Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and if you're a toast lover rather than a cereal fan, having the right appliance is key. Alongside your kettle, your toaster is one of the first things you'll see each morning, sitting proudly on your kitchen counter. The first decision is whether to go for a two-slice or four-slice model. Larger families and toast enthusiasts will naturally prefer the latter, but with counter space at a premium, a compact two-slice toaster might be better for those who only need a few slices. Whether you like your toast lightly golden or perfectly crisp, we've selected ten top options from the high street to suit all budgets.
10 best toasters for 2018
1. Magimix two-slot toaster, £159.98
Nigella's favourite see-through toaster – just add avocado! (Image: Amazon)
This fully transparent toaster, famously used by Nigella Lawson, doesn't come cheap. Its clear exterior lets you watch your toast brown to perfection, so you'll never have to scrape off burnt bits again. (We know we're not the only ones who do that!)
2. SMEG four-slice toaster, £154.30
Is there a more beautiful toaster on the market? (Image: Currys)
When it comes to iconic kitchen brands, SMEG is hard to beat. This stunning four-slice toaster is the cream of the crop, and you can complete the set with the matching kettle, juicer, food processor… the list goes on.
3. De’Longi four-slice toaster, £42.99
A popular choice on Amazon (Image: Amazon)
With its blend of high-tech features and vintage styling, this toaster looks fantastic. It also boasts top-notch reviews on Amazon, with users praising its exceptional toasting performance. The only drawback? It takes up a fair amount of counter space.
4. Dualit four-slice toaster, £154.30
One of the best in its class (Image: Currys)
Dualit is a household name in premium toasters, and this model lives up to the reputation. It features an energy-saving mode, extra-wide slots for thick bread, and a warming function – all the capabilities you never knew you needed.
5. Bodum Bistro two-slice toaster, £34.98
So stylish it could pass for a speaker (Image: Amazon)
We know looks aren't everything, but since most toasters live on the counter, appearance matters. This model is exceptionally attractive, resembling a speaker more than a kitchen appliance. Just don't mix them up after a few drinks!
6. KitchenAid two-slice toaster, £99
Includes a dedicated bagel setting (Image: Currys)
This KitchenAid toaster comes with a three-minute keep-warm feature, seven browning levels, and a handy bagel function. The only complaint? The lift mechanism doesn't raise the toast as high as you'd expect for the price.
7. Hephaestus four-slice toaster, £68.99
A modern, high-tech design (Image: Amazon)
We love the futuristic look of this toaster, with its digital display and sleek silver finish. It also heats up quickly, so you won't be waiting long for your morning toast.
8. Morphy Richards four-slice toaster, £29.99
Great value for money (Image: Amazon)
Another retro-inspired option, this pastel-coloured toaster offers plenty of features for a low price. It has a removable crumb tray, and you can buy matching microwave, kettle, coffee machine, and slow cooker to complete your kitchen set.
9. Russell Hobbs four-slice toaster, £27.30
Looks more expensive than it is (Image: Amazon)
If you want an affordable toaster that looks premium, this is your pick. It offers basic functions like defrost and cancel, but does the job well. Sometimes simple is all you need.
10. Bosch two-slice toaster, £22
The most budget-friendly option (Image: Amazon)
Perfect for those seeking a cheap yet reliable toaster that will last, this Bosch model covers all the basics in a sleek black design that suits any kitchen. It also includes a removable crumb tray and an integrated bun warmer.
