Dualit 4-Slice Toaster, Chrome

This is the quality toaster I have been looking for for years. Superb degree of functionality. No unnecessary 'bells and whistles'. I have used this toaster almost every day and I love it. I usually start with frozen bread and set the mechanical timer to its max and then give it a little more time if it needs it. This toaster allows you to pop the toast up and check it at any time. One nice energy saving feature is that you can select how many slices you want and only have that many heat up. Solid construction and repairable if you need it. It might seem expensive but the quality makes it worth every penny.

I love it. Best toaster ever! Couldn’t figure out how this unit is cheaper than usual…well the 3 slice option is not present. 1,2 or 4 slices only. Consistent toasting, easy to use, keeps the toast warm.

It's just a toaster, it's a simple device that hasn't changed in any meaningful way in a very long time. That being said, the philosophy of this toaster represents something that we've lost in recent times: Creating simple, serviceable products that are built to last rather than cheaply made products that are meant to look good and cost little and then be disposed. I cannot speak for the "performance" of the toaster, like I said, it's a toaster but these points are why I support this product. 1) It is "hand assembled" in a first world country by regular people who I can only assume are paid living wages. It is kind of funny but when you turn the toaster upside down it will actually have marked on the bottom the name of who put it together, mine was built by Harry. Thanks Harry, it works. 2) It is easily serviceable. All parts are available and replaceable. All parts are easily disassembled. 3) It is made of seemingly lasting materials... that is, the body is all metal and no plastics to crack and fade. Last toaster you'll ever need to buy? Remains to be seen, but I agree with the premise.

Ok, listen to this. You buy a beautiful looking, expensive toaster and expect it to work smoothly, right? Well, this toaster requires TWO hands to operate (with one hand on a HOT toaster). This is because the up/down mechanism is VERY STIFF and difficult to use, it takes hefty EFFORT to make the toast go down into the toaster and the toast doesn't always go all the way in! In the full down position, I still had a bit of my toast sticking out of the TOP! After all that, it toasts unevenly, bottom of toast is brown, top is white! Online it says you need to "rotate" your toast for it to cook evenly. Um, no; I'm sorry, making toast should not be this much WORK. The timer is mechanical, reliable but noisy. Removing the tray for the crumbs is difficult because the big black ball is in the way. Who designed this?! Durable and built like a tank, yes, but poorly designed and terrible at its ONE job - making toast. Unless you want a toaster that is clunky, poorly designed, and needs your HELP to make toast properly, avoid this. I can't believe I just wrote that, but it's true. Not practical or safe for daily use.

In a world where everything is increasingly disposable, the Dualit toaster stands at the ready. I've had several lesser toasters over the years, and they have all failed me in one way or another. This one is different. Mine was made in England. By Paul. It says so right on the bottom. But does it toast? Hell yes. If there was a Toast God, surely this toaster would be alone and venerated on his altar. It browns exceptionally evenly. The timer takes a bit of getting used to...traditional toasters have a vague sort of thermostat. This monument to toast technology is designed so you can *fix it* if needed. I don't expect that I will need to replace anything for a decade or more though. I mean, they cover the heat elements in *mica* (look it up) to protect them. I fully expect this is the last toaster I will ever need to buy. To quote Ferris Bueller, If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up. Update: July 2020. Three years in, almost daily use. Zero issues. I have no major complaints. However, perhaps looking for flaws, there are some things I'd change. The screws holding the toaster together are effective, but not very nice to look at. I'd expect a high-end fastener...something a bit in keeping with the overall aesthetic. The crumb tray...works very well, but feels a bit flimsy by comparison. There is a red "in use" light, but it's not particularly bright. When the timer runs down, there is no indication the cycle is complete, other than you can't hear the subtle ticking sound. Maybe a muted bell would be a nice addition? I suspect Dualit thought of this and decided to skip it for cost reasons. And to avoid people complaining about the bloody bell. Other than these minor complaints, it's been a pleasure.