Salton SM1068BK Sandwich Maker Review
Our verdict
The Salton SM1068BK is a compact plastic sandwich maker priced at $29.99 with a 3.9-star average from 516 buyers. It covers the basics for light sandwich use but sits at the lower edge of buyer satisfaction in this category, and its price-to-rating ratio leaves room for better-valued alternatives.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Occasional users who want a small, simple unit that costs under $30 and takes up minimal space. The 8.5 by 8.9 by 3.6 inch footprint and 2.55 lb weight make it easy to store, and it suits infrequent sandwich-making in a dorm or guest kitchen.
Skip if
Skip this if you make sandwiches daily or want a unit with strong buyer confidence. The 3.9-star average from just 516 reviews is the weakest combination in this price range, and alternatives like the Ovente GPS401B offer stainless steel and a 4.5-star rating from over 10,000 buyers at a lower $16.99 price.
- Material Plastic
- Color Black
- Dimensions 8.5 X 8.9 X 3.6 In
- Weight 2.55 lb
- Voltage 120 Volts
- Priced 15% below the category median ($35.47 across 28 tracked models)
- Weight of 2.55 lb - lighter than 81% of the 29 models we track
Pros
- Very compact at 8.5 x 8.9 x 3.6 in, fits in tight storage spaces
- 2.55 lb weight makes handling and storing effortless
- Priced at $29.99 with standard 120-volt operation
Cons
- 3.9-star average is the lowest buyer satisfaction score among sub-$35 options in this category
- Wattage not specified in available data, making performance assessment difficult
- Stronger-rated and lower-priced alternatives are readily available
- Plastic build may feel less sturdy than comparably priced stainless options
Our scorecard
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Owner rating3.9/5
3.9 average across 516 owner ratings
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Popularity2.6/5
516 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other air fryers, deep fryers, indoor grills, griddles and countertop cooking appliances we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Specifications
- Material
- Plastic
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 8.5 X 8.9 X 3.6 In
- Weight
- 2.55 lb
- Voltage
- 120 Volts
Overview
The SM1068BK's most notable characteristic is its extremely compact form factor: 8.5 by 8.9 by 3.6 inches and 2.55 lb. For buyers with very limited counter space or storage, that smallness is the primary appeal. It runs on standard 120-volt current and is built with a plastic body typical of budget-tier sandwich makers.
Wattage is not listed in available spec data, which limits the ability to assess how quickly it heats or how evenly it cooks. Given the price point and build category, the power output is likely in the 700 to 900-watt range, but buyers should verify before purchasing if cook speed is important.
At 3.9 stars from 516 ratings the SM1068BK trails most of its direct competition. By comparison, the Ovente GPS401B has a 4.5-star average from over 10,000 ratings at $16.99, and the Hamilton Beach 25475 has 4.4 stars from 45,000-plus buyers at $29.95. For a buyer specifically drawn to the Salton brand or needing the exact footprint of this unit, it fills a slot, but the alternatives are meaningfully stronger on every confidence metric.
Performance notes
Without wattage data, the main performance indicators are size and weight. The 8.5 by 8.9 inch body will fit standard sandwich bread but may clip the corners of larger slices. The 3.6-inch height when closed suits sandwiches with moderate fillings. The plastic construction heats the exterior less than metal units do, which reduces burn risk on the casing. For occasional use with simple fillings, it should be adequate; for daily heavy use, a higher-rated unit with confirmed wattage is a more reliable choice.
What buyers say
A 3.9-star average from 516 reviewers places the SM1068BK below most of its direct price competitors. The rating is not catastrophically low, but when alternatives in the same price band consistently score 4.4 stars or above from far larger buyer pools, the SM1068BK represents a below-average value proposition on buyer confidence alone. Buyers most satisfied with it are likely those who use it sparingly and prioritize compact size.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does the Salton SM1068BK have a lower rating than other sandwich makers at this price?
A 3.9-star average can reflect a range of issues including inconsistent heating, durability concerns, or unmet expectations around ease of cleaning. The facts available do not pinpoint the exact reason, but the pattern across 516 reviews suggests the unit does not match the experience delivered by higher-rated competitors at comparable prices.
Is there a better sandwich maker near the $29.99 price point?
Yes. The Hamilton Beach 25430 sells for $27.99, runs at 820 watts, and earns 4.4 stars from over 6,400 buyers. The Ovente GPS401B is $16.99 with stainless steel construction and 4.5 stars from over 10,000 buyers. Both are stronger choices at the same or lower price.
Is the 8.5 x 8.9 inch footprint notably smaller than other sandwich makers?
It is among the smaller footprints in this category. The Ovente GPS401B, for example, measures 9 by 9 inches, which is nearly identical. The Hamilton Beach 25478 at 5.3 by 7.5 inches is actually the more compact option if footprint is the primary concern.