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

I looked at a Kenwood TTM310 s shown on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kenwood-TTM3.../dp/B000TZX2YW

Having seen them at their original ridiculously high price (can't
remember the number but it was more than I was willing to pay), I
actually bought one, at a very low end of line discounted price, from
Robert Dyas online. Seem to no longer be available at all.

Being so pleased, and utterly convinced that when it went wrong I
wouldn't be able to find a suitable alternative, I bought a second one
which is waiting in the loft right now...

Handles everything I throw at it from fully frozen croissants to
doorstep slices. Not good, however, if rate of toasting is an issue.
Being single slot it is relatively slow, but perfectly adequate for me
(partner doesn't eat bread at all). For those who care, it does not pop
up but does have a manual lifter.

--
Rod