What a slice: a gorgeous toaster that’s fit for the best artisanal bread
Lately, designers have been rethinking the toaster, with results ranging from the sublime (this minimalist, transparent version) to the ridiculous (a dot matrix throwback that singes designs into the bread), and covering everything in between (like this one, which looks like a cross between a sex toy and a dish rack). And though those models might not make it far from the drawing board, they got us wondering which toasters are worth the artisanal bread we put in them. After all, next to stoves and fridges, toasters are one of the most well-used (and often underperforming) kitchen appliances.
We started looking for the best toaster available in the city, and even though the Dualit isn’t a new design (it looks unapologetically, yet fittingly, retro), the two- and four-slice models blend performance and style, making it our pick. When we asked one Toronto retailer about the Dualit, he dismissively scoffed, “Those toasters are so 20 years ago!” (Though he currently uses one himself.) But that is exactly the point—they have been a mainstay since the 1940s, consistently attracting discerning clientele, including, rumour has it, the Queen. The price is steep (the chrome two- and four-slicers are $330 and $430 respectively) because each one is handmade in the U.K., but also because of the Dualit’s unique features. For example, when the toast is ready, it doesn’t pop up, and that’s a good thing; instead, it sits in the casing, staying warm for up to 10 minutes.
Dualit toasters are available at Green Beanery, 565 Bloor St. W., 416-588-7700, ext. 249, greenbeanery.ca.
The Dualit toaster also has an energy saving feature that allows you to set the toaster to only use one slot when you know you’re only doing one piece of toast.
$330 and $430 for a TOASTER?
REALLY?
Oh the energy saving feature – THAT should save about $2 a year! That toaster will virtually pay for itself in about 100 years!
Come on…………….
I have a perfectly fine toaster, with a retro look just as good as this, and does a fine job of toasting, which I bought about 6 months ago for $40.
I always thought 400$ for a toaster was crazy till i broke down and bought the 3 slice with a sandwich basket. Mind you the the manual features take some getting use to, i don’t regret for a second buying it. Style and function meet. If you leave your toaster out on the counter and have to look at it every day why not spring for it. If you have a think for your kitchen and the best tools, the Dualit is a must. Oh ya, it does make great toast :)
OK Randy, you obviously have waaaaay more disposable income than me!
Can toast really be THAT great?
YOu enjoy your toaster and I’ll enjoy mine!
(Unless you want to share some of that disposable incone)!
Yeah, they are a bit pricey, but if you’re tired of forking over $40 every few years, for something that’s crap, you could invest in this Dualit, and save money in the long run.
There’s also the Dualit toaster Lite series, which is built in China to the exact same standards, but half the price of the premium Dualit toasters.
Green Beanery for $380?
Charging that price is criminal, especially when the most it costs anywhere else in the world is around $250-$270.
A simple Google search right now has it at Costco.ca for $269.