Buying guide
THEY’RE THE EASIEST AND MOST EFFICIENT WAY TO MAKE PERFECT TOASTED BREAD, BAGELS AND CRUMPETS. WE’VE TESTED A WIDE RANGE OF TOASTERS TO HELP YOU BUY THE BEST FOR YOUR NEEDS
BEFORE YOU BUY
n You can pay as little as £15 for a toaster in the supermarket, but top brands such as Smeg and Dualit will set you back as much as £250 for a stylish statement option. There are plenty of great toasters for well under £50, but as a general rule the more you pay, the more features you’re likely to get as standard. Other extras can include a wider range of colours and a more sturdy-feeling metal exterior.
n If there’s just one or two of you and you’re not a fan of fancy loaves, then a simple two-slot model with just a couple of functions will probably suffice. Twoslot models are also better if you’re a bit tight on space as the toaster generally has a permanent, easy-toaccess home on your worktop.
n For families, a four-slot or four-slice model is a better option, making preparing toast for your brood at breakfast-time a breeze.
n Atoaster obviously needs to toast, but the ability to accommodate thicker items such as crumpets and English muffins expands your snacking options, with some even having warming features for rolls and croissants.
n If you like your bread thickly sliced, or hand-cut, then look for one that has slots made to accommodate any size.
n Abagel-toasting programme will brown the bread just on the cut side but if you like yours crispy front and back, then it’s an extra you might not need or use.
n As well as a decent variable control to give you your chosen perfect shade of brown, you should also look for defrost and keep warm functions.
n Look at the quality of the build as well as the design. After all, it’s probably something that will be used every day so you’re going to want it to last for years. Easy to remove crumb trays are also important, as is a surface that’s clean with just a quick wipe.
1 BEST TOASTER OVERALL
SLICES Two (four slice model also available)
COLOURS Four (green, black, white and yellow)
FEATURES Fluted exterior, toasting dial, defrost, reheat, cancel
PRICE £62.99 for a two slice Quality toasting is important, but the best toaster will sit on your kitchen counters for years to come. This beauty has wide slots, levers with added lift, and the most beautiful and high-quality design which looks a treat when sat next to the matching kettle on your counters. It lacks the ability to set each side of the toaster to different brownness settings, but the dial is tactile and gradual, meaning you won’t have to compromise if your ideal slice is between 3 and 4.
REASON TO BUY Even toasting with high rise slots
REASON TO
