As bread lovers, we certainly agree that there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly toasted bread wafting through the house in the morning. However, achieving the perfect slice of toast can be a bit more challenging than you’d think. This is especially true for artisanal breads, which have unique shapes and sizes. These specialty loaves require a toaster that can accommodate them without sacrificing the end result: a slice of bread toasted evenly and to your specific liking. But which toaster will best meet these requirements?
In our quest to find the perfect toaster for artisanal breads available in the UK, we’ve carefully tested a multitude of models. We’ve taken into consideration the different settings, slots, and features of these toasters, including popular brands such as Breville, Dualit, and Cuisinart. Let’s take a closer look at our findings.
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Breville Impressions 4 Slice Toaster
Breville is a renowned kitchen appliance brand, and their Impressions 4 Slice Toaster stands out among others.
One of the standout features of this toaster is its variable width bread slots. These are perfect for accommodating a variety of artisanal breads, whether you’ve got a chunky farmhouse loaf or a slim baguette. Additionally, the toaster features a high lift function which guarantees that even smaller slices can be removed without burning your fingers.
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The Breville Impressions also boasts a variety of settings, including defrost, reheat, and a variable browning control. These ensure that your bread is toasted to perfection, regardless of its initial state. Whether it’s fresh or frozen, you’ll have control over how light or dark it’s toasted.
Dualit NewGen Toaster
Next up, we have the Dualit NewGen toaster, a model known for its robust build and stylish design.
This toaster comes with extra wide slots, which are ideal for thick slices of artisanal bread. The slots are also long enough to accommodate unusually-shaped loaves without difficulty, ensuring that every slice is toasted evenly.
One feature that sets the Dualit NewGen apart is its mechanical timer. This allows you to adjust the toasting time to your liking, a particularly useful feature when dealing with different types of artisanal breads. It also offers a defrost setting, which means you can easily go from frozen loaf to perfectly toasted slice in no time.
Cuisinart CPT-180 Metal Classic 4-Slice Toaster
The Cuisinart CPT-180 Metal Classic 4-Slice Toaster is another high-quality product that we’ve tested.
The Cuisinart toaster is equipped with wide 1.5-inch toasting slots. This makes it very suitable for different types of artisanal breads. The toaster’s dual control panels also allow for different settings on each side, providing added flexibility if you’re toasting different types of bread simultaneously.
Furthermore, the Cuisinart CPT-180 has a number of settings that contribute to a perfect toasting result. These include a defrost setting for toasting bread straight from the freezer and a reheat setting to warm your toast without further browning.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Toaster
When looking for a toaster for your artisanal bread, you should take into consideration your specific needs and preferences.
Firstly, check the size and width of the toaster slots. Artisanal breads come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll need a toaster with slots that can accommodate a variety.
Secondly, consider the settings that the toaster offers. Models with defrost, reheat, and variable browning controls provide the greatest flexibility and control over the toasting process.
Finally, the build quality and design of the toaster are also important factors. A well-built, durable toaster will serve you well for a long time, and a stylish design can add a touch of elegance to your kitchen.
Choosing the right toaster for your artisanal breads can enhance your breakfast experience. So take the time to consider your options and choose a model that will deliver the best results.
The Importance of Additional Features
Besides the size and other fundamental features, certain additional features of a toaster can enhance its functionality. They can help you toast your artisanal bread to perfection.
Features like the bagel setting are very helpful when dealing with different types of bread. This setting heats up only one side of the slot, ensuring that the cut side of your bagel is toasted while the outer shell stays warm. It ensures that your bagel is not over-toasted and retains its softness.
Another feature to consider is the defrost option. If you like to store your artisanal bread in the freezer, this function will be a real game-changer. A defrost function allows you to toast your bread straight from the freezer without waiting for it to thaw. It saves you time and results in evenly toasted bread.
An additional feature that is helpful is a reheat function. If your toast cools down before you are ready to eat, a reheat setting lets you warm it back up without further toasting it.
A crumb tray is another feature that you should look out for when choosing the best toaster. A crumb tray makes cleaning your toaster easier by catching all the bread crumbs that fall off during toasting.
Let’s not forget the aesthetics. A stainless steel toaster can add a sleek, modern touch to your kitchen. Many top-quality toasters, like the Cuisinart CPT and the Dualit NewGen, come in stainless steel designs.
Conclusion
Finding the best toaster for artisanal breads in the UK is no small feat. There are several factors to consider, from the size and width of the slots to the range of settings and extra features.
However, based on our tests and reviews, the Breville Impressions 4 Slice Toaster, the Dualit NewGen Toaster, and the Cuisinart CPT-180 Metal Classic 4-Slice Toaster stand out from the rest. They all offer wide slots suitable for a range of artisanal breads. They also include essential settings like defrost, reheat, and variable browning controls.
While these key features are important, remember to also consider the additional features like the bagel setting, crumb tray, and the build material of the toaster.
By taking the time to find the right toaster, you’re not just investing in a kitchen appliance – you’re investing in your daily enjoyment of your breakfast. Remember, a good day starts with a good breakfast, and a good breakfast starts with perfectly toasted bread.
Happy toasting!
