Toast is an absolute breakfast staple, and with the best 4-slice toaster, the more, the merrier. Whether you like your toast coated in marmalade, marmite, jam or a simple butter spread, we all need our toast to be cooked the way we like it. If you really love your toast or have a busy household, the best toaster of this size might be the best way to go for all the toasted goodness.
Deciding whether to get a toaster with space for two or four slices of toast depends on how often you'll use it, your routine and your household's needs. A 2-slice toaster will perfectly suffice if you only have toast once in a while and it's not in high demand come breakfast time. It also might be better if you have a smaller household, as it's unlikely you'll need to toast more than two slices at once.
Best 4-slice toasters at a glance:
• Best overall: Cookworks Pyramid 4 Slice Toaster - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best for style and substance: De'Longhi Luminosa Four Slot Toaster - View on De'Longhi
• Best for thicker bread: Kenwood Elegancy 4 Slot Toaster - View on Kenwood
If you're part of a busier household with children, a high demand for toast, or a need to be served quickly, a 4-slice toaster comes to the rescue. After all, more slots mean more toast at once! You can cook up to four slices at once, and with many 4-slice toasters having dual toaster controls, you can set your toast to start at different times. It's a fantastic solution, too if you live with someone who has a favourite level of 'toastiness' very different to your own. Designate them a side of the machine, and they can set their own browning shade to their liking - just grab your toaster tongs, and you are good to go.
If you want bread, bagels, crumpets or teacakes toasted to perfection, make sure you have the best kit for the job. Check out our pick of the best 4-slice toasters worth spending your dough on, or consider a kettle and toaster set if you're after a little kitchen cohesion.
Best 4-slice toasters for your kitchen counter
Best overall
Cook up your toasted favourites with this Cookworks four-slicer, which comes in several styles. We love the cream model, which looks classy with a vintage twist. No matter what's for breakfast, this Cookworks model is set to warm up and deliver well-toasted treats. No matter bagel, crumpet or brown bap, you're in good hands with a wide slot and high-lift feature. Plus, the crumb tray keeps the mess to a minimum. We like this toaster.
Our review: "A brilliant toaster. I love that it fits four slices in. It can cook bread evenly with ease. Plus, it looks fantastic and is easy to clean. My only 'con' is that the breadcrumb storage can leak when the toaster is moved."
Pros
- Independent slot operation
- High-lift function
- Wide, adjustable slots
Cons
- Crumb tray can leak
| Size: | 30 x 28 x 20 cm |
| Power: | 2300 W |
| Settings: | Cancel, Defrost, Reheat |
- Lift and look
- High-lift
- Wide slots
- Removable crumb tray
- Independent slot function
Best for style and substance
Convenient and intuitive, this Lumiosa electric toaster from De'Longhi is tasteful, and cooks toast to perfection. With progressive browning controls, this toaster can handle any preferences. It adds a touch of taste, glamour and minimalism with the rich matelassé finish. It has all the bells and whistles that you'd expect from a decent toaster, such as a removable crumb tray, extra-lift for easy removal of small slices and integrated controls.
Our review: "Typically I've always gone cheap-and-cheerful with my kitchen appliances, but this investment toaster is one I know is going to last. Available in a choice of stylish colours to suit most modern kitchens (I have Twill White), the toaster looks beautiful and sits proudly on my countertop. It has dual controls so you can just use two slots at a time if you wish, with the option to adjust browning, defrost, cancel and reheat for each. It has a removable crumb tray and has never fallen foul of fingerprints. The only thing I would change is the extra lift - it doesn't lift as high as I'd like, so getting bagels and hot cross buns out has proven tricky."
Pros
- Rich matelassé finish
- Integrated controls
- It has a matching kettle
Cons
- The extra lift could be higher
| Size: | 30 x 16 x 22 cm |
| Power: | 1960 W |
| Settings: | Reheat, Defrost and Cancel |
- Progressive browning controls
- Extra-lift position
- Removable crumb tray
Best for a pop of retro
www.dunelm.com
If you're looking for a pop of retro, we love this Dunelm four-slicer. Not only is it surprisingly good value, but it looks absolutely stunning. But it's not just a looker, it's packed with some fabulous features you need from a toaster. These include integrated variable browning control dials, adjustable bread width slots, a high lift facility and a mid-cycle cancel function. It comes with a two-year guarantee, too, so it makes a fab addition to your kitchen.
Our review: "I love my Dunelm toaster. I was attracted by the pink - obviously - and I'm such a fan of retro kitchen appliances. We are not disappointed by this bargain buy. Though it's a little on the bulky side, it cooks our toast well - and we're able to cancel and check on our bread whilst it's toasting. We have the matching kettle and microwave, too."
Pros
- Stunning design
- Has high-lift facility
- Removable crumb tray
Cons
- While the size isn't specified, it is quite large
| Size: | Unspecified |
| Power: | 1630 W |
| Settings: | Cancel, Defrost, Reheat |
- High lift
- Variable browning control
- Adjustable slots
- Removable crumb tray
Best budget 4-slice toaster
www.dunelm.com
We like this Spectrum Cool Grey Four-Slice Toaster, perfect for busy families. It has a four-slice capacity and a high-lift facility to help you safely retrieve your toast. Its attractive chrome-esque finish is versatile and will fit in nicely with any kitchen. Boasting defrost, reheat, and mid-cycle cancel functions, this toaster is easy to use and clean.
Customer review: "I've knocked one star off only for the fact that it can be a little overzealous with some kinds of lighter bread; it takes practice to avoid burning these, and you need to keep an eye on it. I use a lot of sourdough, which is absolutely fine. It's a great-looking toaster, less bulky than some similar styles, but still able to handle a range of slice sizes, including tea cakes. I've had it for a month and so far very happy. It was a better price, with slightly more consistent reviews than comparisons in other stores."
Pros
- Good value four-slice toaster
- Compact and stylish
- Quick and user-friendly
Cons
- Not too sturdy
| Size: | 18 x 27 x 24 cm |
| Power: | 1630 W |
| Settings: | Reheat, Cancel, Defrost |
- Removable crumb tray
- High-lift
- Adjustable slots
Best for a sleek, polished finish
Sleek never looked better. Russell Hobb's best-selling four-slicer comes in this moody Midnight Blue that looks fantastic. Not only does this toaster look groovy, but it is equipped to deal with the fussiest of toaster-enjoyers. It has independent variable browning control, lift and look to check on your bread - as well as cancel, reheat and defrost. Plus, there's an ever-so-useful removable crumb tray to keep it in tip-top shape.
Our review: "This toaster is a brilliant all-rounder — it looks good, is a decent size and has a host of brilliant functions. My favourite has to be the 'lift and look' function, so I can check on the status of my toast without having to cancel the whole cycle (ideal for those who are prone to burning it). I really like its sleek design, too. I'd say it's more grey than blue though in colour, which, to be honest, I think is better, as it will suit more kitchen interiors. It is a slightly pricier toaster than I'd usually go for; however, the quality is made to last, so it's worth it."
Pros
- Efficient and stylish
- Smart features
- Variable browning function
Cons
- Described as midnight blue - more grey than blue
| Size: | 29 x 20 x 33 cm |
| Power: | Unspecified |
| Settings: | Reheat, Defrost and Cancel |
- Lift and look
- Removable crumb tray
- Independent variable browning control
- High-lift
Best multi-functional 4-slice toaster
For retro style from an instantly recognisable brand, you can also turn to Smeg for its 4-slice toaster. Instead of having four individual slots, this toaster has two longer slots to accommodate four slices of bread. But that's not all. The Smeg 50's Retro 4-Slice Toaster has a dedicated bagel function for perfectly toasting the edges whilst leaving the inside lovely and soft. You can fit in longer slices of bread, such as sourdough, and buy additional accessories that expand its capabilities: a sandwich rack to make easy work of toasted sandwiches and a warming rack for gently heating buns and pastries.
Customer review: "Love our Smeg 4-slice toaster! It's big enough to pop 2 long pieces of bread, like sourdough loaf and also has a bagel setting. Really quick to toast and has multiple settings. Easy to keep clean with an easy-to-remove crumb tray. We have the kettle to match and it looks really speak on our worktop. We keep them looking shiny with a quick wipe with vinegar and a micro fibre cloth."
Pros
- Multi-functional
- Stylish, recognisable design in multiple colourways
- Durable
Cons
- Some have argued that 4-slice toasters at a lower price point work just as well - you're paying extra for the name
| Size: | 21.5 x 39.4 x 20.8 cm |
| Power: | 1500 W |
| Settings: | Reheat, Defrost, Cancel, Bagel |
- Removable and washable crumb tray
- Optimum browning capability with 6 browning levels
- Two long extra wide bread slots
Best for toasting different bread types
While the Smeg toaster will give you perfectly toasted bagels, the Breville VTT953 Bread Select 4 Slice Toaster can do that and more! Perfect for anyone who loves a range of toasted goods. Simply select your favourite bread type - white, grain, brown/rye, fruit, gluten-free, crumpet or bagel - and the toaster will adjust the time for you for delicious toasting results. But if you're particular, you can still turn the browning dial for your preferred level of colour. With independent slot controls, lift and look, and high lift, this toaster does it all.
Customer review: "Bought this a month ago to match my kettle, looks great and very stylish. Great features, makes every morning tasty and lovely."
Pros
- Lots of functions
- Easy to use with a clear digital display
- Even toasting
Cons
- No Defrost/ Reheat setting, which is standard in a lot of toasters
| Size: | 20.3 x 30.5 x 27.1 cm |
| Power: | 1950 W |
| Settings: | White, Grain, Brown/Rye, Fruit, Crumpet, Bagel, Gluten-Free, Cancel |
- Independent slot operation
- 6 toast settings
- High-lift function
- Lift and look function
- Wide slots with a variable width function
- Removable crumb tray
Best for long slots
Similar in design to the Smeg toaster, the Breville Edge Silver 4-Slice Toaster has two long slots which makes toasting a variety of bread types ideal. As well as your standard bread slices, you can toast sourdough, ciabatta, artisan loaves and more baked goods that are typically too long for a standard toaster. The variable-width bread slots allow for both thick and thin slices, and it comes with a specialist crumpet setting, perfect for any crumpet lovers.
Customer review: "I love this toaster as it has everything I want or need!!! It’s very stylish in stainless steel, and it comes with easy-to-follow instructions. It is quite large, which you may need to consider if you have limited counter space.
"For me, it is perfect - it has everything I need - my husband loves crumpets every morning, and this cooks them to perfection!! If the grandchildren are here to stay, I can toast four slices at once really quickly and evenly!!! …for me, I love ice-thick freshly baked bread with loads of butter, and this could not do the toast any better!
"It also has a crumb tray to keep it clean easily and stop the burning stale bread smell!"
Pros
- Versatile for a range of baked goods
- Handles both thick and thin slices
- Easy to use
Cons
- It can get quite hot
| Size: | 44.5 x 23 x 23 cm |
| Power: | 1050 W |
| Settings: | Cancel, Defrost, Reheat, and Crumpet |
- Extra long slots
- Lift and Look function
- High-lift feature
- Variable width bread slots
- Variable browning controls
Best for thicker bread
www.ebay.co.uk
Elegant in name and design, the Kenwood Elegancy 4 Slot Toaster is not only a good-looking toaster but a great choice for those partial to thicker slices of toast. Taking inspiration from British ceramic design, this stylish toaster is a homage to the tradition of afternoon tea and is guaranteed to complement any and all kitchen designs. Whilst it doesn't flag the wider slots as a highlight, reviewers found the slots were great for thicker bread.
Customer review: "It's classy, solidly built and perfect toasts each and every time."
Pros
- Beautiful, versatile design
- Extra-wide slots are ideal for thicker slices of bread
- The outside stays cool
Cons
- It would be nice if the different pairs of slots could have independent browning/ cancel controls - there's just one for each
| Size: | 27 x 29 x 19cm |
| Power: | 1800 W |
| Settings: | Defrost, Cancel |
- Hi-rise bread lift function
- Adjustable browning controls
- Removable crumb tray
- Independent two-slice toasting
- Cool sidewalls
Best 4-slice toaster set
If you're after a matching set, we'd recommend the Russell Hobbs Inspire set range. Designed with premium textured high gloss plastic and currently available in black, cream, grey or white, the set includes a 1.7L capacity kettle and a 4-slice toaster. It has variable browning control and cancel functions for personal toasting preference. The handy 'lift and look' feature means you can check on the browning process without having to cancel and soft illumination on the buttons whilst in use.
Customer review: "I brought both the kettle and toaster at the same time. The kettle is great as it also has a marker inside, so you can fill it to make either 1,2 or 3 cups. it boils very quick and is easy to fill."
Pros
- Complete matching set
- Attractive design
- Good value for money
Cons
- If you want to toast just two slices, use the left-hand side. The toaster will not latch if you press the right-hand lever first.
| Size: | 11.73 x 11.61 x 7.68 cm |
| Power: | 3000 W |
| Settings: | Frozen, Cancel, and Reheat |
- Lift and look feature
- Variable browning control
- High lift feature
- Blue LED illumination
- Removable crumb trays
Key features to look for in your 4-slice toaster
We think a 4-slice toaster could be a saving grace for your breakfast-time routine, so if you're looking for a toaster that's a crumb above the rest, make sure to consider these key features:
Watts: The higher the watts in your toaster, the mightier the appliance. Toasters with higher watts will be quicker and more powerful.
Size: The size of the toaster needs to work for your kitchen space, and the slots need to make sure they can cook your favourite baked goods. Wider slots work best for thicker sliced bread like Warburton.
Reheat, defrost and/ or cancel settings: A cancel button is a must-have on your appliance so you can stop the toasting process if needed. However, you can also find a defrost button for warming frozen bread and even a reheat button for bringing any toast left on the side back from the brink of being too cold to enjoy.
Lift and look: This function means you can peek at how the toasting is going without having to cancel the whole operation.
High lift: Good 4-slice toasters will have a high lift function, which means you can lift your finished toast higher out of the slots once done - a great help for smaller slices of bread or other baked goods.
Variable browning shades: In order to get the shade you want, toasters will have a dial or alike to turn to set the bake of your bread. You can expect toasters to have 6+ levels to choose between.
Bread type settings: Not all appliances have this function, but some toasters have settings for particular bread, i.e. bagels, rye or wholemeal.
Removable crumb tray: Every toaster should have a removable crumb tray. This is vital for keeping your toaster clean and for safety.
Design: This is completely down to preference, but as your toaster will be on display in your kitchen, you want to choose a design that works with the rest of your space. If you want to coordinate, you can look to get a matching kettle set to add stylish unison across your kitchen.
Dual controls: Not all 4-slice toasters have this, but it's a fantastic feature that means you can choose to toast only two slices at a time without using all four slots. Great for energy-saving and an upgrade on any 2-slice toaster alone.
Guarantee: Most toasters come with a manufacturer's warranty, so if you run into any problems, you can get your appliance replaced or refunded. We think this is a must, so we have made sure all the toasters on our list have a manufacturer guarantee.
Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Yours, specialising in home décor, furnishings and appliances. Having worked commercially on Yours magazine and Yours.co.uk for the past six years, she's previously hosted Yours Live events and loves looking for home inspiration online.