The KitchenAid Artisan 4-slot toaster truly is a beauty to behold. Even if you don’t eat bread, it is almost worth getting one just to sit it on your kitchen work top so it can look stunning.

We received the Artisan in Empire Red, possibly the reddest red out there, but it is also available in Candy Apple (a darker red) or a subtle Medallion Silver. At 20.5x34.8x30.4cm, this toaster will take up a good deal of space on your worktop or in your cupboard. Made from die-cast aluminium, it is also heavy at 8.5kg, but this material makes the Artisan feel high-end and gives me faith in its durability.

I decided to throw myself in at the deep end with this toaster by making cheese toasties, something I have missed terribly since my sandwich toaster died last year during a cleaning incident (it turns out that seven-year-old melted cheese was the only thing holding it together). The Artisan provides a sandwich rack, which makes it possible to toast sandwiches without them dripping and messing up the inside of the toaster. As there is only one rack included, you can only toast one sandwich, bagel or roll at a time, but separate racks can be purchased for the additional cost of £25. (I think KitchenAid could have thrown in an extra rack, given that you have already paid so much for the toaster.)

My cheese toasties were toasted to perfection, and the extra-large slots make light work of even the fullest sandwiches. Toasties aside, the Artisan also features some cool tech for regular toast. Firstly, you don’t have to press any levers to lower the toast - the toaster recognises when there is bread in the slot and automatically lowers it. Secondly, if you happen to be out of the room when your toast pops, the toaster will automatically lower it back down after 45 seconds and keep it warm for up to three minutes. There are seven shade settings to choose from, with an LED countdown timer and two pairs of slots that work independently from each for extra functionality. All in all, we found the Kitchen Aid Artisan 4-Slot Toaster a dream to work with; the automatic sensors make it feel like something from the future, it keeps your worktop clean and will become a reliable friend for all your toasting needs. RRP £289

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4.8 out of 5

Pros

Beautiful design

High quality construction

Four extra-large slots

Automatically lowers bread

‘Keep warm’ function

Drip free toasting rack

Seven shade settings

Doesn’t leak crumbs

Cons

Heavy

Large

£25 for additional toasting rack