DeLonghi Icona Vintage CTOV 2103.AZ - toaster - blue

Having had the older Dēlonghi Argento 4-slice toaster for ten years; when it gave up the ghost, we wanted a smaller model.We already have the Icona kettle so knew that we would appreciate the Icona toaster for its looks and practicality.Unfortunately, Dēlonghi UK maintain that there is no market in the UK for the smaller vintage-inspired toasters. This is why you will not see them on the High Street.Happily, Amazon and other online companies offer this model in a range of colours (our choice was a serene Azure Blue).Having come from a European supplier; the toaster had continental 2-pin plug.The very first line of instructions points out that it needs to be removed (by a qualified technician) and replaced by a UK 3-pin plug. Happily, my better half is that very technician - and this was just fine with us – because we like it so much and did not want another 4-slicer in our bijou kitchen.Understandably, some people content themselves with a 3-pin adaptor – but the instructions do not recommend this. It is also worth knowing that if there is incompatibility between plug and outlet; not only is this potentially dangerous; the toaster simply will not operate (without a power supply, the bread lever will not stay down as it should and of course - nothing gets heated).When it came to registering the product for guarantee purposes, the Dēlonghi UKWebsite did not recognise the model number. A trawl through the FAQs confirmed my earlier observation that their two-slice toasters are not offered in the UK. They cite that old chestnut: “there is no demand”. However, I would maintain that there are many small households across this land - who don’t want a toaster the size of a small car - simply in order to have a couple of slices in the morning.We logged on for a ‘customer experience’ online chat where it was confirmed that we could not register the product with them because it was a continental model - and as such - not recognised by Dēlonghi UK.At the close of the ‘chat’ we were advised to contact the supplier. After a far more pleasant Amazon online chat; we were assured that our toaster would be covered by Amazon for one year and should it fail within that time - it could be returned for replacement.We were further assured that our change of plug (in order to operate the toaster safely) would make no difference to the guarantee.As for performance – well it makes toast – what did you expect? Seriously, this is a fine toaster and the bagel function and bun-warming rack are very neat ideas; every home should have one! FOOTNOTE – for your safety and peace of mind, this is what the manual says:ELECTRICAL CONNECTION (UK ONLY)A) If your appliance comes fitted with a plug, it will incorporate a 13 Amp fuse. If it does not fit your socket, the plug should be cut off from the mains lead, and an appropriate plug fitted, as below. WARNING: Very carefully dispose of the cut off plug after removing the fuse: do not insert in a 13 Amp socket elsewhere in the house as this could cause a shock hazard. With alternative plugs not incorporating a fuse, the circuit must be protected by a 15 Amp fuse . If the plug is a moulded-on type, the fuse cover must be re-fitted when changing the fuse using a 13 Amp Asta approved fuse to BS 1362. In the event of losing the fuse cover, the plug must NOT be used until a replacement fuse cover can be obtained from your nearest electrical dealer. The colour of the correct replacement fuse cover is that as marked on the base of the plug.B) If your appliance is not fitted with a plug, please follow the instructions provided below:WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED. IMPORTANT:The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:Green and Yellow: EarthBlue: NeutralBrown: LiveAs the colours of the wires in the mains lead may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows: The green and yellow wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked with the letter E or the earth symbol (an inverted Christmas-tree shape) or coloured green and yellow. The blue wire must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter N or coloured black. The brown wire must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter L or coloured red.