Quick guide: The best toasters for every need
- Best overall for families: Breville The Smart Toast, $269
- Best for longevity: DUALIT NewGen, $469
- Best reliable all-rounder: KitchenAid 4-Slice, $279
- Best value for families: Sunbeam Alinea, $109
- Best for design lovers: DeLonghi Distinta Moments, $189
- Best for small kitchens: Breville The Bit More Plus, $78
- Best for serious toast lovers: Breville Toast Select Luxe, $199
- Best for aesthetics: Smeg ’50s Retro, $299
- Best for tight budgets: Russell Hobbs Inspire, $84
Most of us use a toaster without a second thought – until it starts burning one side, under-doing the other, or refusing to pop up altogether. Suddenly, “best toaster Australia” floods your search history, and you realise just how many models are out there: classic 2-slice and 4-slice toasters, budget picks and smart toasters that promise café-quality results.
For such a simple appliance, a good toaster actually needs to be quite versatile. The difference between a decent toaster and a frustrating one often comes down to whether it can handle that variety without burning, trapping, or popping up too early.
“A great toaster needs to match your household size and kitchen space,” says Fran Abdallaoui, Food Director at The Australian Women’s Weekly. “For couples or small kitchens, a two-slice model works perfectly, while families benefit from four slice or long slot toasters that handle artisan breads. Importantly, don’t overlook design. Your toaster is often on display, so choose one that complements your kettle and coffee machine for a cohesive look.”
This guide focuses on what actually matters: performance, reliability and value. Whether you’re replacing a tired old model or setting up your first kitchen, these recommendations will help you find the right toaster for your needs and budget.
If we had to pick just one: Breville Smart Toast 4-Slice
For the average Aussie household, this $269 toaster is the gold standard. It solves the biggest morning frustration – different bread types – with independent dual controls. This lets you toast two different types of bread at the same time without compromising either.
The best toasters to shop in Australia 2026
Below, we’ve put together a quick comparison table for a snapshot of the top models. Keep scrolling for the full details.
| Model | Best for | Price (approx) | Top feature | Buy now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breville The Smart Toast | Families | $269 | Motorised lift & look | Buy Now |
| DUALIT NewGen | Longevity | $469 | Commercial-grade build | Buy Now |
| KitchenAid 4 Slice | Reliability | $279 | 7 shade settings | Buy Now |
| Sunbeam Alinea | Budget families | $109 | 9 browning settings | Buy Now |
| DeLonghi Distinta Moments | Design lovers | $189 | Independent dual panels | Buy Now |
| Breville The Bit More Plus | Small kitchens | $78 | “A Bit More” button | Buy Now |
| Breville The Toast Select Luxe | Serious toast lovers | $199 | Bread density presets | Buy Now |
| Smeg ’50s Retro Style | Aesthetics | $299 | Self-centring racks | Buy Now |
| Russell Hobbs Inspire | Tight budgets | $84 | Textured ripple design | Buy Now |
The best 4 slice toasters
4 slice toasters are great for busy families. The real difference between good and great models comes down to whether they have independent controls. Being able to toast sourdough on one side and white bread on the other can genuinely be life-changing on hectic mornings.
01
Breville The Smart Toast 4 Slice
$269 (usually $279) at The Good Guys
Best for: Families with chaotic mornings
Unlike traditional toasters that use a manual lever, this model uses a motorised carriage. This reduces mechanical wear and provides a “soft” start/stop. Its real strength is the independent control panels, allowing two people to toast different items (e.g., sourdough vs. white bread) at different levels at the same time.
Almost 300 reviewers at The Good Guys gave this toaster a five-star rating, saying it’s perfect for everything from crumpets to fruit bread (with no burning!). One shopper who had used the same model for 15 years immediately bought the updated version after theirs stopped working. The crumpet function gets a lot of love too – several wrote it’s the first toaster that actually made their crumpets crispy on top without drying them out.
Key features:
- Motorised lift with one-touch lowering
- A Bit More, Lift & Look, Bagel, Fruit Bread and Frozen modes
- Extra-wide slots for artisanal loaves
- Independent controls for each side
- Removable crumb tray and cord storage
- 2000W power and solid die-cast body
Also available at:
02
DUALIT NewGen 4 slice toaster
$469 (usually $579) at David Jones
Best for: The buy-it-for-life crowd
This is the kind of toaster you see in cafés. Handmade in the UK with replaceable parts, it’s designed to last decades rather than years. The mechanical timer ticks down with proper precision, and you control everything manually, which sounds old-fashioned until you realise it gives you complete control. Toast one slot or all four, and check progress whenever you want.
“Really beautiful, stylish and well made product,” shared a five-star reviewer on the David Jones website. “I know I’ll have this great toaster for many years to come. So happy with my purchase.”
Another said: “It’s very robust and great that it’s likely to last for 20 years and parts can be replaced. Toasts perfectly.”
Key features:
- Handmade in the UK, commercial-grade build
- Four independently controlled slots
- Extra-wide 28mm slots for thick bread
- Manual ejector lever for total control
- Defrost and bagel settings
- High-lift mechanism for small items
- Fully repairable with replaceable ProHeat elements
Also available at:
03
KitchenAid 4 slice toaster
$279 at KitchenAid
Best for: Homes that need a reliable all-rounder
If you’ve got the KitchenAid stand mixer, this finishes the look. The all-metal construction feels properly solid, and seven shade settings give you more control than the usual five. The high-lift lever works brilliantly for getting English muffins out safely, and those extra-wide slots handle everything from thin sandwich bread to doorstop sourdough slices.
“We have had this a few months and it really is the best toaster we have had yet,” wrote a recent reviewer on the KitchenAid website. “The extra wide slice width and the shade control allows us to toast all our home made bread. No other toaster has had the power nor size to allow this. I can even make heavy fruit loaf.”
Key features:
- 4 extra-wide slots, 1800W power
- 7 shade settings for precise control
- All-metal body construction
- High-lift lever for safe removal
- Defrost, reheat and keep warm functions
- Available in multiple finishes to match other KitchenAid gear
- 2 year warranty
Also available at:
$279$237.15 at Myer- $239 at Bing Lee
$279$239 at David Jones$279$249.95 at Kitchen Warehouse$279$279 at The Good Guys
04
Sunbeam Alinea Collection 4 slice toaster
$109 at The Good Guys
Best for: Budget-conscious families
This Aussie brand gets it right without the premium price. Nine browning settings give you more options than pricier models, and the self-centring slots actually deliver even browning. The QuickCheck feature is clever – you can peek at progress without cancelling and having to start again. Put simply, it does everything a family needs without extra steps.
The QuickCheck feature gets a lot of praise from shoppers at The Good Guys. One reviewer said their kids’ friends specifically requested to come over because their toaster made better toast. A few reviewers did note it takes slightly longer to toast than some other brands, though most say this is not a deal breaker.
Key features:
- 4 slices, 1950W power
- 9 browning settings
- Self-centring slots for even browning
- QuickCheck monitors without interrupting
- High-lift lever, defrost and reheat functions
- Cord storage, removable crumb tray
- Matte white finish
- 1 year warranty
Also available at:
$139$99 at David Jones- $109 at Betta
$139$109.95 at Kichen Warehouse$139$118.15 at Myer- $139 at Appliances Online
05
DeLonghi Distinta Moments 4 slice toaster
$189 (usually $229) at Myer
Best for: Design lovers who want dual controls
The sunset black finish looks sharp, but the real win is the dual independent control panels. Different browning levels and functions for each pair of slots means everyone gets exactly what they want. The extra-lift position is thoughtfully designed for small slices, and those extra-wide slots with self-centring racks work well with thicker, bakery-style slices.
“Very happy with our new toaster,” shared a reviewer who left five stars on the Myer website. “The mechanisms work smoothly and it toasts well, especially gluten free bread which our other toaster didn’t do well at all. Looks great on benchtop.”
Another wrote: “My wife and I have been on the hunt for a great quality toaster which toasts bread on both sides. Alas, 2 previous top brands failed to do this despite a new replacement of one of the brands. However, we have finally found one in this brilliant 4 slice toaster. Highly recommend and will purchase again.”
Key features:
- 4 extra-wide, deep slots with self-centring racks
- Dual independent control panels
- 6 browning levels
- Reheat, defrost, cancel and bagel functions
- Extra-lift position for small slices
- Illuminated controls
- Two removable crumb trays
- Italian design in sunset black
Also available at:
The best 2 slice toasters
2 slice toasters suit smaller households and kitchens where benchtop space is precious. Don’t assume they’re just scaled-down versions of 4 slice models – the best 2 slice toasters often have more thoughtful features because they’re designed to make the most of a smaller footprint (often with features you won’t find on bigger models).
06
Breville The Bit More Plus 2 slice toaster
$78 (usually $89.95) at Amazon
Best for: Compact kitchens and couples
Two clever features set this one apart: ‘A Bit More’ adds 30 seconds when toast comes up slightly pale, and ‘Lift and Look’ lets you check without cancelling. The slots are long and deep enough for bakery bread, and the brushed steel looks great. Solid Breville quality at a friendlier price point.
“The ‘Lift and Look’ feature is brilliant,” shared an Amazon Australia reviewer. “Being able to check on my toast without interrupting the cycle is incredibly handy. And the ‘A Bit More’ button is a total game-changer for getting that perfect shade without restarting the whole process for forgetting and ending up with burnt toast. This toaster really delivers on both style and smart functionality!”
Key features:
- 2 extra-long, wide, deep slots
- ‘A Bit More’ adds 30 seconds
- ‘Lift and Look’ checks progress
- 6 browning settings
- Fruit bread, frozen and cancel functions
- Brushed stainless steel, 1050W
- 1 year warranty
Also available at:
07
Breville The Toast Select Luxe 2 slice toaster
$199 (usually $269) at Myer
Best for: Serious toast lovers
This toaster has presets for white, brown, grain, fruit, rye and crumpet that actually adjust toasting time based on density. The LED countdown shows exactly how long is left, and the chrome accents with brushed steel look very premium. The front-pull crumb tray is a win too – no more tipping it upside down over the sink!
With 87% of Myer shoppers recommending it, this model is clearly doing something right. The breadth of settings impresses reviewers, especially the crumpet function, which they say finally gets things right after years of subpar results from other toasters.
Some shoppers say it runs a touch slower than cheaper models, so you might need to dial up the browning setting a notch or two. However, most people say the consistent results are worth the wait.
Key features:
- 6 preset toast types (adjusts for bread density)
- 2 extra-wide, deep slots
- LED countdown indicator
- ‘A Bit More’ and ‘Lift and Look’
- Variable browning with LED progress
- Front-pull crumb tray
- Brushed stainless with chrome accents, 1000W
- 2 year warranty
Also available at:
$269$189 at David Jones- $249 at Amazon
- $209 at Big W
$269$209 at Appliances Online- $229 at Breville
08
Smeg ’50s Retro Style 2 slice toaster
$299 at Myer
Best for: Style over everything else
This Smeg toaster isn’t just a pretty face. Six browning levels work smoothly, the extra-wide self-centring slots handle thicker slices, and the lit-up controls are handy on early mornings. If you’re investing in the aesthetic, grab the matching kettle too.
“Love having Smeg in my kitchen,” wrote a five-star Myer reviewer. “Stylish, retro design with all the functions that one requires. Defrosts, browns, reheats and toasts one side of a bagel! Love having only 2 slices, which is all I need. Cream colour is discreet on my kitchen bench and matches kettle and knife block. Cords tuck in neatly underneath.”
Key features:
- Iconic ’50s Italian design
- 2 extra-wide slots with self-centring racks
- 6 browning levels
- Reheat, defrost, bagel and cancel functions
- Illuminated controls
- Removable stainless steel crumb tray
- Anti-slip feet, cord wrap
- Available in multiple colours
Also available at:
$299$249.95 at Kitchen Warehouse- $249 at Bing Lee
$299$252 at Appliances Online- $269 at The Good Guys
- $299 at Winnings
09
Russell Hobbs Inspire 2 slice toaster
$84.08 at Amazon
Best for: Tight budgets
The textured grey ripple design looks better than standard budget toasters, and you’re getting features that usually cost more – frozen bread function, reheat and a lift-and-look feature. Six browning levels cover the basics, and it copes well with everyday and bakery-style slices.
It’s not the fanciest toaster around, but for the price point, it delivers what you’d expect: straightforward, reliable toasting without all the bells and whistles.
It has racked up over 16,400 reviews on Amazon globally, which speaks to its popularity. The lift-and-look function gets called out as genuinely handy by many Aussie buyers, and several people love the “A Bit More” button for adding just a touch of extra browning without restarting.
Key features:
- 2 extra-wide slots, 1050W
- 6 browning levels
- Frozen, cancel and reheat functions
- Lift-and-look feature
- High-lift for safe removal
- LED illumination
- Removable crumb tray
- Textured ripple design in grey
- 2 year guarantee (3 years if registered online)
What to look for when buying a toaster
Before comparing models, it is essential to consider your specific daily habits—such as how many people you are feeding and whether you prefer standard white bread, sourdough, or crumpets.
“When you finally get your new toaster home, it’s a bit like getting a new oven or air-fryer. It’s trial and error depending on what you’re toasting,” says Fran Abdallaoui, Food Director at The Australian Women’s Weekly. “Factors such as moisture content, sugar, density, and thickness dictate how fast a slice will turn brown or burn. Experiment with the settings to achieve the perfect toast.”
Knowing what matters upfront saves you from replacing a toaster sooner than you’d like. Keep these essentials in mind before you add anything to cart.
Slot width and capacity
Artisan bread is thicker than standard sliced white, so check for ‘extra-wide’ slots if you’re a bakery regular. For families, 4 slice models prevent breakfast traffic jams. Couples usually do fine with 2 slices and appreciate the extra benchtop space.
Browning consistency and control
Self-centring slots position bread properly between elements – this makes a huge difference to even browning. More browning settings give you finer control; the Sunbeam’s 9 levels beat most premium models that stop at 5 or 6.
Features that actually matter
‘A Bit More’ buttons are brilliant – add 30 seconds without restarting everything. ‘Lift and Look’ lets you check without cancelling. LED countdown timers stop you hovering. Sound alerts prevent cold forgotten toast. These all sound minor until you use them daily.
Independent controls
If different people want different toast at the same time, independent controls save arguments. The Breville Smart Toast 4-Slice and De’Longhi Distinta both have this.
Build quality
Die-cast metal feels substantial. Cheaper toasters flex when you press buttons, which tells you everything. Front-pull crumb trays beat tipping the whole toaster over the bin. Removable parts should slide out easily.
Special functions
Defrost is useful if you freeze bread. Bagel functions toast one side more than the other. Fruit bread settings reduce heat so sugar doesn’t burn. Reheat is nice but not essential.
QUICK TIP:
Don’t just eyeball the price. The best toasters balance slot width, browning control and features you’ll actually use every day. Look for extra-wide slots, even-browning racks and handy features like ‘Lift & Look’ or ‘A Bit More’. For families, independent controls on 4-slice toasters make mornings much easier.
Frequently asked questions:
The Breville Smart Toast 4-Slice hits the sweet spot for families with its motorised controls and independent settings. For couples, the Breville Bit More 2-Slice has the same useful features in a smaller package. Tight on budget? The Sunbeam Alinea performs well above its price.
Breville leads for good reason – their “A Bit More” and “Lift and Look” features actually improve daily use. DUALIT wins on longevity with commercial-grade construction. KitchenAid appeals if you want everything to match.
Anko toasters work fine for some people, especially if you only need them occasionally. But if toast is part of your daily routine, spending a little extra on a Sunbeam or Breville will give more consistent results and last longer.
The Breville Smart Toast and Sunbeam Alinea both have self-centring slots that position bread properly. DUALIT’s ProHeat elements are engineered specifically for even results. Skip anything under $50 – uneven browning is the main complaint at that price.
How we determined the best toasters in Australia for 2026:
While we haven’t personally toasted a slice in every one of these models, our recommendations are based on years of appliance reporting and real-world feedback from Australian kitchens.
We evaluated the top-rated models locally against these key pillars:
- Our recommendations are based on years of appliance reporting, real-world feedback from Australian kitchens, and expert culinary insights from industry leaders like Fran Abdallaoui, Food Director at The Australian’s Women’s Weekly.
- Even browning: We looked for consistent heat that avoids “zebra stripes” or burnt crusts.
- Thermal consistency: The best models adjust their timing for the second and third batches so they don’t burn.
- Slot size: We prioritised toasters that actually fit thick sourdough and tall supermarket slices.
- Build & safety: We looked for sturdy frames, “cool-touch” sides and high-lift levers to save your fingertips.
- Ease of cleaning: We checked for front-access crumb trays and smudge-resistant finishes.
- Real-world reliability: We analysed thousands of customer reviews and expert feedback from major Australian retailers.
- Value: We weighed up the price against the features and warranty to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
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- Breville spent 10 years perfecting this toaster, but is it worth the price tag?
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