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Best toasters: top two-slice and four-slice toasters, as 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 Apr 27, 2023
Prices and availability checked and updated by MNHQ on 27 April, 2023.
Bread, bagels, crumpets, hot cross buns – whatever your carb of choice, a 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.
If you've yet to find a product that delivers perfect toast every single time, we've got a selection of toasters that have been tried, tested and recommended by families on the Mumsnet forums. From budget picks to stylish designs, we've rounded up the best toasters to buy right now.
Mumsnetters really know their stuff when it comes to kitchen appliances. We've got roundups of the best kettles, the best rice cookers, the best blenders, the best food steamers, the best soup makers , all featuring recommendations from parents who like to save time, money and faff in the kitchen.
Best toasters at a glance
- Best overall: Dualit NewGen Two-Slice Toaster | Buy now
- Best budget: Cookworks Long-Slot Four-Slice Toaster | Buy now
- Best mid-range: Breville VTT981 Edge Two-Slice Toaster | Buy now
- Most stylish: De’Longhi Icona Vintage Four-Slice Toaster | Buy now
- Best two-slice: Kenwood Abbey Cream Two-Slot Toaster | Buy now
- Best four-slice: Morphy Richards Evoke Four-Slice Toaster | Buy now
- Best wide-slot: Magimix Vision Toaster | Buy now
- Best for homemade bread: Smeg Retro Two-Slice Toaster | Buy now
- Best hi-tech: Sage Smart Two-Slice Toaster | Buy now
- Best large: Rowlett Rutland Premier Six-Slot Toaster | Buy now
1. Best overall toaster overall: Dualit NewGen Two-Slice Toaster
Price on writing: £160 | Buy now from John Lewis
Key specs
Number of settings: Variable | Weight: 3.5kg | Power: 1200 watts
What we like
- Sleek design
- Super quick
- Different settings for a range of items
What we don't like
- Hefty price tag
What Mumsnet users say
"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" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Alliumlove
"We've had ours for 18 years I love it. My folks had theirs for over twenty years! So yes I'd say they are worth it" - recommended by Mumsnet user, offyougotwantychops
Our verdict
The Dualit NewGen isn’t cheap, but Mumsnetters are willing to pay for decades of perfect toast.
So, what do you get for this rather hefty price tag? Well, this toaster can churn out toast at a rate of 65 slices per hour so you won't have to wait long for your snacks. You can save electricity by selecting whether one or both slots are in use and you can switch between settings specifically designed for toast, waffles, bagels, teacakes and defrosting. Plus, if you buy it from John Lewis & Partners, it comes with a five-year guarantee.
Finally, though form is obviously not as important as function, it looks very sleek – it will be sat on your kitchen counter all day every day, after all.
For larger families and serious toast fiends, there's a four-slice option available.
Read next: The best kettles to buy, as recommended by Mumsnet users
2. Best budget toaster: Cookworks Long-Slot Four-Slice Toaster
Price on writing: £25 | Buy now from Argos
Key specs
Number of settings: Seven | Weight 1.49kg | Power: 1400 watts
What we like
- Affordable buy
- Great for toasting large slices and pitta bread
- Seven different toast settings
What we don't like
- Basic design
What Mumsnet users say
"I have the Cookworks toaster from Argos. Cheap and cheerful and does the job. It lasts me years" - recommended by Mumsnet user, MangoesAreMyFavourite
"I have a 4 slice Cookworks toaster that can cope with bread, waffles, scotch pancakes" - recommended by Mumnset user, Spermysextowel
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.
Read next: The best microwaves to buy, as tested by families
3. Best mid-range toaster: Breville VTT981 Edge Two-Slice Toaster
Price on writing: £40 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Number of settings: Variable | Weight: 2.2 kg | Power: 1050 watts
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
What Mumsnet users say
“We have a Breville – 50/50 and Best of Both fit without having to flip. It’s a revelation after our old one.”
“I have the Breville two-slice one – it's good. You can lift the toast up to check it without cancelling the cycle.”
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, and the variable width slots mean it can grill all manner of baked goods to perfection.
Read next: The best blenders to add to your kitchen
4. Most stylish toaster: De’Longhi Icona Vintage Four-Slice Toaster
Price on writing: £110 | Buy now from Currys
Key specs
Number of shade settings: Six | Weight: 3.5kg | Power: 1200 watts
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
What Mumsnet users say
"We have a De'Longhi one that's 11 years old and still going strong" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Aroundtheworldin80moves
"I have a lovely De'Longhi one. We’ve had it for 10 years and it still looks/works like new" - recommended by Mumsnet user, thejoysofboys
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, 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.
Read next: The best food steamers to buy for quick and healthy food
5. Best two-slice toaster: Kenwood Abbey Cream Two-Slot Toaster
Price on writing: £30 | Buy now from Argos
Key specs
Number of settings: Seven | Weight: 1.66kg | Power: 800 watts
What we like
- Stylish design
- Seven different toast settings
- Matching kettle available
What we don't like
- Doesn't have an 'eject' button
What Mumsnet users say
"My current Kenwood is great and was not silly money" - recommended by Mumsnet user, HeronLanyon
Our verdict
Kenwood is a reliable brand for all things kitchen appliance. And this stylish toaster has a sleek design that looks more expensive than its £40 price tag might suggest. There's 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 report it can fit a whole slice of bread to ensure toast is brown all over.
6. Best four-slice toaster: Morphy Richards Evoke Four-Slice Toaster
Price on writing: From £48 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Number of settings: Seven | Weight: 2.4kg | Power: 1800 watts
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
What Mumsnet users say
“I have a Morphy Richards Evoke after using one in a holiday cottage and being amazed it fitted our bread (Warburtons Farmhouse). It fits fine if you put it in landscape.”
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.
7. Best wide-slot toaster: Magimix Vision Toaster
Price on writing: £153 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Number of settings: Variable | Weight: 4.76kg | Power: 1450 watts
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
What Mumsnet users say
"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!!" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Hihellohi
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: Smeg Retro Two-Slice Toaster
Price on writing: £149 | Buy now from John Lewis
Key specs
Number of settings: Six | Weight: 3kg | Power: 950 watts
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
What Mumsnet users say
“I have a Smeg one. Fits in a Warburtons toastie full slice, bagels, muffins etc without getting caught. Expensive, but I love it!”
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 are perfect for homemade bread 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.
9. Best hi-tech toaster: Sage Smart Two-Slice Toaster
Price on writing: £140 | Buy now from John Lewis
Key specs
Number of settings: Variable | Weight: 3.06kg | Power: 1000 watts
What we like
- Quick Look setting lets you check on browning
- Bit More feature allows you to toast bread a little longer
- Extra wide slots for thick slices
What we don't like
- Expensive
What Mumsnet users say
"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" - recommended by Mumsnet user, queenofthebongo
"I've got the Sage Smart toaster. Had it for ages now and it has been fine" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Gliere
Our verdict
This toaster, designed by Heston Blumenthal, is as ‘extra’ as the man himself. There’s a motorised carriage that glides the toast in. Fancy!
You also get a 'Quick Look' setting so you can check on browning progress without restarting the cooking progress. And there’s a ‘Bit More' feature for when your bread needs a bit longer before it’s fully toasted.
There’s an LED display so you can see how far through the cooking process you are and it even pings when your toast is ready.
10. Best large toaster: Rowlett Rutland Premier Six-Slot Toaster
Price on writing: £212 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Number of settings: Variable | Weight: 7.6kg | Power: 3000 watts
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
What Mumsnet users say
"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" - recommended by Mumsnet user, NotMeNoNo
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.
Best toasters: Editor's picks
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 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 the 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+. Not all toasters are created equal. 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 then 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. We think 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 our recommendations
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. We also looked at other reviews to see which toasters performed well across the board.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.