Dualit 4-Slice Toaster, Red

I have mixed feelings about this item. So much so that I put off reviewing it for a long time. I've owned mine over a year now, and it is time to speak up.

On the one hand, I really want to like it. And not just because I spent a good sized hunk of cash on it. I like the idea of an industrial, commercial-grade toaster that makes great toast, is indestructible, and looks great doing it.

On the other hand, I kind of don't like it. It takes up a lot of space, the slots aren't wide enough for a bagel, or deep enough for a wide piece of bread. I had to buy the optional sandwich cages to allow me to stuff bread into the slots that wouldn't otherwise fit. It needs to be preheated, and even after it is, the toast is inconsistent and uneven.

It does look great on the counter, and feels very heavy-duty. But, it just isn't very good at making toast, and that is supposed to be the point.

Sadly, I don't think I would buy this again.

My love for this toaster lasted all of two days. Were I not so thrilled with its looks, I would have thrown it out in the first 20 minutes. It's like a handsome, charming man who happens to be useless, lazy, and incompetent.

Now two years have passed, and I hate the thing. It still warms up slowly, still toasts WILDLY unevenly, still takes up too much space, still has slots that can't accommodate thick bread or wide bread, and now even the ticking of the timer has begun to get on my nerves. Probably because I know that after three minutes of listening to it, 1/2 of my slice will be toasted, 1/4 of my slice will be burnt black, and 1/4 of my slice will be untouched by heat. I'd have gotten a better piece of toast if I lit the $300 on fire and waved a slice of bread over the flames.

I got online today to buy a new toaster, and decided to swing by here to warn any prospective buyers of this Dualit away!

THE FULL STORY

I first encountered a Dualit toaster while staying at the Ritz Carlton in Hong Kong. The hotel provided an enormous buffet, part of which included a big basket of breads that could be toasted. The hotel's 4-slice Dualit was in constant use. I was impressed both by its uncomplicated design and its ability to make toast in about a minute (much to the dismay of several hotel guests, who left a slice inside too long and came back to find it was black!)

First, the looks. The Dualit is sleek. Although they come in colors, the traditional model is shiny stainless steel. The controls are simple - a toggle switch (which controls whether the heating elements turn on for 2 slots or all 4 slots) and a timer. It is somewhat retro looking and very solid. Although I am not a big fan of keeping appliances on the counter, I make an exception for the Dualit. Note: If you have limited counterspace, the Dualit may not be for you. It definitely takes up more space than your average...Read more