Breville CT40 Classic Four-Slice Classic Toaster

I ordered this toaster, received it in the mail, and had only to look briefly at the manual to know that I needed to return it. The Amazon web site states that it toasts four slices "independently," and that's exactly what I wanted. But that's not exactly a feature of this appliance. Slices 3 and 4 must be toasted with 1 and 2. There is one knob for browning control for all 4 slots, not one for each 2 slots (like my old Hamilton Beach toaster.) With this machine, I can't put a split bagel in two slots, then bread in the others. I can't put 4 slices of anything in, and get them done 2 different ways. That's not what I call "independent."

The first thing I noticed about this is just how good it looks. It really is a showpiece in my kitchen. The smooth, rounded shape and the shiny chrome finish really make it look fabulous and I leave it out on the counter all the time. Apart from that, it seems pretty much a normal toaster. The extra-lift feature makes getting small bagels out very easy, and the electronic buttons are handy too. I like the way it can take four big pieces of bread or bagels without taking up too much room in the kitchen. 5 stars!