Dualit 4 Slice Toaster Lavender Blue 40346

The Dualit is a sturdy beast with a retro look. It weighs in at around 4 kg and has minimal controls, all with a reassuringly solid feel. The red backlit slot-selector switch lights up to tell you when the toaster is in use and can be set for two or three slices. This is important, as the toaster uses a patented ProHeat element that is optimised to quickly produce evenly cooked toast. However, the element's lifespan may be shortened if a slot is regularly heated while empty. A black rotary time switch means that you need to determine how long you want to toast each and every time you use the Dualit, rather than relying on a default setting as seen with other toasters.

One of the advantages of the Dualit toaster is that the bread doesn't pop up when the timer is finished. Instead, you need to press down the central black ejector knob to remove your toast. This ensures that your toast stays warm for longer if you are not there to remove it straightaway. Another component of note is a useful slide-out crumb tray. Results are impressive, with beautifully even toasting in all slots and up to 98 slices per hour (three medium slices from cold takes around two minutes). However, the most compelling reason for putting a Dualit toaster in your kitchen is its perfect blend of durability and style. --Heather Wilson