a secondary oven.
