Who doesn’t love a bit of toast? Whether it’s dripping in butter, loaded with cheese, or the perfect base for eggs, it’s a breakfast staple that never fails.
But we’ve all been there. Standing by the toaster, waiting, only to end up with burnt toast or half-cooked bread because we got distracted. The constant popping up to check if it’s ready when you should be getting ready for the day…
But what if I told you there’s now a toaster you can control from your bed and watch in real-time as it crisps your bread to perfection?
It sounds a little on the quirky side, but if we’ve already got alarm clocks that brew coffee and kettles for meditation, why not add a Wi-Fi-powered toaster to the mix? If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, we might as well make it a little more entertaining.
So, is the Haier I-Master Series 7 Wi-Fi Glass Toaster a smart kitchen essential or only reserved for full-on toast addicts? Here’s what happened when I put it to the test.
Key specs
Taking control of your toast
The Haier I-Master Series 7 Wi-Fi Glass Toaster is a super-modern, feature-packed appliance that brings smart home tech into the world of toasting. With a modern design, a transparent glass window for monitoring your toast, and app connectivity, it promises the perfect crunch each time. But does it actually enhance the toasting experience, or does it just complicate a simple task?
While it sits at the premium end of the market, it remains more affordable than some high-end four-slot toasters from brands like Dualit or Smeg. However, its single-slot design may not justify the price for everyone.
Design and build
This toaster is stylish, featuring a matte grey and black finish with a modern LED interface. It looks like a luxury appliance and would fit well into a high-end kitchen.
The standout feature is the transparent glass panel, allowing you to monitor your toast as it browns. This removes the need for guesswork and mid-cycle popping, making it useful for those who are particular about their toast’s shade. The glass panels are removable and dishwasher-safe, which helps with maintenance.
However, the single-slot design is a drawback. While it can fit a large slice of sourdough or two smaller pieces side by side, it’s not ideal for making multiple servings quickly. The motorised lift mechanism, while stylish, is a little bit slower than a standard pop-up function; something that could become frustrating during busy mornings.
Performance
Haier’s model offers 12 presets for different bread types, including bagels and waffles, with seven toasting levels for precise control. The viewing window makes it easy to avoid burning your toast, though small crumbs can still fall onto the heating elements, occasionally causing smoke or staining the glass.
While the dial interface looks sophisticated, choosing the right setting can slow it down compared to a button-based system. However, the memory function allows you to save your preferred settings, so is a handy addition for those who stick to the same breakfast routine.
The Wi-Fi connectivity is a fun feature. But while you can control the toaster remotely via an app, you still have to place the bread in manually. Maybe the next model should have a clever side clip that adds the bread to the toaster for you remotely too for added convenience?
Despite these quirks, the toaster performs well where it matters most. It produces even, consistent browning, so you get perfect toast every time.
Verdict
Haier I-Master Series 7 Wi-Fi Glass Toaster
The Haier I-Master Series 7 Wi-Fi Glass Toaster is a smart appliance with genuinely useful features. Its glass panel lets you keep an eye on your toast as it cooks, either through the built-in app or by simply watching, so there’s no need to keep pressing it up to check if it’s done. A range of settings allows for customisation across different foods, from bagels to waffles and even pizza.
However, the single-slot design means it’s slower than traditional models. If you love smart kitchen gadgets and don’t mind a little extra time, it’s a stylish addition to your countertop. But if speed is your priority, a classic toaster might be a better fit.
Personally, I think it’s a clever little gadget; it helps with portion control since one slice is usually enough for me. Plus, I don’t have to hover over it; it remembers my preferred settings, so I get my toast just right every time.
Buy now £159.99, John Lewis
