Introduction to Buying a Toaster
Breakfast just isn’t breakfast without toast and so the toaster has become commonplace in ever kitchen. You can spend anything from £20 for a cheap toaster to over £100 buying a larger futuristic all singing all dancing model. Whilst there are few things to consider the choice is wide enough to consider a few key requirements to ensure you don’t get burnt.

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Toaster Size
Home kitchens will almost always have a smaller pop up style toaster that usually supports 2 – 4 slices of bread. It is possible to but a smaller 1 slice toaster and up to 12 slices although these are rare and 2-4 is the most commonly available. In eating establishments you may see the conveyer style toasters that are used to produce larger volumes of toast at speed. A key consideration when buying your toaster will be to consider whether to go for a 2 slice toaster or 4 slice toaster and whether you will require slot widening. Extra wide slots are beneficial for thick slices of bread or if you hand cut bread where the thickness may be variable.

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Toaster Style and Design
If you think a toaster is a bland looking box then think again. There are now numerous styles and designs for you to consider. You may choose to go retro, or choose one of the many popular metallic finish models. Many shoppers now choose to match their toaster and kettle and manufacturers are doing matching sets. Another consideration is where you will place the toaster in your kitchen. This may influence the model you choose if its slots lie horizontally or vertically effectively giving you a choice in relation to access of the controls.

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Additional Toaster Features
Here is a list of additional features to consider when buying your toaster.
- Removable crumb tray to make it easier to clean your toaster and remove excess crumbs that will quickly accumulate.
- Adjustable settings so you can toast your bread just how you like it.
- Frozen bread setting so you can put bread straight from the freezer into your toaster.
- Extra or high lift function to help you get those smaller slices or items out of your toaster more easily

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Toaster Accessories
These are extremely limited on toasters but you may want to consider a nice toast rack so you can serve up toast in style. Although more unusual today a classic silver butter dish and butter knife can also help recreate that retro look and feel in the kitchen.

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