De'LonghiDistinta X CTIN4003.BK Designer 4 Slice Toaster, Variable Browning Control, Reheat/Defrost/Bagel Function -Black

Just received the toaster this week, so have only used twice. For all that a toaster must look good in your kitchen, to me the main requirement is that it has to toast well!It does! The first photo shows Tesco Finest Super Seeded Farmhouse Loaf, which is quite big, so put in sideways, on setting 2 and the other photo it’s been done on setting 3. It would probably be better to have half settings too, but it hasn’t. I am very picky! One side of the bread was ever so slightly better done than the other, but not enough to cause concern.

I have had this model twice previously but this time I went for the stainless steel (previously had black).It is a superb machine, which is why I keep replacing them with the same. (I put one on holiday cottage and the other one got dropped)I love the stainless steel wire knobs on the raising & lowering bars, I also love it really is a begel machine. Most others simply mean you can fit a bag in, this one actually has a facility to only toast on one side of the bagel/teacake etc.I am so in love with this toaster and when not in use it looks like it cost 3 times the price.

This toaster was a real extravagance but I was tired of cheap toasters that are badly constructed, toast unevenly and wear out quickly. Also, I wanted to match my DeLonghi kettle, whch I bought on special offer. I'm very pleased with the toaster. It feels solidly built and looks classy and it toasts quickly and evenly. I've been using it for a month now; that isn't very long, but I feel that I've got to know it and can use its controls with ease. You get what you pay for, on the whole.

Pros:(1). It is easy to use.(2). The slots are wide enough for split buns and the slots are deep enough for UK Warburtons Sliced Bread.Cons:(1). The performance can be erratic which means that the same sized bread slices with the same toaster settings can sometimes produce totally different toasting results.(2). The setting knob positions step change between the numbered settings positions instead of allowing a smooth gradual settings adjustment inbetween the numbered positions(3). The setting dial screens are hard to see.

Wanted a toaster/kettle that would be aestheticly pleasing to fit with my kitchen decor as well as work well & hopefully have longevity.If you're buying this, your buying it for the aesthetics, if not you're best going for a cheaper run of the mill that will do the same job.Had it 2 weeks now and so far so good!I found for normal sliced bread, toast number 4 is perfect, light golden brown.It fits standard sliced bread no problems (just put it in sideways) and is wide enough for almost doorstop style bread.Haven't used the bagel function, but have tested it and does only heat 1 side as advertised.Only negative is the levers are plastic, not metal as it looks. It a a shame as a toaster at this price/look would warrant finer details like this but still happy.