Dualit Classic 4 Slice NewGen Toaster - Stainless Steel - Hand Built in the UK - Replaceable ProHeat elements - Defrost Bread - Mechanical Timer - Polished Classic Toaster

If the ridiculously bad reviews scare you, like they did me, check out the PDF linked instructions here on Amazons product page. You can read for yourself how easy this is to use and how wrong most of the bad reviewers were on first their use and then the various flaming reviews posted. I purchased this toaster to replace a 40 plus years-old Mary Proctor toaster (very nice in its heyday). I was actually just looking for toasters that had an optional heating rack, since that option seems really good for defrosting buns and heating this really awful cheap pastry that my Dad loves. This toaster, kept coming up in my searches, but the horrid reviews foolishly keep me from delving further. I bought it and this is what I experienced. This toaster has two simple knobs; the upper dial for the number and/or type of bread to be toasted and a lower dial for the time setting. Between the two knobs is an indicator light (an LED) showing if the heating elements are on or off. That's it. That is all it takes to use this toaster, but you need to SET BOTH EVERY time you use it. If your interested in more details, these are the "quirks" I noted: First, set how many toasts you are making; I have never had to do this before. For a two slicer it is 2, 1, or 0-like thingy for a bagel or English muffin. Of course, four slot toasters have up to 4 toast selections and a choice between 1 or 2 bagels). From reading the critical posts, I think this step is most often not known or missed by people. (If you set it for more or less toast, you get real uneven heating and toast.) Second, the first slot to use/load is on the LEFT, so you need to load from there; again I never had to do this before either, it was always from the right. (Please, please do not argue why; just go with it.) Then to "start" with a cold toaster, it might help to preheat, this really only takes a moment; but you have three options here: 1)Start it with empty slots and run the toaster for a one minute, or 2)Add one minute, of toasting time, to your first toast run, or 3)You can actually choose to follow the manufacturer's instructions and set the timing dial to just past the 2 (minute), where they printed a black dot for you; set it there and for most breads and you will have a perfect first toast and a toaster that is now warmed up for subsequent loads. (They have actually tried to dummy-proof this toaster, the numbers are gone and my knob is labeled light, medium and dark; see they do listen.) For subsequent toasting just chose the setting you desire, (as with any toaster, different breads take different times and fresher bread will take a bit longer etc.; I have one Portuguese sweat bread that toasts very, very quickly). Once the first set of toast is made, this 2 slot-unit, can toast 55 per hour. Now that's a lot of toast. More "quirks" if you will: The bagel setting(s) is a little different, the two center elements do the toasting, so face the cut slices that way; but also the outer elements also gently heat the underside of the bagel. (I also have the rack and you can place humongous bagels (cut side down) and they will toast perfectly.) The toast does not pop-up. There is a simple mechanical lever and knob that is the fundamental design and it is both brilliant and WONDERFUL. There are two benefits for me. One, it is easy-peasy to check my toast without disrupting the toasting cycle. Two, it keeps the toast (or sandwich) warm until I am ready to retrieve it. There is no major shifting or squishing of bread, I can easily grasp very small raisin toast without the bamboo tongs (I always needed tongs for all my other toasters). Defrost setting: There used to be a snowflake on the dial to indicate it was to defrost, but I guess it was too complicated for some. Now you just put it on the 1 minute timer. After that, WAIT 20 seconds, then use or toast. This is very handy. Reviving bread this way is much, much better than microwaving. The timer: Similar to old wind up alarm clocks (my mother has one that is probably 50 years old and still wakes her every morning), is mechanical. It ticks while it is on. So there are two indicators you are toasting; one, the pleasant ticking and two, the LED light. The crumb tray: It seems really simple and it is. But there are NO MORE CRUMBS under the toaster, ever. I love that. The accessories: Bread Cage: If you have a lot of "small" items to toast, you might want to consider the bread cage. This is excellent for normal-sized toasted sandwiches, like cheese and such, or small bagels, or whatever crumpets or tea cakes are? They recommend letting the toasted sandwich sit for an additional minute for more thorough heating throughout; it really helps the cheese melt. The Warming Rack: If you have a lot of "larger" items to heat/toast, you might get this add-on. This fits above the toaster. It has various uses, like to warm or defrost muffins, buns (hot dog, hamburger etc.). Some people actually use this for toasting big bagels. Others put a piece of foil/parchment paper and reheat pizza here; it does do a great job for it, no more soggy crusts. Still others use it to heat tortillas. Whatever you use it for, it is great; it is much faster and gives better results than using a toaster oven. When re-heating pastries with icing I put a piece of parchment paper (pre-cut and in the cupboard above the toaster) down on the rack to protect from drips. (I am very biased on this option, for this is the actual reason why I finally researched Dualit and bought it; few toasters seem have this option.) Clean-up is a breeze. The most mess comes from drips from reheating pastry and such with the warming rack. This too is easy-peasy. First let it cool then lightly wipe with a damp towel with a touch of a type non-abrasive cleaner (baking soda, Bon Ami or Barkeepers Friend); looks brand new again. Other features: Serviceability: All parts are easily purchased and replaceable. If you ever need to replace a heating element the user's manual shows you how to do it! It is just simple, wonderful and incredibly functional product. The bottom line is this machine, no matter the age, rocks.

Beautiful toaster. Heavy duty and works great!

My Oster toaster bit the dust, only working some of the time and sometimes on one side sometimes on another. I was going to replace it with an identical one, but it's no longer made, but some of the reviewers had their more recent models lasting 6 months. And well I've had it with the throwaway economy. So I held my nose and bought this toaster after watching the you tube videos on how to replace the elements and the switch and watching way too many videos of people making toast with all the various toasters. I had considered a toaster oven but I don't have counter space with the 4" clearance all around you need to not light the cabinets, and wall on fire. Next I checked the price of replacement parts, as they had better be less than a new toaster, and currently they are. Replacement of the various bits looks well within my skills so no problem there. On the toast, that is why we buy these things. Yes it makes toast. Yes it will defrost the bread first. Yes there are no thermo-couple devices in it to determine whether your toast is done to perfection. You have to experiment a bit, starting of course with the basic recommended setting. As the toaster does heat up when making multiple slices, ie more than a single batch, you'll probably want to reduce the time a tad. Is the toast perfectly brown along all the face, no, it's slightly more done at the top, well heat rises. Did the toast get defrosted, yep, no issues there. Did a bagel work, yep, same for an "english muffin", on the "bagel" setting which is where the center heats up more than the outer edges. When it's done, the timer does a "click" and that's it, no bell, so you have to be paying attention. It does not automatically lift out, you have to push the level down, not an issue for me as my wrists still work fine. I did buy a sandwich press so that I can put smaller pieces of toast in it without them being caught by the lifter bar and the interior wires. First time I tried it, they didn't get stuck but I had to use tongs to get them out. Didn't burn them, and they were pretty evenly toasted as they were all at the same level. Is this thing worth the price? I have no idea, but if the current level of Oster toasters last only a year, and the reports are that this one should last at least two to three before elements are replaced (maybe longer some folks seem to get a lot of use out of theirs) the price is a break even. And I can feel good about not adding to the trash heap in the desert. Does it look cool? yeah. Does it take up more space than my old Oster? Just a bit. Is it hard to operate? no. Is it plastic? or have a plastic outer case? no. There is one mechanical lever for lifting your toast out, one dial to set it for the number of slices (left to right, when facing the toaster), or bagel. And one mechanical timer switch with a snow flake on it for defrost, a couple of random numbers, (2, 3) and a dot which the manual says is the correct place to start when making toast. Can you add just "a tad more time" yes, but if you asked for too much you can either just let it run out on it's own or push the timer to the off position. if my opinion changes on this thing, I'll update this review. But so far it's the best choice for me.

You need this toaster. There are fancier looking toasters and less expensive toasters but none will be as good as a Dualit. My parents had one when I was a kid and they still have it today and use it. Amazing quality and there is some satisfaction in having hands on control on how you toast turns out. We also use it for English muffins. I bought the warmer accessory and use that to warm croissants. I cannot say enough good things about this toaster. Oh, and you can buy parts for it and fix if necessary with a screw driver. No mechanical knowledge really needed.

I was thinking about it this morning and this toaster is very similar to a 1967 VW bug I had. Its mechanically simple, well built, beautiful in design but all of its charms have some downfalls, oddly enough these downfalls and complexities are in fact what makes me love both this taster and old VW's. Everyone needs routines in their life. Each day I wake up early turn on the coffee machine and go out and get my paper. I then start making toast so I can sit down and enjoy my paper, coffee and toast. Its a small thing but it gives my day a good start and I feel prepared and relaxed. With this toaster you can't just put the bread in, push the button and forget about it, it needs to be warmed up for a few moments and the bread needs to be turned if you want it perfectly toasted. To some people I'm sure this would be an annoyance, but to me it simply adds to my routine. Here is where the VW comparison comes in, VW's need to be warmed up because they're air cooled and carbureted so they run a bit rough when you first start them, they also never seem to be able to get the mist from the humidity in the air off of your windshield so you have to take a small rag and do it yourself. If you're thinking that sounds like a horrible chore to have to do everyday then this toaster may not be for you. Its an odd thing with finicky cars, appliances or whatever, after a while you fall in love with them. Whether its from the constant interaction you have to have with them to make them work or what I don't know but they become part of your routine and it actually enriches your life and makes you feel in a small way that you achieved perfection. I have a semi automatic espresso machine and everyday I feel like I achieve perfection when my coffee comes out just right. So this toaster is the same way, it is able to achieve perfection in toasting but it needs to be helped along the way. I wouldn't buy it if in the morning you hit the snooze bar so many times that you're hurried and always running late, that would make this toaster a horrible choice. The other thing I like about the toaster is where its made, not in China. I like to buy products that pay good wages to their workers and products that are made with quality. If you know nothing about this toaster I will tell you everything is manual, there is no circuit boards inside. The timer ticks when you turn it, everything can be replaced if it brakes. If you choose this can easily be the last toaster you ever buy and I suppose after your gone your grandkids wouldn't have to buy one either, its that robust. So think about it before you buy, are you looking for a quick easy pushbutton toaster or something that you have to interact with and finesse. I suppose in a way its like a woman, most men think they would love to have a woman that was always eager to please and didn't care if you were out late watching sports or a woman that maybe would watch sports with you but in reality that wouldn't be as amazing or beautiful as a delicate, feminine complicated woman that has her own complexities. My point is things that are automatic are rarely beautiful.

Love Retro Design - Its a classic and looks great sitting out on counter Love Copper Color - Really a nice copper color and doesn't tarnish Love Simplistic Controls - Easy to operate Love Reparability Factor (Not Throw Away) - You can get OEM replacement parts Love Warming Rack - Great for warming all sorts of things OK with the "Loves" out of the way lets get to the issues that are tarnishing my relationship with this toaster: Hate Toasting Performance - Its hit & miss whether toast comes out right 1st time, gotta ck it and reset to toast more or set it too long & its burnt. Really varies from slice-to-slice day-to-day how well "simple toast" turns out. Hate that the toaster often does not accommodate today's typical bread slices as oriented from a loaf as it would sit on counter. Most of the time I have to turn the toast 90 deg longwise for it to drop in & fit. The Brit's must still make smaller loaves of bread? Hate Failure Prone "M1 7" Timer Switch - After 1yr-6mo the timer switch went out on this $260 toaster. I now know why Dualit says to ALWAYS unplug toaster after use, ITS A FIRE HAZARD! Example: if you hear timer quit ticking and pop toast out and walk away and the timer switch has quit rotating (no ticking sound) & the invisible "no glow" elements are STILL ON, the toaster will stay on indefinitely due to sticking faulty timer until you somehow notice it later or god forbid your kitchen/house is on fire! Hate Cost/Frequency of Parts - With premature failure of Timer Switch I ordered OEM replacement timer switch part from USA Electra-Craft as directed by UK Dualit. However, failure prone part costs $58 shipped and I have to install it or pay a "Electrical Engineer" to install it as recommended by Dualit. That switch is as much as some other brand toasters listed on Amazon cost! Yeah, Dualit toasters are repairable and based on the failure rate, parts are a good revenue stream for Dualit! Copper Toaster has cast "aluminum" end pieces that look like they have either been thinly electro-plated with copper; or a copper paint applied, with a clear coat painted finish to protect. While it looks great, your not getting much if any actual copper for such an expensive toaster. Hate feeling that I paid too much for for something as simple as a toaster that just does not perform up to expectations with such a low MTBF rate!

So far it has performed well. Toasts evenly. Most people buy it because they are at their wits-with products engineered to rapidly fail, usually due to cheap asian produced solenoids that cause lever failure). Some may be interested in knowing that it makes a ticking noise when dialing toasting time. There’s no bell when done. Just a click when complete. You can turn it the opposite way to expedite completion and it will not damage the timer. All parts replaceable with limited know-how required for the DIY’er. Maybe slightly wider slots for fitting all slice types would be an improvement.

This is the quality toaster I have been looking for for years. Superb degree of functionality. No unnecessary 'bells and whistles'. I have used this toaster almost every day and I love it. I usually start with frozen bread and set the mechanical timer to its max and then give it a little more time if it needs it. This toaster allows you to pop the toast up and check it at any time. One nice energy saving feature is that you can select how many slices you want and only have that many heat up. Solid construction and repairable if you need it. It might seem expensive but the quality makes it worth every penny.

Simplemente perfecto, bien hecho, solido, robusto, un electrodoméstico digno y rudo, como los de antes, vale la pena no solo por su estética, se ve que es algo que durará muchos muchos años, hecho a mano y diseñado para poder ser reparado, lo recomiendo totalmente mejor que otros tostadores de "lujo" qué solo son lo estetico y nadamas.

Love my Dualit toaster! Strongly recommend lasts for years had the sandwich toaster one in the UK and out lived other toasters that I bought that were quite expensive but broke down went through 4 toasters prior to buying the Dualit! Perfect toast every time. Great that you can buy parts. Might be more money but it was worth it when I spent more money on 4 toasters. Go ahead and spoil yourself. Like the way that they added the defrost part to the toaster as well. 🙏

Fantastic and great quality. This toasts slowly giving the result of a golden toast with nice chewie center. Easy to clean and the cover over the elements prevent the interior from building up debris

Cher mais réparable en cas de problème.

This toaster upped our toast game. It toasts so quickly and EVENLY. It's simple to get to know how to use, and I love that it's repairable.