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At the $299 U.S. price stated in Tom’s Guide’s October 2, 2026 review, the KitchenAid Pro Line is a better choice for convenience and design than for consistently even toast. Reviewer Peter Wolinski praised its automatic lowering and keep-warm features, but reported uneven browning, a small crumb tray, and disappointing results in sandwich mode. Consider it if those conveniences matter more to you than performance per dollar.
What the review tested—and what it found
Wolinski’s hands-on review covered KitchenAid’s Pro Line toaster, sold as the Artisan in the U.K. The U.S. model is a two-slot toaster; the four-slot version is sold in the U.K. but was unavailable in the U.S. The review’s principal browning tests used the four-slice unit at setting 4, so those results should not be treated as a replicated test of the U.S. two-slice model.
With thinner slices, the reviewer found the toast fairly even from side to side, though the upper areas remained underdone. Thicker slices showed more uneven browning across both sides and slots. In a stress test, two slices were left in until burned, yet a corner was still less cooked. These are one reviewer’s observations under the conditions described, not an industry-wide performance or reliability test.
For timing, Wolinski reported just over two minutes at setting 4, just under 30 seconds at setting 1, and just under 2 minutes 45 seconds at setting 7. These are the review’s measurements, not independently replicated results.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Which features make it convenient?
The toaster combines automatic lowering and raising with an automatic keep-warm function, so toast can be held warm without needing to restart the cycle. The reviewer also describes bagel and defrost modes, wide slots, and a continuous toast-setting slider with a countdown display. These controls and functions are the strongest case for choosing it over a simpler toaster.
How well does it clean up?
The enamel exterior wiped clean readily in the review, but the crumb tray was described as small and shallow. That is a practical drawback for a large, feature-rich appliance: crumbs still need regular attention, and the tray’s limited capacity may mean emptying it more often.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Does the sandwich-cage mode work?
Not well in the reviewer’s test. With the included cage, sandwich mode burned the bread on the outside while the filling stayed cold and the cheese remained unmelted. If toasted sandwiches are a key reason you are considering the toaster, this reported result is a significant caution rather than a reason to buy the accessory.
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Wolinski said the Dualit Classic two-slice toaster tended to produce more even toast in his experience, while the KitchenAid offers more convenience features. The review does not establish a current, independently controlled head-to-head test, so treat that as the reviewer’s comparison rather than a universal ranking.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| What matters | KitchenAid Pro Line | Dualit Classic, as described in the review |
|---|---|---|
| Browning | The reviewer found uneven results, particularly with thicker slices. | The reviewer said it tended to toast more evenly in his experience. |
| Convenience features | Automatic lowering/raising, keep-warm, bagel and defrost modes, wide slots, slider, and countdown display. | The review does not detail comparable features. |
| Slot count and regional availability | Two-slot model in the U.S.; four-slot model sold in the U.K. but unavailable in the U.S. at review time. | Two-slice model discussed; other regional availability is not stated in the review. |
| Price | $299 stated U.S. price in the October 2, 2026 review; current price is not established by that review. | Not stated in the review. |
| Footprint and weight | The review gives dimensions and weight for both sizes, but the two-slot dimensions appear with a typo; confirm with manufacturer documentation before relying on exact measurements. | Not stated in the review. |
| Cleaning | Enamel exterior wiped clean; crumb tray described as small and shallow. | Not stated in the review. |
For the KitchenAid, the review reports that the four-slot unit measures 12 × 13 × 9 inches and weighs 18.7 pounds. The two-slot unit is described as roughly 12 pounds, but its dimensions are rendered with an apparent typo on the review page; verify the exact size with KitchenAid before planning counter space.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who should buy it?
- Consider it if automatic operation, keep-warm convenience, design, and build feel matter more than getting the most even toast for the money.
- Look elsewhere if consistently even browning, a roomier crumb tray, or reliable toasted sandwiches are priorities.
- Check before buying which slot-count model is sold in your region, its current price, and whether its footprint and weight suit your counter.
Read Peter Wolinski’s full Tom’s Guide review, published October 2, 2026, for the original test details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
