Toasters

A toaster takes one decision before purchase: 2-slice or 4-slice. 2-slice toasters cost less, take less worktop space, and suit one-or-two-person flats; 4-slice toasters cost more but suit families where multiple people toast simultaneously. Aosom UK, Cherry Lane Garden Centres and Fulfilora between them cover £1-£380 across the range. Slot width matters too. Standard slots fit sandwich-bread; wide slots (extra-deep) fit bagels, doorstop loaves, crumpets, and small pancakes. The "long slot" 2-slice toasters fit two slices end-to-end in one slot, useful for thick-sliced sourdough or French sticks. Browning controls beyond the standard 1-7 dial: a "bagel" function toasts only one side; a "defrost" function toasts from frozen; a "lift-and-look" lever lets you check progress without canceling. Look for crumb trays that pull from the front (not the bottom); bottom-slide trays mean lifting the toaster to empty.