Canstar Blue’s latest toaster review has compared Target, De’Longhi, Russell Hobbs, Breville, Big W Brilliant Basics, Kambrook, Sunbeam and Kmart on toasting performance, functions & features, ease of use, design, value for money and overall satisfaction.
See our Ratings Methodology.
Target toasted the competition in Canstar Blue’s latest toaster review, scoring five stars for toasting performance 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. 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 give you an idea of which toasters are worth investing some dough into, Canstar Blue surveyed more than 800 Australian consumers for feedback on the toaster(s) they’ve purchased and used in the last two years. Respondents rated manufacturers on toasting performance, functions and 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.
Target hit the mark in our latest toaster review, rating best with five stars for toasting performance 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 Target’s toasters. The retailer was rated best with the only five-star review for overall satisfaction (and for toasting performance), while most other brands landed four stars. Sunbeam and Kmart were exceptions, each ending on three stars for overall satisfaction.
It’s worth mentioning that De’Longhi also managed to get a winning slice after achieving the top score for ease of use and design. It similarly got full marks for toasting performance. Kambrook also ranked number one for value for money. Russell Hobbs got the same result for functions and features.
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.
Target toasters all retail for under $30, with the cheapest model currently available for $25. The range includes:
Its budget-friendly two-slice toaster comes will all the features needed to make your toast just the way you like it, including 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.
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.
Some toasters include:
The cheapest toaster available, the Brillante Exclusive Toaster, will set you back close to $100. This comes with the basics, including six electronic browning settings, an extra-lift position, a removable crumb tray and other electronic controls to defrost, reheat and cancel. If you’re more of a bagel or crumpet fan, models like the Ballerina Toaster ($119 RRP*) and Icona Vintage 2-Slice Toaster ($139 RRP*) contain a bagel setting, which keeps thicker bread in the toaster for a little longer to give it the extra time it needs.
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.
Several Russell Hobbs toasters currently available include:
The two-slice toasters are split across several designs, such as Midnight, Carlton, Velocity, Paddington and Camden. These generally cost between $50 and $100, with each of these generally available in either silver, white or ombre. Otherwise, you can snag a larger four-slice model from several series including Brooklyn, Addison, Structure, Honeycomb and Legacy. These come in a wider variety of designs and colour schemes, each retailing between $50 to $150.
A worldwide kitchen appliance brand, Breville provides a slightly wider range of toasters to suit different types of food, such as bagels, pastries, thicker loaves as well as the standard slice of toast. These are available as two-slice and four-slice, mainly in white and stainless-steel designs to fit with most kitchen aesthetics.
Breville serves up a few toasters priced between $69.95 and $249. A few options include:
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.
Retail chain Big W gets back to basics with its, well, Brilliant Basics collection. Priced similarly to Kmart’s range (from $8), these affordable toasters come 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!
There are currently two toasters available on Big W’s website:
Big W also sells a variety of toasters from brands including Breville, Kambrook, Kenwood, Russell Hobbs and Morphy Richards.
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 $99.95. 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.
Kambrook’s toaster range includes:
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.
Sunbeam has one of the largest offerings of toasters, catering to everyone in a pinch as well as those willing to spend big. There are two-slice and four-slice models available across all series, plus long slot toasters for larger slices.
Sunbeam’s toaster range includes models such as:
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.
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 for a simple two-slice toaster and go up to $45 for a four-slice model.
Several Kmart toasters include:
One of the most expensive and eye-catching toasters from Kmart is the Toaster & Egg Cooker (pictured), 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.
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-centering 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. 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. Prices generally range between $179 and $289. KitchenAid offers a two-year warranty on most toasters.
Some products currently available include:
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.
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.
A few Smeg toasters include:
Smeg’s toasters come equipped with six toasting levels, a crumb tray, cord storage, anti-slip feet and automatic centering racks for even toasting.
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.
There are just two models available on Kenwood’s website, at the time of writing:
The Mesmerine two-slice toaster boasts a diamond pattern and contains the same features you would expect from a toaster, such as six browning levels, a high-rise bread lift function and defrost setting. It also offers a bagel mode.
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. There are two-slice and four-slice models available typically costing between $70 and $190.
The Accents collection is one of the standout ranges from the brand and offers four-slot toasters with variable settings, non-slip feet and a removable crumb tray. The Accents Collection is one of the brand’s classic ranges, and features variable settings, non-slip feet and a removable crumb tray for easy usage.
Some Morphy Richards toasters include:
Most models come in just one or two colours, although the Aspect series provides the most options with six designs to choose from.
What makes a toaster the butter to an Aussie’s bread? Our survey found price to be the biggest factor that swayed shoppers’ minds at the checkout (41%). Analysis of our research also revealed respondents are replacing their toaster after three years. We also found consumers are spending less on a new model, with Aussies now generally spending $41 (down from $57 in 2021).
Other factors consumers consider when buying a new toaster include:
Most people surveyed opted for a two-slice toaster (41%) while 35% picked up a larger four-slice option.
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, Kambrook rated best for value for money. But if nothing gets on your nerves more than a burnt patch on your toast, De’Longhi took the lead for toasting performance, alongside Target which also rated best for overall satisfaction. For an all-rounder, Target and De’Longhi consistently ranked among the top performers in most categories.
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 are taken from respective retailers, Appliances Online and Winning Appliances, correct as of January 2022.
Picture credit: Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock.com
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, 861 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.
These are the best toasters in Australia, as rated by consumers in our latest review:
Here are the brands that previously rated best in Canstar Blue’s toaster review:
Appliances - March 18th
If you’re stuck washing dishes by hand, Canstar Blue details common problems as to why your dishwasher isn’t working, plus solutions.
– Read more
Appliances - March 7th
The Electrolux Pure F9 vacuum is arguably the most versatile handstick around, allowing you to adjust its height to suit you.
– Read more
Appliances - March 6th
Your washing machine can require regular maintenance to keep it working like a well-oiled machine. We bring you a guide on common problems and solutions.
– Read more
Appliances - March 6th
Vacuums can require regular maintenance to keep them running. Canstar Blue brings you a guide on common problems that might cause your vacuum to stop working.
– Read more
