Kenwood TT580
A tank of a toaster - Kenwood TT580 Toaster

Product Type: Kenwood toasters

Newest Review: ... it is inconvenient to keep it in a cupboard because it would take up so much space. It's around 20 cm square, about 28 cm high and weighs... more

A tank of a toaster
Kenwood TT580

razor_sharp

Member Name: razor_sharp

Product:

Kenwood TT580

Date: 09/01/10

Rating:

Advantages: Sophisticated exterior, independent toasting slots

Disadvantages: Bulky

Somehow this strikes me as a very masculine toaster. It's chunky, has a matt black finish and, to be honest, seems to be quite a lot of machine to carry out a relatively simple job.
I've been used to a long, lean, four slice toaster so the square shape of the Kenwood TT580 makes it seem rather tank-like on the kitchen work surface. For the same reason, it is inconvenient to keep it in a cupboard because it would take up so much space. It's around 20 cm square, about 28 cm high and weighs a little less than 3 kg.
There is a stainless steel version but mine has a matt black finish and silver top. This does make it look quite sophisticated, so if you're happy with equipment on the work surface, at least it looks good.
The four sections work 2 by 2 if you want to make just a couple of pieces of toast or toast different items at the same time. This is particularly useful if you have a family where everyone wants something different and has different ideas about what is underdone and what is overdone. There is an adjustable browning feature, and options for defrost, heat and cancel. The sections automatically adjust to take thicker items, such as bagels and ciabatta, as well as thin slices of bread. Each of the twin sections has its own crumb tray for easy cleaning.
The toasting is reasonably even, whatever the item being cooked.
My issue with it is the amount of time it takes, which means the bread sometimes dries out before it is properly toasted. This might be because I make my own bread, which is slightly drier and less flabby than commercial bread.
I bought mine in a sale for just under £35, which I thought was a fair price but it is normally priced between £35 and £45.

Summary: Multi functional but slow

Processing/Quality:    Processing/Quality
Reliability:    Reliability
Ease of use:    Ease of use
Noise:    Noise