The coordinating toaster has a high lift function to help prevent burnt fingers and even a reheat button, which is a useful extra on an affordable model such as this. We note whether toasting is even, as well as how deep and wide the slots are – do thick slices fit and does any bread poke out and remain untoasted? Its sleek toaster is a case in point: it’s equipped with four generously sized slots, a defrost function and also a reheat option tucked at one end of the browning dial – ideal if breakfast is delayed. Features including fast boiling and wide toasting slots are still a must for many, as are adequate kettle capacity and varying levels of browning.

For kettles, we time how long it takes to boil a full kettle of cold water from the tap, as well as 1l for comparative purposes. There’s also a high lift, so you don’t burn your fingers getting it out, and wide slots – great for lunchtime toasties. In testing, we found that thicker bread can start to burn quite quickly, however, so that’s something to ponder if you prefer a thicker slice. Our kettles doesn’t want for clever innovations, including integrated temperature gauges, water level gauges(for accurate filling), removable, washable filters and quiet or rapid boil controls, so you’ll have the perfect cuppa just the way you like it.Matte neutrals are popular as they have the versatility of white or stainless steel, but bring warmth to your overall scheme. Combining superior, textured casing with stainless steel accents, this classic range makes a trendy statement in any kitchen. Filling was less straightforward – there aren’t any markings on the water window and there’s only a max marker inside, meaning you may end up boiling more water than you need each time. Toasters are tested using bagels and two types of bread – thinner supermarket slices and thick sliced loaves.

What could prove to be a problem is the kettle’s minimum fill – around 900ml – meaning that if you only want to make one or two small cups, you will always be boiling more than you need. Everyone has their own requirements when it comes to a cup of tea or coffee and the same goes for their kettle.

In testing, toasting was beautifully even on both sides, and the high-lift function was great for getting slices out without burning our fingers. There’s also a dial on one side of the kettle that shows what temperature the water is inside, reducing the need to reboil. However, there are a couple of downsides, such as no additional choice of colours, and the steel finish is prone to fingerprint marks. Look for bundled appliances to trim your spend – you may find the kettle and toaster sold together for less or with matching accessories. The kettle boiled a litre of cold water in two minutes and 20 seconds and was easy to lift and pour from.