Morphy Richards Equip 2 Slice Toaster (222064)

The Equip is the budget champion here, doing the everyday job for about £30. It offers seven browning settings, extra-wide slots that take thin bread, thick cuts, crumpets and bagels, plus defrost, reheat and cancel functions, independent slot operation and a high-lift lever. A two-year guarantee on registration is reassuring at this price. The main compromise is power: at 800W it toasts more slowly than the higher-wattage picks, and the build is understandably plainer than the premium models. Against the Russell Hobbs four-slice, you save more money and take up less space but lose the extra capacity. It is the pick for a first flat, a spare kitchen or anyone who simply wants reliable toast without spending much.