toaster
Toasters today give you the ability to peek and check mid-cycle, and toast a whole range of breads, bagels and even waffles. Image Credit: Pexels/Nicola Barts

There’s nothing like the sight and aroma of a crisp, golden slice of bread popping out of a toaster in the morning. But if you want a toaster that gets it right every time, and can produce perfectly toasted bagels, waffles and toaster pastries to boot, we’ve got a list for you to consider. Choose between two-slice and four-slice appliances, based on the number of people in your household, and your budget. Also, check out the various unique features we highlight for each appliance, to see if it meets your requirements. You can have any of these toasters delivered to you as early as tomorrow, with Amazon Prime.

1. Best Overall: Philips Viva Collection Toaster 

Pros

  • Extra-wide slots
  • Built-in bun rack
  • Choose from seven levels of browning control
  • Auto-off protection
  • Includes manufacturer’s warranty

Cons

  • Some reviewers say it is not easy to clean

Philips’ elegant dual-tone toaster isn’t just easy on the eyes, it has a number of features that make it worth your while. Whether you like thick, brioche slices or thin-sliced bread, the extra-wide slots in this toaster will accommodate your favourite kind of bread. With seven browning levels, you can customise your toast to the tee. As a bonus, a built-in bun rack can be used to toast croissants, pastries or buns for that perfect, bakery-quality crispy texture.

Warranty: Manufacturer provides 1-year warranty. Amazon offers 1-year extended warranty for Dh12 and 2-year extended warranty for Dh17.

2. Best Budget: Braun Breakfast Toaster 

Pros

  • Includes a high-lift feature
  • Choose from eight levels of browning
  • Includes a bun warmer
  • Has an auto-centring system
  • Easy to clean
  • Includes manufacturer’s warranty

Cons

  • May not fit thicker slices of bread

This affordable two-slot toaster is ideal for daily breakfast toasts. With eight impressive levels of browning, you can customise the golden-brown tint of your toast to your liking, knowing that it’s evenly toasted, thanks to Braun’s auto-centring system. This toaster even has a bun warmer, and a high-lift feature, meaning you can easily grab even the smallest slices of bread without scorching your fingers. At a fantastic price, it’s a great buy for consistent, everyday toast.

Warranty: Manufacturer provides 1-year warranty. Amazon offers 1-year extended warranty for Dh12 and 2-year extended warranty for Dh17.

3. Best Four-Slice Toaster: Breville Bread Select 4-Slice Toaster 

Pros

  • Choose from six pre-programmed settings
  • Ability to let you check the toast mid-cycle
  • Features independent two-slice control
  • Has a countdown timer

Cons

  • Expensive

Packed full of useful features, Breville’s Bread Select gives you total control over your slices of toast. Select which bread you’re using – white, brown/rye, fruit, grain, bagel and more – and the toaster’s pre-programmed timer will kick in automatically. If you’re wondering whether your slice has reached its optimal golden-brown state, you can use the Lift & Look function mid-cycle, to take a peek. Since every member of your household likely has different tastes, this toaster gives you independent control over your two slices, minimising the likelihood of burning or undercooking your breakfast.

Warranty: Amazon offers 1-year extended warranty for Dh29 and 2-year extended warranty for Dh41.

4. Best Value: Black+Decker 4-Slice Toaster 

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Choose from seven modes
  • Includes dual defrost, reheat and cancel options
  • Includes manufacturer’s warranty

Cons

  • Large unit takes up significant space on counter

In classic stainless steel, Black+Decker’s toaster offers four-slice toasting capabilities at a decent price. Use knobs with seven setting modes to select the perfect golden-brown tint for your toast. Both sides of the toaster have individual removeable crumb trays, so clean-up is quick and easy. You can also use the defrost function to heat up frozen waffles, reheat bagels and cancel the entire toasting process mid-way if you like. Whatever you require, this toaster gives you more bang for your buck!

Warranty: Manufacturer provides 2-year warranty. Amazon offers 1-year extended warranty for Dh12 and 2-year extended warranty for Dh17.

5. Best Long-Slot Toaster: Kenwood Toaster, White 

Pros

  • Features Peek and View technology
  • Has variable browning control
  • Fits four regular slices or two long slices in one go
  • Includes manufacturer’s warranty

Cons

  • Takes up more space than a regular toaster

Why stop at toasting white bread? Some toasters, like this one by Kenwood, provide the perfect texture for a long slice of sourdough bread or ciabatta roll, allowing you to keep the bread intact. And with its Peek and View technology, you can check the browning progress without cancelling the cycle. Kenwood’s neat white finish is easy on the eyes, and even though it’s a longer, larger appliance than a regular toaster, it’s designed to seamlessly blend in with your kitchen interiors.

Warranty: Amazon offers 1-year extended warranty for Dh12 and 2-year extended warranty for Dh17.

Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.