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What's the best toaster for families? Our top picks for every budget
Get the most from your toast with our pick of the best two-slice and four-slice toasters to add to your kitchen.
By Natasha Gregson & Anna Cook | Last updated Sep 2, 2025
Bread, bagels, crumpets, tea cakes, English muffins, hot cross buns – whatever your carb of choice, the best toasters make light work of quick breakfasts and speedy snacks.
Traditional two-slice toasters are perfect for compact kitchens, and four-slice toasters are a godsend for families needing to feed hungry (and impatient) kids in a flash. Then there's performance to consider – the best toasters should be able to handle any bread type, be it your beloved homemade sourdough or a standard white loaf, and deliver evenly browned slices every time. You'll also need to think about style; do you want a toaster that matches your best kettle, or do you want a charmingly eclectic aesthetic?
Whatever type of toaster you're after, we've rounded up the top options so you can upgrade your breakfast regime with confidence.
Best toaster UK: at a glance
Best toaster overall: Dualit NewGen Toaster | £175
Best budget toaster: Cookworks Long-Slot Toaster | £25
Best mid-range toaster: Russell Hobbs Inspire Toaster | £28
Best toaster for deep slots: Breville VTT981 Edge Toaster |
£48£32 (-33%)Best toaster for features: Sage Smart Toaster | £139
Best retro-style toaster: De’Longhi Icona Metallics Toaster |
£115£50 (-57%)Best modern-style toaster: Zwilling Enfinigy Toaster | £109
Best toaster for homemade bread: KitchenAid Breakfast Suite Toaster |
£179£135 (-25%)
How we tested the best toasters
If you've yet to find a product that ticks all your boxes, we've curated a selection of the top toaster brands that have been tried, tested and wholeheartedly recommended by families on the Mumsnet forums, home to the largest online network of parents in the UK. We then also combined this research with analysis into expert picks and authentic online reviews to compile a shortlist of the very best, before completing our own rigorous testing on selected toasters to ensure our recommendations really are top-notch.
During hands-on testing, MNHQ editors and experienced product reviewers - Natasha Gregson, Rebecca Roberts and Jenny Wonnacott - tried out different types of bread, munching their way through everything from a standard white loaf to homemade bread, crumpets, sourdough, and bagels.
Each toaster we tested was then rated against clear criteria:
Ease of use - Were the controls intuitive and user-friendly?
Ease of cleaning - How simple was it to empty crumb trays and keep the toaster looking fresh?
Performance and consistency - Did it brown evenly and reliably?
Design - Did it look good on the countertop, feel sturdy, and fit seamlessly into a family kitchen?
Value for money - Was the performance justified by the price point?
Kitting out your whole kitchen? We also have guides to the best dishwashers and best fridge freezers.
Best toaster overall
Sleek design
Variable settings for a range of items
'Peek and Pop' feature to check on progress
Lasts for years
Removable crumb tray
Hefty price tag
Crumpets were too thick for the 'Peek and Pop' feature
Key specs
Price on writing: £175 for two-slice, £220 for four-slice | Number of settings: Variable | Power: 1200 watts
What Mumsnet users say
Tested by Mumsnet home editor Natasha Gregson: Read our in-depth Dualit NewGen Toaster review
The Dualit NewGen isn’t cheap, but if you're willing to pay for decades of perfect toast, this is the one for you.
So, what do you get for this rather hefty price tag? There's variable temperature settings, and I loved that I could adjust the countdown timer for the ideal level of browning. The 'Peek and Pop' feature was another highlight; it was super easy to use and handy for checking in on progress without cancelling the toasting. I also liked the slice number selector, which saves electricity as it only heats up the exact number of slots you need.
Finally, though form is obviously not as important as function, it looked very sleek on my kitchen counter – I'd happily keep this out on display for years to come. And on that note, some Mumsnetters post that their Dualits have lasted them years, with Heronatemygoldfish reporting that they'd go for the brand every time: "You 'pop' it yourself so there's no flying crumbs. We've had ours 20 [years] now. One set of replaced elements and one new timer. They sell spares for all parts so it's about as eco as it comes."
So, while it may be pricey, you certainly get a lot of bang for your buck!
Best budget toaster
Affordable buy
Great for toasting large slices and pitta bread
Seven different toast settings
Basic design
Key specs
Price on writing: £25 | Number of settings: Seven | Power: 1400 watts
Some toast aficionados swear that the only way to achieve truly great toast is to buy a long-slot toaster that can accommodate four slices, then toast your bread landscape, two slices at a time.
Although this Argos toaster isn't massively exciting to look at (especially when compared to the fancy Dualit NewGen), reviewers rate the brand's products because they get the job done. It has seven different toast settings and a defrost setting, and you can vary the width of the slots to ensure perfect results no matter what you're grilling.
Most importantly, it should help you banish the irritating uncooked strip at the top of your bread. Plus, it's great for toasting longer items like pitta bread or large sourdough slices.
Related: The best American fridge freezer, tried and tested
Best mid-range toaster
Russell Hobbs Inspire Toaster
Stylish design
Very easy to use
Produces evenly toasted bread
Good value
Doesn't fit larger bread slices
Key specs
Price on writing: £32 for two-slice, £28 for four-slice | Number of settings: Five | Power: 1050 watts
What Mumsnet users say
Tested by Mumsnet editor Rebecca Roberts: Read our in-depth Russell Hobbs Inspire Toaster review
The Russell Hobbs Inspire Toaster lives up to its promises, delivering even toasting, efficiency, and handy extra features like lift-and-look. Paired with the matching Inspire Kettle, I loved the stylish touch it added to my kitchen countertops, so much so that together they were a clear contender for Mumsnet's best matching kettle and toaster set round-up. I also found cleaning the toaster was nice and easy thanks to the convenient pull-out crumb tray.
However, it struggled with larger slices of bread and required them to be inserted vertically, resulting in undercooked stripes on each slice. While flipping the slices resolved this issue, it was still a slight inconvenience.
Despite this issue, the Inspire remains one of our best toasters under £50. You probably won't get as many years out of it as the Dualit NewGen, but it's over £120 cheaper, plus its aesthetic appeal and overall toasting performance make it a practical and stylish choice for any kitchen.
Best toaster with deep slots
Deep slots for slices of all sizes
Specifically designed for tall slices of bread
Classy brushed stainless steel design
Not the best for longevity
Casing gets very hot
Key specs
Price on writing: £44 | Number of settings: Variable | Power: 1050 watts
What Mumsnet users say
This toaster has extra deep slots to ensure thorough toasting of bread of all sizes, and it features a high-lift function, meaning you can extract smaller items like crumpets and bagels without burning your fingers.
Like the premium Sage Smart Toaster, it also has a nifty 'lift-and-look' feature - but thankfully, the Breville comes at a much, much cheaper price. This function is ideal for keeping an eye on the progress of your toast, all while minimising the risk of overdone slices ending up in your kitchen bin. We also like the variable width slots which allow it to grill all manner of baked goods to perfection.
The main downsides? Reviewers report it gets very hot, so you'll need to exercise extra caution when removing slices. There's also a few grumbles about it not lasting as long as expected, so if you want something with more longevity, the Dualit's your best bet.
Best toaster for features
Quick Look setting lets you check on your toast
Sleek and stylish design
High-tech features
Extra-wide slots for thick slices
Browns evenly
Expensive
Key specs
Price on writing: £139 for two-slice, £160 for four-slice | Number of settings: Variable | Power: 1000 watts
What Mumsnet users say
Tested by Mumsnet home editor Natasha Gregson: Read our in-depth Sage The Smart Toast review
This toaster, designed by Heston Blumenthal, is as ‘extra’ as the man himself. There’s even a motorised carriage that glides the toast in, which impressed me immensely. Necessary? No. Fun? Absolutely.
I loved the 'Quick Look' setting that let me check on browning progress without restarting the cooking process, and there's even a setting especially for crumpets and fruit loaf too.
I also liked the LED display that showed how far through the cooking process I was, plus it looked super stylish on my worktop. The only downside is the big price tag, though I do think it'd be a reliable, long-lasting buy for most kitchens, and it's arguably the most high-tech option on our list. In fact, I'd go as far to say it's one of the best toasters I've ever used - high praise indeed.
Related: Best integrated dishwasher for a streamlined kitchen
Best toaster for a retro style
Stylish, retro design
Browning control dial offers precision over levels of toastiness
Bagel, defrost and reheat settings
Four slots, ideal for families
Bulky
Outer slots can sometimes produce unevenly browned slices
Very pricey at full RRP (currently on offer though)
Key specs
Price on writing: £50 (was £115) | Number of settings: Six | Power: 1800 watts
What Mumsnet users say
Tested by Mumsnet home editor Natasha Gregson: Read our in-depth De'Longhi Icona Toaster review
If style is your top priority when choosing a toaster, the De'Longhi Icona is a standout option. With its retro design featuring chrome-style accents and a glossy finish, this four slicer combines both form and function.
In terms of performance during testing, the Icona handled a variety of bread types well, toasting them to near perfection. The slices toasted in the outer slots were sometimes unevenly browned, but overall I rated its performance. It also has lots of other handy features: it will defrost frozen bread right out of the freezer, reheat cold toast, and has extra-wide slots which can tackle most bread slices. I also loved the bagel function.
Of course, there is a matching kettle and - if you really want to push the boat out - a matching coffee machine too for the ultimate retro aesthetic. Just bear in mind it is quite bulky, so make sure you have enough space on your kitchen sides. It's also pricey at its full RRP (£115), so I recommend grabbing it in the sales - it's currently got a whopping £60 knocked off.
Best toaster for a modern style
Sleek, modern design
Even browning
Lots of browning levels
Five-year guarantee
Pricey
It didn't fit very long slices of bread (standard slices were fine)
No lift-and-look feature
Key specs
Price on writing: £109| Number of settings: Variable | Power: 1450 watts
What Mumsnet users say
Tested by Mumsnet home editor Natasha Gregson: Read our in-depth Zwilling Enfinigy Toaster review
If the Dualit NewGen and the De'Longhi Icona feel too old fashioned for you, and you'd prefer something a little more modern, may we suggest the Zwilling Enfinigy.
With a sleek design and a minimalist aesthetic, the Enfinigy is a very stylish kitchen appliance. But don't let its good looks fool you. This toaster is built to last and has an impressive five-year warranty.
When I tested the Zwilling out, I loved its range of settings; there are seven toasting levels, along with a reheat, defrost and bagel setting, all of which worked great. While I missed a lift-and-look function, the toasting performance was excellent, producing evenly browned slices when using standard bread. However, achieving the perfect browning for thicker items like crumpets and ciabatta required a bit more experimentation.
While the price tag may seem steep, the Enfinigy offers excellent value when you consider its long guarantee. If you're looking for a stylish, durable, and high-performing toaster, I think this is a worthy investment.
Best toaster for homemade bread
Short toasting time
Wide slots, ideal for homemade bread
Variety of settings
Stylish choice
High price point
Key specs
Price on writing: £109 | Number of settings: Seven | Power: Not specified
What Mumsnet users say
Tested by Mumsnet editor Jenny Wonnacott: Read our in-depth KitchenAid Breakfast Suite 2-Slice Toaster review
If you like a uniformed aesthetic and want a toaster that fits in well with your other kitchen appliances, you're in luck as KitchenAid, the brand famous for their iconic stand mixers, also make toasters too.
Their luxury two-slice toaster was a winner for me when it came to style; with its sleek matte black finish, it blended perfectly with my dark countertops and sat very nicely alongside the matching kettle and mixer. Setting it up was very simple, and using it was even easier; I just needed to pop my bread in and it was good to go. Adjusting the shade settings took a round or two to get just right, but overall the process is straightforward.
I liked how quickly it toasts, and the extra-wide slots accommodated my homemade bread slices perfectly. My only gripe is the high price tag - at just over £100, it's very expensive, particularly for a two-slicer. That said, its performance and design make it a worthwhile investment if you can afford to splash out.
Related: Best dishwasher tablets for clean pots every time
Should I get a two-slice or four-slice toaster for my family?
If something-on-toast is a staple quick and easy meal in your house, a four-slice toaster will make getting tea on the table even faster. And if your kids have a bloodhound's ability to track down any snack you might be enjoying so they can request a bite, it's probably worth investing in a four-slice toaster. That way, everyone gets a slice of their own and you can eat in peace. Bliss.
On the other hand, a two-slice toaster is perfect for small kitchens or those who enjoy a minimalist counter top, offering quick toasting for a couple of slices without taking up too much room. They also tend to be cheaper than four-slice options if you're on a tight budget.
Luckily, most brands offer both capacities, so if you see a model you like, chances are you can get your chosen size in that design.
The best toaster features to look out for
Here are a few features you may want to look out for when choosing the best toaster for your home:
Lift and look: This handy feature allows you to lift the toast mid-cycle without cancelling the toasting process. It’s perfect for those who want to check on their toast's progress, ensuring you get the perfect shade of brown every time.
Wide slots: If you want to toast something other than a bog-standard loaf, you've got to make sure your machine is up to the task. For perfectly toasted sourdough and pitta bread, a toaster with long slots is your best bet. If you can't live without hot buttered crumpets (nor can we), you'll need one with extra-wide or adjustable slots.
Browning settings: Adjustable browning controls are a must for achieving your preferred level of toastiness. Look for toasters with multiple settings so everyone in the family can get their toast just the way they like it.
Defrost setting: If you want to cook toast straight from your chest freezer then a defrost button will speed things up in the morning and ensure your toast is cooked to perfection
Bagel setting: This specialised setting toasts bagels and crumpets perfectly by giving extra heat to the cut side and a gentle warmth to the outer side. Some toasters also have a similar function for crumpets.
Reheat setting: The reheat function warms up your toast without over-browning it. This is great for those times when you get distracted and need to warm up your toast again without starting from scratch.
Removable crumb tray: A removable crumb tray catches all the crumbs from your toaster so you can easily slot it out and empty it.
How long should a toaster last?
The lifespan of a new toaster, like many appliances, depends on how well you treat it, the brand and how often you clean it out.
Crumbs and chunks of bagel can get stuck very easily. This TikTok video was viewed more than 2.2 million times after the user revealed a ‘hidden toaster cleaning hack.’ Spoiler: it was the crumb tray.
If you do look after your toaster, it could last anything between six and eight years. Many Mumsnetters have toasters that have been in the family for 10+ years though, with particular reference to the Dualit brand.
What is the best toaster to buy?
One brand name comes up time and time again on the Mumsnet forums. The Dualit NewGen Two-Slice Toaster is on the pricey side, but with Mumsnetters saying Dualit toasters have lasted 20+ years, you'll get great value for money and the size of the slots means even browning all over. After testing it out with various different bread types, we certainly agree that it’s the best toaster on the market right now.
If you want to spend a little less, Breville’s Two-Slice Toaster is a good option and will also cook your whole slice evenly thanks to its perfect-fit design.
How we chose the best toaster
Recommendations from real parents
First up, we searched the Mumsnet forums for posts about the best toaster models and brands that Mumsnet users raved about, whether they were cooking plain old toast, bagels or hot cross buns.
Expert opinions
Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We want to be confident that the products we recommend are fit for purpose and excel when making your favourite toasted snack, so we looked out for award-winning products or those that were well regarded in the marketplace, including those recommended by consumer champions.
Authentic consumer reviews
We then thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, John Lewis, and Argos to get wider consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist, so you can be confident our selection will make serve you the perfect slice every time.
Real-life testing
Finally, MNHQ editors Natasha Gregson (a self-confessed crumpet connoisseur), Jenny Wonnacott, and Rebecca Roberts put selected products from our shortlist through their paces, testing them out extensively with white bread, brown bread, crumpets, bagels, and more! They carefully evaluated the Dualit, Sage, Russell Hobbs Inspire, De'longhi, and KitchenAid toasters, scoring them on their ease of use, ease of cleaning, design, and those all important results.
About the authors
Natasha Gregson is a Senior Content Editor at Mumsnet and oversees all home and kitchen content on the website. With numerous years of editorial experience under her belt, her work has also been featured in prestigious national publications like The i Paper and Stylist Magazine, and she's written on a wide range of topics.
A keen foodie, Natasha has been on a hands-on mission for Mumsnet to find the top toasters, nobly munching her way through all manner of bread slices (and crumpets!) to find quality options for Mumsnetters. It's a hard task, but someone's got to do it. She's also worked extensively on other kitchen content for Mumsnet, including researching and writing about the best tea towels, slow cookers, air fryers, and much more.
Anna Cook has been a national magazine and newspaper journalist for 15 years, and appears regularly on TV and radio talking about parenting issues. She was previously Senior Communications Manager at MNHQ and has written extensively about products designed to make parents' lives easier, from the best baby plates for weaning to the best bibs, as well as time-saving kitchen gadgets including the best microwaves and the best juicers. She has two children.
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