Looking for the best toaster to perfect your morning routine? With so many options, finding the right one can be overwhelming. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed top toasters to help you get perfectly crisp, golden-brown toast every time.

From high-tech glass designs to classic stainless steel models and budget-friendly picks, we assessed each toaster based on consistency, ease of use, speed, and durability. Whether you want a sleek statement piece or a reliable everyday toaster, we’ve found the best options for every budget.

Our Editor’s Pick, the Magimix Vision See-Through 2 Slice Glass Toaster, stands out with its innovative design, precise control, and fast toasting speed. Prefer a traditional, handcrafted model? The Dualit Classic 2 Slice Vario Toaster is built to last with fully replaceable parts.

Need an affordable yet efficient option? The Bosch MyMoment Delight TAT2M123GB delivers solid performance without the high price tag.

And the one to avoid? The Paul Russells 750W Black 2-Slice Toaster, which fell short with its inconsistent toasting and flimsy build. Read on to find the perfect toaster for your kitchen and say goodbye to burnt, uneven slices!

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A Toaster Without These Features Isn’t Worth It

When searching for the best toaster, certain features should be considered standard rather than premium add-ons. A well-designed toaster should deliver consistent browning, easy operation, and durability without compromising on safety or efficiency.

Key Features to Look for in a Toaster

• Even Toasting: Ensures uniform browning across both sides of the bread.
• Multiple Browning Levels: Adjustable settings to achieve your preferred level of crispness.
• Reliable Heating Elements: Quartz or ProHeat elements for faster and more consistent performance.
• Wide Slots: Accommodates different bread sizes, tall slices, including bagels, crumpets, and thick-cut slices.
• Self-Centering Mechanism: Ensures even exposure to heat for better toasting results.
• Defrost & Reheat Functions: Allows you to defrost frozen bread to be toasted evenly and reheats toast without over-browning.
• High-Lift Lever: Makes it easier to remove smaller slices without burning your fingers.
• User-Friendly Controls: Simple dials or buttons for adjusting settings quickly.
• Removable Crumb Tray: A must-have for easy cleaning and maintenance.
• Cool-Touch Exterior: Prevents burns and ensures safe handling.

Design and Build Quality

A toaster is more than just a kitchen appliance—it’s a daily-use device that should be durable, well-constructed, and visually appealing.

• Material Quality: Stainless steel toasters tend to last longer and resist wear better than plastic models.
• Aesthetic Appeal: A sleek, modern design should complement your kitchen setup while being easy to clean.
• Weight and Stability: A solid build prevents the toaster from shifting when pushing the lever.
• Lever Mechanism: Should feel sturdy and operate smoothly without feeling flimsy or loose.
• Heating Element Longevity: High-quality heating elements should last for years without degrading.

Extras That Take Your Toaster to the Next Level

Beyond the basics, some toasters offer additional features that enhance convenience, precision, and versatility.

• Bagel Setting: Toasts only one side while warming the other, perfect for bagels and buns.
• Countdown Timer: Displays the remaining time, reducing the guesswork.
• Smart Sensors: Automatically adjusts heat and time for even browning.
• Lift & Look Function: Lets you check progress without interrupting the cycle.
• Multiple Slot Options: Some toasters offer four slice toaster slot configurations for larger households.
• Integrated Warming Rack: Heats up pastries or rolls without burning them.
• Cord Storage: Helps keep kitchen counters tidy and free from clutter.

By considering these essential and additional features, you can ensure that your toaster not only meets your needs but also enhances your kitchen experience.

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Editors Pick

Magimix Vision See Through 2 Slice Glass Toaster

The Magimix Vision Toaster is a high-end, innovative appliance that offers precise control and a sleek, modern design. Its see-through glass panels set it apart, allowing you to watch your toast brown to perfection in real time.

Key Features

• See-Through Design: The clear glass panels provide full visibility, so you can monitor the toasting process without guesswork.
• Consistent Browning: High-quality quartz heating elements deliver even and precise toasting.
• Faster Toasting: Up to 20% quicker than previous models, reducing wait times.
• Extra-Wide Slot: Accommodates buns, muffins, crumpets, and thicker slices with automatic self-centering for even toasting.
• Multiple Toasting Modes: Choose from Toast, Reheat, One-Sided Toasting, and Defrost bread to suit different needs.
• Easy Maintenance: Drop-down glass panels and a large crumb tray make cleaning simple.
• Durable Build: Long-lasting quartz elements ensure reliability, backed by a 3-year parts guarantee.

The Magimix Vision Toaster is an impressive blend of innovation, precision, and style. The see-through glass panels are more than just a design statement—they provide full control over the toasting process, ensuring perfectly browned toast every time.

The variable browning control is incredibly precise, and the extra-lift lever makes removing smaller pieces effortless (a great feature for crumpets and muffins).

We found the one-button-per-function layout intuitive, and the reheat function warmed toast without over-browning. The fast toasting speed (20% quicker than previous models) is a time-saver. However, it only accommodates two slices at a time, which may not be ideal for larger households.

That said, the build quality and durability are outstanding, with long-life quartz elements and easy-clean glass panels. If you want a high-performance, stylish, and long-lasting toaster, this is a premium investment worth considering.

Runner Up

Dualit Classic 2 Slice Vario Toaster| Stainless Steel

The Dualit Classic 2 Slice Vario Toaster blends iconic design with modern functionality. Hand-assembled in the UK, it delivers consistent toasting, durable construction, and a fully repairable design—making it a long-term investment for any kitchen.

Key Features

• Consistent Toasting: The mechanical browning control dial provides precise, even results with every use.
• ProHeat Elements: Armour-plated elements offer superior heat distribution and a longer lifespan compared to traditional toasters.
• Slot Selector & Ejector Lever: Toast one or two slices as needed and lift bread manually to prevent cooling.
• Defrost Function: Allows frozen bread to be thawed before toasting for better results.
• Hand-Assembled & Repairable: Built with high-quality, replaceable parts for longevity and sustainability.
• Durable Stainless Steel Body: Sturdy, well-crafted design that adds a sleek, professional look to any kitchen.
• Non-Slip Feet: Ensures stability on countertops, reducing movement during use.

The Dualit Classic 2 Slice Vario Toaster impressed us with its superior build quality and consistent performance. The mechanical timer ensures precision, delivering white and brown bread evenly toasted every time.

One of its standout features is the manual lever, which keeps toast warm inside until you're ready—something most toasters lack.

Its hand-assembled, fully repairable design makes it a long-term investment, a rarity in today’s throwaway culture. The ProHeat elements provide excellent heat distribution, extending the toaster’s lifespan.

There are a couple of minor drawbacks—the lack of a cancel button means you can’t stop mid-cycle, and wider slices may need turning for full coverage. However, these are small trade-offs for such an exceptionally well-crafted toaster.

For those who value quality, reliability, and timeless design, this toaster is one of the best choices out there (and it looks fantastic in any kitchen).

Budget Pick

Bosch MyMoment Delight TAT2M123GB - Compact 2-Slice Toaster

The Bosch MyMoment Delight TAT2M123GB is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable yet well-designed stylish toaster. With a sleek matte finish and compact build, it fits easily into any kitchen setup.

Key Features

• Classic Design: Stylish matte body with glossy accents. Easy to clean and durable.
• Even Toasting: Six adjustable browning levels ensure the right amount of crunch every time.
• High Lift Function: Makes removing smaller slices effortless.
• Defrost & Reheat Modes: Warms pastries and toasts frozen bread with ease.
• Front Crumb Tray: Simple, mess-free cleaning.

The Bosch MyMoment Delight TAT2M123GB is an impressive budget-friendly toaster that delivers consistent and even toasting. With six browning levels, a defrost function, and a built-in warming rack, it offers versatility for different types of bread and pastries.

The high lift function makes it easy to remove even the smallest slices, while the front crumb tray allows for quick and hassle-free cleaning.

While the lightweight design means it can shift slightly when pressing the lever, this is a minor issue that doesn’t affect performance. Some trial and error may be needed to get the perfect toast setting, but once dialled in, the results are excellent.

Overall, this sleek and compact toaster is a great choice for those who want a stylish, efficient, and affordable option in their kitchen. With its reliable performance and useful features, it’s a solid pick for everyday use.

High Quality Pick

Haden Salcombe Black 4 Slice Toaster - Dual Browning Control

The Haden Salcombe Black 4 Slice Toaster combines sleek design with powerful performance. Featuring wide slots, dual browning controls, and a high lift function, it delivers consistently even toasting, making it a reliable addition to any kitchen.

Key Features

• Wide Slots for Versatile Toasting: Perfect for thickly sliced bread, bagels, and crumpets. No more uneven toasting or slices sticking out.
• Dual Browning Controls: Two independent control panels allow customised toasting on each side. Ideal for different preferences.
• Fast & Even Toasting: With 2300W of power, it toasts quickly and evenly, reducing waiting time.
• High Lift Function: Lifts smaller items for easy removal without burning fingers.
• Removable Crumb Trays: Keeps the toaster clean and mess-free with easy slide-out trays.

The Haden Salcombe 4 Slice Toaster impressed us with its sleek design, solid build, and reliable performance. The black and copper finish adds a premium touch, while the stainless steel housing ensures durability.

It toasts quickly and evenly, thanks to its 2300W power, and the deep slots accommodate full-sized UK bread—no more half-toasted slices.

We loved the dual browning controls, allowing different settings for each pair of slots—perfect for households with varying toast preferences. The high lift function is a thoughtful addition, making it easy to remove smaller items without burning fingers.

A minor drawback? The control buttons could feel sturdier, and the metal sides are a bit thin. However, these don’t affect its overall great performance.

If you want a stylish, efficient, and versatile toaster, this one delivers. It’s fast, consistent, and built to handle thick slices with ease—an excellent choice for any kitchen.

Modern Toaster Pick

Kenwood Dawn Toaster, 4 Slot Toaster, Reheat, 5 Browning Settings

The Kenwood Dawn 4-Slot Toaster is a solid choice for those looking for a stylish, efficient toaster with practical features. We tested it for toasting consistency, speed, and ease of use, and it performed well across the board.

Key Features

• Five Browning Levels: Adjustable controls allow for personalised toasting, ensuring the perfect shade of golden brown.
• Electronic Controls: Defrost, reheat, and one-sided bagel settings make it versatile for different needs.
• Rapid Toasting: With 1800W of power, it toasts quickly and evenly, ideal for busy mornings.
• Independent Slots: Two pairs of slots work separately, allowing for a quicker breakfast routine.
• Easy to Clean: A pull-out crumb tray helps keep the worktop tidy, and cord storage minimises clutter.

The Kenwood Dawn 4-Slot Toaster is a stylish and highly efficient choice for any kitchen. We found its illuminated controls easy to use (especially in low light), and the high-lift lever made retrieving smaller items like crumpets effortless.

With 1800W of power, it toasts quickly and evenly, and the five browning levels allow for great personalisation. The pull-out crumb tray and cord storage keep the worktop tidy—small but valuable details.

The only drawback? The shared browning control for all four slots. While it isn’t a dealbreaker, separate controls would offer more flexibility for different bread types.

That said, this toaster is well-built, reliable, and sleek—a fantastic choice for those wanting quick, consistent results without fuss. If you’re after a toaster that looks great and performs well every day, the Kenwood Dawn won’t disappoint.

One To Avoid

Paul Russells 750W Black 2-Slice Kitchen Toaster

The Paul Russells 750W Black 2-Slice Toaster may look sleek with its matte black finish, but after testing it, we found it lacking in key areas.

While its compact size makes it a space-saver, the lightweight build is a major drawback—it moves when pressing the buttons, making operation frustrating. Despite having extra-wide slots, the toaster struggles with standard-sized bread slices, often requiring trimming to fit.

The seven browning settings should provide flexibility, but toasting is inconsistent. Some areas remain underdone while others come out overly crisp (or even burnt in spots).

The self-centering function sounds useful in theory, but in practice, it doesn’t always keep slices aligned, leading to further uneven results.

The defrost and reheat settings are a plus, and the automatic lift-up feature helps prevent burning. However, the overall build quality feels flimsy, and durability is questionable. After limited use, we noticed signs of wear and minor issues developing.

While the three-year replacement warranty offers some reassurance, it’s not enough to make up for the product’s shortcomings.

Ultimately, this toaster is one to avoid. The inconsistent performance, small slots, and cheap feel make it a poor choice for everyday use. A sturdier, more reliable model would be a better investment.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Toasters

When evaluating the best toasters, we didn’t just toast a few slices and call it a day. We carefully assessed performance, ease of use, build quality, and extra features to find the most reliable and efficient models. Here’s how we did it.

Consistency and Performance

A good toaster should deliver even browning every time. We tested multiple slices at different browning settings to see if they came out evenly crisp across both sides. To check reliability, we toasted several batches back-to-back to see if performance stayed consistent.

Different types of bread, including thin slices, thick-cut loaves, bagels, and crumpets, were tested to see how well the toaster adapted to various textures and sizes. For models with a bagel setting, we ensured one side was properly toasted while the other remained warm.

Speed and Efficiency

No one wants to wait forever for their toast. We timed each toaster to measure how quickly it could brown bread at different settings. Frozen bread was also tested using defrost modes to see if slices were evenly toasted without burning.

Faster models were compared against slower ones to gauge efficiency.

Ease of Use and Controls

The best toasters should be intuitive and simple to operate. We assessed the layout of buttons and dials to see if they were user-friendly. Browning control accuracy was tested to determine if the settings produced the expected level of crispness.

For models with a lift-and-look feature, we checked whether users could monitor progress without interrupting the cycle. The high-lift lever was also tested to see if smaller slices could be removed easily without burning fingers.

Build Quality and Durability

A well-made toaster should feel sturdy and well-constructed. We examined the materials used, whether stainless steel or plastic, and assessed the overall durability. The strength of the lever was tested to ensure it operated smoothly without feeling loose or flimsy.

Heating elements were monitored over multiple uses to see if they maintained consistent performance. Toasters with cool-touch exteriors were checked to see if they remained safe to touch during operation.

Cleaning and Maintenance

A good toaster should be easy to keep clean. We tested how simple it was to remove and empty the crumb tray, making sure it didn’t create an unnecessary mess. For models with glass panels, we checked how easy they were to wipe down and maintain.

We also looked at whether crumbs got trapped in hard-to-reach spots that made cleaning more difficult.

Noise and Safety Features

Toasters should operate without excessive noise or disruption. We paid attention to how loud each model was during use. Auto shut-off functions were tested to confirm whether the toaster turned off after a cycle or if something got stuck.

We also ran multiple cycles to see if any models overheated or became dangerously hot to the touch.

Value for Money and Extra Features

Toasters come with a range of additional features, but not all of them add real value. We tested bagel modes, countdown timers, warming racks, smart sensors, and digital displays to see if they were actually useful or just gimmicks.

Finally, we compared price against performance, looking at whether the features and build quality justified the cost.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Expensive Toasters Better Than Cheap Ones?

Expensive toasters are not always better than cheap ones, but they often offer more durable materials, advanced features, and better consistency in toasting.

Higher-end models typically have longer lifespans, more precise browning controls, and faster heating elements, but a well-made budget toaster can still provide reliable performance for everyday use.

What Is the Best Wattage for a Toaster?

The best wattage for a toaster depends on efficiency and speed. In the UK, most toasters range between 800W and 1800W. A higher wattage (1200W-1500W) ensures faster, more even browning, while lower-wattage toasters may take longer and struggle with consistent results.

For daily use, around 1200W-1400W is ideal.

What Are the Three Types of Toasters, and How Do I Know Which One I Need?

The three types of toasters are pop-up toasters, toaster ovens, and conveyor toasters. Pop-up toasters are best for standard slices, toaster ovens offer versatility for reheating and baking, and conveyor toasters suit high-volume needs.

The right choice depends on your kitchen space, how often you toast, and what types of food you want to prepare.

How Do I Know Which Toaster Consumes the Least Electricity?

To find a toaster that consumes the least electricity, check the wattage rating—lower wattage means lower energy consumption but may also slow down toasting. Eco-friendly models with energy-saving modes can help reduce power use.

Toasters with quick heat-up times and efficient heating elements also minimise electricity consumption over time.

Are Air Fryers Better Than Toasters When Toasting Bread?

Air fryers can toast bread, but they aren’t necessarily better than toasters. They use convection heat, which can result in less even browning and longer cooking times.

Toasters are specifically designed for quick, consistent crisping, making them the better choice for simple, everyday toast without extra preheating or energy use.

What Is the Best Toaster for Long Bread?

The best toaster for long bread is one with longer slots or an adjustable design that accommodates artisan loaves, baguettes, and oversized slices. Some models offer extra-wide slots or the ability to toast bread sideways for better fit.

Checking slot length and adjustability ensures your bread toasts evenly without needing to be cut in half.

Is a Toaster Only for Bread?

A toaster is primarily designed for bread, but many models can also toast crumpets, bagels, and English muffins. Some toasters have specialised settings for defrosting frozen items or warming pastries.

However, for more versatility with reheating or crisping other foods, a toaster oven or air fryer may be a better option.

Is It Safe to Use a Smart Toaster Product?

Using a smart toaster is generally safe as long as it meets UK safety standards and is used correctly.

Features like automatic shut-off, temperature sensors, and app controls can enhance convenience, but it’s important to keep the appliance dry, unplug it when not in use, and avoid leaving it unattended for extended periods.

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Final Word

Hopefully, our best toaster guide has helped you find the perfect match for your kitchen. With so many great choices, picking the right one isn’t easy—but our top pick is the Magimix Vision See-Through 2 Slice Glass Toaster. Its innovative design, precise control, and fast toasting speed make it a standout.

There are plenty of other great options, from the hand-assembled Dualit Classic to the affordable Bosch MyMoment Delight. No matter your needs, there’s a toaster for you in this guide.

However, one model to avoid is the Paul Russells 750W Black 2-Slice Toaster. Despite its sleek look, it fails on consistency, build quality, and ease of use.

What do you think of our best toaster picks? Have you found your new favourite, or are you still deciding? Let us know—we’d love to hear from you!