Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
43 of 47 people found the following review helpful.
Williams Sonoma electronic version is better
By Raoul
I wanted to love this toaster. My partner and I are fans of timeless, hands on appliances (Rancilio for example), and I thought this appliance would be perfect. I read the reviews on Amazon.co.uk, which warned of fire hazzard, poor build quality and cheap timers, unlike the Dualits of yesteryear. All true, I realized, as soon as this toaster arrived. The timer IS cheap and annoying, and after a few uses it began stopping in the middle of the cycle, leaving the elements still heating. We had to make sure to unplug this potential tragedy after every use. In addition, the toast was nothing a $20 model couldn't master. Aside from the hefty weight and the beauty, it just seemed like I'd succumbed to overpriced hype. But wait! Williams Sonoma sells a "New Gen" model with electronic timer, wider slots, and a bagel setting. I was skeptical, thinking it was just a modern redo with a trashy retro result. But I was so wrong. The WS model took an evolutionay approach, modernizing the controls, speeding warmup, increasing safety, and is superbly built. It works like a charm and feels like it will last forever. Worth every penny of its considerable purchase price. In addition, I was told at the store it would be guaranteed for life. Buy the Williams Sonoma model: it makes great toast (and bagels), is safe and of higher quality, and it's evolutionary design makes the regular model an obsolete, overpriced novelty.
34 of 40 people found the following review helpful.
Heavy duty workhorse that is both stylish and practical
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!
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful.
OMG Best toaster I ever had
By Banjo friend
Not only is this little toaster stunning (!) but it makes fine toast. I haven't screwed up a single pop tart since I brought her home. I love that it: Is fancy chrome, matches my Kitchen Aide mixer, doesn't set off my fire alarm, and is pretty.Get one. You will totally eat more toast.
See all 54 customer reviews...