Verdict: The Anko 4 Slice Retro Toaster ST-484 is a budget, four-slot toaster with a retro design, variable browning control, reheat, defrost, cancel and a lift-and-check lever. Its documented specifications make it suitable for households that want four slices in one cycle, but the accessible independent test record does not publish scores for evenness, speed, noise or durability. Buy it for the capacity and controls if the current retailer price and return terms suit you; do not treat the published specifications alone as proof that it browns evenly.
What the Anko ST-484 is
The ST-484 is a four-slot, four-slice toaster sold under Kmart Australia’s Anko range. It combines a retro-styled body with conventional electronic browning control and dedicated buttons for reheating, defrosting and cancelling a cycle. A removable crumb tray and a lever marked “Lift & Check” are part of the documented design.
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That combination answers the main practical question—whether it can handle a family breakfast in one batch—more convincingly than it answers the quality question. The product record confirms capacity, dimensions and warranty information, while the publicly accessible independent test page withholds its performance results from non-members. Any conclusion about toast colour consistency, cycle time or long-term reliability therefore needs to stay qualified.
Specifications at a glance
| Specification | Published detail | Practical significance |
|---|---|---|
| Slot and slice capacity | 4 slots; 4 slices | Four slices can be loaded for one cycle instead of running two batches. |
| Listed dimensions | 29 × 30 × 19 cm | Measure the counter area, including clearance for the lever and access to the crumb tray. |
| Browning control | Variable control; positions 1, 4 and 7 are identified as light, medium and dark | The numbered dial gives a repeatable starting point, but the same number is not a guaranteed shade across every bread type. |
| Automatic functions | REHEAT, DEFROST and CANCEL buttons | Frozen bread and already-warm toast have dedicated modes, and a cycle can be stopped manually. |
| Inspection mechanism | Lever with “Lift & Check” function | You can raise the bread briefly to inspect colour without presenting the cycle as finished. |
| Cleaning feature | Removable crumb tray | Loose crumbs can be removed without turning the toaster upside down. |
| Warranty | One year | Keep proof of purchase and check the seller’s current warranty and returns process. |
| Country of origin | China | This is a product-origin statement, not a performance rating. |
| Price recorded by CHOICE | $49.00 at crawl time | It is a dated listing, not a promise of today’s price or stock. |
How the controls work
Variable browning dial
The manual identifies position 1 as light, position 4 as medium and position 7 as dark. Those labels are useful reference points when you are establishing a setting for a particular loaf. Bread thickness, moisture, sugar content and whether the bread starts frozen all affect the result, so use the numbered positions as a control scale rather than a calibrated colour guarantee.
#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.
For a new loaf, start near the middle of the range and use the first cycle to learn how that bread behaves. If the toast is pale, move the control upward on the next cycle; if it is too dark, move it downward. Change one variable at a time so you can tell whether the dial or the bread itself caused the difference.
REHEAT
REHEAT is intended for toast that has cooled and needs warming rather than a full browning cycle. The manual lists the button, but the accessible material does not provide a measured reheat duration or temperature. Treat it as a convenience mode and supervise the first use with your preferred bread.
DEFROST
DEFROST is the dedicated control for frozen bread. Frozen slices can require a different heating profile from fresh bread, and the independent test page lists frozen-bread performance as a category without publishing its score. The button confirms that the mode exists; it does not establish how evenly or quickly every frozen product will brown.
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CANCEL
CANCEL stops the active cycle. Use it when the colour is right before the timer completes, when a slice is positioned incorrectly, or when you need to end a cycle immediately. Do not pull at bread that appears stuck while the elements are energised; cancel first, then allow the mechanism to release it safely.
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.
Lift & Check
The lever’s “Lift & Check” action lets you raise the toast momentarily to inspect its colour. This is useful when testing an unfamiliar bread or dial position because you can check progress without committing to a second full cycle. It should not be described as evidence that the toaster browns evenly: inspection is a feature, while evenness is a separate performance question.
Can it make four slices with different settings?
The four-slot layout is designed for four slices in one cycle, and the controls are arranged around two toaster sections. That arrangement is potentially useful when people want different shades, but the available manual information does not establish that every slot or pair can be operated with fully independent browning settings. Do not assume four separately programmable channels.
Before buying for a household with strict preferences, check the physical control layout on the current unit or ask the retailer whether the two sections can run at different dial positions. If the answer is not clear, plan on using a common setting for the batch and adjusting the next cycle for anyone who wants darker or lighter toast.
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What is known about toasting performance
CHOICE’s product record lists laboratory categories covering toasting evenness, cycle-to-cycle consistency, multigrain bread, frozen bread, single-slice operation, control usability, cleaning, measured toasting time and temperature safety. The accessible page marks the actual results as member-only. Those categories show what was assessed, not how the ST-484 scored.
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.
Consequently, there is no substantiated figure here for the time to toast a slice, the temperature of the exterior, the difference between the lightest and darkest areas, noise level, energy consumption or expected service life. Claims that this model is especially fast, quiet, cool-running, durable or consistently even would go beyond the published evidence available for this review.
How to interpret a first-use result
One slice that comes out pale or dark is not enough to establish a product-wide defect. Record the bread type, slice thickness, starting temperature, dial position and whether you used REHEAT or DEFROST. Run several slices under the same conditions and look for a repeatable pattern across the surface and across consecutive cycles.
Multigrain and seeded bread can expose differences in surface texture, while a single slice can behave differently from a full load because heat is distributed around fewer pieces. CHOICE lists both tests, but no public scores are available to quantify those effects for this model.
Counter space and placement
The listed footprint is 29 × 30 cm, with a listed height of 19 cm. Use those measurements when checking a crowded bench, but leave practical room above and around the appliance for the lever, ventilation and safe handling. The crumb tray must also be accessible for removal, so placing the toaster tightly against a wall or beneath a low shelf can make routine cleaning awkward.
Rank #4
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- 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
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- 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
Measure the route from storage to the bench as well as the final location. A four-slot toaster is wider than a typical two-slot model, and its capacity only saves time if you can leave it where all four slots are easy to load. Keep it on a stable, heat-resistant surface and follow the current manual’s safety instructions for clearance and cleaning.
Using the ST-484: a practical procedure
- Prepare the load. Use slices that fit freely in the slots. Remove loose packaging, and separate slices that are stuck together before inserting them.
- Choose a starting shade. Set the browning control to a middle position for a new bread. The manual’s reference points are 1 for light, 4 for medium and 7 for dark.
- Select a special mode only when needed. Press DEFROST for frozen bread or REHEAT for toast that only needs warming. For ordinary fresh bread, use the regular browning cycle.
- Lower the lever. Push it down until it latches. The heating cycle begins through the selected toaster section.
- Inspect carefully. Use Lift & Check to raise the slices briefly if you need to judge colour before the cycle ends. Avoid touching the metal areas.
- Stop early when appropriate. Press CANCEL if the toast has reached the shade you want or if you need to end the cycle for any other reason.
- Adjust the next cycle. Move the browning control by a small amount rather than making a large jump. Note the bread and setting if you want repeatable results.
- Remove crumbs after cooling. Once the toaster is unplugged and cool, slide out the crumb tray, empty it and replace it securely.
Cleaning and day-to-day upkeep
The removable crumb tray is the main documented maintenance aid. Empty it regularly so crumbs do not accumulate beneath the heating area. Handle the tray over a bin, return it fully to its position and keep the toaster upright.
For routine exterior cleaning, disconnect the appliance and let it cool before wiping it with a suitable dry or lightly damp cloth. Do not immerse a toaster or pour liquid into the slots. The available specifications do not state that the tray is dishwasher-safe, that the body is water-resistant or that replacement trays are available, so verify those points with the current manual or retailer rather than assuming them.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →If a slice appears lodged, cancel the cycle, disconnect power and let the appliance cool before attempting removal. Do not insert knives, forks or other conductive objects into the slots. A recurring jam, damaged cord or unusual smell is a reason to stop using the toaster and seek the seller’s service guidance.
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.
Is the ST-484 worth buying?
Its value depends on what you need the toaster to do. The documented case for buying is straightforward: four slices at once, a retro appearance, a variable control with clear reference positions, dedicated frozen and reheat modes, manual cancellation, inspection through Lift & Check and a removable crumb tray. Those features cover the everyday tasks many households ask of a toaster.
The uncertainty is performance, not feature count. The accessible CHOICE record does not reveal the scores from its evenness, consistency, timing, temperature-safety or cleaning assessments. There is also no independent measurement here for noise, electricity use or durability. A buyer who prioritises verified colour uniformity or a measured fast cycle should seek a source that publishes those results before deciding.
The $49.00 figure recorded by CHOICE was the listed price at its crawl time, not a current quote. Check the live Kmart Australia listing, stock status, delivery or pickup charges, return window and warranty process before paying. The one-year warranty is the published coverage period; retain your receipt in case you need to use it.
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How to compare it with another four-slot toaster
Use the same questions for every candidate rather than comparing styling alone. The table below identifies the evidence you should obtain; it does not imply that an alternative has a better result.
| Decision point | What to verify | ST-484 information available |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Number of slots and slices that can be loaded together | Four slots and four slices |
| Control independence | Whether each pair or slot can use a separate browning setting | Two-section control layout is described; full independent operation is not established |
| Browning range | Numbered positions and whether they are labelled with shade references | Variable control; 1 light, 4 medium, 7 dark |
| Special programs | Separate REHEAT, DEFROST and CANCEL controls | All three are documented |
| Inspection and retrieval | Lift or high-lift mechanism for checking and removing smaller slices | “Lift & Check” lever function |
| Cleaning | Removable tray, access and any dishwasher guidance | Removable crumb tray; dishwasher status not stated |
| Bench fit | Published width, depth and height plus clearance requirements | 29 × 30 × 19 cm listed dimensions |
| Independent evidence | Published results for evenness, consistency, speed, safety and single-slice use | CHOICE lists these categories, but accessible results are member-only |
| After-sales cover | Warranty length, returns and local service arrangements | One-year warranty is listed; current retailer terms must be checked |
Strengths and limitations
Strengths supported by the documentation
- Four-slot capacity can produce four slices in one cycle.
- The retro form is paired with a variable browning control rather than a single fixed timer.
- REHEAT, DEFROST and CANCEL buttons address common use cases.
- Lift & Check allows progress inspection during a cycle.
- The removable crumb tray simplifies routine crumb removal.
- Dimensions, warranty period and country of origin are clearly listed in the product record.
Limitations you should price into the decision
- Independent performance scores are not publicly visible on the accessible CHOICE page.
- Evenness, cycle time, noise, energy use and durability are not established by the available material.
- The two-section layout does not, by itself, prove fully independent settings for every pair of slots.
- The recorded $49 price may have changed, and stock or returns can vary by retailer and date.
- The available specifications do not confirm dishwasher-safe parts, replacement-tray availability or a particular service life.
Bottom line for different buyers
Choose the ST-484 when your priority is making four slices at once and having familiar controls in a retro-looking body, and you are comfortable judging toast quality yourself. It is a defensible budget option on documented features, especially where the current price is close to the recorded budget positioning.
Choose a different model if you need published proof of highly uniform browning, independently measured speed, quantified energy performance, guaranteed separate settings for each pair or a longer warranty. Those are valid requirements, but they are not answered by the public specifications for the ST-484.
Quick Recap
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.
