Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
115 of 121 people found the following review helpful.
Mixed feelings
By Sean P. Logue
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.
103 of 111 people found the following review helpful.
It broke my heart
By kathysaysso
My love for this toaster lasted all of two days. Were I not so thrilled with its looks, I would have thrown it out in the first 20 minutes. It's like a handsome, charming man who happens to be useless, lazy, and incompetent.Now two years have passed, and I hate the thing. It still warms up slowly, still toasts WILDLY unevenly, still takes up too much space, still has slots that can't accommodate thick bread or wide bread, and now even the ticking of the timer has begun to get on my nerves. Probably because I know that after three minutes of listening to it, 1/2 of my slice will be toasted, 1/4 of my slice will be burnt black, and 1/4 of my slice will be untouched by heat. I'd have gotten a better piece of toast if I lit the $300 on fire and waved a slice of bread over the flames.I got online today to buy a new toaster, and decided to swing by here to warn any prospective buyers of this Dualit away!
35 of 38 people found the following review helpful.
FIRST SAW AT RITZ CARLTON IN HONG KONG!!!
By A Customer
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!
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