On 16/02/2015 17:07, Chris J Dixon wrote:
I've just pronounced my Russell Hobbs Classic toaster beyond
repair.

It is a good few years old, and whilst I was able to make my way
inside and diagnose the failure (a bit of springy wire had
fatigued) the plastic it clipped onto was too fragile for me to
fashion and install a replacement.

For such an inexpensive item (unless you really want it to be) I
am loath to spend hours searching through on-line reviews. My
usual first look at Which? seems to produce Best Buys which have
nevertheless attracted a significant number of negative comments.

Similarly, Amazon seems to produce a wide spread of experience,
such that it is sometimes hard to believe they have used the same
hardware.

I suppose my requirements are 2-slot, able to take large or thick
slices, brown evenly and have high enough lift to remove teacakes
and similar small items without having to use tongs.

I have no particular need to toast one side of a bagel, warm my
buns, or be able to count down to l(a)unch.

What should I look at?

Chris

We've just been through this process - had a Swan 2 long slot toaster
which broke after very long service. We started looking for one with
stainless steel finish to match other stuff in the kitchen. Gave up in
the end - I think we found one long slot (Graef) listed at John Lewis at
£79.95 but it was only one slot. Apparently we were looking for a
toaster which handles "artisan bread" - you know, the unsliced stuff you
can get in any supermarket. We eventually bought a Kenwood TTP210
4-Slice 2 long slot toaster for £35.95 from John Lewis - seems to do the
job, my wife reckons it doesn't toast very evenly but I've not really
found a problem with it. It has a lever you can flick smaller items up with.

Dualit used to do a 2 long slot toaster but when we looked it had been
discontinued.

Since buying our toaster we have noticed several white 2 long slot
toasters in discount shops for around £10-£15 - no idea if they are any
good though!

I don't understand why anyone would buy a toaster which can only handle
square bread.

Biggles
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