There are very few simple pleasures that rival a plate of hot, buttered toast. To get that perfect slice, you need the best toasters that can deliver evenly toasted bread, every time. Some of the latest models can cope with chunky sourdough, and even cater to different toast preferences at once.
After years of testing a range of kitchen appliances, I’ve developed a trained eye for finding the features that make all the difference. Good value for money is what it boils down to, no matter what you’re buying – apply that to toasters, and you’re looking for models that brown toast evenly, and consistently, and that are easy to clean, as accumulated crumbs will inevitably result in a burning smell.
For this review, I got my hands on a variety of two and four-slice toasters, from basic models to sleek designer-led designs, which suit different household sizes, toast preferences and a wide range of budgets. Keep reading for the best toasters that will streamline your mornings.
How I tested
To test these toasters, I set them up in my kitchen and used them as you will be using them at home, assessing them on features, design and overall performance. My full criteria was as follows:
- Toasting performance: I put a wide variety of bread types, from supermarket white bread to homemade wholegrain sourdough, into each toaster, assessing consistency and browning evenness.
- Speed: I paid attention to how quickly each toaster worked, though this will vary, depending on the browning setting you’re using. Bonus points went to those that had timers.
- Versatility: This came down to what the slots could accommodate, and how they could cater to different household types. For instance, I considered whether they were able to hold thicker or longer slices, how many slices could be toasted at once, and whether they could be toasted with different settings simultaneously.
- Ease of use: I assessed how intuitive the controls were, and how easy they were to operate. For instance, I assessed how high the carriage lifted (the higher the better, making it easier to grab small pieces of toast without risking burnt fingers), and any extra features such as timers and LED screens.
- Appearance: This is subjective to some degree, but I thought about how nicely they would slot into different kitchen decors.
- Cleaning: I assessed how easy it was to remove crumbs, and how clean they looked, even in a real, living breathing kitchen (high-shine finishes look sleek but show finger smudges very quickly).
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Rachael Penn is a journalist who specialises in home and kitchen appliances. She has tried and tested everything from the best air fryers to the best indoor pizza ovens, so has become an expert in which gadgets belong in your kitchen. As well thoroughly researching the toasters in this round-up, she’s used them as you would in your home, so you can trust that her recommendations are worth your money.
The best toasters for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Salter alchemy toaster: £49.99, Salter.com
- Best budget option – Daewoo white essentials two slice toaster: £14.99,
- Best for longer slices – ProCook stainless steel long slot toaster: £99, Procook.co.uk
- Best four-slice toaster – Lakeland stainless steel four-slice toaster: £59.99, Lakeland.co.uk
