Toasties, jaffles, grilled sandwiches – whatever you call them, they're a staple in many Australian households, offering a quick, delicious meal that's perfect for any time of day. But it turns out, there's been a heated debate simmering in kitchens across the nation: when using a sandwich press, what exactly does the green light mean?

The controversy was sparked by Sydney radio hosts Will and Woody from KIIS FM, who posed the question to their listeners: 'When the green light goes on, does that mean that the toastie is done, or does that just mean that the plate is hot enough and ready to cook a jaffle?' This simple inquiry led to a fiery discussion, with opinions split down the middle.



Many of us might have grown up with the belief that the green light on our trusty sandwich press signals that our sandwich is perfectly toasted and ready to be devoured. However, others argue that the green light merely indicates the plates have reached the desired cooking temperature, and it's up to the cook to decide when the toastie is done to their liking.


The debate doesn't stop there. After the radio segment was shared on TikTok, users chimed in with their own theories and practices. Some commenters were adamant that the green light has nothing to do with the readiness of the sandwich, with one user stating, 'It's just when it's hot enough - I often leave my toastie in it for several rounds of the light going on and off. If the sandwich is ready at the same time it goes green, it's just a coincidence.'



Others, however, swear by the green light as an indicator of doneness, with one person claiming, 'I just chuck it in straight away and green means it's ready? Mine's always been perfect.'

To settle the debate once and for all, let's turn to the experts – the manufacturers. According to the operating instructions of a sandwich press by Russell Hobbs, a well-known appliance brand, the green light illuminates when the appliance has reached the operating temperature. It then cycles on and off as the thermostat maintains this temperature. This means that the green light is not a foolproof indicator that your toastie is ready, but rather that the press is ready for you to start cooking.

So, what's the right way to make a toastie? It seems the answer is a bit more nuanced than simply relying on the lights. Here are some tips to ensure your sandwich is golden and gooey every time:



1. Preheat your sandwich press until the green light indicates it's ready.
2. Place your sandwich in the press and close the lid gently. Don't press down too hard, or you'll squeeze out all the delicious fillings.
3. Cook the sandwich for a few minutes, until the bread is toasted to your preference and the cheese is melted. This might take longer than when the green light first comes on.
4. Keep an eye on your toastie. The thickness of the bread, the amount of filling, and your personal preference for crispiness will all affect cooking time.
5. Remember, the red light usually means the appliance is powered on, and the green light indicates the plates are at the right temperature – not necessarily that your toastie is ready.

In the end, it seems that making the perfect toastie might require a bit more attention than just waiting for a light to change color. It's about getting to know your sandwich press and understanding how it works with your specific recipes.


So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, have you been making your toasties the 'wrong' way? Or have you mastered the art of the perfect grilled sandwich? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below – we'd love to hear how you achieve toastie perfection!