Let's propose a toaster (sorry) (DeLonghi CT04E Toaster)

Member Name: TheAdder

Product:	DeLonghi CT04E Toaster
Date:	11/08/09 (89 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Looks great

Disadvantages: Bit tricky doing crumpets

The DeLonghi CT04E cream coloured toaster is certainly pleasing on the eye. At first glance you could be forgiven for mistaking it for an old style radio with its retro dials, basic buttons and all round classical appearance. With an aesthetical appeal such as this it would sit comfortably in the majority of kitchens regardless of their design.

Features

The toaster features 4 variable width slots operated by the 2 sliders on the front (2 slots each) which feature an extra lift facility to assist the removal of smaller sized items such as crumpets and muffins. The 2 slots can be used simultaneously or randomly.

There are 2 browning dials that independently control 2 slots each. The dials have a 1-6 scale, '1' being lightly done to '6' being well done.

Also on the front are stop/cancel, reheat and defrost buttons - with light indicators above the reheat and defrost options.

The toaster has 2 crumb trays which slide outwardly on each side.

There are 4 non slip feet to hold it securely in place.

Dimensions (approximately) 12" deep x 8" high x 10 1/2" wide


Performance

On the whole it does give you a decent piece of toast though there are a couple of flaws that hinder it. The extra lift facility on the sliders is ok for slightly smaller pieces of bread but for crumpets it is pretty ineffective. You do find yourself flicking the slider up sharply to propel it upwards so the very top arc just pokes out of the top and even then you still have to try and catch it in the split second you get. This is ok if you have the reflexes of Bruce Lee but for us mere mortals it can be quite a problem and just a touch annoying as the crumpet gets colder but oddly more tasty looking the longer you bounce it about inside.

If you like your toast burnt to a crisp then your best bet is to put a thick piece in on the highest level (6) as thinner slices only seem to get just a bit brown on this setting and can come out quite hard and crispy.

The one other minor flaw - and it is only minor - is that the browning dials are incredibly sensitive to the touch so when you let go just check you haven't moved it back a notch. These dials aren't hangover friendly and if you're particularly shaky first thing in the morning it can be quite an ordeal.

It is easy to clean and scrubs up well, a cool wall facility would have been a welcome addition but overall I'm glad I bought this, more for looks, granted, but it still does a decent enough job.

Price - I paid just over £50 pounds when I got this new a year or so ago, but you can pick them up for about £40 now if you look in the right places.

Summary: I wouldn't put anyone of buying it but certain aspects might annoy some people

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