Buying a Toaster: Your Complete Guide

Ah the toaster, giver of many a crispy golden slice. Without them, we’d be stuck lighting fires and slowly crisping loaves of bread like giant marshmallows with a single tear in our eyes that there isn’t an easier method for getting our cherished toast.

Admittedly, that might be a little bit of an exaggeration, but there’s no denying how essential the toaster is as a kitchen appliance. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which is the best toaster?

Fear not, because in this article, we’re going to run you through everything you need to consider before making that purchase. Keep reading to learn more…

But first, a history lesson

The origins of the toaster goes all the way back to the Ancient Romans, who used to toast bread over an open fire using a toasting fork. In fact, the word “toast” comes from the Latin “tostum” which means “to scorch” or “to burn”.

Fast-forward a few dozen centuries, and the process of toasting didn’t change much. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? But then along came Scottish scientist, Alan MacMasters who decided that even if it isn’t broke, it can’t hurt to give it a little tweaking. 

MacMasters invented the first electric toaster - dubbed the “Eclipse” - in 1893, which used iron wiring to heat and toast bread. A great start, but the Eclipse could only toast one side of bread at a time, and needed to be closely monitored to prevent burning.

Enter the Americans. In 1919, Minneapolis tinkerer Charles P. Strite grew so tired of being served burnt toast at the cafeteria he frequented, he went and invented “The Toastmaster.” This magnificently-named device had heating elements on both sides, a timer that would turn off the heat, and a spring to eject the toast upon completion. Strite patented the device in 1921, and brought a consumer version to market in 1926.

And just in the nick of time. During the Great Depression, which struck the world throughout the 1930s, the humble toaster soared to fame. Despite the economic hardships, many households invested in toasters to save time and effort in the kitchen.

The convenience and affordability of the toaster made it a kitchen staple, symbolising modernity and innovation in an era of financial struggle. 

Interestingly, toasters also played a role in the widespread adoption of pre-sliced bread, which was first sold by the Chillicothe Baking Company of Missouri in 1928. The expression “the best thing since sliced bread” indeed owes part of its fame to the trusty toaster.

From there on, there was no stopping the toaster’s global domination, with countries and cultures all over the world picking toast as a beloved breakfast item. 

The toaster became more than just a kitchen appliance, it became a cultural icon, evolving with advancements in technology and design to meet the needs of toast enthusiasts everywhere.

Today, with smart features continuing to find new ways to make toasting bread easier, the humble toaster continues to innovate, making mornings brighter and toastier for everyone.

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How often should you replace your toaster?

History lesson done, here’s an interesting fact for you. Did you know that you should replace your toaster every 5 to 8 years?

The variable comes from how well you take care of your toaster, cleaning out the crumb tray, and only using it to toast things properly. But even the best-cared toaster will reach the end of its life eventually.

Some of the key signs that it’s time to start looking include:

Uneven toasting

Does your toaster spit out bread with one side burned and one side under done? This is a sign that the heating elements are starting to wear out, which - if left unchecked - can become quite a safety hazard.

Uneven toasting can also lead to inconsistent taste and texture, diminishing your breakfast experience, and one should never diminish one’s breakfast experience.

Crumb tray issues

Most modern toasters will come with a crumb tray to make cleaning up those displaced crumbs easy. However, if the crumb tray becomes damaged, or difficult to remove, this can pose a serious fire hazard as those rogue crumbs are subjected to heat time and time again.

Regularly emptying and inspecting the crumb tray can prolong your toaster's life, but any persistent issues signal that it's time for a replacement.

Electrical problems

If you notice sparks or flickering lights coming from your toaster, this can be the cause of a fault with the electrics. Unplug your toaster and try to determine the root of the cause, but regardless of the outcome, it’s likely curtains for your toaster.

Electrical issues can pose significant risks, including potential fire hazards, so it's crucial to address them promptly.

Visible damage

Signs of rust, cracks, or significant wear on the exterior of your toaster are a clear indication of old age. While these might seem insignificant, they could mean that the inner mechanisms of your toaster are on the fritz.

Even minor damage can affect the toaster's performance and safety, making it essential to replace it before any issues escalate.

If you spot any of these signs, your toaster may be on its last legs. Luckily, at Morphy Richards, we have a whole host of incredible toasters, all at unbeatable prices. Investing in a new toaster not only improves your breakfast experience but also keeps your kitchen safe and efficient.

How do you like your toast in the morning?

With all that out of the way, let’s get down to the big question: how do you like your toast? Are you content with thumbing down that slider and chowing down on whatever pops up, or do you prefer to get that timer working down to the exact second?

Whether you like it golden brown or a bit on the crispy side, your yeasty proclivities should play a big role in what toaster you pick, so before you hit that buy button, think about these three things:

• Toast quality - the quality of toast largely depends on how evenly and quickly the toaster browns bread. Look for a toaster that gets consistent browning, so you don't end up with one side burnt and the other underdone. Consistent results mean you can enjoy perfectly toasted bread every morning, without the frustration of uneven browning.

• Bread types - think about the types of bread you enjoy. Do you often eat artisan sourdough or homemade bloomer, bagels, teacakes, crumpets, and croissants? Make sure the toaster can accommodate these different sizes and types.
  A toaster with wider or longer slots can be a game-changer, allowing you to toast a variety of bread without any hassle. Some toasters even have specialised settings for different types of bread, so you get optimal toasting for each one.

• Timing - a good toaster should be able to have your toast ready at the same time as your other breakfast items. Check if the toaster has a quick toasting feature or a countdown timer.
  A countdown timer can be particularly handy, letting you know exactly when your toast will be ready. This way, you can perfectly coordinate your toast with your eggs or coffee, making your morning routine smoother and more enjoyable.

Keep those considerations etched into your mind’s eye, make them your mantra, and let them steer you towards the right toaster for you. 

Remember, a toaster is not just an appliance, it's a major part of your morning ritual. The right toaster can elevate your breakfast experience, turning a simple piece of bread into a delightful start to your day.

Two-slice, or not two-slice

You know the old saying “no two toasters are alike” - or is that snowflakes? Anyway, when it comes to choosing a toaster, one of the most fundamental considerations is how many slices of bread you can toast at once. Let’s look at the popular options:

Two-slice toasters

Ah, the trusty two-slice, staple of many a household. Two-slice toasters are the perfect companion for small kitchens or those with limited counter space, which makes them ideal for individuals or smaller households. 

They are compact, easy to store, and generally more affordable, making them a practical choice for those who don’t need to toast large quantities of bread.

Despite their smaller size, many two-slice toasters offer a variety of features such as browning control, defrost, reheat functions, and even a high lift mechanism for easy bread removal. 

Some models also come with extra-wide slots to accommodate thicker slices of artisanal bread and bagels. A two-slice toaster is a straightforward, no-fuss option that gets the job done efficiently, providing consistent toasting results every time.

Four-slice toasters

Four-slice toasters are perfect for larger households or those who entertain toast-loving guests frequently. These models not only double the toasting capacity but also offer enhanced stability due to their sturdier build. The larger footprint means they take up more counter space, but the increased functionality often outweighs this drawback.

They regularly come with independent controls for each pair of slots, allowing you to toast different types of bread simultaneously at different settings. This is particularly useful if family members have varied preferences for toast doneness. 

Not only that, but some four-slice toasters include extra-wide slots to accommodate thicker slices of bread, bagels, and other baked goods. Advanced models might also feature countdown timers and bagel settings, providing added convenience and versatility.

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Must-have features for your new toaster

So you know how many slices you like to prepare at once, that means you’re ready to get purchasing, right?

Wrong. We’ve barely scratched the surface of features you’ll want from your new toaster, so let’s run through them now:

Slot size

One of the first things to consider is the size of the toaster slots. If you enjoy artisanal bread or bake your own loaves, you'll want a toaster with extra-wide or extra-long slots, which are perfect for accommodating thicker slices of bread, bagels, crumpets, and even pastries. An ideal toaster should have slots that can fit various bread types without squishing them, for an even toasting every time.

Browning control

The ability to control the browning level is a must-have feature. Look for toasters with adjustable browning control, which allows you to select your preferred level of toastiness. Whether you like your toast lightly golden or crispy brown, this feature means you can get the perfect toast every time.

Power

The power of a toaster is measured in watts and directly affects the speed and efficiency of the toasting process. A higher wattage toaster will toast your bread faster. For two-slice toasters, a recommended wattage is 1000W or more, while for four-slice toasters, 1800W or more is ideal.

Defrost

A defrost function is incredibly handy for those who store bread in the freezer. This feature allows you to toast bread straight from the freezer without having to wait around thawing it out first. The defrost function adjusts the toasting time to make sure the bread is evenly toasted without being burnt on the outside and still frozen on the inside.

Cancel

A cancel button is a simple yet essential feature that allows you to stop the toasting cycle mid-way if needed. This is particularly useful if you notice the bread is browning faster than expected, or if you need to interrupt the toasting process for any reason. It gives you control over the toasting process, preventing burnt toast.

Reheat

The reheat function warms up cooled toast without further browning it. If you’ve made toast earlier, and it has cooled down, you can use this feature to warm it up to enjoy it as if it were freshly toasted. It's a convenient option for busy mornings when you can't eat your toast immediately.

Crumb tray

A removable crumb tray is a must-have for easy cleaning. Seriously, there’s nothing worse than moving a toaster and being buried under a deluge of long-forgotten crumbs. Crumbs can accumulate at the bottom of the toaster, posing a fire hazard and making the appliance less efficient. A removable tray allows you to easily discard the crumbs and keep your toaster clean, maintaining its performance and longevity.

Keep warm

Some toasters come with a keep-warm feature that keeps your toast warm until you're ready to eat. This is a boon if you’re preparing a large breakfast and want all the components to be warm when served, without further browning.

High lift

A high lift lever raises the bread higher out of the toaster to make for easy removal, preventing you from burning your fingers. This feature is especially useful for smaller slices of bread or items like crumpets and English muffins that might be difficult to retrieve.

Shade settings

Do you want to determine the length of time the toaster will run? Then the shade setting is for you. This handy setting allows you to customise the level of browning. Most toasters come with a range of shade settings, usually between 1 and 7 or more, which cater to different preferences. Whether you like your toast barely toasted or dark and crispy, you can easily find the perfect shade.

Bagel setting

Bagels are truly gifts from a higher power, so you’ll want a toaster that can give them the care they rightfully deserve. The bagel setting toasts only the cut side of bagels and crumpets, leaving the other side warm and chewy. It’s perfect for achieving the ideal texture for bagels and similar baked goods.

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More points you should consider

We’ve covered the must-haves, but there are some more points that you should bear in mind when buying a new toaster to make sure they fit your kitchen and lifestyle. Let’s look at them:

Ease of cleaning

Toasters can accumulate crumbs and debris, which can be a fire hazard and affect the appliance's performance. Make sure that the toaster you choose is easy to clean, with a removable crumb tray that makes it simple to discard crumbs. 

Likewise, consider a toaster with smooth surfaces that can be easily wiped down to keep it spick and span.

If you’re wondering how to properly clean a toaster, then don’t worry, because we’ve put together a handy guide on that exact subject.

Life expectancy

The build quality and materials of a toaster play a crucial role in its longevity. As we’ve already covered, the average toaster lasts between 5 and 8 years, so you might as well try to get the most out of your appliance.

Look for toasters made from durable materials such as stainless steel, which are less likely to rust or break. Also, give yourself peace of mind by sticking with a trusted brand name. At Morphy Richards, our toasters are created to the highest standards, so you can toast with confidence.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is an important factor, especially if you use your toaster frequently. Look for energy-efficient models that consume less power without compromising performance, keeping your energy bills lower, and your carbon footprint a little cleaner.

Style and colour

A toaster is often a visible appliance on your kitchen counter, so its style and colour should complement your kitchen decor and other appliances. This is going to come down to your personal preferences, but since toasters come in a variety of designs, from sleek and modern to retro and vintage styles, you should have no problem finding a model that fits your life.

Cool walls 

Safety is essential for any kitchen appliance, especially in households with children. Toasters with cool walls are designed to remain cool to the touch even when the toaster is in use, reducing the risk of accidental burns. 

This feature is particularly important if the toaster is within reach of young children or if you have a busy kitchen where accidents could happen.

Noise

While not a dealbreaker for everyone, the noise level of a toaster can be a point of contention for those who prefer a quieter kitchen environment. 

While you’d be hard-pressed to find a toaster breaking the upper echelons of decibel levels, some toasters operate more quietly than others. Find one that doesn't disrupt your morning routine to improve your overall experience.

Price

It always comes back to price. While nobody wants to break the bank shelling out on a new toaster, keep in mind that going with a cheap alternative might have problems lurking down the line. A poor man buys twice, after all.

Luckily for you, at Morphy Richards, our range of toasters are not only high-quality, but also really affordable, meaning that you can get the best of both worlds.

Find the perfect toaster at Morphy Richards

The choice of toaster ultimately depends on your needs and preferences, whether it's extra features or a specific aesthetic. But no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find it at Morphy Richards.

When you buy direct from Morphy Richards, you’ll benefit from a two-year warranty (with an extra year of warranty for free when you register your toaster with us).

We also offer free shipping on qualifying orders, and flexible payment options that let you spread the cost of your new toaster.  

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