One thing I absolutely need in the morning is my coffee and toast. Thick slices of fresh sourdough, toasted until the exterior is perfectly crisp while the centre stays soft, then finished with generous lashings of butter and Vegemite or marmalade. That’s my ideal breakfast.
Recently, I discovered the final piece of the puzzle: the key to true toast perfection. It arrived when I reviewed the latest Dualit toaster, made by a UK company that has been building toasters for more than 80 years.
Dualit’s DNA is simple — they make premium toasters that come in two and four slice designs.
I’ve tested plenty of toasters over the years, and the cheap ones are, frankly, a waste of money if you want consistent results and something that can handle heavy daily use. A toaster is one of the most frequently used appliances in any home. It’s used multiple times a day, by multiple people, for everything from crumpets to raisin toast. That’s why I recommend paying a little more for something built to last.
With the Dualit, I suspect it will outlive at least three of the cheaper models you see in retail stores.
Dualit is highly regarded for its premium build quality, consistent and high-quality toasting performance, and long-term durability — which creates one problem for retailers: they don’t wear out.
What you get is excellent toasting technology, though you won’t find an automatic pop-up. Instead, the toaster shuts off once your chosen time is reached, and a manual lever lets you lift the toast out easily.
Unlike the mass-produced models, these toasters are hand-assembled in the UK using what appear to be high-quality, robust materials — stainless steel bodies and solid internal components. It’s no surprise they can handle daily use and still look good years later.
One standout feature I noticed immediately is the ProHeat® element system — Dualit’s proprietary heating technology designed for even heat distribution and long-lasting performance.
If something does eventually wear out, many parts are repairable and easily sourced here in Australia. That alone sets it apart from the majority of modern appliances.
Consistent, High-Quality Toasting
The ProHeat elements provide even radiant heat instead of the usual “hot spot” wires, which means more consistent results and fewer burnt edges or pale patches. Whether I tried standard sliced bread, crumpets, or thicker artisan loaves, the results were reliably excellent thanks to the wide slots and well-balanced heating.
Even my wife — who hates toaster crumbs — was impressed by the removable crumb tray. It makes cleaning effortless.
The model I tested also includes a high-lift lever for small items and adjustable rear feet for extra stability.
Another highlight is the design. The professional copper-brown finish is stunning and turns the toaster into a countertop showpiece rather than something you hide away. Dualit toasters have a distinctive, retro-inspired look that many people treat as a kitchen design statement.
With a heritage dating back to 1946 and roots in commercial catering equipment, Dualit builds with long-term reliability in mind, not disposable convenience. Some even argue that because they’re built to be repaired rather than replaced, a Dualit toaster is an investment, not just an appliance.
Pros
Built to last: Dualit prioritises longevity and classic design over gimmicks.
Repairable: Parts are widely available, making these toasters a sustainable and cost-effective long-term choice.
Outstanding performance: Delivers consistently excellent toasting, including crumpets, with a crisp outside and soft interior.
Easy to use: Simple, reliable controls without unnecessary complexity.
Timeless design: Handmade, stylish, and elegant — a kitchen statement piece that never goes out of style.
Manual lever: Allows you to check your toast mid-cycle without interrupting the process
Cons
Higher price: Dualit toasters cost more than most, but so do BMWs, Audis, and Mercedes — and plenty of people still choose them for the quality.
Heavier build: The robust construction adds weight, but that’s the price of premium materials.
10/10 Rating
