What is it?It's a toaster silly! Specifically it's the new and improved version of the Avante toaster from T-fal, aptly branded the Avante Deluxe.
Strengths
This toaster is very attractive and boasts many nice features. All of the controls are on the front of the toaster, which has curved slots so that you can keep an eye on your toast. It is available in 2 and 4-slice versions and both come with a brushed stainless steel face and either a black or white casing. The toaster works fast, cutting toasting time by 30 per cent, has extra-wide self-adjusting slots and includes both bagel and defrost settings. There is also a one-handed high-lift mechanism that allows easy removal of your bread.
I tested
I’ve tried many different types and sizes of bread and they all worked equally well.
Price
The suggested retail price is $59.99 for the 2-slice Avante Deluxe and $89.99 for the 4-slice version. For more information, including retail locations near you, visit www.t-fal.ca
Verdict
The T-fal Avante Deluxe toaster really is quite different from any other toaster that I’ve seen or used and I would definitely recommend it. The front-loading aspect is great -- I find it makes for a better fit on my kitchen counter than a traditionally shaped toaster and I love being able to check to make sure my toast isn’t burning. I was also impressed by the toasting speed (fast!), and that it toasts consistently, unlike my last toaster that would become hotter, and toast darker, after every continuous use. The mixture of the brushed stainless steel face and the black or white body is also a big plus. It looks really sharp and if you need to pick up or move the toaster you would naturally hold it on the sides --where in this case you won’t see any unsightly fingerprints. My favourite feature is the high-lift mechanism that allows you to lift your toast out, so you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to get small pieces of bread or English muffins out of the toaster. Not only does this make life easier, it’s also a great safety feature: No more cringing as you walk into the kitchen to find your hubby sticking a knife in the toaster!
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More breakfast-friendly appliance reviews:
• Conical Burr Grinder from Breville
• Aprecia Kettle from T-Fal
• Cuisinart Griddler
