Toasters: Compare features & prices DeLonghi Brillante CTJ4003.BK review

The eye-catching DeLonghi Brillante 4-slice toaster will add glamour to any breakfast time, but can it turn a humble slice of bread into brilliant toast? Our lab tests uncover if this DeLonghi toaster has got substance as well as style.
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Test criteria Rating
Performance
Overall performance How quickly and evenly the toaster browns and how versatile it is for accommodating different sizes of bread. Subscribe
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. Subscribe
Browning coverage How much of the toast has achieved a golden-brown colour, without any significantly pale or dark areas. Subscribe
Speed How quickly the toaster was able to toast a slice of fresh or frozen bread. Subscribe
Versatility
Overall versatility Based on the range of different-sized breads the toaster can accommodate. Subscribe
Fitting conventional slices How good the size of the slot is for fitting conventional supermarket loaf slices. Subscribe
Fitting tall slices How good the size of the slot is for toasting tall slices of bread such as homemade slices or rustic slices. Subscribe
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. Subscribe
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. Subscribe
Convenience
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. Subscribe
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 Subscribe
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. Subscribe
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. Subscribe
Using the crumb tray How easy it is to remove and replace the crumb tray, particularly for people with reduced manual dexterity. Subscribe
Ease of use How easy it is to use the toaster in line with the instruction manual. Subscribe
Cleaning How easy it is to clean the toaster's surfaces and crumb tray. Subscribe
Build quality
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. Subscribe

DeLonghi Brillante CTJ4003.BK

  • Launch date: Jan 2011
  • Type: 4 slice
  • Which? score: Subscribe
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