Jan 18, 2026
JamesWalker

What the 5 Heat Levels Mean and How to Choose the Right Setting

What the 5 Heat Levels Mean and How to Choose the Right Setting

Your Henotix 3 in 1 electrical griller uses a simple temperature knob with 5 heat levels. Once you understand what each level does, you will get more consistent results and avoid the two most common problems: food too pale outside, or burnt outside before the inside is cooked.

How the indicator lights work

After you plug in the unit, the red power light turns on.

When you turn the temperature knob to any level from 1 to 5, the green heating light turns on while the plates heat up.

Preheating is finished when the green light turns off.

During cooking, the green light may turn on and off again. This is normal. It means the griller is maintaining the selected temperature.

What each heat level is best for

Think of the knob as a control for browning speed.

Level 1 Gentle heat

Best for warming, very soft results, or finishing without extra browning.

Use it when you want minimal colour.

Level 2 Low to medium heat

Best for lighter toasties, softer waffles, and thinner fillings.

Good for beginners because it browns more slowly.

Level 3 Medium heat

The everyday setting for most foods.

Good balance of cook through and browning.

Level 4 Medium high heat

Best for a golden finish and faster cooking.

Great for paninis and thicker bread that you want crisp outside.

Level 5 High heat

Best for extra crisp texture and grilled foods.

Use for grilled meats or when you want the most browning, but watch closely.

A practical guide for common foods

These are safe starting points. You can adjust based on your bread thickness, filling moisture, and personal preference.

  • Waffles

    Level 2 for soft

    Level 3 for classic

    Level 4 for golden

    Level 5 for extra crispy

  • Toasties and sandwiches

    Level 2 for light browning

    Level 3 for standard toastie

    Level 4 for crisp and golden

    Level 5 only if the filling is not very wet and you want deep browning

  • Panini style sandwiches

    Level 3 to level 4 works best for most panini bread.

  • Grilled meats and vegetables

    Level 4 to level 5, depending on thickness. Use level 4 first if you are unsure.

The method that gives consistent results

  1. Preheat with the plates closed.

  2. Wait until the green light turns off.

  3. Add food and close the lid gently, do not force it.

  4. Let it cook without opening too often. Opening releases heat and slows cooking.

  5. If you want more browning, move up one level next time rather than doubling the time.

Why results change even at the same heat level

If you get different results on different days, it is usually because of these variables:

 

  • Bread thickness: thicker bread needs lower heat and longer time to cook through.

  • Filling moisture: wet fillings make bread soggy and slow browning. Drain ingredients and use less sauce.

  • Plate temperature drop: adding cold ingredients reduces plate temperature. Always preheat fully.

  • Overfilling waffles: too much batter reduces airflow and can lead to uneven browning. Follow the recommended maximum fill amount in your manual.

Quick fixes if something goes wrong

  • Too pale

    Preheat longer and wait for the green light to turn off. Move up one level.

  • Too dark outside, not cooked inside

    Use a lower level and cook a bit longer. Thick fillings need time, not only heat.

  • Soggy toasties

    Reduce wet ingredients, use level 4 for a crisp finish, and let the sandwich rest for one minute after cooking.

  • Uneven browning

    Ensure food is centred and the lid closes evenly. Do not overload one side.

A simple habit that improves texture

When your food is done, let it rest for 30 to 60 seconds before cutting. This helps steam settle, especially for waffles and toasties, and improves crispness.

Updated January 18, 2026