If your Morphy Richards toaster isn't turning on, won't start toasting or the bread carriage lever won't stay down, there are several simple checks that may help.
The issue may be related to the power supply, how the bread carriage is operated or food obstructing the mechanism.
Follow the steps below to identify the possible cause.
Why Won't My Toaster Turn On?
A toaster may fail to start because:
- The wall socket is switched off or isn't supplying power.
- The bread carriage lever hasn't engaged correctly.
- Food or debris is obstructing the bread carriage.
- A model-specific operating requirement hasn't been followed.
A toaster that won't turn on is not necessarily faulty. Checking the power supply and lever operation is the best place to start.
How Do I Check the Power Supply?
- Ensure the toaster is plugged securely into a wall socket.
- Check that the socket is switched on.
- If the toaster isn't responding, unplug it and check whether the socket works with another suitable appliance.
- Check the toaster's plug and power cable for any visible damage.
For safe operation, connect your toaster directly to a suitable wall socket rather than an extension lead or overloaded adaptor.
If the socket is working and there are no signs of damage, continue with the checks below.
Important: If the toaster has caused the electrics to trip, do not continue testing it. See My Toaster Is Tripping the Electrics for further guidance.
Why Won't My Toaster Lever Stay Down?
Most Morphy Richards toasters use an electrically operated mechanism to hold the bread carriage down during toasting.
This means the lever generally won't stay down when the toaster is unplugged or the socket is switched off.
Once you've confirmed the toaster is connected to a working power supply:
- Place suitable bread into the slots.
- Select your preferred browning setting.
- Lower the bread carriage lever fully using normal pressure.
- Check whether the lever remains down and the toasting cycle begins.
Do not force the lever or attempt to hold it down manually.
If the lever continues to spring back up, see our dedicated guide: My Toaster Lever Won't Stay Down.
Why Won't the Right-Hand Side of My Illumination Toaster Work?
On Morphy Richards Illumination 4-slice toasters, models 248020, 248021 and 248022, the right-hand bread carriage lever cannot operate independently.
The left-hand lever must be in use before the right-hand lever will operate.
To use your Illumination toaster:
For one or two slices:
- Place the bread into the left-hand slots.
- Lower the left-hand bread carriage lever.
- The toaster will begin toasting.
For three or four slices:
- Place bread into both sets of slots.
- Lower the left-hand bread carriage lever first.
- Lower the right-hand lever to begin toasting on both sides.
If the right-hand lever won't stay down when used on its own, this is normal operation for these models and not a fault.
Can the Browning Control Prevent My Toaster From Starting?
The browning control determines how lightly or darkly your bread is toasted.
On models with a numbered browning control, lower settings produce lighter toast and higher settings produce darker toast.
For a normal toasting cycle:
- Select a browning setting suitable for your bread.
- Lower the bread carriage lever.
- Allow the toaster to complete its cycle.
The browning setting primarily controls the toasting duration. Selecting a low setting does not automatically indicate a power or operating problem.
Can Crumbs or Trapped Bread Stop My Toaster Working?
Food or accumulated debris may obstruct the bread carriage and prevent it from moving freely.
To check for obstructions:
- Unplug the toaster and allow it to cool completely.
- Remove and empty the crumb tray.
- Look into the bread slots for visible trapped food or accumulated crumbs.
- Gently tap the sides of the cooled toaster to help dislodge loose crumbs.
- If bread remains trapped, carefully turn the unplugged, cooled toaster upside down and gently shake it to release loose debris.
- Refit the crumb tray securely.
Never insert metal utensils into the bread slots, touch the heating elements or attempt to dismantle the toaster.
Once cleaning is complete, reconnect the toaster and check whether it operates normally.
What If My Toaster Still Won't Turn On?
If you've checked the power supply, bread carriage operation and any visible obstructions but your toaster still won't start, further assessment may be required.
Please contact Morphy Richards Customer Support and provide:
- Model and serial number of your toaster.
- Retailer and date of purchase.
- Proof of purchase, if not already provided.
- Details of the problem, including whether the lever stays down, the toaster heats up or any indicator lights illuminate.
- Troubleshooting completed, including power supply and cleaning checks.
- A short video, where possible, demonstrating what happens when you attempt to operate the toaster.
- Photographs of the toaster, including a clear photograph taken directly above the bread slots
Ensure the toaster is unplugged and completely cool before taking photographs.
Our team will review the information and advise on the appropriate next steps.
If you notice visible damage, sparking, smoke, a burning smell or electrical tripping, stop using the toaster and keep it unplugged.