I bought this product (the 4 slice, shiny chrome model) back in June 2004. I had "discovered" Dualit toasters a couple of months prior, and had been coveting one, as my 2 year old Wally World toaster was starting to kick the bucket. Since my family and I had now went through 3 toasters in only 12 years, I started thinking it might make sense to buy a higher quality product.

When I first started researching them on the internet, I truly was mind-boggled by the price. However, by the next morning, when I had to toast my son's frozen waffles 4 times in a row in our only 2 year old Wally World toaster, I started reconsidering. So, I returned to Amazon and placed it on my Wish List, with the plans of checking the price from time to time. Much to my suprise, a couple of months later, it went on a drastic sale...less than 50% of what it sells for today. I have no clue as to why...perhaps the box packaging design was changed, or something else? I really don't know, but as far as the toaster, it was brand new, and looks exactly like the ones being sold today.

A few days later, my Dualit arrived, and I anxiously took it out of the box. I was a little suprised at the large size of it, but it quickly grew on me as I like the retro look of it. It also had a nice hefty weight to it, that spoke of quality.

After plugging it in, I immediately tried it out on a couple of slices of white bread...and burned my toast to a charred black mess. The next time around, with a bit of experimentation with a lower number on the timer, I had toast success. Over the last 3 1/2 years, I have consistenly gotten evenly toasted bread, bagels, waffles, etc. When using a cold toaster, I get the best results by pre-heating it for just a minute...I put it on one number higher than I really want, and it pre-heats while I am getting my bread or bagel out of the bag. I love the lever that lets me check my toast any time I want, without actually stopping the toasting. Another reason I like this lever is because I usually buy Thomas's Mini Bagels. In a normal toaster, you'd have to dig these small bagels out with wooden tongs. In the Dualit, I simply give the lever a swift swat, and they pop right out. I also really like the fact that toast stays in until I manually pop it up. If I'm cooking eggs, bacon, etc and I'm not ready for the toast yet, it stays warm for a few minutes.

So...why did I give this great product only 4 stars instead of 5? First of all, I really do think it is overpriced. Remember as I said before, I paid slightly less than 50% of what Amazon is selling it for currently. So, I personally think I got the deal of the century, and it's worth every dollar that I paid for it. Secondly, it's a bit of a pain to remember to toggle the switch from 2 to 4 slices. I understand why this feature is there (energy saving), but it's still annoying. After 3 1/2 years we are well used to the switch now, and no longer forget about it. But for the first year or so, we ruined quite a few batches of toast. The third reason is the timer dial. Sometimes I decide to pop up my toast early, and there is still a good bit of time left on the dial. If I try to turn the dial the opposite way to turn the toaster off, it is VERY hard to turn...so difficult that I stopped doing it after a couple of tries, fearing that I would break something inside the timer gears. Perhaps that is just the way the timer dial is designed, but it would be nice if Dualit had addressed it in the instruction guide. The fourth reason, is that the slots are not wide enough to hold a jumbo bagel without smashing it a bit. I personally prefer the Thomas Mini Bagels, which will get practically lost in any toaster, but my husband and son prefer the jumbo bagels. Even though this product is made in England, and perhaps English people don't eat bagels, it would still behoove Dualit to redesign the product with wider slots...all the better for toasting sandwiches, wide bread, etc. Plus the jumbo bagel lovers of the world would be happy. :)

That's pretty much it for my review...long, but hopefully helpful to someone out there. I've already told my son that when his dad and I die, I plan on willing him the Dualit toaster along with my Kitchen Aid mixer (bought refurbished from Amazon for a pittance). He rolls his eyes at me now, but maybe his future wife will appreciate the gesture. :)

This isn't really related to my review, but does anyone know how to SAFELY clean the shiny chrome on the toaster? I'm not the best housekeeper, and don't wipe mine off after every use. As such, I've developed a few light brown stains around the top slots. I've tried using soap and water, and also Windex, but neither worked. I'm afraid of marring the beautiful finish and haven't tried anything else. Any suggestions? If so, please add a comment to this review. Thanks!

Yes, it is heavy, solid, and eye catching on your counter--a really sexy retro look. But all that restaurant-solidity does not function in the home kitchen. For the typical home use--morning toast--the heavy heating elements need to be preheated . . . before every cold use. That means every morning, forever, you have to put this monster through a blank cycle--a waste of electricity that is not justifiable. And even then the toast is shockingly uneven: it comes out zebra-like. Did I mention that this happens only after having spent minutes listening to the very loud mechanical timer? Then you look at your zebra toast, with that timer still buzzing in your ears, and you wonder why you paid $300. Don't be seduced by the sexy design; buy something else.

I have mixed feelings about this item. So much so that I put off reviewing it for a long time. I've owned mine over a year now, and it is time to speak up.

On the one hand, I really want to like it. And not just because I spent a good sized hunk of cash on it. I like the idea of an industrial, commercial-grade toaster that makes great toast, is indestructible, and looks great doing it.

On the other hand, I kind of don't like it. It takes up a lot of space, the slots aren't wide enough for a bagel, or deep enough for a wide piece of bread. I had to buy the optional sandwich cages to allow me to stuff bread into the slots that wouldn't otherwise fit. It needs to be preheated, and even after it is, the toast is inconsistent and uneven.

It does look great on the counter, and feels very heavy-duty. But, it just isn't very good at making toast, and that is supposed to be the point.

Sadly, I don't think I would buy this again.

We have had this toaster for 5 years and like the speed, quality and ease of toasting...Something is to be said for manual operation and you don't have to grab the toast when it pops. Just leave it in the toaster for up to 5 minutes and it stays warm.
We are presently looking to up grade to a 4 slot one. our children are waiting in line to inherate this old one!!1
If you want a deal...check out EBAY>>>> and save $$$$'s

Here is why I found this toaster to be a POS:
Uneven heat - different slots will brown or burn toast before other slots even warm up.
Unmarked controls - who can tell what the control switches do as they are unmarked.
Wont fit larger bread - bagels, challah, or large slices wont fit.
Entire unit gets too hot - will melt nearby plastics.
Bad customer service - try contacting Dualit and see what happens.
They wont be there for you as they are laughing all the way to the bank.

If you are considering spending $300.00 on a toaster this one isn't it.
The Dualit toaster has very poor engineering, poor build quality, bad design, and lacking customer service.

When is a toaster more than a toaster? When it's a Dualit. Built like a tank and styled like a a piece of industrial sculpture. Heavy and solid, I think this baby's going to be around our kitchen for a very long time. And it toasts perfectly as well!

I love the simple utilitarian design of the Dualit toaster. And while not English, we too love our toast. Over the years my husband and I have burned (literally) through quite our share of cheap to middle of the road priced toasters. I went looking for a toaster we could grow old with and after completing my due diligence pined my hopes on Dualit, hoping it would deliver. Still, after suffering through 2 brand new defective Landrovers back-to-back, both requiring dealer buy-backs due to our state's "lemon law", I was hesitant to expect much from a high-end peice of mechanics coming out of the UK. Still, I decided to give the 4-Slice Dualit toaster the benefit of the doubt. Call me an optimist. After all, we are talking about a toaster here not an automobile. How hard can it be? We use our Dualit 4-Slice toaster every day, sometimes more than once. It makes perfect toast and always performs like a champ. Bagels, due to their girth, are a bit of a challenge but they manage to fit in the slots albeit tightly but without getting burnt. Especially useful is the warming feature. This allows your bread, now toast -- to stay in the chamber all cozy until you are ready for it. I would consider myself a tough critic and can honestly say our Dualit toaster was worth the higher price.

I had this toaster for 2 years now and the results are not very impressive. It heats very unevenly and is hard to clean. I tried to order new heating elements for it and Dualit wanted $24 x 5 plus shipping. This is my last Dualit product.

I have been trying to have a defective 4 slot Dualit toaster repaired or replaced for over two months. Amazon refuses to intervene, even thought they know that Dualit is not honoring it's warranty and many of the 4 slots are defective. See the other reviews. There is no one to deal with at Dualit and the repair shop sent us back the toaster unrepaired and with a new dent. Then they finally promised to pick it up to redo the initial repair and never sent for it. When we threatened a lawsuit for breach of warranty, Dualit told us to contact Amazon, who refuses to act at all. $300.00 down the drain. Buy a product through a reputable seller, not Amazon, and beware of Dualit. They do not offer the service or quality they became known for in the past.Amazon should not continue to sell this product given what they know about this problem.

BEWARE-DO NOT PURCHASE DUALIT FROM ETRONICS AS THEY ARE NOT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DUALIT PRODUCTS.

I UNDERSTAND THAT DUALIT USA DOES NOT HONOR THEIR WARRANTY-BUY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

I recently purchased a refurbished 4 slot Dualit toaster on ebay. It was about half of the price of a new model that you see at Williams Sonoma. We had a wonderful old 1955 Toastmaster that worked for 50 years and we were looking for similar styling and durability. I liked the styling of the Dualit, and considering the price I was convinced that it would easily last another 50 years as well.

Unfortunately, I found that the durability is missing from this product. The toast time is controlled by a large timer knob that you set for each use. The first time I tried to use it, it turned on the elements and counted down, but didn't shut off unless I turned it hard manually to the left. Needless to say, any toast in there would be turned to carbon if left unattended. I removed the timer and much to my dismay found out that the internal gearing was all made of plastic and the timer itself made in China. There is no way that this very key and important component is built to last. (By the way, the Chinese timers make A LOT of noise when they tick down. I think there is another version of this timer with metal gears that sounds much smoother and quieter. Try them out in the store and listen before you buy...)

What made matters worse is the customer service. I wrote to Dualit to ask for a replacement. I don't have a receipt, but generally good companies will stand behind their products, especially when they are premium priced. After all, the thing has never been used once! They were willing to help me out for $56. Had I been able to produce a receipt, then it would be covered under a 1-year warranty. I suspect that many customers will run into problems with the timer unit in these models when used on a daily basis.

My recommendation is to stay away from this toaster. I spent a lot of money on this and have yet to toast a single slice of bread!

Toaster had problem with one slot not heating. Contacted supplier and they shipped replacement. It also had problem with wire bread holders not being attached correctly and one foot missing. Contacted supplier again and was told they had lots of problems with toasters and to return both for credit. I repaired both, returned one and kept other. Not what you expect for $300+

Toast in the 1st slot option tends to brown quicker than those in the other slots. Also, the slots are not quite large enough for bagels. The warming option is a nice feature.

The toaster was a gift to my fiance. She absolutely loved it. Delivery was prompt and there was no damage in shipping. This is a heavy-duty industrial strength, restaurant quality toaster, not just your average home toaster and we couldn't be more satisfied with it.

Toaster was UNSAFE and defective. Timer became weak after only a handfull of uses. Would not go down to 0 time and shut off. ALMOST BURNED HOUSE DOWN!
Overall consrtuction flimsy.

I use my toaster a few times a day. I usually have to replace every year, because we live in a throw away society where products are not meant to last. A few hundred dollars for a toaster is a lot of $$ to spend, but I'm hoping it will last for a long time. So far, so good...it toasts bread and looks good on the counter.

I thought this toaster was great when I forst got it. It looked sharp and made great toast. But after two months the chrome on the first unit started to pit and blemish. Amoazon immediately took it back and sent out a new one. When the new one was recieved, the lever on it was defective and it would not lift the toast out when pressed. Amazon was great, as usual, but with a toaster with a price tag like this one should expect better.

The English take their toast seriously, and while I don't share their affinity for beans on toast for breakfast, I lusted after this gorgeous piece of appliance art at Williams-Sonoma for years. About seven years ago, when the dollar was still strong versus the British pound, I bought the 2+2 combi model by mail from a restaurant supplier in the UK for about $100 less than the then-going US price. While it's a bit dicey fitting thick-cut bagels into the slots (not a big bread item in the UK), I solve the problem by using the sandwich baskets to contain them. The toasting is even, and I actually the enjoy the old-fashioned timer without pop-up, which keeps the toast warm while the rest of breakfast is being assembled. Unlike others, I do not unplug it after each use. Never had a problem. The crumb tray is terrific, and actually does catch every bit of crumb without a mess. I've had the $100 Krups and Cuisinart models, which burned out within two years. This one is made for restaurant use, and I expect it to last a lifetime. Worth every penny, if you appreciate high-end kitchen appliances and tools.

I wanted to love this toaster, I really did, I read all the reviews and was convinced that this would be a great working, long lasting toaster. I bit the bullet, spent way more money than I wanted to, and ordered this toaster. I like the way it looks and I like that it doesn't 'pop-up', you can check the toast anytime that you want and return it to toasting with the cool lever. However, I wish I returned it. It is slow, it is a pain to plug in before each use (must be unplugged when not being used), and worse of all : it does NOT toast evenly! Top is burnt, bottom is not even toasted at all, or one slice is done perfect and the other slice is like it was never put into the toaster. This toaster would be a waste of money at $9.99, it should be illegal to charge $200. for it. That said, Amazon's price of 200. was a better deal than William Sanoma's at 299., but I am still sooooo disappointed in this purchase. Upon re-reading the other reviews I find that the people that purchased 'refurbished' models seem more pleased with their purchase. Leads me to wonder if upon 'refurbishing' they are making them better somehow.

The only problem I am having is that it does not sit flat. It wobles. Two oposite legs are longer than the others causing it to woble. Poor quality control for a toaster that costs this much.

With all the shoddy workmanship and our generation's tendency to dispose of so many things, it's nice to actually find a product that is well made (in England, not China)and works great. $300 is a lot of cash to be shelling out for a toaster (you could get a oven for that price) when all it does is TOAST, for heaven's sake. I purchased a refurbished 4 slice Dualit at Williams-Sonoma for $85 (still expensive for a toaster), but it does what it does exceptionally well. It has a prominent place on my kitchen counter, and I expect it to be the last toaster I will ever purchase. Note: I have a 1932 Toastmaster (no, I'm not the original owner) that still works great. My husband and I like things that last.

The worst part of this is it does not handle lightly toasted soft breads well. If you like baely toasted Sunbeam or Wonder bread, this is not the toaster for you, as the mechanism that will raise the toast will also likely squish it.

But if you like medium to dark toast and use hearty bread, this is a workhorse, excellnt for a large family. It takes a little warming up until it is calibrated to put out toast consistantly, but once it is warm it is non-stop toast for 20. Brunch ahoy!

Bought it...couldn't believe how flimsy. Went to Amazon/Target online and found alternative: a Michael Graves designed $39.95 toaster. Went to local Target and saw it. Used frequent 10% off and free shipping Target coupons to buy it and it is a dream to use and fun to look at...Get the Graves instead.

I have wanted a Dualit Toaster for a long time. When Amazon had a great deal a few weeks ago, I got one. I toast some sort of bread almost every day of the week. I had never had an English muffin exactly the way I wanted it until I got my Dualit. Yes, there is a little learning period, but, be patient and it will be really worth the time. It is an excellent appliance.

Yes, it is expensive, but, you do get what you pay for and this toaster is definitely worth it.

I just received two of the sandwich cages. I have not used them yet but will be happy to review those when I do.

I had a well equipped kitchen before and now it's pretty much complete.

I own a Yellow 4 slice model, this is without a doubt the worst toaster I have owned. Over the past 50 years there have been many.
It is clumsy, slow, hard to regulate and is consistant in that it never toasts the bread the same. Its a grab bag as to what your toast looks like.Over $300 for something that works like a $9.95 special.

I purchased this, refurbished, at Williams Sonoma outlet for 1/3 the price that is for here. For me, that was plenty of $. Price aside, it is great and looks even better. It does toast better than any toaster I have ever had. It works best if you warm it first. (put it on for 2 min or so). A bit tight for a thick bagel, though I manage. The fact that it does not pop is better as the toast/bagel keep's warm. Simple, strong, classic and it works very well. If you have the $ then go for it. No doubt it would make a great wedding gift. Go for the 4 slice, as you can flip the switch to only fire on 2 or 4 slots. Expensive, yes! Remember, this toaster is not only very good but it is a "piece of art" /craftsmanship, and when I see so much poor quality/garbage thrown in the trash ... you do many good things when you buy this or something good. ... and have quality and beauty(unless you belive this toaster is ugly to you,) for many years.
... Buy less and buy higher quality.
Happy toasting....

THE FULL STORY

I first encountered a Dualit toaster while staying at the Ritz Carlton in Hong Kong. The hotel provided an enormous buffet, part of which included a big basket of breads that could be toasted. The hotel's 4-slice Dualit was in constant use. I was impressed both by its uncomplicated design and its ability to make toast in about a minute (much to the dismay of several hotel guests, who left a slice inside too long and came back to find it was black!)

First, the looks. The Dualit is sleek. Although they come in colors, the traditional model is shiny stainless steel. The controls are simple - a toggle switch (which controls whether the heating elements turn on for 2 slots or all 4 slots) and a timer. It is somewhat retro looking and very solid. Although I am not a big fan of keeping appliances on the counter, I make an exception for the Dualit. Note: If you have limited counterspace, the Dualit may not be for you. It definitely takes up more space than your average toaster.

Now, the function. The Dualit is extremely simple compared to your average plastic, bank-freebie model. There is no spring loaded "pop-up" feature like on most modern toasters. Instead, you put the toast in the slots and move a small lever on the front of the machine, which lowers the toast into the toaster. When the toast is done (or if you want to sneak a peak), you push the lever back in the other direction and raise the toast back up.

The only knob is a timer, which is based on minutes (rather than the light/medium/dark settings that most toasters have). After you lower the toast, you set the timer and wait for the bell. If you want the toast to stay warm, you can leave it in.

My only criticism is that it takes a little experience to find how much time it takes to get the doneness you like. I find that it takes a little while for the toaster to hit peak heat - it usually takes longer to toast the first batch than the second batch. Once it heats up it toasts very fast.

One last warning - this baby is expensive. If you have ever read my reviews, you know that it is my philosophy that is is better to invest up front in a quality item that will last 20 years than it is to buy a low end product that has to be replaced (and stuck in the landfill) every couple of years. Target.

CONCLUSION

Highly recommended, for the person willing to make the investment. Great performance and style. What more can you ask for!

After years as a Dualit owner, I still get a certain pleasure from using its sensible, rugged controls, raising and lowering the toast myself, hearing the friendly ticking of its timer...
It's only a toaster I know, but there's just something about it that gives you a sense of satisfaction. And it makes any kitchen look cool, just siting there. I also know it's expensive, but I've known people buy several new, lesser toasters in the time I've had my Dualit, so who's saving? If something does go wrong, I can get new bits so I won't have to throw it away, ever perhaps.

By the way, it makes good toast too. The best thing is that the toast doesn't pop up, and toast is much crisper if you leave it down (keeping warm) inside the toaster for a minute or two. You can't usually do this with regular toasters.

If you are resistant of the price, think again, it's well worth the investment!

After years as a Dualit owner, I still get a certain pleasure from using its sensible, rugged controls, raising and lowering the toast myself, hearing the friendly ticking of its timer...
It's only a toaster I know, but there's just something about it that gives you a sense of satisfaction. And it makes any kitchen look cool, just siting there. I also know it's expensive, but I've known people buy several new, lesser toasters in the time I've had my Dualit, so who's saving? If something does go wrong, I can get new bits so I won't have to throw it away, ever perhaps.

By the way, it makes good toast too. The best thing is that the toast doesn't pop up, and toast is much crisper if you leave it down (keeping warm) inside the toaster for a minute or two. You can't usually do this with regular toasters.

If you are resistant of the price, think again, it's well worth the investment!

And it doesn't even pop the toast up? What is happening to the world? I hear that they last a long time, and my relatives (independently wealthy, I might add) are happy with this thing but let's consider the facts: it is just a toaster, and for $300 you could buy a succession of 15 $20 toasters which I would imagine would cover the same amount of time as this one. I'm all for spending to get quality, but do the cost/benefit analysis on this one.

Even after four years as a Dualit owner, I still get a certain pleasure from using its sensible, rugged controls, raising and lowering the toast myself, hearing the friendly ticking of its timer...
It's only a toaster I know, but there's just something about it that gives you a sense of satisfaction. And it makes any kitchen look cool, just siting there. I also know it's expensive, but I've known people buy several new, lesser toasters in the time I've had my Dualit, so who's saving? If something does go wrong, I can get new bits so I won't have to throw it away, ever perhaps.
By the way, it makes good toast too. The best thing is that the toast doesn't pop up, and toast is much crisper if you leave it down (keeping warm) inside the toaster for a minute or two. You can't usually do this with regular toasters.

like my Dualit alot; an awful lot. It really does make incredibly nice toast. You will see thier toasters in all the swanky West End sandwich bars, posh hotel kitchens and adorning the work tops of, so called, celebrity chefs pads. Dualits are made in the UK and the build quailty is very high. I kind of think of their equipment as the Sony of kitchen appliances!

Simply pop a couple of slices in the top and raise the handle situated towards the base of the toaster and the bread is lowered into position. Next, turn the chunky knob to set the required amount of toasting time. The knob has been engineered with just the right amount of resistance so that turning it is satisfying. I am not sure whether the figures on the knob correspond to minutes or are merely a guide, but the knob has a mark on it and if you rotate the knob to that it makes perfect toast with thin/medium sliced bread. With thick bread its best if you don't turn the knob quite as far, otherwise a rather carbonised piece of bread might be the result. While the bread is toasting, the Dualit make a cliscrete whirring and when its finished, a slightly louder `click'. An amber light glows to tell you `all sytems are go'.

The beauty of Dualit gear is that it is catering quality and it is rugged. Not that their toasters aren't works of art. Unpack it and I guarantee you will spend ages finding a place on your work top where your new toaster will look its absolute best and draw admiring glances from friends.

Cleaning is straightforward; underneath the toaster is a pullout crumb tray which can be removed with the toaster insitu. I wipe mine with a damp cloth followed by a quick buff with a tea towel and it still looks fine. I am told Baby Oil makes stainless steel shine great but I haven't found that necessary and I have had mine for years.

Ok, so Dualit stuff is expensive but I would heartily recommend their toasters. They are a must for any stylish kitchen.

I've been using a DUALIT toaster for years. Originally I purchased the toaster first for it's design. It has a stunning retro look with gleaming stainless steel accents.

Then I started using the toaster and found that it toasted bread evently and completely, unlike any other toaster I've ever had. The wide slots can accomodate virtually any kind of bread including our beloved bagels. We've also used the sandwich cage which is good for creating ham&cheese sandwiches and things of that nature for the kids. We utilize the one slice switch which focuses all energy in making the one slice and not heating up the slot where there is nothing to toast. It's also amazing that the toast stays in the unit when its finished, unlike other who pop up the toast, which causes the bread to cool down immediately.

I can't say enough good about the DUALIT toaster. We've tried virtually ever other brand of product and nothing will replace this Rolls Royce of toasters. We recommend this product highly and we're thrilled to see AMAZON.COM have all of the colors in the two and four slice range.