Best Toasters to Cook Fast and Tasty Breakfast in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update March 17, 2022
What's the most popular breakfast today? Toasts! Several slices of hot crispy bread give you enough energy for the next several hours. However, making toasts requires a toaster and choosing the right one isn't as easy as you may think. Our comprehensive review will help you get the best toaster! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2022
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
PARTIAL LOAD
LIGHT INDICATOR
HEATING
DEFROSTING
CRUMB TRAY
POWER
NUMBER OF SLOTS
BROWNING SETTINGS
WARRANTY
 
PROS

Compared to other 2-slice toasters in its price range, this one is much more powerful. With 1100-watt output, it will produce perfectly browned and crispy toasts in a matter of a few minutes.

CONS

The power cord could be longer (only 75 cm).

OUR VERDICT

With the Dualit 26205, you'll never face burnt toasts. Equipped with PerfectToast™ technology, it smartly calculates the temperature of the toasts and surroundings to cook ideal toasts each time.

detailed parameters
PARTIAL LOAD

No

LIGHT INDICATOR

Indicator LED-light

HEATING

Yes

DEFROSTING

Yes

CRUMB TRAY

1 crumb tray

POWER

1100 watts

NUMBER OF SLOTS

2

BROWNING SETTINGS

8 settings

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

Thanks to the proper thermal insulation of the walls, you can safely touch the casing while toasting bread without the fear of burning. Illuminated buttons are well-visible in the dark.

CONS

Not suitable for wide slices of bread.

OUR VERDICT

If stunning appearance and striking performance are the things you look for in a toaster, we recommend you to go with the Russell Hobbs 24374. It has an exquisite design and frozen/reheat functions.

detailed parameters
PARTIAL LOAD

No

LIGHT INDICATOR

Illuminated buttons

HEATING

Yes

DEFROSTING

Yes

CRUMB TRAY

1 crumb tray

POWER

1050 watts

NUMBER OF SLOTS

2

BROWNING SETTINGS

6 settings

WARRANTY

2 years (1 more year for product registration)

PROS

This stylish 2-slice toaster by Russell Hobbs has a high lift feature that will allow you to remove even smaller slices without the risk of burning your fingers.

CONS

Because of lower wattage, it takes a bit longer to make toasts.

OUR VERDICT

Featuring a honeycomb textured design and lovely stainless steel accents, the Russell Hobbs 26061 will perfectly blend into any kitchen interior. It has all the basic functions, including defrosting and reheating.

detailed parameters
PARTIAL LOAD

No

LIGHT INDICATOR

Indicator LED-light

HEATING

Yes

DEFROSTING

Yes

CRUMB TRAY

1 crumb tray

POWER

850 watts

NUMBER OF SLOTS

2

BROWNING SETTINGS

6 browning levels

WARRANTY

2 years (1 more year for product registration)

PROS

This functional toaster by Russell Hobbs has a handy "Lift and Look" feature that allows you to check how well your bread is browned without cancelling the cycle.

CONS

It consumes quite a lot of energy. 

OUR VERDICT

With built-in faster toasting technology, this toaster can prepare your bread much quicker compared to most other models on the market. Great for those who often rush around in the morning.

detailed parameters
PARTIAL LOAD

No

LIGHT INDICATOR

Indicator LED-light

HEATING

No

DEFROSTING

Yes

CRUMB TRAY

1 crumb tray

POWER

1670 watts

NUMBER OF SLOTS

2

BROWNING SETTINGS

6 settings

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS

A special compartment for the power cord lets the toaster take up minimum space when not in use. At the same time, the device itself is very compact yet is stable enough due to non-slip feet.

CONS

The walls get hot with prolonged use.

OUR VERDICT

Produced by a reliable manufacturer, it's a good basic toaster for daily use. It is quite compact but despite this, it can accommodate most types of bread and toast everything evenly. 

detailed parameters
PARTIAL LOAD

No

LIGHT INDICATOR

Illuminated buttons

HEATING

Yes

DEFROSTING

Yes

CRUMB TRAY

1 crumb tray

POWER

930 watts

NUMBER OF SLOTS

2

BROWNING SETTINGS

7 settings

WARRANTY

1 year

X

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Dualit 26205

Small but Mighty

Dualit toasters combine high functionality with convenient operation and stylish design. With a user in mind, they are typically equipped with extra-wide slots for making toasts as thick or thin as you like. And this model is not an exception.

The 26205 model has everything to let you make a delicious breakfast in no time. This Dualit 2 slice toaster designed with wide 36-mm slots is perfect for making both thin and thick toasts and other delicious goodies to go with a cup of coffee or tea. Moreover, the unit has a bagel setting to toast the items from one side only and a defrost mode to have the slices defrosted before toasting. With that, the Dualit 26205 is powerful enough to do that quickly and effectively. To clarify, the unit has a 1100-watt output that is rarely found in similar models in its price range.

But the best part about the Dualit 26205 is its patented Perfect toast technology. The appliance automatically calculates the temperature of your toasts and surroundings to define the precise toasting time required for delivering your bread with a consistently golden-brown crust. This way, the perfect results each time are guaranteed.

Review of Dualit 26205 2 Slice Lite Toaster

Attractive Look

Take note that this toaster is available in a wide choice of colours - Grey, Cream, Canvas, Gloss Red and White. Boasting a perfect combination of classic and modern design, this elegant Dualit toaster has a sleek gloss finish that stays cool to the touch.

Also, it's quite easy to wipe clean. And to keep your countertop tidy, the appliance is equipped with a large slide-out drip tray; just do not forget to regularly empty it by turning the unit upside down over a bin with the drip tray removed.

Lastly, we would like to turn your attention to some specific features that make maintenance easier. For example, the patented Peek & Pop function allows you to lift up the toasting slices during the cooking process. This way, you'll be able to check if they are just as brown as you like them.

Also, you can add the optional Sandwich Cage so as to accommodate terrific slices inside. So, if you'd like to enjoy even more varieties of toasts (including really thick slices), the Dualit 26205 2-Slot appliance is a worthy purchase.

Dualit 26205 2 Slice Lite Toaster in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £65.23
Stock In stock
ASIN B07TS58L23

 

Russell Hobbs 24374 Inspire

Premium Design

If you're equipping your kitchen with exclusive appliances that both perform and look great, this fancy toaster by Russell Hobbs is worth your closer attention. It stands out from the competition with its unique appearance and premium build quality. And it boasts excellent durability backed by a default 2-year guarantee, which can be further extended to 3 years after the registration of the toaster online. Not many toasters today can offer you a warranty as generous as this one, which speaks a lot about the quality of the product.

When it comes to the toaster design, the model is made from durable plastic and features textured ripples and a sleek high-gloss finish complemented with statement chrome accents and soft blue LED illumination, which makes it a good match for all interiors. Apart from that, it is available in five classy, vibrant colours, letting you choose the most suitable one for your kitchen style. To add more, the appliance is quite compact and fits tight corners nicely so finding a spot for it on your countertop won't be a problem.

However, the toaster isn't completely flawless, although it's close to it. The tradeoff for the compact design is a slightly reduced size of the slots. While common UK bread slices will fit nicely inside, anything a bit larger than that will need to be placed vertically. As a result, the top of the bigger slices will stick out and won't cook. This issue can be fixed though. You will only need to toast those slices on the lowest setting and then turn them sideways to toast again. Other than that, the Russell Hobbs 24374 works well for regular bread, bagels and crumpets.

Review of Russell Hobbs 24374 Inspire 2 Slice Toaster

Extra Functionality

The toaster is not only unique in appearance but also striking in performance. Unlike many other toasters out there, this one can toast a slice of bread straight from your freezer without burning or reheating, which makes it ideal for those busy families that often rush in the mornings and have no time for defrosting. Besides the dedicated button for frozen slices, the toaster is fitted with cancel and reheat buttons.

As for the browning settings, the Russell Hobbs 24374 is quite traditional. It offers six browning levels, all of which work flawlessly. What's more, the toaster has a larger aperture and a centralising mechanism that both ensure an even toast browning regardless of the thickness of the slices you load inside.

All in all, the Russell Hobbs 24374 is an excellent toaster that looks solid and expensive and does the job perfectly. It can become a functional and beautiful addition to any kitchen and make your breakfasts easy, yummy and quick. 

Russell Hobbs 24374 Inspire 2 Slice Toaster in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £32.49
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07RLFGZHS

 

Russell Hobbs 26061

Honeycomb Textured Design

Every little detail matters when it comes to creating a good mood for a whole day. Featuring a honeycomb textured design and lovely stainless steel accents and boasting intuitive operation, this stylish 2-slice toaster by Russel Hobbs will make preparing your morning toast an easy and enjoyable task. Note, however, that this model has lower wattage compared to its rivals, which means it can take a little longer to make your toast. On the other hand, it may be just what you need if you don't like darkly toasted bread.

This unit has all the basic functions you need for browning toasts. Offering 6 browning levels, the appliance will help you to enjoy toasts as golden as you like them. Next, it has a high lift feature, allowing you to remove even smaller bread slices with no hassle at all. Meanwhile, extra-wide slots will allow for browning thicker slices of bread.

Keeping your countertop clean and tidy is also a breeze thanks to a removable crumb tray that will help to collect all the crumbs. Afterwards, you can simply empty its contents into a bin, wipe the tray with a damp cloth and let it dry before replacing it in the toaster. As for the main unit, just wipe it clean (outer surfaces) after use.

Review of Russell Hobbs 26061 2 Slice Toaster

User-Friendly Appliance

Though this model by Russel Hobbs is pretty basic, it offers all the important functions you need for making delicious crunchy toasts. A frozen button will allow you to toast bread from frozen, a reheat function will come in useful for reheating toasts. Ergonomic indicator lights will let you know which function is activated at the moment. There is also a cancel button that will help to stop browning whenever you need it, thus preventing your toast from getting burnt.

The appliance comes with an informative user manual that, in addition to usage and maintenance instructions, includes helpful hints and tips on making perfect toast for your breakfast. What is also important, the unit comes with a 2-year manufacturer's guarantee, plus 1 year if you register the product online.

All in all, if you are looking for a stylish and affordable 2-slice toaster, this elegant unit by Russell Hobbs is a fantastic choice. It has all the basic functions you need for making toast, you can even use bread from the freezer or reheat your toast.

Russell Hobbs 26061 2 Slice Toaster in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £27.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0833N36CV

 

Russell Hobbs 23331

Great Value for the Money

If you are looking for a good value toaster, the 23331 2-Slice Toaster from Russell Hobbs is for you. This model is packed full of extra features while coming at a fraction of the price.

To begin with, you can't help but like the "Lift and Look" feature that comes in very useful when you want to check your toasts without the bother to restart the timer. To see how well your piece is browned, it is enough to just push the lever. Furthermore, the toaster features a variable browning control. Thanks to that, once your toasts are done, they are going to be automatically lifted out of slots, allowing you to remove them quickly.

Another highlight of the 23331 is the toasting technology that makes it possible to prepare toasts 50% faster compared to most other toasters in this price range. On the flip side of the coin, it does consume slightly more power, making it a bit less energy-efficient, though not to the extent to significantly affect your bills.

Also of note is the size of the slots. Here, they are notably larger than in most other models, allowing it to easily take standard thick-sliced bread, crumpets and tea cakes. On top of that, it can also cook from frozen. Featured with the "Frozen Bread" function, the unit can cook even frozen toasts to perfection, thus helping you make your mornings less fussy.

Review of Russell Hobbs 23331 2-Slice Toaster

Add a Splash of Colour to Your Kitchen

Russell Hobbs offers more than just high quality and advanced features. The company makes their products ultimately stylish, allowing you to really savour your first cup of coffee and crispy toast in the morning. This toaster has a vibrant lacquered finish that looks appealing and can add style to both traditional and contemporary kitchen. It has a clean, sleek design with chrome accents. We would like to point out that it's designed in a wide range of colours from classy black to flame red, so it will surely add a hint of personality to your cosy home.

In a word, if you are looking for a functional, powerful and beautifully designed electric toaster, this stylish unit by Russell Hobbs is just what you need.

Russell Hobbs 23331 2-Slice Toaster in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £32.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01GFPWNVW

 

Morphy Richards 228399 Arc

Good Value

Morphy Richards has been long recognised as a reliable brand of kitchenware that produces good-quality appliances for very fair prices. The Arc 2 slice toaster is no exception. This is a pretty basic toaster but it does the job as expected and can even give some more expensive models a run for their money.

First off, let's start with saying that the Arc 2 is a standard two-slice toaster. Despite that, the model looks very stylish. It boasts a lovely finish in on-trend patterned plastic with horizontal ridge pattern that gives it a bit of retro look. Plus, it also has very compact dimensions, making it easy to stow it away in a cupboard when not in use. As a nice touch, the manufacturer offers the matching kettle (108398 model) for a fully coordinated look.

Second, the toaster offers ample room to cope with bagels and thick toasts alike. The lever on the side makes it convenient to lower the bread of any size inside the toaster while the variable dial underneath lets you set the desired browning time choosing from seven available options. Of course, you probably won't need that much and for most peoples seven settings would be overkill but you have a stop button that will let you remove your toast as soon as you notice it turns browner than you want.

Review of Morphy Richards 228399 Arc 2 Slice Toaster

Easy to Clean

All other functions are included in this toaster as well. Beneath the lever, you can find defrost and reheat buttons, letting you defrost your toast slices right out-of-the fridge and reheat them if they go cold. There is also a removable crumb tray on the opposite side to the lever. It's a standard pull-out crumb tray that should be emptied at regular intervals, otherwise, all crumbs will end up spreading all over your countertop. The crumb tray slides out easily, allowing you to turn the toaster upside down and shake off remaining crumbs if any. Overall, the footprint of this toaster is fairly small, making it ideal for bijoux kitchens. On top of that, you have an option to shorten the power cord by using the cable management on the underside of the unit.

So, if you're after a neat and compact appliance that would do a good job of toasting bread, the Morphy Richards Arc 2 slice toaster should be right up your alley. Though basic, it is produced by a reliable brand and offers excellent value for the money.

Morphy Richards 228399 Arc 2 Slice Toaster in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £21.76
Stock In stock
ASIN B07R59Y2LH

 

Infographics

Comparison of Toasters to Cook Fast and Tasty Breakfast

What Is a Toaster?

A mouth-watering aroma and delicious flavour of hot bread will become a good start of a fantastic morning. However, not every person is so fortunate to live near a bakery or a department store. Not to mention that only a few of us make home bread, considering all the efforts necessary for this purpose. If that sounds exactly like you, we recommend using a toaster. With this wonderful appliance at hand, you will be able to fix your breakfast in a moment and enjoy truly delicious toasts any time you feel like it. The advantage of using a toaster rather than frying bread slices in a usual pan is that it gets them toasted quickly and you can choose the shade you like choosing from 4-7 shades available. Also, toasters allow toasting not only bread but also bagels and even can defrost frozen loaves so that you do not need to spend a lot of time in the morning. Toasters have many advantages. And if you've decided to buy one for yourself, you should find this list covering the five most popular toasters available quite handy!

Enjoying hot toasts is great but if you want to get more cooking options, go for a pressure cooker. And if you are a real coffee buff, pay your attention to these espresso machines reviews.

What Features to Compare

Before making a choice, we believe you should consider the following aspects.

Number of Slots

First things first, when selecting a toaster, you should decide on how many slots you want it to have. For smaller families consisting of two people, a toaster with two slots will be enough. However, if your family is bigger and all of you love eating toasts, it'd be a much better idea to go with a toaster featuring 4 or more slots. In general, we recommend going for a bigger thing straight away as this will save you from the need to upgrade your toaster when you understand that two toasts are simply not enough for you.

Browning Settings

It doesn't matter what type of toaster you choose - mechanic or automatic - you will have an option to select the browning settings that you or your family prefer. For that, put a slice of bread in a slot, set the desired level of browning and off you go. The toaster will do the rest of work for you. What is handy is that most toasters feature "Look" and "Lift" buttons that allow you to control toasting without actually stopping it. What's more, they come including a timer so that you can add more time to achieve the crispiness you root for.

Power

Next, you should also consider the power as it shows you how quickly the toaster works. Naturally, if you need a high-performing device capable of toasting bread in a short timeframe, you should look in the direction of devices that yield 1800 watts and more. That being said, it doesn't mean that toasters working slowlier are not worth consideration. What many of them lack in power and speed they more than make up with a pool of useful functions, which can be more important.

Extra Features

Finally, see what other features are included with the model. Though cheaper toasters aren't that rich in additional functions, some things are common of all toasters such as for example, a crumb tray. A crumb tray is what keeps all bread crumbs in one place and makes sure the device remains uncluttered. Plus, thanks to the crumb tray, the toaster doesn't emit any burnt smells which can turn the toasting of bread into an unpleasant experience. Along with a crumb tray, most toasters have some LED indicators telling you of the time required for making a toast. Others may also include a defrosting feature so that you won't need to defrost bagels or bread additionally. The variety of extra features that can be included is really impressive so it's important to decide on the functionality you need before making a choice.

Sources:

1. Sara Buenfeld Easy-bake bread, BBCWorldwide.

2. Cathy Christoffersen The History of The Electric Toaster, HSTRY.

3. Toaster, Wikipedia. May 23, 2017.

4. The Complete Toaster Buying Guide, eBay. March 3, 2016.

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