Toasters: Compare features & prices

Side-by-side comparison

Capacity
The maximum number of slices you can toast in one go.

Extra lift
The bread carriage is raised so it's easier to remove small items.

Cable length
Length of cable to nearest cm.

Defrost
Lets you toast frozen bread.

Overall performance
How quickly and evenly the toaster browns and how versatile it is for accommodating different sizes of bread.

Evenness of toasting
How evenly slices of fresh and frozen white bread are toasted. We look at the whole of the slice, noting any the variation in colouring across the slice. We also look for untoasted tops and stripes and make sure that both faces of the bread are toasted to the same degree. Models tested before December 2010 do not have a result for this test, but will have a browning coverage rating instead.

Browning coverage
How much of the toast has achieved a golden-brown colour, without any significantly pale or dark areas.

Speed
How quickly the toaster was able to toast a slice of fresh or frozen bread.

Overall versatility
Based on the range of different-sized breads the toaster can accommodate.

Fitting conventional slices
How good the size of the slot is for fitting conventional supermarket loaf slices.

Fitting tall slices
How good the size of the slot is for toasting tall slices of bread such as homemade slices or rustic slices.

Fitting wide and long slices
How good the size of the slot is for fitting wide and long slices such as pitta breads and bloomer slices. A five-star rating means that all can be accommodated with no problem; lower ratings mean that bigger slices catch in the slot and/or have to be cut into two pieces to be toasted and/or are too wide to fit in the slot.

Fitting thick slices
How good the size of the slot is for fitting thick slices of bread or thick items such as a crumpet, teacake or bagel.

Loading
How easy it is to put bread into the slot and depress the carriage lever. This rating only applies to toasters that have been tested since 2008.

Unloading
How easy it is to remove items from the bread carriage without burning your fingers. This rating only applies to toasters that have been tested since 2008

Instructions
Whether the instructions are written in clear and legible English with useful illustrations and include troubleshooting and quick start information. This rating only applies to toasters that have been tested since 2008.

Using the browning control
How well the browning control responds to adjustment and the range of browning levels available. This rating only applies to toasters that have been tested since 2008.

Using the crumb tray
How easy it is to remove and replace the crumb tray, particularly for people with reduced manual dexterity.

Ease of use
How easy it is to use the toaster in line with the instruction manual.

Cleaning
How easy it is to clean the toaster's surfaces and crumb tray.

Build quality
How sturdy the toaster is, including the controls, crumb tray, lever and slot mechanism. This rating only applies to toasters that have been tested since 2008.

Back