Canstar Blue’s 2021 toaster review has compared Breville, Russell Hobbs, Kambrook, De’Longhi, Target, Kmart, Big W Brilliant Basics and Sunbeam on toasting performance, functions & features, ease of use, design, value for money and overall satisfaction.
See our Ratings Methodology.
Breville toasted the competition in Canstar Blue’s latest toaster review, with five-star ratings for toasting performance, functions & features, design and overall satisfaction.
Synonymous with breakfast, a slice of toast is a staple for many households when it comes to starting the day. Regardless of whether you think jam should be placed on a crumpet before cream, or if you believe butter belongs on every slice (including ones with peanut butter), at least most of us agree that a crunchy piece of toast for breakfast can be enjoyed whether you’re in a rush to get out the door or have plenty of time to lounge around. As a result, a toaster is essential for the kitchen, with the small appliance often the unsung hero for many. But when it comes to picking up a new toaster, consumers are often met with a wall of options, making the decision a tricky one.
To narrow down your search and help you find the best model for you, Canstar Blue surveyed more than 770 Australian consumers for feedback on the toaster(s) they purchased and used in the last two years. Rating criteria included toasting performance, functions & features, ease of use, design, value for money and overall satisfaction. Brands that received the minimum sample size (30 responses) are included in our report. The idea is to give you an idea of which toasters are worth investing some dough into.
Breville topped our toaster ratings in 2021, with a perfect score for toasting performance, functions & features, design and overall satisfaction.
Here are the best toasters in Australia, as rated by consumers in Canstar Blue’s latest review:
Our latest ratings suggest there’s plenty to ‘loaf’ about Breville’s toasters. It was rated best for overall customer satisfaction, ultimately ending Russell Hobbs’ two-year winning reign. Although the former champion still landed on a respectable four stars overall, similar to Kambrook, De’Longhi and Target. Kmart, Big W Brilliant Basics and Sunbeam eventually rounded up the scores on three stars each for overall satisfaction.
It’s worth noting that many brands still managed to dish up five-star reviews in several categories. Kambrook and Kmart took the lead when it came to getting value for money, while De’Longhi rated best for ease of use. De’Longhi similarly scored full marks for design, alongside Russell Hobbs, and got an additional five stars for functions and features. Russell Hobbs also achieved an extra five-star review for toasting performance.
A worldwide kitchen appliance brand, Breville provides a number of model lines for toast fans to choose from, regardless of whether you’re after a two-slice toaster for a light breakfast, or a four-slice model to feed your whole clan. Available in predominantly white and stainless-steel designs, Breville serves up toasters that can fit in with any kitchen aesthetics.
Breville’s introductory toaster, the Lift & Look model, gets its name from the ‘Lift & Look’ function, which allows you to manually lift the lever to check the progress of your toast without interrupting the toasting cycle, meaning burnt toast can be a thing of the past. With a cool-touch plastic exterior, the Lift & Look has multiple settings to cook your toast how you like it, along with a wider slot design for larger cuts of bread.
For those who can never seem to get their toast right, the Toast Control 2 comes with a ‘bit more’ button which adds an extra 30 seconds to the toasting cycle. There’s also a ‘fruit bread’ function for people who prefer a slice of raisin toast over white, plus a defrost function. Breville also has a number of toasters with extra wide and deep slots for larger breads like artisan and Turkish bread.
Breville’s toaster range includes:
Most models are available in multiple styles, with individual toasters costing between $69.95 and $249.
A veteran in the kitchen appliance market, Russell Hobbs has been operating for more than 60 years, with products readily available from local appliance retailers. With plenty of two-slice and four-slice models for households to choose from, Russell Hobbs is worth checking out if you’re in the market for a new toaster or a kettle to match.
The two-slice toasters are split across several designs, including Midnight, Carlton, Paddington, Velocity and Classic. These generally cost between $50 and $100, with each of these generally available in either silver, white or ombre.
In addition to these lines, Russell Hobbs also offers several series that can fit four slices. Some include Brooklyn Copper, Honeycomb and the Addison Collection. These come in a wider variety of designs and colour schemes, each retailing between $50 to $150.
Russell Hobbs toasters usually include a two-year manufacturer’s guarantee. Some products include:
All Russell Hobbs toasters come with a number of browning settings for personal preferences, as well as safety features to ensure your breakfast is the only thing that’s toasted.
Kambrook boasts one of the most affordable toaster ranges on the market, offering several two-slice and four-slice options from $39.95 up to $79.95. Coming in a variety of both plastic and stainless-steel finishes, Kambrook may be the option for those on a budget, or those who don’t need all the bells and whistles.
Its 2-Slice Wide Slot Toaster is the brand’s cheapest model and includes many common features found across the range, including reheat, defrost and cancel settings, plus six browning levels to help you get the perfect level of crispness for your toast. The toaster is also said to provide extra wide and deep toasting slots. Kambrook’s priciest model, the Kambrook Deluxe Collection 4-Slice Toaster, offers a bit more with a seven-stage browning control, an extra lift function for easier removal and built-in cord storage.
Kambrook’s toaster range includes:
Kambrook toasters typically come with a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty.
Operating for over 100 years, De’Longhi is an Italian manufacturer producing a wide variety of kitchen appliances, including coffee machines, kettles and toasters. With its wide range of colours, finishes and flashy designs, De’Longhi may be a suitable option for those looking to make a statement in the kitchen, at a price of course.
The cheapest toasters available, the Icona 2-Slice Toaster and Icona Vintage 2-Slice Toaster, will set you back close to $80. Both come with a removable crumb tray and include electronic settings for reheat, defrost, bagel (for extra time to toast thicker bread) and cancel. A four-slice version of the Icona is alternatively sold for $189.
Meanwhile, Distinta Livenza 4-Slice Toaster is De’Longhi’s top-of-the-line toaster and sits on the other end of the price spectrum at just under $200. This offers six levels of browning, reheat and defrost electronic settings, two crumb trays and an extra lift function.
Some toasters include:
New De’Longhi toasters are usually covered by a one-year warranty, or six-month guarantee for refurbished models.
Along with offering a number of leading brands, Target features some of its own brand toasters. Most models are two-slice, but there are a couple of four-slice toasters for larger households. Plus, whether you’re wanting to add a pop of red to your kitchen or a sophisticated black, Target also provides a few design and colour options to choose from.
Its budget-friendly 2-Slice Toaster comes will all the features needed to make your toast just the way you like it. It has adjustable browning controls, a removable crumb tray, as well as cancel, reheat and defrost functions. The Target Adela 2-Slice Toaster offers similar functionality, plus a high lift function and center function.
Target’s toaster range includes:
Target toasters all retail for under $30, with the cheapest model currently available for $25.
Despite its low prices, Kmart still manages to keep up with the trends and offers plenty of stylish designs and affordable alternatives to some high-end appliances on the market. Prices for Kmart toasters typically start from $7.50 for a simple two-slice toaster and go up to $45 for the four-slice retro range.
The most expensive in the range is the Toaster & Egg Cooker, which retails for just under $50. If you’re willing to spend extra on convenience (or novelty), the Kmart Toaster & Egg Cooker features two wide slots, variable browning controls, a removable crumb tray and the unique egg cooker function. Otherwise, you can opt for cheaper models like the Kmart 2-Slice Toaster which has a basic toasting function, slide-out crumb tray and cord storage. Keep in mind that certain models might only be available in-store or online.
Other Kmart toasters include:
Many Kmart toasters come with a 12-month warranty.
Retail chain Big W gets back to basics with its, well, Brilliant Basics collection. At the time of writing, there’s only one model available ─ the Big W Brilliant Basics 2-Slice Toaster. Priced similarly to Kmart’s own range at $9, this affordable toaster comes with adjustable browning controls and a slide-out crumb tray for simple cleaning. It also includes defrost, reheat and cancel functions. So, if you’re looking to buy a cheap toaster, your local Big W might be the next place to hit up!
Big W also sells a variety of toasters from brands including Breville, Kambrook, Kenwood, Russell Hobbs and Morphy Richards.
Offering one of the largest ranges of toasters, Sunbeam will have a model for your kitchen regardless of if you’re looking to pinch your pennies or spend big. With both two-slice and four-slice models available across all series, Sunbeam also offers long slot toasters for larger slices, opening up plenty of mealtime options for households.
Busy households, as well as those who skip breakfast, may have found a saviour with the Turbo Toaster, with Sunbeam claiming a toasting time that is one-third of a regular old toaster. Additionally, the Turbo Toaster is said to use only half the amount of energy of other toasters. For those looking for a high-end toaster, Sunbeam offers plenty of toasters with additional features to make breakfast time a bit easier. The Maestro series boasts an LCD countdown display so you can always grab your toast fresh, with prices ranging between $100 and $200.
Sunbeam’s toaster range includes models such as:
All Sunbeam toasters come with a 12-month warranty.
Aside from the major brands in our review, there are also plenty of others that might take your fancy, including:
ALDI is well-known for its Special Buys, which often feature a few budget-friendly home appliances. As part of its Special Buys, ALDI sells a four-slice toaster with two colour options – black and white. Expect standard features such as cancel, reheat and defrost settings, along with adjustable browning controls and self-centring bread slots. And if your morning toast gets stuck, not to fear, its anti-jam function and extra high lift option are there to help. In addition, you’ll find a removable crumb tray to help with the clean-up.
A three-year warranty is available on this model and it comes with a retail price tag of $49.99. But to get your hands on an ALDI model, you’ll have to keep an eye out on its catalogue.
KitchenAid provides a wide variety of kitchen appliances for all household sizes and preferences alike, with the toaster being no exception. With two-slice and four-slice models available, toasters come in a variety of finishes and colours, helping to fit in with any kitchen style.
Common features include wide slots, a high lift lever and a variety of toast settings to suit your preferences, in addition to a setting for those who prefer a bagel over toast in the mornings. KitchenAid also has you covered if you struggle to time it right, with a keep warm function able to keep your toast warm for up to three minutes after the toasting cycle is finished.
Prices generally range between $179 and $379. KitchenAid offers a two-year warranty on most toasters and a five-year warranty on Pro Line models.
Products include:
While it might not offer the widest range in terms of functions and features, Smeg will have you covered if you’re looking to make a statement with your home appliances, offering both two-slice and four-slice toasters in a 1950s retro style, including a wide range of colours and chrome finishes.
Smeg’s toasters come equipped with a crumb tray, cord storage, anti-slip feet and automatic centring racks for even toasting. With a number of toasting levels, including an option for bagels, Smeg will have breakfast sorted regardless of what you’re eating. Smeg also provides a range of matching appliances, including kettles, to help create an eye-catching aesthetic.
Some Smeg toasters include:
Operating since the 1940s, British manufacturer Kenwood offers households a chance to brighten up their kitchen with a range of eye-catching toasters and pastel finishes, along with the more traditional stainless-steel models, available for purchase through local retailers.
Kenwood’s ‘kMix’ model, which includes two-slice and four-slice toasters, features functions such as preview, bagel, defrost and reheat, with adjustable temperature to ensure you get the toast you like. It also has a removable crumb tray and illuminated buttons for easier operation.
Kenwood’s other series, the KSense, contains similar functions, but sets itself apart with the Eco 1 slot, which allows you to toast just one slice at a time, handy for those concerned about their power bill, or those who aren’t hungry in the morning.
Some Kenwood toasters include:
Morphy Richards has been operating for over 80 years, helping families around the globe with their kitchen appliance needs. Its toaster range includes a good mix of colours, as well as various finishes to blend in with your kitchen. The Accents Collection, the Morphy Richards introductory range, is available in a four-slice variety, with all models coming with variable settings, non-slip feet and a removable crumb tray for easy usage.
Morphy Richards also offers the Evoke series, with a coated stainless-steel body with chrome accents making for an eye-catching design. Feature wise, the Evoke series is similar to the Accents models, although it does offer variable width slots, coming in handy for larger slices and longer bread types.
Some Morphy Richards two-slice and four-slice toaster models include:
Our survey revealed respondents previously kept a toaster for seven years before buying a new one. So, what exactly makes a toaster the butter to an Aussie’s bread? With so many toaster brands on offer, there are several factors you might like to consider to help with your decision. When our participants were asked about what they considered to be the biggest factor in their purchase decision, they said:
Price was clearly the most important factor, followed by size and style. Most purchases ultimately come down to your budget and what you’re willing to spend on a product. On average, consumers spend $57 on a new toaster, according to our survey results, with only 9% of those surveyed wishing they had spent more on a better model.
It’s also important to consider your household size and whether you’ll need a one, two or four-slice toaster, plus if it will blend in with your kitchen décor. Our survey found that 42% of adults bought a two-slice toaster and 37% bought a four-slicer. In addition, nearly one in four (21%) bought their toaster to complement other appliances.
When it comes to kitchens, toasters are one of the first appliances you’ll think of, handy for breakfast or a quick snack. But with plenty of brands offering similar features, finding one that will suit your kitchen and household may prove a big ask, making the final decision a stressful one. If you want something that’ll give you bang for your buck, Kmart rated best for value for money. This was followed by Kambrook and Breville. But if nothing gets on your nerves more than a burnt patch on your toast, Breville took the lead for toasting performance, along with Kambrook and Russell Hobbs.
For an all-rounder, Breville, Russell Hobbs, De’Longhi and Kambrook consistently ranked among the top performers in most categories, such as functions & features, ease of use, design, toasting performance, plus overall satisfaction.
As with all appliances, it’s best to do your research. Toasters may appear the same at first glance, but some brands will offer you even more cooking options, as well as handy features such as timers, bigger slots for larger slices, as well as additional safety features, making it worthwhile to explore your options.
This report was written by Canstar Blue’s home & lifestyle journalist, Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito. She’s an expert on household appliances, grooming products and all things grocery and shopping. In addition to translating our expert research into consumer-friendly ratings reports, Tahnee spends her time helping consumers make better-informed purchase decisions on all manner of consumer goods and services, while highlighting the best deals and anything you need to be aware of.
*Prices taken from respective retailers and Appliances Online, correct as of April 2021.
Our latest toaster review saw various brands rated best in different categories:
Canstar Blue surveyed 3,000 Australian adults across a range of categories to measure and track customer satisfaction, via ISO 26362 accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics. The outcomes reported are the results from customers within the survey group who have purchased and used a new toaster in the last two years – in this case, 771 people.
Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included. Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands receiving three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10. Not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The ratings table is first sorted by star ratings and then by mean overall satisfaction. A rated brand may receive a ‘N/A’ (Not Applicable) rating if it does not receive the minimum number of responses for that criteria.
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