When you get something new its always exciting, no matter whether its a piece of kitchen equipment or a new dress!
I have had my `Cookworks` toaster for eight years and three weeks ago it toasted its last slice.
So I looked around for a good value toaster, preferably one that toasts four slices at once and decided to order this Swan toaster from my Marshall Ward catalogue. It was well priced at £25 with free delivery.



This Swan model (ST8020) comes in a stylish chrome finish.
It has four slots but two individual controls.
There are three settings, frozen, cancel and reheat.
A variable browning control allows you choice of cooking.
A removable crumb tray lets you clean the bits and pieces out easily.
The toaster has high lift bars, so you can lift your toast without having to put your fingers `into` the toaster.
The cord stores neatly and it comes with a 2 year guarantee.



When I unpacked the toaster the overall appearance was pleasing. The chrome finish co-ordinated well with my other kitchen appliances.
I definitely wanted a four slot toaster, we have two slices each every morning and it makes sense to be able to produce four hot slices at once time. On the other hand if our Grandson comes then we have the option of just cooking two slices for him as there are two individual controls.
Often we toast bread straight from the freezer, maybe we have forgotten to take a loaf out the night before or if we are going away on holiday and don't want to defrost a whole loaf then it`s good to have that option.
If the telephone rings and we have to delay breakfast by a minute or two then you just depress the `reheat` button, this just warms the already toasted bread through again.
If you notice that the bread is toasting a little bit too much for your liking then you can press the `cancel` button.
I love my toast crunchy and well done, my hubby likes his bread lightly toasted, so the dual controls allow us to cook both ways.
The high lift facility is a must really, if you have to put your fingers into the toaster to lift your toast out, albeit only very slightly then its inevitable that you will end up with a burn one day.
Of course keeping the toaster clean is very important, the crumb tray slides out easily, it can be washed and then put back all in a few seconds.
The electric cord stays firmly in place at the back of the toaster out of harms way.
The chrome finish polishes up well and shines beautifully if you buff it up with a clean tea towel.


This Swan toaster meets my everyday needs perfectly. It toasts well and evenly. The model is simple to use and keep clean.
It toasts to suit the needs of the individual.
I thought it was very reasonably priced and im more than satisfied with my purchase.