Last updated: 11 Mar 2026 · 4 products rated
Toasters are one of those appliances people don't think about until they get a dodgy one. Then you're standing there waiting five minutes for your toast or pulling out burnt offerings that could double as charcoal. A good toaster is fast, toasts evenly, and doesn't require you to learn a complex dial system that changes its personality every other day. I've tested dozens of toasters, and the difference between budget and quality is surprisingly noticeable.
What I'm after is consistent heat distribution, reliable browning controls, and build quality that won't let you down. Some cheap toasters have hotspots that toast one slice beautifully while cremating the other. Better toasters heat evenly across all slots. I also care about speed - nobody wants to wait forever for their morning toast - and features like pop-up crumb trays that actually work and don't jam halfway through. A four-slot toaster is the sweet spot for most households because it lets you toast bread for a family without doing it in batches.
The Breville is brilliant for everyday use and genuinely looks good on your bench. The Smeg is premium styling with excellent performance if you're willing to pay for the brand. The Sunbeam is reliable and straightforward without the fancy features. The Kmart Anko is actually surprisingly decent if you're on a tight budget and don't mind basic functionality. All of these will toast your bread properly without drama.
Breville's Smart Toast is the toaster that finally makes toast exciting. Lift-and-look means you never burn breakfast, and the 4-slot capacity is genuine.
Smeg's TSF02 is the toaster that looks as good as it performs. The retro design is genuine, not pastiche, and it actually toasts brilliantly.
Sunbeam's Alinea is the honest budget four-slot toaster: 1400 watts, six browning levels, and even results across all four slots at $89. No independent slot control and a plain plastic build, but for feeding a family fast every morning it is exactly enough toaster.
The Anko is the absolute budget toaster. At $49 from Kmart, it's hard to complain about the price, though longevity isn't guaranteed.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
See real discussions from the Australian community: