10 Best Toaster Models

The Russell Hobbs Addison 4 Slice Toaster is a solid choice if you want a toaster that can handle more than just a couple of slices at once. It features four wide slots, which are great for thicker bread like bagels or fruit bread, making it more versatile than standard toasters. You get dual browning controls, which means you can toast two slices on one side and two on the other, each with its own settings. This is handy if different family members like different toast darkness levels or if you want to save energy by only toasting two slices at a time.

The toaster also has defrost and reheat functions that let you thaw frozen bread or warm up toast without overcooking it. These extra features add convenience and help prevent burnt toast. Its brushed stainless steel finish offers a classic look that fits well in most kitchens, and the crumb tray is easy to access, making cleaning straightforward. The high-lift feature helps safely remove smaller pieces without burning your fingers.

While it offers good control over browning, it doesn’t provide a very wide range of settings if you want very precise control. Additionally, the toaster is a bit bulky, so it might take up quite a bit of counter space if your kitchen is small. Its weight is on the heavier side, which means it’s sturdy but less easy to move around. If you mainly toast one or two slices daily, this might be more toaster than you need, but for families or those who like variety in their toasting, it’s a practical and reliable option.

The Breville Smart Toaster stands out with its four extra-wide slots, making it great for toasting thick artisanal breads, bagels, or pastries that won’t fit in regular toasters. It offers five browning settings, including useful presets like defrost, bagel, and fruit bread, allowing you to customize the toast exactly how you like it. The innovative "Lift & Look" feature lets you check the progress mid-cycle without interrupting the toasting, and "A Bit More" lets you easily add extra time for perfect results. Its automatic functions also simplify use by lowering and lifting the toast automatically.

The stainless steel design looks modern and durable, and the front crumb tray makes cleaning straightforward without having to move the whole toaster. On the downside, despite the smart features, the toaster is a bit on the heavier side (over 5 kg), which might be inconvenient if you want to move it around often. Also, the power consumption is fairly high at 1680 watts, so it might use more electricity than simpler models.

For those who often toast thick or specialty breads and appreciate hands-off control for perfect browning, this Breville model represents a strong choice. However, those preferring a more compact or lightweight option might find it less ideal.

The Breville Lift and Look Pro is a solid choice if you want a toaster that handles up to four slices at once, which is great for families or if you often toast multiple items. Its extra wide and deep slots can fit thicker breads, bagels, or crumpets comfortably, making it versatile for different bread types. The ‘Lift and Look’ feature is handy because it lets you check your toast's progress without canceling the cycle, so you won’t get burnt toast by surprise. You also get specialized settings like Fruit Bread and Frozen, which help toast delicate or frozen items more effectively. The 'A Bit More' button is useful if you want a little extra toasting time without restarting the whole process.

The stainless steel design looks sleek and should fit well in most kitchens, plus it’s fairly easy to clean with a removable crumb tray. This model doesn’t specify multiple browning settings in detail, so you might find it less customizable compared to some models that offer precise darkness controls. It weighs over 3 kg, which is a bit heavy if you like to move your toaster around often, but that also suggests sturdy construction. The wattage (1520W) means it heats up quickly, so you won’t be waiting long.

If you want a straightforward, reliable toaster with some thoughtful extra features for different bread types and easy monitoring, the Breville Lift and Look Pro is worth considering. For those who prioritize highly detailed browning control or a lighter appliance, exploring other options could be beneficial.