If you only read one thing: the toaster that earned top marks in our tests is the Sage the Toast Select Luxe, £118.95.
There’s nothing like a perfectly-toasted piece of toast: browned to perfection so the butter seeps in without becoming too soggy. But, as it turns out, getting your toast to crisp and colour to your taste can be a fine art, so you need the right model to suit your individual tastes and preferences.
From wallet-friendly functional models to more intuitive and higher-end toasters – such as those with different temperature settings depending on the type of bread to cooling racks and more – we have tested nearly 40 toasters in all shapes, sizes and price ranges to find the best models to suit different tastes, household sizes and preferences.
To ensure fair and consistent testing, we tested using a variety of breaded items, from artisan sourdough to supermarket pre-sliced bread and fruit loaf to see how they fared. We also took into consideration factors such as price point, size, weight, slot size and toasting settings and considered a range of different-sized models, from two-slice toasters to four-slice slot appliances.
Read on to discover which toasters we consider to be the best things since sliced bread. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or stylish toaster to match your kettle, we’ve got you covered.
The latest additions to this guide were tested and reviewed by Annie Collyer.
Best toasters at a glance
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Best matching kettle and toaster sets at a glance
- Best retro kettle and toaster set: Haden Highclere kettle and toaster, £80
- Most versatile kettle and toaster set: Ninja kettle and toaster set, £249
- Best premium kettle and toaster set: KitchenAid Artisan breakfast set, £448.50
- Best kettle and toaster set for style and simplicity: Salter Pebble kettle and toaster set, £79.99
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How we tested toasters
Although they’re relatively simple appliances, it’s surprising how many toasters struggle to brown bread evenly across the slice, and with the same (or at least similar) colouring on each side. I took this into consideration when testing out over 40 models and rounded up the top performers accordingly.
All were rated against practical considerations such as size and weight, safety, ease of use, good looks and speed of toasting (we can confirm that the rumours are false: the settings on your toaster don’t correspond with the number of minutes it takes to toast bread).
I used five different bread types to test all the functions and capabilities of the toaster; standard loaf slices, fruit bread, chunky-cut artisan loaf, extra-tall slices and sliced bagels. Each toaster was scored out of five against the following criteria on our testing matrix, before getting an average score.
- Size and shape: Does the cord tuck away for easy storage? Does it take up a lot of space and is it heavy to lift
- Toasting options: Does it offer any extra settings such as defrost, warming and bagel function? Are there controls for each side of the toaster, and are there any extra features?
- Design and aesthetic: Does the toaster look good and come in different colours to suit your kitchen?
- Finished results: How well does the toaster handle different types of bread?
- Value for money: Toasters perform the basic task of browning bread, so the price should fit the sophistication of its tech and functions on offer.
- Overall quality of materials: Every part of the toaster was given a tug and a shake.
Best toasters to buy in 2026
Sage the Toast Select Luxe
Available from Harts of Stur (£118.95), Amazon (£119), Sage (£119.95)
Best toaster for quality
Pros:
- Setting for different types of bake (crumpet, brown, white, fruit etc)
- Level of brown selection dial is a nice touch
- High lift so toast doesn’t get stuck
Cons:
- Two slots may be too small for some needs
Star rating: 5/5
Wattage: 2400W
What we liked:
Talk about countertop eye candy. This sophisticated toaster has it all, from good looks to intuitive settings. I love how considered the settings are, from settings for crumpets, brown, white and fruit bread, plus a dial for choosing just how toasted you’d like your toast to be.
It has a high lift, so extracting most types of bread I tested was straightforward and I was impressed with the consistently cooked toast during my testing, as well as the specific settings and ‘crumpet’ function.
What we didn’t like:
With only two slots, it may not be big enough for some households. I also struggled a little with the fruit load, which didn’t lift out quite as cleanly as the rest.
Dimensions: 20.9 x 20 x 34.1cm (WxDxH)
Number of slots: 2
Settings: Six browning levels. White, fruit, brown, rye, grain, crumpet
Bosch DesignLine toaster
Available from Amazon (£59.99)
Best 4-slice toaster overall
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Stylish
- Robust
- Speedy
- More cost-efficient versus other models
Cons:
- Susceptible to fingerprint marks
Star rating: 5/5
Wattage: 1940W
What we liked:
Made from stainless steel, there’s a lot to admire about this Bosch toaster. It’s sleek-looking, sturdy and remarkably lightweight, with six levels on the thermostat, a defrost button and a reheat button and each toasting chamber can be operated independently. In testing, the DesignLine worked quickly, with toast ready in just 90 seconds on level three, and it handled both standard and XL slices without difficulty, producing mostly even toasting on each side. It’s also more cost-efficient than a lot of other models I tested, and Bosch’s product page has plenty of detail on repair services and recycling, which is a nice touch on the sustainability front. A matching kettle is also available, which we awarded 4.5/5 stars.
What we didn’t like:
The only real drawback was that the stainless steel finish picks up fingerprint marks easily, so it needs a wipe down more often than I’d like to keep it looking its best.
Cost to run all slots for 90 secs for one day per week: 3.4p
Dimensions: 30 x 28.5 x 20cm (WxDxH)
Number of slots: 4
Settings: Six browning levels, defrost and warm up
Available from:
Magimix Vision toaster
Available from Amazon (£149), Magimix (£149.99), Currys (£194)
Best innovative toaster
Pros:
- Beautifully designed
- Wide slot for all bread types
- One-sided toasting option
- Fast and even toasting
- Easy to clean
- Quick toast from frozen
- Reheat setting
Cons:
Star rating: 5/5
Wattage: 1450W
What we liked:
The brushed stainless steel and retro curves are genuinely distinctive, but the real talking point is the large glass viewing window, which glows amber as your bread toasts. It sounds gimmicky but it’s actually useful, giving you a clear visual cue without needing to hover over a timer. The extra-wide slots handle everything well, with a standard supermarket slice reaching medium brown in 1 min 31 seconds on setting three, sourdough in 2 mins 40 seconds and fruit loaf in 1 min 46 seconds, with even browning across all. The defrost setting brought frozen bread to evenly toasted in 1 min 51 seconds, which is quick for the category. The window opens for easy cleaning and the slide-out crumb tray catches everything else, and with eight heat settings, the middle range proved most useful in practice.
What we didn’t like:
It only comes in a two-slice version, which rules it out for larger households. It’s also the priciest toaster in this guide, so it needs to earn its keep.
Dimensions: 39.5 x 18 x 22.5cm (WxDxH)
Number of slots: 1
Settings: 8 browning levels. Reheat, one-side, defrost
Available from:
Cuisinart SimpliTouch XL Colour Touchscreen 2-slice toaster
Available from Cuisinart (£59.99)
Best toaster for a variety of features
Pros:
- Smart: six levels of toasting and five bread options
- Defrost feature
- One slice function
- Lightweight and small footprint
- Affordable price
Cons:
Star rating: 4.5/5
Wattage: 1000
What we liked:
There are five bread settings, six shade levels, a single-slice button, a defrost option and a handy extra 15 seconds button for when you want just a little more colour. The touchscreen sounds fancier than it is; it’s genuinely easy to use. The extra-wide slots can tackle a chunky sourdough or a hot cross bun without issue, and the fruit in the bun toasted beautifully. Level one takes 1 min 10 seconds (more warmed than toasted) but things pick up quickly, with level three hitting 1 min 47 seconds and the darkest setting reaching 2 mins 40 seconds. Timings vary slightly by bread type, but I never ended up with burnt toast, and the defrost pairs with your chosen shade setting rather than working independently, giving you a bit more control over the result.
What we didn’t like:
The only real drawback is that it comes in just one colour option, so there’s no way to match it to your kitchen if that matters to you.
Dimensions: 21 x 31 x 18cm (WxDxH)
Number of slots: 2
Settings: 6 browning levels. Bagel, sourdough, English muffin, fruit. Defrost, +15 seconds, one slice.
Available from:
Bosch Styline 2-slot toaster
Available from Amazon (£64.50), Bosch (£84.99)
Best all-rounder toaster
Pros:
- Smart
- Handy pop up warming rack
Cons:
- Large lever to toast can be hard to push down
Star rating: 4.5/5
Wattage: 860W
What we liked:
It’s simple to use, with a lovely big text and LED display. The wide slots and high lift mean none of the bread I tested got stuck and was easy to remove. The pop-up heating rack was a standout for us, particularly for toasting fruit bread and crumpets, and I think it would work well for croissants too. There are nine settings for how toasted you’d like your bread, plus the standard reheat, defrost and stop functions. Most importantly, the toast came out evenly toasted, the most evenly out of all the toasters I tested. It’s also safety conscious, with an on/off button and slots that glow so you know when the toaster is on. There’s also a highly sophisticated and intuitive matching kettle available separately.
What we didn’t like:
The large lever for lowering the bread into the slots is a nice touch, but it does have a little resistance, so some people may struggle as it requires a bit of force to push down.
Dimensions: 18.4 x 31.3 x 17cm (WxDxH)
Number of slots: 2
Settings: 9 browning levels. Defrost.
Lakeland Stainless Steel 2-slice Toaster
Available from Lakeland (£44.99)
Best 2-slice toaster overall
Pros:
- Budget friendly
- Wide slot openings
- Bagel setting
Cons:
- Sometimes toasts unevenly
Star rating 4.5/5
Wattage: 860-1050W
What we liked:
The wide openings on this two-slot model are a bonus, and its six browning levels suit most needs. I liked the bagel setting, press the red button once the toast has clicked down into position and only one side of each chamber heats up. There’s also a defrost button, great if you fancy soft bread for a speedy bacon sandwich and only have frozen slices, plus a cancel button that pops the bread up immediately. It tested well on everything from artisan bloomer to tea cakes, with no need to squash thicker slices into the slots. I liked the simplicity of this one, less time spent figuring it out means more time for toast.
What we didn’t like:
Toasting wasn’t always perfectly even across both slots, so it’s worth keeping an eye on it, especially with thicker or denser bread.
Dimensions: 28 x 16 x 18.5cm (WxDxH)
Number of slots: 2
Settings: 6 browning levels. Defrost, bagel.
Available from:
KitchenAid 2-slice toaster
Available from KitchenAid (£134.25), Boots (£134.25)
Best stylish toaster
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Robust
- Intuitive
Cons:
- Slots too shallow to accommodate tall slices
- Slow to toast
Star rating: 4.5/5
Wattage: 980W
What we liked:
With a stylish, glossy finish and simple controls, this toaster combines an attractive look with genuinely impressive functionality. There are seven temperature options to choose from, as well as four dedicated settings for bagels, defrosting, keep-warm and reheating, giving you plenty of flexibility depending on what you’re putting in it. It felt robust in daily use too, with a solid build that didn’t feel flimsy or lightweight despite the sleek design. On test, I was really impressed by the even browning on our regular slices, with consistent results across the settings I tried. The controls were intuitive from the start, no fiddling with a manual or guesswork needed to get the toast you want.
What we didn’t like:
The slots were too shallow to fully accommodate taller slices, which meant I had to flip these partway through to avoid a white stripe of untoasted bread down one side. This became a bit of a faff if you’re regularly toasting thicker or artisan-style loaves. It was also on the slower side compared with some of the other models I tested, so if you’re after a speedy toaster for a rushed morning, this one might test your patience.
This toaster comes with a matching kettle with a similar look, which would work well if you want a matching set. Find the review in our guide to the best kettles.
Dimensions: 28 x 16 x 18.5cm (WxDxH)
Number of slots: 2
Settings: 7 browning levels. Defrost, reheat, bagel, keep warm.
Available from:
ProCook 2 Slice Toaster
Available from ProCook (£69)
Best stainless steel toaster
Pros:
- Clean, simple, functional, straightforward
- Impressive cooking results
Cons:
- Two slots may be too small for some needs
Star rating: 4/5
Wattage: 900W
What we liked:
Shiny and functional, this stainless steel two-slot toaster is efficient and relatively compact with a modern finish. With wide slots and a high lever, I found testing a variety of breads, toastie bread, sourdough and fruit cake straightforward, and the toasting was wonderfully consistent. It feels and looks good quality, and for its price point I was very impressed. It also has a defrost and reheat function, as well as cancel, and a dial of one to seven depending on how toasted you like your bread. On the whole, it’s good value, functional, reliable and consistent, everything you’d want in a toaster.
What we didn’t like:
Only having two slots may be a drawback for some, particularly larger households, though it’s efficient enough at what it does that toasting more than two pieces would still be quick and easy.
Dimensions: 29 x 16 x 20cm (WxDxH)
Number of slots: 2
Settings: 7 browning levels. Defrost, reheat.
Tower Renaissance 4-slice toaster
Available from Amazon (£66.95)
Best toaster for a retro look
Pros:
- Lovely design and colour
- Looks more expensive than it is
Cons:
- Toastie loaf stuck out of the top
Star rating: 4/5
Wattage: 1630W
What we liked:
I loved the colour and design of this one, and our first impressions when unboxing were favourable, as it certainly looks and feels more expensive than it is. Despite being a four-slot toaster, it feels relatively compact compared with other models, and the design is modern without being too in-your-face. While the settings aren’t as advanced as other models, with no dedicated heat settings for crumpets or bagels for example, the defrost, reheat, cancel and heat scale of one to six worked well and produced consistent toasting. I particularly liked the sliding heat scale, I used level 3.9 for toasting. The price point, colour and finish are all spot on and it would suit busy households who need to cook multiple slices of toast at once.
What we didn’t like:
The only bread that struggled during our tests was the toastie bread, which wasn’t entirely cooked at the top and stuck out of the toaster.
Dimensions: 31 x 30.7 x 19.5cm (WxDxH)
Number of slots: 4
Settings: 7 browning levels. Defrost, reheat.
De’Longhi Ballerina Seta toaster
Available from De’Longhi (£59.99)
Best toaster for stylish kitchens
Pros:
- Colourful, fun designs
- Straightforward controls
- Easy to remove toast
Cons:
- Just one knob for level of browning
- No bagel option
Star rating: 4/5
Wattage: 1800W
What we liked:
We tested De’Longhi’s new Seta toaster model in Silk Blue, a chic colour that would suit the fashion for darker kitchens. It also comes in a more traditional cream and there’s a fabulous matching kettle too. Seta means silk in Italian and the stylish casing was reminiscent of flowing satin, very swish. The straightforward controls include defrost, reheat and cancel functions. We liked the high-lift option for bread retrieval and the two removable crumb trays, which slid out easily for quick tidy ups, leaving no mess on the worktop.
What we didn’t like:
Since each side of this four-slot model has separate levers, you can achieve different levels of browning, but you have to time this yourself by popping one set of toast down slightly later than the other, as there’s only one knob for choosing a level of browning from 1-5. We would also have liked a bagel option for one-sided crispiness.
Dimensions: 28 x 18 x 20cm (WxDxH)
Number of slots: 4
Settings: 5 browning levels. Defrost, reheat.
Philips Eco Conscious Edition 5000 Series HD2640 toaster
Available from Amazon (£48.83), Currys (£54.99)
Best toaster with eco credentials
Pros:
- Ideal for the eco-conscious
- Compact
- Quick
- Warming rack
Cons:
- Not great for long slices
- Sometimes burnt with defrost button
Star rating: 4/5
Wattage: 830W
What we liked:
A toaster with impeccable eco-credentials, this compact toaster is ideal for smaller households, or kitchens with a limited working area. It’s made from bio-based plastics, which come from biological and renewable resources. It’s smaller than average and very lightweight but surprisingly speedy, and it coped well with all but the tallest loaves. We liked the extra feature of the bun warmer in particular, and unusually, this toaster also comes with a lid which keeps it clean, neat and dust-free when it’s not in use. This compact toaster would make a perfect gift for an eco-conscious student.
What we didn’t like:
The defrost function is combined with the browning button, so you can’t choose how brown you want your defrosted slice to be, though you can always use the cancel button if it starts to catch. It also isn’t great with longer slices, given its compact size.
Dimensions: 28.5 x 16.2 x 19.9cm (WxDxH)
Number of slots: 2
Settings: 8 browning levels. Defrost, bun warming.
Best matching kettle and toaster sets
If you like to start your day with a hot cup of tea or coffee and a plate of buttery toast, a kettle and toaster may be your most relied-upon appliances in the kitchen. Many models come in matching sets that can either compliment an existing colour scheme or brighten up your space.
But it’s just not looks that matter – these gadgets should also be reliable, efficient, and easy to use. We’ve selected the top-performing kettle and toaster sets that impressed us most in testing.
Haden Highclere kettle and toaster
Available from Robert Dyas (£94.99)
A great choice for kitchen with a vintage aesthetic, this stainless-steel kettle and toaster is both sturdy and stylish. Both models are available in two colours (blue or cream), with a smooth matte finish and polished silver accents on the controls. I found them easy to use too, and particularly liked the ergonomic handle across the top of the kettle, which aided with filling and pouring.
Ninja kettle and toaster set
Available from Amazon (£229.99)
Most versatile kettle and toaster set
Ninja is renowned for its innovative appliances, from larger cooking gadgets like air fryers to this matching kettle and toaster set. Available in either stainless steel or black, the variable-temperature kettle can heat from 60-100C, which is ideal for those who drink speciality teas (which require a lower temperature), and the toaster features seven cooking functions and seven shade settings.
Available from:
KitchenAid Artisan breakfast set
Available from KitchenAid (£351)
Best premium kettle and toaster set
Available as a pair in KitchenAid’s iconic candy apple red (or separately in medallion silver), this kettle and toaster both feature a range of settings that can be customised to your liking – from multi-temperature functions on the kettle, to seven shade options on the toaster. Together they’re fairly expensive, but both models feel to built to last and come with a decent guarantee (three years for the kettle, five for the toaster).
Salter Pebble Kettle and Toaster set
Available from Amazon (£79.97), Salter (£79.99)
Best kettle and toaster set for style and simplicity
Salter’s Pebble set brings a coordinated look to the kitchen with appliances and matching storage in cream or charcoal. The kettle has a chunky, comfortable feel, and its boil-dry protection and limescale filter make upkeep easy, though filter removal could be clearer.
Paired with the Salter Pebble 4-slice toaster (£49.99), rated 4/5 by us – and with a high-lift eject to easily retrieve small items – this set offers both functionality and style. The toaster’s centred slots ensure even browning, while the copper trim adds a stylish touch suited to any kitchen.
Other toasters tried and tested
What to look for when buying a toaster
When you’re buying a new toaster, there are plenty of other factors to consider, too. Are you a fan of chunky artisan bread, or loaves with large slices that your toaster might struggle to hold? Read our tips on the features to look for when buying a toaster:
What does it toast?
When you’re looking for a four-slot toaster, think about what you use your current model for the most, and make sure it has everything you need. If you’re a fan of bagels, you’ll want that extra functionality.
If your family all makes their toast pretty much the same way, a single-lever model will suit you fine (and likely be cheaper), while the bagel function found on some toasters is useful for lovers of bagels and crumpets, as it toasts one side, while only warming the other.
Cost
As with so many kitchen appliances, you often get what you pay for: some cheaper models do a perfectly good job, but if you’re using your toaster every day, it’s worth investing in a sturdy model that can withstand being used regularly and taken in and out of the cupboard without getting damaged.
Size
Is it a titan of a toaster with a cumbersome cord that will take up too much space in your kitchen cupboards? If you’re a fan of bagels, or store your bread in the freezer, does it include all the functions you need to create toast perfection?
Weight
Checking the weight and measurements of your toaster is also important, as four-slice models are significantly larger than two-slice versions, and can weigh a lot. If you store yours in a high cupboard, a lighter model is best, unless you’re happy to rearrange your kitchen.
Defrost setting
Most modern toasters have a defrost setting that allows you to toast bread from frozen, with the exception of the cheapest models.
Warming function
For anyone who does not want to eat their toast straightaway, this is an important consideration. The toaster will keep your slice heated without toasting it further, until you return to it later.
Slot width
If you enjoy a thickly sliced bread or chunky artisan types, be sure to look for a toaster with an extra-wide slot. Some models even have adjustable slow width. On pressing down a lever, the metal frame fits to the slice size to ensure an even toasting, regardless of thickness.
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Which toaster do you use? We’d love to hear your product suggestions below…