The best toasters to give you the perfect crunch

Quite why this toaster carries the name 'Adventure' is beyond us, but it sure is a fine (and affordable) four-slice toaster. Sacrificing a little in the way of looks for great functions, this toaster allows for two batches of toast to be made independently, each with its own setting. The slots are wide too, so they'll accommodate artisan breads, English muffins and bagels.Pros: Affordable four-slice toaster with two temperature controls. Cons: Plain design.Slots: Four wide, for up to four slicesBrowning gradients: SixFunctions: Reheat, frozen bread mode, high lift, Lift & Look, mid-cycle cancel

This four-slice, wide slotted solution from De'Longhi is a fine example of how refined a toaster can look and perform. The four slots are split across two independent mechanisms and heaters, meaning that you can simultaneously toast to different degrees. Pros: Wide slots, great two-sided temperature control. Stunning bold design. Cons: Light on features considering size. Slots: FourBrowning gradients: SixFunctions: Defrost, re-heat, mid-cycle cancel

This designer retro '50s toaster is, frankly, a thing of beauty. The aesthetic is sure to stun anyone who looks upon it, and the toast it produces is top notch. It's a simple device but done well. Anyone who knows anything about kitchenware will know that the name Smeg is a guarantee of quality.Pros: Incredible style and will last for years.Cons: Very expensive. Slots: Two, for up to four slicesBrowning gradients: VariableFunctions: Bagel, defrost, warming, mid-cycle cancel

Deep in the Dualit laboratory, one genius technician has been quietly working on a device that'll change the world forever – Ideal Toast Technology. This technology calculates each variable of your inserted bread item to guarantee a perfect golden-brown toast every time. Plus, there's a detachable warming rack and the long slots allow ample room for panini and sliced baguettes. Pros: Excellent features and slim design from an industry-leading brandCons: ExpensiveSlots: Two long, for up to four slicesBrowning gradients: EightFunctions: Bagel, defrost, Peek & Pop, mid-cycle cancelIncludes warming rack

Are you looking for a good-looking toaster that'll toast you some bread? Well, Russell Hobbs has you covered. The extra wide slots make it suitable for bagels, English muffins and crumpets too. It's even got Faster Toasting Technology for those who can't bear waiting for that tasty crunch. If you're looking to get a matching kitchen set, you can get a kettle and microwave to match. Pros: Affordable, reliable and nice looking. Cons: Only a two-slice toaster, and lacking in extra features.Slots: Two extra-wide, for two slicesBrowning gradients: Six Functions: Defrost, frozen bread mode, Lift & Look, mid-cycle cancel

If you've got a big toast hungry family (or just an insatiable toast appetite) then this four-slice machine has what you need. It can toast to a brownness chosen by you, reheat and defrost. The only downside is that you can't set independent temperatures across the two sections. Available in a range of colours, including red, black and cream. Pros: Striking design from a trustworthy name, and great browning/temperature control. Cons: No per-side temperature control. Slots: Four wide, for up to four slicesBrowning gradients: NineFunctions: Defrost, bagel, reheat, high-lift lever, mid-cycle cancel

The legends are true – it does exist. This six-bay toaster will have any household popping slices like you wouldn't believe. Thankfully, Dualit has had the foresight to allow you to switch between using two, four and the full six bays, so there's no wasting power. Fun fact: This beast is capable of toasting 240 perfectly golden-brown slices of toast per hour. Pros: A design classic with six-slice capacity. Two, four, or six slice toasting available to save power. Cons: Expensive and large. Slots: Six 28-mm wide, for six slicesBrowning gradients: Variable with mechanical timerFunctions: Defrost, bagel, reheat, high-lift lever, mid-cycle cancelSandwich cage available

Looks like the product development team over at Smart got the memo that toasters weren't science-fiction enough for some people. The Tunnel Toaster is more than just a design statement though, as the shape and heat control will allow you to evenly toast bread, bagels, croissants and panini.Pros: Large toasting space for multiple bread types.Cons: Uninspiring white design with a limited slice capacity. Slots: One, tunnelBrowning gradients: SevenFunctions: Defrost, re-heatToasts pitta breads, bagels, crumpets, small baguettes

One of the most exciting things about making toast is waiting to see how toasted you've got your bread. But this is also a downside – how can you know for sure what's happening in there? If you crave toasted consistency, then Cooks' offering is for you thanks to its viewing window. Pros: Glass window and width to fit many bread types. Cons: Industrial look, only two slices. Slots: One long, for two slicesBrowning gradients: SevenFunctions: Defrost, bagel, re-heat, mid-cycle cancelRemovable glass window

Egg on toast is one of the major food groups – but it can be a pain to simultaneously cook eggs over a stove and toast bread, as nailing the timing is a lost art form. Tefal has decided to make life easier for you with the Toast N Egg. You can boil four eggs or poach one in four minutes, while your toast browns on the same machine. Simple. Pros: All-in-one breakfast machine! Cons: A little ugly, and only two slices. Slots: Two wide, for two slicesBrowning gradients: VariableFunctions: Defrost, re-heat, mid-cycle cancelPoaching tray for eggs and warming tray

Toasted bread and other such goods are, as we've established, delicious. But they're also hot and sometimes a little too small to be got at easily from the slot. Buy these tongs – problem solved.

Create cheese toasties or warm up food, all from your toaster. These bags can handle temperatures up to 250-degrees Celsius and be used 80 or more times.