Checklist

Toaster features vary a great deal - and often it's this, as well as quality of toasting, that accounts for differences in price.

If you're buying a new toaster, here's what to consider:

Type

4-slice toaster

Size
Families with a big appetite for toast should look for 4-slice models.

Long slots
A toaster with long slots is obviously preferable for long slices of bread (say, from a breadmaker).

Styling
Most manufacturers put a lot of effort into the appearance of their toasters. We don't rate on styling because it's too personal. But if you're keen to buy a toaster you like the look of, don't forget the features you want as well.

Construction material
Chrome or stainless steel looks great when it's clean or polished, but it requires more frequent and careful cleaning than plastic.

Wattage
You're a lover of wholegrain toast? Go for a higher-wattage toaster - these generally do a better job on dense grainy bread.

Features

Slot width
The slots should be wide enough to take thick slices, crumpets, muffins or bagels. And they should have a cage that centres the bread so thin slices don't tip over and get burnt.

Separate slot controls (4-slice models only)
When you only need 2 slices, you won't have to waste power by using all the elements.

High-lift lever
This makes it easier to remove small items such as crumpets or baguette slices without burning your fingers.

Toaster slots should be wide enough to take crumpets.

Crumpet or bagel button
Allows you to cook one side more than the other.

Reheat button
Uses a shorter toasting time for reheating pre-cooked toast. It's useful but not essential - you can achieve the same effect by popping the toast back on a very low setting (but remember to return the controls to their usual setting afterwards).

Defrost or frozen button
Typically lengthens the toasting time, but it doesn't exactly defrost, because the end result is still toast, not unfrozen bread.

Crumb removal
Try this in the shop. If it's too fiddly to get access to the crumb tray, you'll end up with crumbs all over the floor every time you use it. Some are a big hassle, because they need a screwdriver. Pull-out trays are easier to use than the hinged variety.

Safety

If safety is a particular issue in your situation, look for cool walls, cord storage, auto switch-off and a cancel button.

Cool walls
If the exterior wall of a toaster exceeds 68°C while running, it may cause a burn when touched. This is especially dangerous for those with sensitive skin, such as children or older people.

Some models are designed to keep the outer surfaces at a safe-to-touch temperature, either by the use of plastic or by insulating the walls from the toasting chamber. This is called "cool wall" technology.

A plastic-bodied toaster

Plastic-bodied toasters are less likely than metal-bodied ones to give you a burn if you accidentally touch the sides.

Cord storage
The power cord can be wound around a loop at the bottom of the toaster, to stay out of reach of children and keep the bench tidy. Some models have a handy lock to secure the stored cord.

Auto switch-off
If your toast gets stuck, this useful feature will switch off the elements when the time is up, even if the carriage is still down. Other toasters will turn off only when the carriage lever moves up by one centimetre or so.

Cancel button
Handy for quick retrieval of toast that's getting burnt.

Safe use
Toasters are fairly safe as long as they are treated sensibly. Don't insert fingers or objects into one which is plugged in. Don't operate them on wet metal surfaces, under low shelves, near curtains, or within reach of small hands. Remember not to shut them away in cupboards while still connected to a power point.