{"product_id":"sage-the-perfect-press","title":"Sage: the Perfect Press","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Perfect Press is a sandwich press designed around one specific problem: most presses flatten what is inside. The Crush Control hinge applies only gentle downward pressure, allowing the top plate to brown the surface without compressing a croissant, thick sandwich, or open melt. Adjustable height control keeps the top plate at the right position for any size or style of open sandwich without forcing it down, and a floating lid design means the pressure adapts to the thickness of what is underneath. PFOA-free non-stick plates with wide surface curves make cleaning straightforward, and a rear foot and storage clip allow it to be stored upright when not in use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFEATURES\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrush Control hinge: A precision hinge design applies only gentle downward pressure, toasting the outside without compressing the filling, so lofty sandwiches, croissants, and open melts retain their texture inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdjustable height control: Keeps the top plate at the right height for any size of sandwich or open melt, with both Crush Control and open melt positions available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFloating lid design: The lid floats to adapt to the thickness of whatever is underneath, applying even contact across the surface without forcing the plates together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePFOA-free non-stick plates with wide surface curves: Flat top and bottom plates with a PFOA-free non-stick coating and wide surface curves eliminate hard-to-clean areas and make wiping down after use straightforward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUpright storage with locking clip: A rear foot enables the unit to stand upright for compact storage, and a sturdy storage clip locks the plates together safely when not in use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions (W x D x H): 13 x 32 x 29 cm\u003cbr\u003eCapacity: 2 slices\u003cbr\u003eHousing: Brushed stainless steel\u003cbr\u003ePlates: Flat top and bottom, PFOA-free non-stick coating\u003cbr\u003eHinge: Crush Control, gentle pressure with floating lid\u003cbr\u003eHeight control: Adjustable: Crush Control and open melt positions\u003cbr\u003eStorage: Rear foot for upright storage, locking storage clip\u003cbr\u003eControls: On\/off\u003cbr\u003ePower: 1500 W\u003cbr\u003eVoltage: 220-240 V\u003cbr\u003eWarranty: 2-year repair or replacement warranty\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCARE AND USE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter each use: Allow the press to cool fully before cleaning. Wipe the plates with a damp cloth or soft sponge while still slightly warm to remove food residue before it dries. The wide surface curves are designed to avoid hard-to-clean areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCleaning the plates: Use a soft damp cloth or non-abrasive sponge with a little washing up liquid to clean the non-stick plates. Do not use metal scourers or abrasive cleaners as these will damage the PFOA-free non-stick coating. Check the manual for whether the plates are removable for cleaning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCleaning the exterior: Wipe the brushed stainless steel housing with a damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStorage: Allow the press to cool completely before storing. Engage the storage clip to lock the plates together, then stand the unit upright using the rear foot. Do not store with the plates apart as this can put strain on the hinge over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat to avoid: Do not immerse the unit in water. Do not use metal utensils on the cooking plates. Do not leave the press unattended while in use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIN OUR EXPERIENCE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pressure a sandwich press applies changes the result significantly. A press that clamps hard produces a dense, compressed result that works well for a classic toastie but destroys a croissant or a sandwich with height. A light-touch press browns the surface and heats the filling without collapsing the structure, which is the difference the Crush Control hinge is designed to make.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpen melt cooking requires heat from above without contact pressure. An open melt works by melting cheese and browning the surface of bread or a base without sealing or pressing. A raised top plate that applies radiant heat rather than contact heat is what makes this work. A standard press cannot do this because the plates are designed to meet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNon-stick coatings benefit from lower cooking temperatures when possible. PFOA-free non-stick coatings are durable, but sustained use at very high temperatures over time degrades them faster than moderate heat. For most sandwich pressing, medium heat settings produce good results and extend the life of the coating. Always use silicone or wooden utensils rather than metal to avoid scratching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUpright storage makes a meaningful difference for smaller kitchens. A press stored flat takes up a footprint equivalent to its full plate area on a shelf or worktop. Stored upright, it occupies a fraction of that space. For kitchens where counter and cupboard space is limited, the ability to store appliances vertically is worth considering when choosing between similar products.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreheating the press before adding the sandwich improves the result. Adding a sandwich to a cold press means the plates heat up gradually with the food, which can produce uneven browning and a longer cook time. A preheated press sears the surface immediately on contact, which produces a crisper exterior and a more consistent result across the whole surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQUESTIONS AND ANSWERS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan I use this for open melts as well as closed sandwiches?\u003cbr\u003eYes. The adjustable height control has a dedicated open melt position that keeps the top plate raised, allowing heat to melt and brown an open sandwich without pressing down on it. This makes it suitable for anything from flatbreads to croissants with toppings that would be damaged by a standard press.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow is this different from a standard sandwich toaster?\u003cbr\u003eA standard sandwich toaster applies significant downward pressure to seal and flatten the sandwich. The Perfect Press uses a Crush Control hinge that applies only gentle pressure, so it toasts and browns without compressing the filling. This makes it more suitable for thicker or more delicate sandwiches where texture inside matters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAre the plates removable for cleaning?\u003cbr\u003eThe plates have a PFOA-free non-stick coating with wide surface curves that are designed to be easy to wipe clean in place. Check the manual for confirmation of whether the plates are removable on your specific model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow does it store when not in use?\u003cbr\u003eThe Perfect Press has a rear foot that allows it to stand upright, and a storage clip that locks the plates together securely. This means it can be stored on its end rather than lying flat, which takes up considerably less counter or cupboard space.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56937773400442,"sku":"091812","price":99.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0072\/1875\/7690\/files\/SAGEPERFECTPRESS1.jpg?v=1780917281","url":"https:\/\/aolcookshop.co.uk\/products\/sage-the-perfect-press","provider":"Art of Living Cookshop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}