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Best toasters: top two-slice and four-slice toasters, tested by families

Get the most from your toast with our pick of the best two-slice and four-slice toasters to add to your kitchen.

By Anna Cook | Last updated Mar 18, 2024

Selection of the best toasters

Bread, bagels, crumpets, hot cross buns – whatever your carb of choice, the best toaster is an essential piece of kit for quick breakfasts and speedy snacks.

Traditional two-slice toasters are perfect for compact kitchens, and four-slice toasters are a godsend for families needing to feed hungry (and impatient) kids in a flash. Then there's performance to consider – the best toasters should be able to handle any bread type, be it your beloved homemade sourdough or a standard white loaf, and deliver evenly browned slices every time. You'll also need to think about style; do you want a toaster that matches your best kettle, or do you want a charmingly eclectic aesthetic?

If you've yet to find a product that ticks all your boxes, we've got a selection of the top toasters that have been tried, tested and wholeheartedly recommended by families on the Mumsnet forums, home to the largest online network of parents in the UK. We then also cross-checked these recommendations with expert picks and authentic online reviews to whittle down our shortlist, before completing our own rigorous testing on selected toasters to ensure our recommendations really are top-notch.

Kitting out your whole kitchen? We also have guides to the best dishwashers and fridge freezers that Mumsnetters love.

1
Best toaster overall

Dualit NewGen Two-Slice Toaster

What we like
  • Sleek design

  • Variable settings for a range of items

  • 'Peek and Pop' feature to check on progress

  • Five-year guarantee from John Lewis

  • Removable crumb tray

What we don't like
  • Hefty price tag

  • Crumpets were too thick for the 'Peek and Pop ' feature

Key specs

Price on writing: £170 | Number of settings: Variable | Weight: 3.5kg | Power: 1200 watts

What Mumsnet users say
Alliumlove · Tried & Tested
Dualit toasters are reliable, last for ages and I think make the best toast. I wouldn’t buy one of the cheaper ones. We did it once and the quality really wasn’t the same.
See Post
offyougotwantychops · Recommended
We've had ours for 18 years, I love it. My folks had theirs for over 20 years! So yes, I'd say they are worth it.
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Our verdict

The Dualit NewGen isn’t cheap, but if you're willing to pay for decades of perfect toast, this is the one for you.

So, what do you get for this rather hefty price tag? There's variable temperature settings which we loved, so we could adjust the timer for the ideal level of browning, and the 'Peek and Pop' feature was super easy to use and handy for checking in on progress without cancelling the toasting. We also liked the slice number selector, which saves electricity as it only heats up the exact number of slots you need.

Finally, though form is obviously not as important as function, it looked very sleek on our kitchen counter – we'd happily keep this out on display for years to come. And speaking of which, if you buy it from John Lewis & Partners, it comes with an impressive five-year guarantee, though Mumsnetters report that their Dualits have lasted them for up to 20 years!

For larger families and serious toast fiends, there's a four-slice option available too.

Read our full Dualit NewGen Toaster review

2
Best budget toaster

Cookworks Long-Slot Four-Slice Toaster

What we like
  • Affordable buy

  • Great for toasting large slices and pitta bread

  • Seven different toast settings

What we don't like
  • Basic design

Key specs

Price on writing: £26 | Number of settings: Seven | Weight 1.49kg | Power: 1400 watts

What Mumsnet users say
MangoesAreMyFavourite · Tried & Tested
I have the Cookworks toaster from Argos. Cheap and cheerful and does the job. It lasts me years.
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Mumsnetter · Recommended
I have a four-slice Cookworks toaster that can cope with bread, waffles, scotch pancakes.
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Our verdict

Some toast aficionados swear that the only way to achieve truly great toast is to buy a long-slot toaster that can accommodate four slices, then toast your bread landscape, two slices at a time.

Although this Argos toaster isn't massively exciting to look at, Mumsnetters rate it because it gets the job done. It has seven different toast settings and a defrost setting, and you can vary the width of the slots to ensure perfect results no matter what you're grilling.

Most importantly, it should help you banish the irritating uncooked strip at the top of your bread. Plus, it's great for toasting longer items like pitta bread or large sourdough slices.

Related: The best American fridge freezer, tried and tested

3
Best mid-range toaster
What we like
  • Deep slots for slices of all sizes

  • Specifically designed for tall slices of bread

  • Classy brushed stainless steel design

What we don't like
  • Some reviewers find it a little slow to toast

Key specs

Price on writing: £35 | Number of settings: Variable | Weight: 2.2 kg | Power: 1050 watts

What Mumsnet users say
Marmite27 · Tried & Tested
We have a Breville – 50/50 and Best of Both fit without having to flip. It’s a revelation after our old one.
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Our verdict

This toaster has extra deep slots to ensure thorough toasting of bread of all sizes, and it features a high-lift function, meaning you can extract smaller items like crumpets and bagels without burning your fingers.

It also has a nifty 'lift-and-look' feature so you can keep an eye on the progress of your toast, all while minimising the risk of overdone slices ending up in your kitchen bin. We also like the variable width slots which allow it to grill all manner of baked goods to perfection. Not bad for £35.

Related: Best lunch box for taking to the office

4
Best toaster for style
What we like
  • Cool retro design

  • Dedicated bagel setting

  • Handy re-heat feature

What we don't like
  • Button controls can seem complicated at first

  • Pricey (but on offer at Amazon currently)

Key specs

Price on writing: £95 | Number of settings: Six | Weight: 3.5kg | Power: 1200 watts

What Mumsnet users say
Aroundtheworldin80moves · Tried & Tested
We have a De'Longhi one that's 11 years old and still going strong.
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thejoysofboys · Recommended
I have a lovely De'Longhi one. We’ve had it for 10 years and it still looks/works like new.
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Our verdict

Attention all bagel lovers: the De'Longhi Icona Vintage Toaster has a specific bagel setting to ensure the cut side is golden and crisp – but absolutely not burnt – for a perfect bagel every time.

It also has lots of other handy features: it will defrost frozen bread right out of the freezer, reheat cold toast, and the high-lift function stops teacakes and the like from getting trapped in the slots, and keeps you from burning your fingers trying to get them out.

Available in neutral beige or powder blue, this toaster is sure to add a touch of retro flair to your worktop. Of course, there is a matching kettle and – if you really want to push the boat out – a matching coffee machine too.

5
Best two-slice toaster
What we like
  • Stylish design

  • Seven different toast settings

  • Matching kettle available

What we don't like
  • Some reviewers found the grey outer casing was lighter in colour than expected

Key specs

Price on writing: £39 | Number of settings: Seven | Weight: 1.66kg | Power: 800 watts

What Mumsnet users say
HeronLanyon · Recommended brand
My current Kenwood is great and was not silly money.
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Our verdict

Kenwood is a reliable brand for all things kitchen appliance, so it's no surprise they're featured on our best toaster round-up.

If you want something that looks great on display but your budget doesn't stretch to the De’Longhi Icona Vintage featured above, this stylish toaster has a sleek design that appears far more expensive than its £40 price tag might suggest. With a contrasting metallic gold and grey outer casing, it will suit modern kitchen aesthetics – though some reviewers did expect the grey to be darker than it is in real life. There's also a kettle in the same range if you want to complete the look.

It’s not all about form though – it’s functional too. There are two slots and seven browning settings, plus a defrost function. Many users also report that it can fit a whole slice of bread to ensure toast is brown all over.

Related: The best oven cleaner and glass cleaner for a sparkling clean kitchen

6
Best four-slice toaster

Morphy Richards Evoke Four-Slice Toaster

What we like
  • Available in a range of colours

  • Handy reheat setting

  • Good for large slices

What we don't like
  • May need to turn bread round to toast fully

Key specs

Price on writing: £80 | Number of settings: Seven | Weight: 2.4kg | Power: 1800 watts

Our verdict

Available in seven different colours, this Morphy Richards toaster makes a chic addition to any kitchen counter and there's even a kettle to match. It has a cord storage function to prevent unsightly tangled wires and keep your kitchen clutter-free.

As well as variable browning control, it also has both a defrost and reheat settings, which allows you to warm your toast back up if you forget about it (or get called away on urgent business by your toddler).

Crucially, it's big enough to properly toast a standard slice of bread – though you might have to be a little bit creative by turning it on its side.

Related: Best integrated dishwasher for a streamlined kitchen

7
Best wide-slot toaster

Magimix Vision Toaster

What we like
  • Cool design that the kids will LOVE

  • Precision toasting thanks to the see-through panel

  • Extra wide slots for thick slices

What we don't like
  • Quite heavy at 5kg

  • Hefty price tag

Key specs

Price on writing: £170 | Number of settings: Variable | Weight: 4.76kg | Power: 1450 watts

What Mumsnet users say
Hihellohi · Tried & Tested
I have a Magimix glass toaster, it has to be cleaned like a normal toaster, just a wipe and clean of the crumb tray - it doesn’t need constant cleaning at all. I love being able to see the bread toasting!! Get it!!
See Post
Our verdict

Magimix Vision might sound like a Marvel character, but it actually refers to this rather snazzy toaster. Forget under or overcooked bread, you can see your toast brown before your eyes thanks to the see-through panel.

It’s not just a pretty face though. There are extra-wide slots that accommodate the thickest bagels and toast and four pre-programmed heat settings are designed for toast (as you’d probably expect), bagels, reheating and defrosting.

It’s pretty hefty in size at almost 5kg, and the price tag is enough to make your eyes water, but given the see-through window, it seems unlikely you’d want to hide it away in a cupboard anyway.

8
Best toaster for homemade bread
What we like
  • Stylish retro look

  • Range of colours, including pastel shades as well as black, white and chrome

  • Extra-wide bread slots

What we don't like
  • Quite a basic design beyond the branding

  • Pricey

Key specs

Price on writing: £149 | Number of settings: Six | Weight: 3kg | Power: 950 watts

What Mumsnet users say
Teacaketotty · Tried & Tested
I have a Smeg one. Fits in a Warburtons toastie full slice, bagels, muffins etc without getting caught. Expensive, but I love it!
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Our verdict

Smeg isn’t the cheapest brand when it comes to kitchen appliances, but Mumsnetters love it – and not just because of the stylish designs. If the pastel shades don’t grab you, there's an array of other colours to choose from including black, white and chrome.

One of the best features of the Smeg Retro Two-Slice Toaster is the extra-wide bread slots, which are perfect for homemade slices fresh out of your bread maker or home cut chunks of supermarket loaves if your bread making skills are a little rusty.

There’s a touch-release crumb tray that’s completely removable, and fits back with a satisfying pop. You also get six browning settings, a defrost and reheat function plus a two-year guarantee for your money.

Related: Best tea towels for a tidy kitchen

9
Best hi-tech toaster
What we like
  • Quick Look setting lets you check on browning

  • Sleek and stylish design

  • High-tech features

  • Extra wide slots for thick slices

  • Browns evenly

What we don't like
  • Expensive

Key specs

Price on writing: £129 | Number of settings: Variable | Weight: 3.06kg | Power: 1000 watts

What Mumsnet users say
queenofthebongo · Tried & Tested
We had a nightmare finding a good toaster when our old faithful died. We took so many back for being awful. We now have a Sage one.
See Post
Gliere · Recommended
I've got the Sage Smart Toaster. Had it for ages now and it has been fine.
See Post
Our verdict

This toaster, designed by Heston Blumenthal, is as ‘extra’ as the man himself. There’s even a motorised carriage that glides the toast in, which impressed us immensely. Necessary? No. Fun? Absolutely.

We loved the 'Quick Look' setting that let us check on browning progress without restarting the cooking process, and there's even a setting especially for crumpets too. In fact, our tester reported that it was one of the best toasters she'd ever used – high praise indeed.

We also liked the LED display that showed how far through the cooking process we were, and it looked stylish and modern on our worktop. The only downside is the big price tag, though we think it'd be a reliable, long-lasting buy for your kitchen, especially when paired with the brand's matching kettle, which also happens to feature on our best kettles for hard water guide.

Read our full Sage The Smart Toast review

10
Best large toaster

Rowlett Rutland Premier Six-Slot Toaster

What we like
  • Perfect for large families and toast fans

  • Made in the UK

  • Rust-proof

What we don't like
  • Heavy duty appliance

  • You'll need to buy replacement heating elements to prolong its life

Key specs

Price on writing: £150 | Number of settings: Variable | Weight: 7.6kg | Power: 3000 watts

What Mumsnet users say
NotMeNoNo · Recommended
Catering toaster - look in Nisbets. Dualit old style or Rowlett, Lincat etc. It will be £100+ but last for ever and they mostly have replaceable elements.
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Our verdict

Not two, not four, but six slots - this toaster is ideal for big families and hungry kids. It’s not just industrial in size, but in spec too.

Rowlett is a brand more commonly found in uni halls, care homes and cafés, but that means it’s heavy duty and robust, something that larger families will appreciate.

It’s UK-made and built to last. If you don’t like throwing out appliances unless you really have to, then you can buy heating elements to repair the toaster for a few pounds. Not only does this significantly expand its lifespan, but it’s better for the environment too.

Related: Best dishwasher tablets for clean pots every time

Is a toaster better than an oven grill?

A toaster is much quicker and more efficient than using an oven grill, toasting both sides of your breaded products at once. You can also toast up to six slices evenly and, unlike a grill, you don’t have to wait for it to heat up. The best thing is that the toast pops up when ready, rather than being left to burn to a crisp under the grill when you inevitably get distracted by children/the phone/other chores.

How to buy the best toaster

Here are a few things to consider when looking for the best toaster:

  • What do you want to toast? It may sound surprising, but many toasters don’t fit a whole piece of pre-sliced bread so check the dimensions. If you want to toast something other than a bog-standard loaf, you've got to make sure your machine is up to the task. For perfectly toasted sourdough and pitta bread, a long-slot toaster is your best bet. If you can't live without hot buttered crumpets (nor can we), you'll need one with extra-wide or adjustable slots.

  • How much toast do you want to eat at once? If something-on-toast is a staple quick and easy meal in your house, a four-slice toaster will make getting tea on the table even faster. And if your kids have a bloodhound's ability to track down any snack you might be enjoying so they can request a bite, it's probably worth investing in a four-slice toaster. That way, everyone gets a slice of their own and you can eat in peace. Bliss.

  • Extra settings: If you want to cook toast straight from your chest freezer then a defrost setting will speed things up in the morning and ensure your toast is cooked to perfection. A warming function can be good if you don’t eat your toast immediately. It will keep it hot without toasting it any more.

  • Cost: You can spend anything from £15 to £100+. Remember not all toasters are created equal, and if you’re toasting every day, it might be worth investing in a slightly pricier model so it lasts longer.

  • Size: While the number of slots will make a bit of a difference to a toaster’s size, it’s not the only factor. You might not want yours taking up too much space on the worktop or being too big for your cupboards. If you’re putting it away after each use, then also consider the weight. You might not want to lug something the size of a baby around twice – or more – a day.

How long should a toaster last?

The lifespan of a toaster, like many appliances, depends on how well you treat it, the brand and how often you clean it out.

Crumbs and chunks of bagel can get stuck very easily. This TikTok video was viewed more than 2.2 million times after the user revealed a ‘hidden toaster cleaning hack.’ Spoiler: it was the crumb tray.

If you do look after your toaster, it could last anything between six and eight years. Many Mumsnetters have toasters that have been in the family for 10+ years though, with particular reference to the Dualit model on our list.

What is the best toaster to buy?

One brand name comes up time and time again on the Mumsnet forums. The Dualit NewGen Two-Slice Toaster is on the pricey side, but with Mumsnetters saying theirs have lasted 20+ years, you'll get great value for money and the size of the slots means even browning all over. After testing it out with various different bread types, we certainly agree that it’s the best toaster on the market right now.

If you want to spend a little less, Breville’s Two-Slice Toaster will also cook your whole slice evenly thanks to its perfect-fit design.

How we chose the best toaster

Recommendations from real parents

All of our recommendations for toasters came from Mumsnet users themselves. We searched the Mumsnet forums for posts about the toasters that Mumsnet users raved about, whether they were cooking plain old toast, bagels or hot cross buns.

Expert opinions

Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We want to be confident that the products we recommend are fit for purpose and excel when making your favourite toasted snack, so we looked out for award-winning products or those that were well regarded in the marketplace, including those recommended by consumer champions.

Authentic consumer reviews

We then thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, John Lewis, and Argos to get wider consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist, so you can be confident our selection will make serve you the perfect slice every time.

Real-life testing

Finally, MNHQ editor Natasha Gregson (a self-confessed crumpet connoisseur) put selected products from our shortlist through their paces, testing them out extensively with different bread types. She carefully evaluated the Dualit and Sage toasters, scoring them on their ease of use, ease of cleaning, design, and those all important results.

About the author

Anna Cook has been a national magazine and newspaper journalist for 15 years, and appears regularly on TV and radio talking about parenting issues. She was previously Senior Communications Manager at MNHQ and has written extensively about products designed to make parents' lives easier, from the best baby plates for weaning to the best bibs, as well as time-saving kitchen gadgets including the best microwaves and the best juicers. She has two children.

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