You know what they say: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So if you’re more of a toast than a cereal person, it’s important to get the right equipment for your morning slice.
After all, alongside your kettle, it’s one of the first things you’ll see in the morning, taking pride of place on your kitchen counter.
The first question to combat is whether you need a two-slice or four-slice number. Big families (and toast fiends) should of course opt for the latter, but with gadgets starting to take up a lot of room on our work surfaces, sticking to smaller two-slice versions may be better for those who are only after a few slices.
Whether you like yours lightly browned or as crisp as can be, we’ve rounded up our ten favourite options from the high street, for all budgets.
1. Magimix two-slot toaster , £159.98
(Image: Amazon)
A totally see-through toaster made famous by Nigella which, unsurprisingly, doesn’t come cheap.
Thanks to its transparent exterior, you’ll forever be able to pop your toast up exactly when it’s ready, and never have to scrape the burnt bits off over the sink ever again (don’t say it’s just us that does that?).
2. SMEG four-slice toaster, £154.30
(Image: Currys)
When it comes to big brand names, it doesn’t get much better than SMEG.
This beautiful four-slice toaster is the creme de la creme of kitchen appliances, plus for your next splurge, you can treat yourself to the matching kettle. And then the juicer, and then the food processor …
3. De’Longi four-slice toaster, £42.99
(Image: Amazon)
Not only does it look super stylish with its high-tech yet vintage design, but it boasts some very impressive reviews on Amazon, with people saying it toasts their toast like they’ve never seen before.
The only downside it seems, is that it takes up quite a lot of room on the counter.
4. Dualit four-slice toaster, £154.30
(Image: Currys)
One of the most well-known names when it comes to premium toaster making, Dualit’s option is, unsurprisingly, a very, very good one.
Boasting an energy-saving mode, extra wide slots for chunky bread, and a warming function, this durable gadget has all the capabilities you never knew you needed.
5. Bodum Bistro two-slice toaster, £34.98
(Image: Amazon)
We know it’s inside that’s what counts, but with most toasters getting pride of place on kitchen counters, looks do come in to the question.
And it doesn’t get any prettier than this number, which looks more like a speaker than a kitchen gadget to us. Just make sure you don’t confuse the two after a few drinks…
6. KitchenAid two-slice toaster, £99
(Image: Currys)
This KitchenAid option also features a three minute keeping warm function, as well as seven different browning functions and an all-important bagel function.
The only downside to the toaster appears to be the lift, which doesn’t lift up as high as it could for the hefty price tag.
7. Hephaestus four-slice toaster, £68.99
(Image: Amazon)
We love the high-tech look of this number, with its fancy digital display button, and sleek silver design.
It also seems to have a good heating rate, meaning you aren’t waiting ages for your toast to be ready.
8. Morphy Richards four-slice toaster, £29.99
(Image: Amazon)
Another nice retro-esque option, you get a lot for your money with this pastel coloured design.
With a handy removable crumbs tray, there’s also a matching microwave, kettle, capsule coffee machine, pour over filter coffee machine and slow cooker, if you want to pick up the whole set.
9. Russell Hobbs four-slice toaster, £27.30
(Image: Amazon)
If you want a toaster for a bargain price that looks like it cost a lot more – this might be the option for you.
Featuring only the basic modes, such as defrost and cancel, it does the job that needs doing, without much else. But sometimes, that’s all you need.
10. Bosch two-slice toaster, £22
(Image: Amazon)
The perfect option for those after just a cheap option that will keep them going for years to come, this Bosch number has all your average capabilities, wrapped up in a sophisticated black design that will fit in with almost any kitchen.
It also comes with its own removable crumb tray and integrated bun warmer.