Compare toaster brands Russell Hobbs, Target, Breville, DeLonghi, Kmart, Sunbeam and Kambrook on their performance, value for money, design, ease of use, ease of cleaning, functions & features and overall customer satisfaction.
See our Ratings Methodology.
Russell Hobbs toasted the competition for the second year in a row in Canstar Blue’s 2020 toaster ratings. It rated best with five stars for functions & features, ease of use, design and overall satisfaction. It also got four stars for toasting performance and value for money.
Synonymous with breakfast, a slice of toast is a staple for many households when it comes to starting the day. Regardless of your preferences for toppings, such as jam or butter, 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 an 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. Thankfully, with the help of Canstar Blue’s customer review, you can narrow down your search and find the best model for you.
We’ve again surveyed nearly 900 Aussie consumers to ask about the brand of toaster they have recently purchased and used. Brands that reached the minimum sample size required were rated on a number of variables, from performance to functions & features, design and price. The idea is to give you an idea of which toasters are worth investing some dough into, and which will leave you saying “crumbs”.
Since dominating our first ever toaster review last year, Russell Hobbs has topped the leader board once more, rated best for overall satisfaction for the second year running. The brand scored five stars in most research categories, including functions & features, ease of use, and design. It got four stars for toasting performance and value for money.
Here are the best toasters in Australia, as rated by consumers in Canstar Blue’s latest review:
Russell Hobbs doesn’t loaf around when it comes to toasters, rating as the best brand in Canstar Blue’s review for the second year in a row! It was the only entry featured to achieve five stars when it comes to overall satisfaction, with most landing on four stars. These include Breville, Kambrook, Big W, Kmart and Sunbeam. DeLonghi rounded out the results on three stars.
Although, Russell Hobbs wasn’t the only brand to get a taste of five-star success, with both Breville and Kambrook getting full marks for toasting performance. Kmart similarly edged out Russell Hobbs on value for money, while DeLonghi managed to join the winner in the design stakes.
Read on to learn more about the brands compared – plus others – and our buying guide to toasters.
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, Inspire, Classic, Velocity, Paddington and Carlton models, with most available with either stainless steel or coloured finishes. Russell Hobbs also offers plenty of four-slice toasters, available in a variety of colours and finishes. In addition to the 4-slice varieties of models from series such as Inspire and Classic, there’s models from collections including Brooklyn, Vintage, Heritage, Siena and Classic. The Classic toasters come with all the features you’d come to expect with a toaster, including a removable crumb tray, wide slots and button functions, while the Heritage line is available with more colours and illuminated buttons for easy use.
The Russell Hobbs toaster range includes these models:
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.
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 brood. 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, Breville has a solution in the form of another line of products, the Bit More series. With similar functions to the Lift & Look, the Bit More models come with a ‘Bit More’ button, which adds an extra 30 seconds to the toasting cycle to help you get the toast you want.
If you can’t decide between the Lift & Look and Bit More toasters, Breville has combined the functions of both in its Toast Control models. The Toast Control range also comes both two-slice and four-slice varieties, as well as a long model, which contains extra wide and deep slots for larger breads like artisan and Turkish bread. Breville’s top-of-the-line model – the Smart Toast – combines all of the features of Breville’s range into one toaster, making it a powerhouse in the market.
Breville’s toaster range includes:
Each model is available in a variety of styles, with individual toasters costing anywhere between $64.95 and $219.95.
One of the most affordable toaster ranges available, Kambrook has a number of two-slice and four-slice options for households to choose from, starting from around $30. 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.
With extra wide toasting slots for those larger slices, Kambrook’s toasters all contain removable crumb trays for easy cleaning, as well as a control with extra lift to help you grab your toast without burning yourself. Other consistent features include reheat, defrost and cancel settings, as well as six stages of browning to help ensure you get the perfect texture to your toast.
For those looking for a bit extra, Kambrook’s top-of-the-line toasters also include high wattage for additional browning controls and come with cord storage to ensure it doesn’t take up much bench space, making it ideal for busy kitchens.
Kambrook’s toaster range includes these models:
All Kambrook toaster models 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 control 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, Sunbeam, Contempo and Russell Hobbs.
Kmart offers a number of cheap and cheerful toasters, with more than 10 models to choose from at the time of writing. But despite its low prices, the retail chain still manages to keep up with trends and offers plenty of stylish designs and affordable alternatives to expensive high-end models.
One of these includes the Glass Toaster, a new take on the classic kitchen appliance that’s selling for more than $300 overseas. Interestingly, Australia is still pretty new to the transparent toaster design. This particular model uses up to 1000W per grill and comes with cancel, reheat and defrost functions. It also has a high lift function and variable browning controls. Alternatively, you can always stick to the basics with a cheap $10 toaster from Kmart’s budget range which includes a slide out crumb tray and cord storage.
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. Keep in mind that certain models might only be available in store or online.
Some products available include:
Many Kmart toasters come with a 12-month warranty.
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 meal time options for households.
Sunbeam’s range begins with the two-slice Quantum toaster, which will set you back just over $30 at your local retailer. Coming with everything you need in a toaster, including multiple browning settings, cord storage and anti-slip feet, the Quantum toaster will suit those who aren’t looking for anything special or on a tight budget. However, if you’re partial to artisan bread or Turkish bread for a fancier feed, (or you just really like your bread), Sunbeam has the Long Slot toaster to accommodate for larger slices, or different types of bread. It also features self-centring slots, a high lift lever and a QuickCheck function.
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 the prices ranging between $100 and $200.
Sunbeam’s toaster range includes models such as:
All Sunbeam toasters come with a 12-month warranty.
Operating for over 100 years, DeLonghi is an Italian manufacturer producing a wide variety of kitchen appliances, including kettles and toasters. With its wide range of colours, finishes and flashy designs, DeLonghi may be a suitable option for those looking to make a statement in the kitchen, at a price of course. The cheapest toaster available, the Icona 2 Slice Toaster, will set you back close to $80. It comes with a removeable crumb tray and includes 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 $169.
DeLonghi also offers the Icona, Brillante and Avvolta models, with each series offering similar functions and features, with the differences coming primarily in the dimensions, weight and material. Available in two-slice and four-slice models, each series provides a different aesthetic for personal preference, with some available in plastic while others are available in a stainless-steel finish.
DeLonghi’s top-of-the-line toaster, the Scultura, may shock some with its price tag of over $200, but it does offer plenty of variety when it comes to the control settings. With six browning temperatures and two crumb trays, the Scultura also has controls specifically designed for crumpets, while offering the standard reheat and defrost controls.
Some DeLonghi toaster models include:
All DeLonghi toasters are covered by a one-year 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 is 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.
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 2 Slice Toaster comes will all the features needed to make your toast just the way you like it. It has adjustable browning control, a removable crumb tray, as well as cancel, reheat and defrost functions. Other models also feature handy cord storage and wide bread slots if you like a cafe style toast.
Target currently has two four-slice toasters, both costing $39. These feature auto pop-up with additional lifting ability, adjustable browning control with up to seven different settings, plus the standard defrost, reheat and cancel functions.
Target’s toaster range includes:
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.
With wide slots, and an easy high lift lever to help grab your toast when it’s done, KitchenAid also offers 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.
KitchenAid’s top-of-the-line series, the Pro Line, comes with a variety of handy features, including an LED digital display and countdown bar, along with the Keep Warm feature. While a little pricier, the Pro Line toasters set themselves apart with their Sandwich Rack, whereby households can create tasty toasted sandwiches without investing in a whole separate appliance.
Prices generally range between $179 and $379. Products include:
KitchenAid offers a two-year warranty on most toasters and a five-year warranty on Pro Line models.
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.
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. With a removable crumb tray and illuminated buttons for easier operation, the kMix would prove a worthwhile option for many kitchens, regardless of the household size.
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:
While not the most well-known brand, 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 Murphy Richards two-slice and four-slice toaster models include:
Our survey revealed respondents previously kept a toaster for almost six 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’s 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 biggest 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 $49 on a new toaster, according to our survey results, with only 11% wishing they had spent more than they did.
It’s also important to consider your household size and if you’ll need a one, two or four-slice toaster, plus if it will fit in with your kitchen aesthetics. Our survey found that 44% of adults bought a two-slice toaster and 39% bought a four-slicer. In addition, nearly one in four (23%) bought their toaster to compliment 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 Big W Brilliant Basics and Breville. But if nothing gets on your nerves more than a burnt patch on your toast, Kambrook took the lead for toasting performance, along with Breville and Russell Hobbs.
For an all-rounder, Russell Hobbs and Breville 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.
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, 899 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.
2019
