Sunbeam Cafe Press GR8450B

Old model was much better – My old sandwich toaster was a Sunbeam and it worked perfectly. After it 'blew up' I replaced it with a new Sunbeam model, which is not a patch on the old one. The floating hinge does not work as well as the old one did, and the sandwiches do not cook as well. The old model was much better. My question is - If it ain't broke - don't fix it. I wish they had kept the sandwich press as it used to be. Show details

Love it and can't live without it – I have owned this press for about 18 months and it gets used nearly daily. I use it for so many things from doing toasted sandwiches, bacon and eggs for breakfast and pancakes. I love the feature in setting the height so it doesn't have to go right to flat - I find this prefect for things like bacon and eggs which I don't want to squash but want… Read more

to cook the top as well as the bottom.

I find the heat is just prefect as well and do pancakes on it like a flat grill and just leave the lid up. I get a beautiful light brown colour and never have to worry about it burning. I get the same with toasted sandwiches on all types of bread from wraps to loaf bread.

Because it is all flat I find it easy to just wipe over to clean without having to try and get into grooves like other sandwich presses. It has a very large plate area and I find I can easily do 4 toasted sandwiches at once which is great for a family so your not limited to just making 2 for 2 people while everyone else is waiting.

I have no problems recommending this sandwich press for any household and would def buy another one when this one gives it up as I love and use it that much.

Can't live without it! – We have had our sandwich press for about 12 years and love it. I found these reviews after looking for new covers for the indicator lights which now looks to be a common problem but after 12 years I recon that's a pretty good run. We also have one at work, I've been there 5 years and heaps of people use it every day and it's still going strong… Read more

(including indicator lights still in). Sounds like some people have had a bad run but if I the lights didn't fall out I wouldn't have left a review which is probably the case for most other happy customers.

Does not press sandwiches evenly....??? – As above...because the back hinge is not big enough when you pull the lid down it does not sit parallel to the lower section, so the sandwiches are not heated evenly..... Show details

Love it! – Hubby and I were on the lookout for a new toasted sandwich maker after our last 10 yr old sunbeam one finally died. We went to BigW and got this one on sale. My "wants" list for this new sandwich maker were that it had a lid that was height adjustable and that it had a flat top and bottom cooking plate. (Our old smaller one had the grill top… Read more

and was not adjustable and always squashed cheese and sandwhich fillings out one end or the lid was too heavy and overcooked on the grill side) This new maker does not disappoint. The lid is easy to open, not too heavy for only toast either (ie it doesn't make your bread paper thin). The adjustable levels on the dial on the back right side of the handle are a perfect width apart so that it will cook your food evenly and is perfect even for "open grills" as we call them (ie toast/bread on bottom, food on top then topped with cheese but no bread on top of that). It allows the cheese to melt perfectly over the food (which also heats evenly) and gives you a lovely crispy bottom too without burning it. It saves me having to turn on the grill, dirty that, muck around with a gigantic oven grill and saves dirtying a oven tray in the process. Winner winner in my book

The lid stays very flat too while cooking- something my old one didn't do, which gives a lovely even cook through the whole sandwhich inside and doesn't squeeze out all the cheese/toppings to the front or back of the machine once they've melted a bit- everything inside stays nice and centered even when cooked.

The plate being flat top and bottom makes it perfect for cooking everything from pancakes to sandwhiches too. Without the deep almost burnt crunchy grill parts you get on other models.

The machine heats up to cooking temp in a very short amount of time and has yet to burn anything we've put in there. (Including fish for my dog when it was raining and i couldn't bbq it)

The lock on the side is great too in that it stops the whole thing falling open when you get it out of a draw.

The machine is also a really decent size, we can fit between 2-4 sandwhiches in there or about 6 pancakes. Great for making lots of food fast.

The only suggestion i could think of thus far for this machine having used it for the past few months are 1) That i wish the cord were slightly longer. I like to cook under the range hood on my stove and it barely makes it to the nearest power point, and to use an extention cord would be overkill as its only short by about 20cm or so. But even then, this small negative on the machine is hardly worth mentioning. The cord isn't short by any means, its just that my power points are really far away in my kitchen lol. 2) That the bottom of the machine were slightly heavier as when you lift the lid back with speed it can tip the whole machine over backwards if you're too forceful. I've scared myself a couple of times going too fast and being too strong apparently lol

Since going to this model of sunbeam toasted sandwhich maker, I can 100% say I'll never go back to another brand. Our last one like I said in the beginning of the review lasted us 10 yrs of frequent use and I expect this one will also do well. Highly reccommend this brand.

Good, but could be better – I bought this to replace the bulky George Foreman press+grill. While it cooks my food well, it does have its flaws. Having owned it for 5 months and using it 4 times a week, the wear and tear is greatly showing; the non-stick surface is all scratched, despite me using a PLASTIC spatula and regularly cleaning the surface with oil as recommended.… Read more

However, my major issue with the product is that the green light covering has fallen out, and I have tried contacting the manufacturer about a replacement part but they say I have to get a whole new product.

Overall it cooks well, it just isn't sturdy and doesn't last.

Poor quality – I bought this sandwich press to replace a broken product of the same make and model..However, this product IS EXTREMELY INFERIOR TO THE ORIGINAL. The promotional material and the packaging is still showing a picture of the original product however, when you open the box it is a later model. The later model has been re-engineered and the floating… Read more

hinge no longer floats. Sandwiches do not cook flat and the melt function does not work. I was deeply disappointed with this product and returned it to the place of purchase and bought a breville. Sunbeam was not interested in discussing my complaint.

Stopped working after 2 years – I purchased our Sunbeam cafe press just under 2 years ago, I thought Sunbeam was a reputable and quality brand and that it would last longer than a cheap kmart one but it stopped working a few weeks ago and Sunbeam basically told me as its out of warranty that its not their problem and that they could give me details of a repairer but it would be… Read more

at my expense. I think thats pretty poor, you don't buy an appliance like this thinking you'll be throwing it away after 2 years. They said most users get 5-6 years of use but still refused to fix mine after only 2 years. Very disappointed with customer service and quality of product. Wont be buying a sunbeam product again.

Yes, that's the one – I was worried that 2400w is too strong but it just perfect. Everything cooks right through and nicely toasted. Unlike other 4 slice toasters this one was 35 cm which is more compact and another reason I chose it. It s floating 4 levels and stays 180degress up to the 3rd level which is important for me as I like to cook eggs on it with a lid evenly… Read more

afloat. I do like to use non stick baking paper so to clean less. I cant say more. It definitely good for cafe commercial level as it's hot and fast. Or if you are a student and want to use it for grilling, toasting, heating, saute and pan fry ... Very good

Red and Green light covers fall off – I came to this website looking for a way to repair the indicator buttons, as they fell off shortly after purchasing the product - and was disappointed to see that it appears to be a common fault on these machines. I love the cafe press itself (I don't use it that often but it is perfect for quesadillas and paninis), but am not happy with the… Read more

hole in the lid - for aesthetic and safety reasons. These cheap and nasty, not-fit-for-purpose plastic light covers detract from what I would otherwise rate as a five star product.

These toasters always break after a year – I have had 3 of these toasters. The first 2 packed in and stopped heating within a year so I was able to return for a replacement. The one I currently have has lasted 18 months so is out of warranty. Do yourself a favour and buy a brand (Breville) that will last. These Sunbeam toasters are only made to last as long as the warranty! Show details

Compact & Convenient – The cafe press heats quickly and the adjustable height allows for various thickness of bread. The best feature about GR8250B is that it is simple to use. It is easy to clean. In having a flat cooking surface ,it eliminates the squashing and cutting up of the food. This Sandwich presser has a classy finish design.We bought this approximately… Read more ·  1

about a year ago and it still looks brand new. I have recommended it to colleagues, friends and family. Highly recommend it.

Most impressed – My first press, and more than impressed. Could not believe how quick it was to heat and still melt cheese. Solid build, easy to use. Did not realize how many things I could cook in it. Thankyou reviewers for expanding my culinary horizons. If you see this Trish, what are "pigs in a blanket ? "  Show details ·  1

Not just a sandwich press! – I absolutely love this little machine. So versatile and besides toasted sandwiches I’ve made pikelets, wraps, pizzas, pancakes, bacon, eggs, French toast, hash browns, roasted pumpkin and I’ve browned meat for the slow cooker who knows what’s next! Wipes clean with a damp cloth and paper towel and easy to store.  Show details ·  1

It seems that there is a fault that needs to be fixed – I bought this Sunbeam Cafe Press four years ago. It gets minimal use. After about a year, one of the indicator light covers broke off. About a year after that the other one broke off, leaving an obvious hole in the lid and revealing what seems to be a view into the electric workings of the machine. I would have thought that this is dangerous. I… Read more

then phoned Sunbeam and was told that they did not have the spare part.

Unfortunately, without having read these reviews, four years after my purchase, I bought my daughter a Sunbeam Cafe Press, not realising that it was the same model. It seems that if this was a fault, one would have thought that Sunbeam would have fixed the item at the manufacturing stage by now. It seems that this has not happened. I recently visited a friend and saw that her indicator lights were also broken. This led me to peruse this PRODUCT REVIEW website. Other reviewers have reported the same issue.

This seems to be a manufacturing fault. Does someone have to suffer a serious injury before it is fixed?

The ACCC website states that goods are to be of an acceptable quality - the goods must be safe, lasting, have no faults and be fit for purpose. Does the Sunbeam Cafe Press meet these requirements?

Other than this issue of the broken indicator lights revealing the apparent accessible electrical workings of the machine, the press works very well. Is there no way to fix it to make it safe for use?

Versatile appliance with many more uses than just sandwiches – While visiting my sister for lunch she cooked asparagus wrapped in prosciutto on her Sunbeam sandwich press, she said she uses hers for cooking all sorts of things. I bought one for a friend I was staying with and together we cooked a full fried English breakfast, followed by Turkish bread rolls for lunch followed by fillet steak for dinner with… Read more

everything coming out well. I bought one for myself and my friend and I send each other photos of whatever we are cooking, so far she has make onion marmalade, pikelets, crumbed lamb chops and seared vegetables on hers, I have made Welsh drop scones, pigs in blankets as well as toasting bread and heating sausage rolls. Having a lid that has a height adjustment makes keeping the top plate at the right height for perfect results. It is so easy to clean with just a wipe with kitchen roll.

Even if you only use this for making sandwiches it is a good addition to your kitchen. I would recommend this appliance.

A great addition to the kitchen – Cleans easily and quite versatile. I used mine to grill bacon and egg today, so it is not just for sandwiches. I like the hinge lock for use and storage. Just about to buy another one as a gift, so hope it is as good as my 3 year old one.  Show details

Just what I wanted@ – I used this a couple of times now, and it is fantastic! It has high heat and sandwiches turn out great,panni,kebabs too.It was a replacement for a deep fill sandwich machine, which didn't heat up and burnt the edges,I'm glad I chose this types it will get a lot of use.  Show details

Light covers break – As per another review - I have this press and the smaller press and the plastic red and green light covers on top of both have broken leaving a hole in the top of both machines - both just over a year old and still look new except for this - very annoying - Surely they should carry these as small replacement parts???  Show details

Dangerous – First time out of the box. Hinges moved freely while cold. Turned on to "season" as per the instructions. Once it heated up the hinges stiffened up and the base lifts with the lid. The heat from the plates was transferred through the hinge and into the handle. The side of the handle was as hot as the plates. Returned immediately to Harvey Norman.  Show details

works well – Does everything you expect of a sandwich press. Quick. Hot. Has a lock mechanism so is easily stored on it's side. Easy to clean - just a wipe over with a damp cloth. I have noticed there is a scratch where I used a metal spatula to lift the sandwich - even tho it says "won't scratch". I use plastic spatula now.  Show details

A Good Replacement of our old Sandwich Press – Our Breville Toast n Melt 4 Slice toaster which we had for a couple of years was on it's way out over the last 12 months, as we had to wiggle the power cord to get it to work. In the end it was sparking and so it was time to ditch it. Decided to give the Sunbeam a go and we are very happy with it so far. It toasts the bread evenly and the sandwich… Read more ·  1

contents are hot. The old Breville was way too hot and so it would toast the bread without melting the cheese, so we were never really happy with it. From what I've read of the reviews from both appliances, I think you can be unlucky and get a lemon. I'm happy to say that this time we got well working appliance and I am happy that we decided on the Sunbeam!

Highly recommended – Couldn't live without it. Heats up quickly and cooks the best wraps and sandwiches. My husband cooks our big breakfast on it on Sundays which includes egg, bacon, mushroom and tomato. Not sure if we should, but it turns out great and the machine is still working as new after 20 months. BUT they could have made the cord longer.  Show details ·  1

Awesome product – Easy to use, fast and clean. Best snacks ever! Makes toasted sandwiches quick, easy and stays so clean. No mess No fuss......best electrical product in my kitchen!!! Don't buy any other ones...this is one you are looking for....Doesn't squash your sandwiches, set to the thickness you want and it locks there for next time...........  Show 2 replies

sandwich and toast maker – This unit I purchased from the Sunbeam shop in highpoint and it replaced a smaller model that I had purchased from Aldi . It was great at the beginning but eventually it was taking longer to heat up and eventually it wouldnt heat up some times. One day the unit was tripping the safety switch on the house so I packed it up since it is swill under… Read more

a year old and took it back with my receipt. Sunbeam replaced it and it has been 3 weeks with the new one and the screw on the right hand side is coming off on the hinge lid. It is a security type screw so I can't screw it back on with out buying a special screw driver. my wife said that they have Breville at her work and everyone uses it all the time and never had a problem. Would not buy this again if I had a choice. Let's see how long it lasts.

Since I published this review I have desposed of the toaster and have yet to purchase another. It was falling apart the light on the top had caved in and the screw on the side was constantly falling out.

Poor quality / Poor response – After only a year of casual use two to three times a month, the Teflon non-stick coating began to disintegrate on one side of the bottom plate - seemingly due to uneven and over heating on one side, which had been a problem since day one - got around to contacting Sunbeam as it became worse a few months later. Asked for a replacement or a discount… Read more

off another one, but despite an automated promise of a response within 24 hours, I didn't hear back from them. Have decided to replace with a Breville (with variable temperature control, and, hopefully, a higher quality non-stick cooking surface) Very disappointed.