Whether the toaster has 1, 2 or 4 slots (note that some 2-slice toasters can accommodate 4 slices of bread).

The number of slices of bread the toaster can hold. This may be different to the number of slots (e.g. a 4-slice toaster may only have 2 long slots).

We typically recommend toasters that score at least 75% overall and pass our safety checks. We may take member reviews into account, looking at how reliable the toaster is long-term (something we can't easily assess in our labs).

We measure the external temperature of each toaster to determine if the temperatures are within an acceptable range during operation. 

The CHOICE Expert Rating is made up of performance (70%) and ease of use (30%).

The overall performance score is made up of browning evenness and consistency of results (50%), multigrain bread (20%), single-slice bread (15%), and frozen bread (15%).

Using a reference photograph we assess whether the toast is evenly browned, and to an appropriate shade. We use a supermarket white bread for this test.

Whether the toaster is able to reproduce the same results over and over again without variation. A high score means you'll see consistent results.

Score for toasting multigrain bread. We toast a soy and linseed bread for this test.

We toast bread that has come directly out of the freezer. Where available, the defrost setting is used. Slices are assessed for evenness of cooking and consistency of colour across cycles.

Score for toasting a single slice of bread.

The ease of use score is made up of controls (40%), cleaning the exterior (30%), and crumb removal/cleaning (30%).

We assess how easy it is to operate and use the controls as well as how easy it is to lock the bread carriage in position.

We assess how easy it is to remove and replace the crumb tray for cleaning.

Toasting time is the average time it takes to toast two slices of bread at once, starting from a cold toaster.

Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.

This is the manufacturer's stated warranty.

The claimed country of origin (usually found somewhere on the model itself).

The manufacturer's recommended retail price at the time of testing.

Our measured dimensions.

This is useful to know if you like to toast thick or long slices of bread.

Whether the power cord can be stowed away when the toaster is not in use, usually on the underside.

Whether the toaster has a setting that defrosts frozen bread prior to toasting.

Whether there is a setting for heating a crumpet or bagel.

For four-slice toasters, separate carriage controls may be useful for people who are toasting at different times.

For four-slice toasters, separate temperature controls may be useful for people with different toast browning requirements.

This lets you raise smaller items above the toaster slots, so they're easier to remove.