Why does my sandwich maker feel very hot on the outside?

The outside of a sandwich maker can become warm during use, but it should not become uncomfortably hot or show signs of overheating. Stop using the appliance immediately if the casing is excessively hot, the cord area warms up, or there is any smell of burning.

1. Check the placement of the appliance. Put it on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface with free space around it. Expected result: heat should disperse more evenly. If it is still excessively hot, continue.
2. Make sure the cord is not touching the plates or casing. A cable in contact with hot parts can become dangerous. Expected result: the cord should stay cool and clear of the heating surfaces. If it does not, stop using the product.
3. Do not cook with the lid forced shut or with excessive filling. Overloading can increase steam and heat around the housing. Expected result: the outer casing should feel only moderately warm. If it is still very hot, continue.
4. Allow a full cool-down between uses. Repeated back-to-back cooking can make the housing warmer than expected. Expected result: the unit should return to a normal warm-to-touch level after cooling. If it remains excessively hot, stop using it.

If the outside stays very hot, or if safe handling becomes uncertain, stop using the sandwich maker and contact the retailer or store where it was purchased.