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Best bagel toaster


The Best Toasters of 2023

Straight to the Point

The best overall toaster was the Cuisinart 4-Slice Toaster, which produced beautifully toasted bread, bagels, and English muffins. Once finished, it pops the toast up extra high, so there is no risk of singed fingertips. We also liked the Black and Decker 2-Slice Toaster as a more-affordable option.

Toasted breads are a staple all across the land, welcome at nearly any time of day and almost any meal. While some cooks choose to splurge on fancy toaster ovens, many of us rely on the simple toaster instead, and we all know the value of owning one that can quickly and efficiently toast bread without taking up too much of our limited countertop real estate. There are countless toaster models available online, but which one is the best? We tested 10 toasters and over 500 pieces of bread to find out.

Editor's Note

We recently tested a handful of other toasters (from Zwilling, Cuisinart, and BUYDEEM) at our Lab. Our top picks have not changed and you can find our thoughts on each of these four additions towards the bottom of this page.

The Winners, at a Glance

The Best Overall Toaster: Cuisinart 4-Slice Toaster

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The Cuisinart 4-Slice surpassed all other slot toasters in each trial we put it through, handling frozen items and bulky bagels with ease. What's more, the plastic body and slide-out crumb tray are easy to clean and, critically, it has a feature that pops the toast up extra high, making bread removal simple and safe.

The Best Affordable Toaster: Black and Decker 2-Slice Toaster

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This toaster performed extremely well in all our trials. It toasted bread evenly to the exact shade expected for the applied settings. It also has a cute "Brave Little Toaster" design with a square top and a round bottom. In this case, excellence comes at a low price.  

The Best Long-Slot Toaster: Dash Clear View Toaster

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Of the long-slot toasters, which are better for toasting oblong or irregularly shaped slices, the Dash Clear View Toaster performed the best. While it didn’t toast bread as deeply on some of the upper settings, it toasted evenly, and it comes with a cool glass window to see your bread while it toasts.

What Makes a Good Toaster?

Because slot toasters only perform one task, it's essential they perform that task well. Slot toasters should reliably and evenly toast multiple types of bread to different levels of doneness without burning or under-toasting. If they have additional features, like a defrost function, the features should be effective. They should also be easy to use and clean. Since the toaster will likely live out on your counter, it's always a plus if it looks nice, too.

Who Needs a Slot Toaster?

Serious Eats / Taylor Murray

Slot toasters are for anyone who wants toasted bread and doesn’t have the time in the morning to toast it over an open fire like a pilgrim.

Slot toasters do come with some drawbacks. Since they're designed to toast simple slices of bread, they often can't handle toasting a muffin or croissant or an old slice of pizza. In fact, something drippy or oozy could break them. (For those items, you're better off with a toaster oven.)

How We Picked the Products in the Review

To determine which toasters to test, we looked at recognized brands in the space, top sellers on Amazon and specialty retailers, newcomers to the market from startup companies, and those reviewed on competitor review sites. We also considered our own experience with toasters and included models we already use and love.

Why You Should Trust Us

In addition to being a longtime user of toasters, I also have years of experience testing products. Since starting my career in food media I’ve had the privilege of being asked to test all sorts of kitchen and kitchen-adjacent equipment and tools through the technical lens of a classically trained chef.  

All test were done with precise measurements and in an environment meant to eliminate any external variables. Every method of testing and evaluation was conducted without bias toward brands or models.

Our Testing Methodology

Serious Eats / Fred Hardy

The testing ultimately boiled down to three tests with one pre-test. The pre-test was to determine if we could use white bread (as opposed to more popular whole wheat) to test the toasters. The other tests all involved either fresh or frozen white bread, fresh or frozen white bagels, and fresh English muffins.

We also made notes on things like ease of cleaning, ease of bread removal, and overall aesthetics.

Pre-Test: Whole Wheat Bread

Taylor Murray

First, we conducted a pre-test to determine if whole wheat bread toasts similarly to white bread. White bread is a better medium for testing and recording observations as it provides a more clear backdrop for assessing how well and evenly a slice of bread has been toasted. However, whole wheat bread is much more widely consumed in the US. We chose to conduct this pre-test to make sure any conclusions we drew from white bread would also apply to whole wheat. We ran a few tests of sliced Pepperidge Farms-brand whole wheat bread to confirm if it toasted similarly. We were able to conclude that it did and carried on with testing.

Test 1: White Bread

Serious Eats / Taylor Murray

The most crucial test for any toaster is to see how well it can toast a slice of bread. We fully loaded each toaster with slices of Pepperidge Farms white bread, set the toaster to the lightest possible setting, then ran the cycle according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After letting the toasters cool fully, we repeated the test with the medium and darkest possible settings, took photos, and recorded observations. While analyzing each toasted slice we looked for things like uneven toasting, underdoneness, and burning.

Test 2: Frozen White Bagel

Serious Eats / Taylor Murray

The second round of testing was designed to determine how well the slot toasters can toast frozen items, like bagels. To that end, this test involved nine separate trials. First, we tested how the slot toasters performed with frozen white bread using the ‘defrost’ option. Then, we conducted the test the exact same way using frozen, white, Pepperidge Farms bagels. If the toaster didn't have a ‘defrost’ setting, we simply toasted the frozen bread/bagels using the toaster’s regular function and took notes. After, we also ran a trial using the toaster’s ‘bagel’ function, if it had one, on unfrozen bagels of the same brand. Once we had completed all rounds of testing, we took photos and recorded observations, looking for things like burning, evenness of toasting, and any signs that the toasters failed to fully defrost any frozen products. 

The Right Way to Toast a Bagel

Test 3: English Muffin

Serious Eats / Taylor Murray

We conducted this test to determine how well each toaster functioned when toasting Thomas's English muffins. To do this, we fully loaded each toaster with split English muffins, set the toaster to the lightest possible setting, then ran a cycle. After letting the toaster cool fully, we repeated the test with medium and dark settings, took photos, and recorded observations.

Ease of Use and Other Observations

Serious Eats / Fred Hardy

When it comes to user friendliness, we evaluated the toaster using several different parameters. First, we looked at how easy or difficult it was to remove the hot bread after the toasting cycle. Some toasters are designed to make bread removal simple, featuring a high-lift function that keeps you from reaching for tongs or, worse, a fork. There are also some models that allow users to manually lift the lever before the cycle ends to check on their toast’s progress, while others remain locked unless you press the cancel button.

We also evaluated aesthetics, since toasters usually end up being permanent countertop fixtures. Finally, we looked at ease of cleaning and the design of the crumb tray. Even if a toaster toasts well, if it's tough to clean or gets crumbs everywhere, it isn't worth buying.

The Best Overall Slot Toaster: Cuisinart 4-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster

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What we liked: The Cuisinart 4-Slice packs a punch in a surprisingly affordable package. Each trial produced excellent results, with toast colors that corresponded accurately with the darkness settings. It handled frozen items like a dream, fully defrosting each before toasting to the correct shade. We also love that this toaster has a feature that pops toast up even higher so it's easier to grab. What's more: It's easy to clean with a slide-out crumb tray and smooth plastic exterior.

What we didn't like: The fresh bagels could have been toasted more evenly, though the resulting texture was still excellent. Some may find the aesthetics of the toaster to be lacking compared to some of the fancier chrome models.

Price at time of publish: $50.

Key Specs

Serious Eats / Taylor Murray

The Best Affordable Slot Toaster: Black + Decker 2-Slice Toaster

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What we liked: This toaster excelled at every test we put it through. Each slice was uniformly toasted and the shade we would expect for the darkness setting. Of all the toasters, the Black + Decker’s results for frozen items were almost identical to their fresh counterparts. Add to that a sleek chrome look, lightweight construction, and a rock-bottom price, the Black + Decker 2-slice was a true winner. 

What we didn't like: The B+D doesn’t come with any special features (such as a dedicated bagel setting) aside from "defrost."

Price at time of publish: $35.

Key Specs

Serious Eats / Taylor Murray

The Best Long-Slot Toaster: Dash Clear View

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What we liked: Out of all the long-slot toasters, this is the only one that didn’t burn the bread on the upper settings. The long-slot design means you can toast either one long slice of bread or two regulars simultaneously. A nifty window allows you to see your bread while it cooks.

What we didn’t like: Some of the trials, namely the English muffin and the unfrozen bagel, really didn’t toast as much as you would want, which is better than burning your bread but could be frustrating for dark toast lovers.  

Price at time of publish: $50.

Key Specs

Serious Eats / Taylor Murray

The Competition

FAQs

How often should you clean a toaster?

This really depends on how often you use your toaster. If you toast multiple slices of bread on a daily basis, making a weekly habit of emptying the crumb tray isn’t a bad idea. If you only use your toaster on weekends, you’re probably fine to clean it once a month. 

How do you clean a toaster?

After making sure your toaster is unplugged and cool, remove the crumb tray and dispose of the crumbs, then hand-wash and dry. We recommend turning the toaster over and shaking out any crumbs (you can use a small cleaning brush for anything really stuck in the the interior). To clean the outside of the toaster, use a damp sponge or dish cloth or a dry microfiber towel and stainless steel cleaner, depending on the material of your toaster.

Should I buy a toaster or a toaster oven?

How much counter space do you have? A slot toaster takes up minimal space compared to a toaster oven, but it has far less functionality. If you already have an air fryer or a fan oven that can feasibly manage toaster oven-friendly tasks like reheating pizza or melting cheese on toast, you might as well save the space and buy a slot toaster. If you want a more functional, multi-purpose appliance, then a toaster oven may be right for you.

What’s a long-slot toaster?

Long-slot toasters allow you to toast oblong pieces of bread—think rustic ryes and artisan sourdoughs—without one end of the slice sticking up in the air. Though they’re longer in length, long-slot toasters tend to be slimmer and take up less space than regular toasters, making them a great choice for small spaces or people who enjoy a diverse array of breads.

The Best Toaster Ovens Under $250, According to Our Tests

Best toaster 2023, according to our experts

(Image credit: Zwilling)

Simple but essential, the best toaster is the ideal companion for making speedy breakfasts or delicious brunches for the whole family to enjoy, with two- and four-slice designs for serving as many people as you need. While toasters all do the same task, they work in different ways. Some have dedicated modes for toasting bagels, leaving you with a chewy exterior and crisp interior, and others have long and wide slots that can handle artisanal bread or even pastries. 

When choosing the best toaster we took into account the quality and functions offered in each option, but style is also a major factor. After all, a toaster will typically sit on your counter each and every day, and if you choose the right one, it can last decades.  

If you need to serve toast for more than four people at once or looking for even more versatility, you can also take a look at the best toaster ovens, which cook a lot more than just bread — some even air fry. 

Best toaster deals

Why you can trust Homes & Gardens Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

ZWILLING Enfinigy 2-Long Slot Toaster | was $215.00, now $169.95 at Target
The ZWILLING Enfinigy 2-Long Slot Toaster embodies a simple, sleek design that can integrate into kitchens of all styles. On test, we loved the extra long slots - you can easily toast large slices of bread, which is perfect if you're a sourdough lover.

Smeg 4-Slice Toaster | was $350, now $279. 95 at Wayfair
Available in seven different colors, save $70 on the classic Smeg 4-Slice Toaster. Voted our best toaster for a retro design, this 50s-style appliance has a 4-slice design that's perfect for families. 

Café Specialty 2-Slice Toaster | was $149, now $119 at Best Buy
One of our favorite toasters, this stylish, compact model is for those looking for a more glamorous toaster design.

Dualit 4 slice 4 Slot Toaster | was $380, now $339.99 at Amazon
The basic design of these iconic toasters hasn't had to change in decades, but Dualit have kept up with the times with a handy defrost setting, extra wide slots, and 23 color options. We think this durable workhorse of a toaster is great for a busy family kitchen.

Gevi Toaster 4 Slice| was $99.99, now $74.49 at Amazon
The GEVI Toaster has some neat functions with its touch-screen design like the ability to continue toasting for another 30-seconds, or THE ONE feature designed to evenly toast the front and back of one single slice of bread.

Best toaster 2023

(Image credit: Cuisinart)

1. Cuisinart CPT-180 Classic Toaster

Best toaster overall

Specifications

Dimensions: 11.15 x 10.65 x 7.5 inches

Slots: 4

Settings: Bagel, Defrost, Reheat, Cancel

RRP: $69.95

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Reasonably priced

+

Great bagel setting

+

Easy to clean

+

Comes in a selection of colors

Reasons to avoid

-

Extra lift is limited

Tried and loved by the Homes & Gardens team, the Cuisinart CPT-180 Classic Toaster has four slots and comes in at a reasonable price for families and those who take their breakfasts very seriously.  

Why we love it
It's easy to select your chosen setting, be it Bagel, Reheat, or Defrost. It's also possible to choose from 12 brownness settings, with up to 6 notches as well as halves for the extra picky members of your family. 

The design feels high quality, with a stainless steel exterior and sleek matching levers. You can also pull out two crumb trays independently to empty out the toaster and keep it clean in-between uses. 

Features
We enjoyed the bagel setting, but keep in mind that you need to place the two slices facing away from each other to use this mode, which feels counter-intuitive. 

The levers have some added lift, which is great for pop tarts and other smaller toasted goods, but it doesn't have the added lift of some other toasters, so it's not the best for seriously small slices.

(Image credit: Breville)

2. Breville Die-Cast 4-Slice Smart Toaster

Best premium toaster

Specifications

Dimensions: 10. 9" x 11.9" x 7.7"

Slots: 4

Settings: Bagel, frozen, A Bit More

RRP: $209.95

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Reasons to buy

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Smart auto lift

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Take a peek at your toast as it cooks

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Countdown indicator

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Excellent results

+

Designed to last

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

If you’re really serious about toast, the Breville Die-Cast 4-Slice Smart Toaster is for you. Packed with clever toasting tech, this machine is the 21st century’s answer to getting the perfect slice of toast.

Why we love it
There are dual slider controls (each control has two slots) for the toast level. Once you’ve loaded the toast into a slot and have hit the Toast button, the toast is automatically lowered and LEDs on the front show the toasting progress. It's a totally seamless process. 

Want to see how well your toast is doing? Press Lift and look, and your toast is raised automatically to give you a sneak peek, before dropping down. If your chosen setting wasn’t quite good enough the ‘A Bit More’ button toasts for a little longer.

Features
Wide slots accommodate most bread sizes, and there are special modes for dealing with frozen bread and bagels. Toasting is excellent, producing consistent results time after time.  

Though, we should mention that the toaster uses a "Restaurant Style" approach for a crispier side, and a softer side, so if you're expecting equally browned sides, this may not be the toaster for you, but a scroll through the reviews and people are extremely passionate about this toaster. One Amazon reviewer noted how five years later, it's still working just as well as it did on the first day, a testament to its longevity. While another, who thought he was having a product malfunction, found out from Breville reps that one of the features of the smart toaster 'is recognizing fluctuations in electrical power and it shuts itself down to protect the onboard software!'

It misses out on being our absolute top pick due to the price.

(Image credit: Zwilling)

3. Zwilling Enfinigy Cool Touch 2 Long Slot Toaster

Best long toaster for artisan bread

Specifications

Dimensions: 16.75 x 6.6 x 8.2 inches

Slots: 2

Settings: Reheat, Bagel, Defrost

RRP: $169.95

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Reasons to buy

+

Very wide and longs slots

+

Intuitive toasting controls

+

Excellent results on different breads

Reasons to avoid

-

Only two colors

Zwilling is known for quality construction and sleek, simple designs, and the Zwilling Enfinigy Cool Touch 2 Long Slot Toaster is no exception. It comes in two colors and has a compact frame that makes it suitable for understated designs. 

Why we love it
It has extra-long and wide slots that make it perfect for those who like their artisanal bread fresh from the bakery, often with long slices from the midsection of a sourdough loaf, or a generous wide wedge of some brioche.  

Features
Simplicity is key here, so while you will not have large dials and Smeg-style funky button controls, there is everything you need to defrost, reheat, or cancel your setting. 

You can turn the dial at the front of the toaster to increase the toasting time. There is also an insert at the top of the toaster which can be used to heat up pastries without forcing them into the toaster slot. 

(Image credit: KitchenAid)

4. KitchenAid 4-Slice Wide Slot Toaster

Best toaster with wide slots

Specifications

Dimensions: 11.4 x 11.62 x 7.48 inches

Slots: 4

Settings: Bagel

RRP: $79.99

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Inexpensive

+

Wide slots for bagels and more

+

Three classic colors

Reasons to avoid

-

No defrost setting

A four-slice toaster doesn't have to be too expensive, and this wide-slot toaster from KitchenAid comes from a reliable family brand too.  

Why we love it
If you've got a KitchenAid mixer in your home, this four-slot toaster will match beautifully. It comes in silver, black and red. 

The sleek finish is complete with sturdy dials to adjust brownness, and the independent controls will be useful for different family members with different preferences. 

Features
You can adjust the brownness of either side independently, and there's a button for bagels or to eject your toast when you suspect it's done. The slots also lift with an impressive clearance for shorter slices. The slots are very wide- perfect for thick slices. However, as someone who is known to take bread straight from the freezer into the toaster, the lack of a defrost button is a missed opportunity. 

(Image credit: Cuisinart)

5. Cuisinart 2 Slice Compact Plastic Toaster

Best compact toaster

Specifications

Dimensions: 6.5 x 11 x 7 inches

Slots: 2

Settings: Bagel, Defrost, Reheat

RRP: $29. 95

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Excellent value

+

Neat and easy-to-clean body

+

Simple controls

+

Good toast

Reasons to avoid

-

Some report uneven toasting

-

Higher settings burn fast

Four-slot toasters tend to be quite big and bulky, so if you need something smaller and less obtrusive, the Cuisinart 2 Slice Compact Plastic Toaster is for you.

Why we love it
This tiny model is designed to sit face-on, so it doesn’t take up much width on a counter. Although the product name has the word ‘plastic’ in it, the exterior is neat and clean, looking far better than you might expect.

Controls are simple, with a dial labeled one to seven for the toast setting, defrost, reheat, and bagel settings. The slots are a good size, too, and should take most store-bought slices.

Features
Toasting is generally very good, although some complain that the toaster quickly moves into burnt territory, so try with the lower settings first. There are some complaints about uneven toasting, but turning bread part way through can fix that issue.

(Image credit: Alessi)

6. Alessi Plissé Toaster

Best toaster for designer looks

Specifications

Dimensions: 7.48'' H x 13.39'' W x 7.48'' D

Slots: 2

Settings: Bagel, frozen

RRP: $119

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Gorgeous plissé exterior

+

Comes in a classic range of shades

+

Quality construction

Reasons to avoid

-

Only available in two-slice design

-

Toaster racks cost extra

Stylish kitchens deserve a stylish toaster to match, and the Alessi Plissé Toaster is just the option for this. It comes with a striking exterior that wraps around the entirety of the toaster, and subtle controls for defrosting and cooking bagels. 

Why we love it
Gorgeous looks aside, the Alessi Plissé Toaster is neat and compact while still making a statement. It has two slots, and there are six browning levels for perfect toast every time. 

You will have to pay extra for toasting racks, but they have striking handles that pair with the toaster and are great for more delicate items such as pastries. 

Features
Buy the Alessi Plissé Toaster in white, red, black, or grey. It can also be paired with a juicer, kettle, and immersion blender. 

(Image credit: Smeg)

7. Smeg 4 Slice Toaster TSF03

Best toaster for retro design

Specifications

Dimensions: 13 x 11.77 x 7.72 inches

Slots: 4

Settings: Defrost, Reheat

RRP: $279.95

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Classic retro style

+

So many color options

+

Tactile levers with added lift

+

Press-touch crumb trays

+

Wide slots

+

Also available in a 2-slot

Reasons to avoid

-

No bagel mode

We loved the Smeg 4 Slice Toaster TSF03 from the second we took it out of the box. We tested it in a fetching pastel blue but it comes in all sorts of colorways, including black, pink, silver, cream, and much more. 

Why we love it
The controls are very tactile, with metallic levers that have added lift to elevate even the smallest slices clear of the toaster.

We also enjoy the controls, with a light-up button for defrosting and reheating as well as a simple dial to increase or decrease the brownness settings. Our toast came out beautifully toasted with consistency across both sides of the slice, but we did miss a bagel setting.

Features
The crumb trays pop out when pressed, and make cleaning very easy indeed. It goes without saying that the stainless steel design is incredibly high quality. It's expensive, but the Smeg 4 Slice Toaster TSF03 is an investment that will last for years. We've also tried and enjoyed its two-slice counterpart, the TSF01 . 

Our Smeg 4 Slice Toaster TSF03 review has more details.  

(Image credit: Café)

8. Café Specialty 2-Slice Toaster

Best two slice toaster for glam style

Specifications

Dimensions: 7 x 12 x 8 inches

Slots : 2

Settings: Reheat, Frozen, Bagel

RRP: $149

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Compact

+

Sleek look

+

Has an express setting

+

Matching appliances available 

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

Want all the style of the best toaster but in a two-slice option? The Café Specialty 2-Slice Toaster has rose gold accents and comes in either a white, silver or black option. We love the simple curved design, and it's a compact option for smaller kitchens or households. There's even a matching coffee maker, and toaster oven with an air fryer, among others to coordinate the look with.  

Why we love it
This toaster not only looks great, but it's also a treat to use as well. There's an express finish option for rushed mornings and eight intensity settings to choose from, for that perfect toast every time. 

Features
Other settings include a frozen, reheated, and bagel setting. A more expensive option for a two-slice, but this toaster ticks every box when it comes to building, quality, and style. 

(Image credit: Dualit)

9. Dualit 4 Slice Newgen Toaster

Best toaster for living more sustainably

Specifications

Dimensions: 15.30 x 10.30 x 10.10 inches

Slots: 4

Settings: Defrost, Bagel

RRP: $379

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Tough

+

Replaceable parts

+

Excellent and even toasting

+

Large slots

+

Can choose how many slots to use

Reasons to avoid

-

Manual controls are fiddly

-

Expensive given the features

Dualit builds its toasters to be rugged and reliable, and are admired for their ability to be repaired and replaced, bringing longevity to your small appliance. The Dualit 4 Slice Newgen Toaster follows the traditional looks of toasters past but has new features that set it apart.

Why we love it
In addition to just heating, this new model has a proper defrost setting and a setting for heating up bagels. Otherwise, it’s business as usual, with the option to choose how many slots you want to use (one to four) to save on running costs and a mechanical timer dial. Extra deep and wide slots let this toaster take most types of bread, and you can buy an optional warming rack or sandwich cage.

Features
With a mechanical dial, timings aren’t as precise, so there’s a bit of a learning curve with this model. With a little practice, though, you can get even results every time. Dualit’s heating element uses a series of flat bars behind a smooth, transparent casing, which extends life. And, should a heating element go, you can replace the part.

What is the best toaster? 

(Image credit: Dualit)

The Cuisinart CPT-180 Classic Toaster is our top pick of the best toasters, thanks to its reasonable price and classic design. We also enjoyed its bagel setting and the ability to control both sides independently. 

The Cuisinart 2 Slice Compact Plastic Toaster is the best two-slice toaster you can buy, especially if you're looking for something affordable, and if you want something more premium, we love the Breville Die-Cast 4-Slice Smart Toaster .

How we review the best toasters

(Image credit: Future)

In our guide to the best toasters, we tried as many toasters as we could hands-on. We considered the design, functions, and cost of toasters to decide if they were worth the investment. You'll know if we tested something hands-on because we give all the toasters we try a rating out of five. If there's no rating, we decided to include the toaster in our guide based on online reviews and the design but did not get the chance to try it ourselves.

We're always testing new toasters to make sure our best toaster guide features the very top options you can buy, so we update this guide on a regular basis to make sure it includes all our picks.  

For more insight into our hands-on review process, refer to our dedicated page about how we test.

Best features to look for in a toaster

(Image credit: Cuisinart)

Although toasters do the same thing, there’s a huge amount of variance in them, largely dependent on your needs and the type of bread that you cook. 

Take notice of the size and types of slots to make sure that you’ll be able to fit in the type of bread that you use. This is particularly true if you use artisan bread.

While toasters all have a setting for how toasted they’ll make your bread, many have additional features and modes.

Some models have a defrost option. This usually doesn’t mean that your bread will be defrosted (although some have this feature) but that your frozen slices will be defrosted and then toasted. This latter mode can be called ‘frozen’ on some toasters.

A bagel setting can be good, too. What this mode does varies between toasters, but generally only one element is used, so that the underside gets cooked, leaving the top alone. With some other models, the second element may be heated to a lower temperature. Make sure you read the manual so that you know which way to insert your bagel.

A reheat mode is useful if you like your toast warm, as you can stick it back in without overheating it.

Look out for any optional accessories: a sandwich cage lets you make toasted sandwiches, and a warming rack sits on top and is good for pastries and croissants. 

Should I buy a two- or four-slice toaster?

If you go through a lot of bread or have a larger family, then a four-slice toaster is generally the best bet to make more toast at ones. If you don’t eat a lot of toast or don’t have much room, then go for a smaller two-slice model.

Take note of the configuration of the toaster. Some four-slice toasters use two long slots instead of four slots. The downside is that you may not fit in two slices side-by-side; the upside is that the longer slots can be better for artisanal bread.

How much energy does a toaster use?

Most toasters will use around 800 to 1200W on average, with four-slice toasters using towards the top of the scale, and two-slice models using less. That’s a rough guide, but as they’re small and dedicated, toasters are more energy-efficient than using your oven’s grill to do the job.

Many models have energy-saving features. Toasters with four slots, for example, will generally have two sets of controls, each controlling two slots. When you only use two slots, you’re using half of the total power; you only run the toaster at full capacity when all four slots are in operation. 

(Image credit: Dualit)

How much does a toaster cost?

Price depends on features and how often you make toast. For occasional users that need a two-slice model, you can pick up a reasonably good toaster for less than $30. A higher-quality more durable model can cost around $50 but you can easily spend over $100 on the best models.

Round up of today's best deals

Cuisinart CPT-180 Classic Toaster

£94. 99

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Reduced Price

Alessi Plisse Toaster

£85

£76.50

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Smeg TSF03 4 Slot Toaster

£175

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Dualit 4 Slot NewGen

£299.90

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Millie Fender is Head of Reviews on the Homes and Gardens Ecommerce team. She specializes in cooking appliances, such as the best kettles, and also reviews outdoor grills and pizza ovens. Millie loves to bake, so she will take any excuse to review stand mixers and other baking essentials. When she's not putting products through their paces in our dedicated testing kitchen, Millie's reviews are conducted at home, meaning she uses these products in her own day-to-day life. 

With contributions from

types, how to choose, pros and cons

The main task of the toaster is to brown bread evenly, regardless of the recipe. Modern models can not only fry bread, but also cook sandwiches, waffles, pancakes, heat food and combine the functions of a grill and an oven.

Contents:

How to choose a toaster

2 device.

The toaster roaster melts cheese on a sandwich and fries eggs. Grilled toaster is great for roasting meats and vegetables. The toaster sandwich maker will prepare stuffed sandwiches.

Some factors can be ignored as they are not essential for well browned toast.

Best Sandwich Toaster

Philips HD 2392 - the appliance has 2 bread compartments with simultaneous preparation of 4 servings. The bread is cut into triangles with specially shaped plates, the edges are sealed, which allows you to put a filling for a sandwich inside. nine0003

The model has a plastic body, non-stick coated panels. There is a clip-lock for holding the halves of the sandwich maker during operation and a readiness indicator.

Additional features include anti-slip rubberized feet, thermally insulated handle and cord storage.

Characteristics

Pros

Cons

Customer Reviews

Toaster helps you quickly and conveniently prepare sandwiches with a crispy crust and even toasting. The case does not heat up, sandwiches do not burn. The dimensions of the device allow it to be stored vertically. nine0003

The device takes up little space and is easy to clean - just wipe the cooled surface. Among the shortcomings, there is a lack of an off button - you have to wait for the indicator signal so as not to miss the moment of preparation and not to overcook the sandwiches.

The Best Hot Sandwich Toaster

Bugatti Volo - The toaster is designed for 2 toasts at the same time. There is a bread defrosting function, one-sided roasting, 6 toast cooking modes. nine0003

Steel metal case, thermally insulated and available in several colours, cord storage and rubberized feet. Includes sandwich pliers, bun warmer and crumb tray.

The appliance is equipped with a special system for gently lowering and raising the bread and a cancel button.

Auto-centers the toast for even toasting, the slots are filled with bread up to 2.5 cm thick. The readiness of the toast is accompanied by an audible signal. nine0003

Features

Pros

Cons

Customer reviews

The bread in this model rises smoothly and crumbles less. The clamps can be used to warm up sandwiches. Toast roasting is electronically controlled, so the appliance does not need to be looked after during operation. Highly appreciated are the multiple color options and the body design, which is a decoration for the kitchen. nine0003

Best Toaster Grill

Redmond RSM-M1404 - Toaster with a plastic body has 3 interchangeable metal panels for preparing sandwiches, waffles and grilled products. There is a clip-lock on the lid and a ready indicator.

Non-stick sandwich plate makes 4 triangular sandwiches, waffle plate 2 waffles.

Characteristics

Pros

Cons

0002 The bread is toasted evenly with a golden crust. Grilling chicken, fish and sausages is easy. Removable panels are easy to clean, but they do not adhere tightly to the body, it is possible for the contents of sandwiches to leak into the space for the heating element.

The toaster off button is missing, it needs to be unplugged manually. Fingerprints and stains remain on the case.

Best Shawarma Toaster

Tefal Optigrill GC702D34 - toaster-grill with non-stick surfaces. The device automatically adjusts the temperature and degree of frying depending on the thickness of the meat. There are 6 cooking modes for toast, chicken, cutlets, sausages, fish and meat. Manual control and defrost mode are available.

Panels are installed at a slight angle to allow grease to drain into a plastic drip tray.

Removable panels and drip tray are dishwasher safe. The device has an aluminum body and a heat-resistant handle with a control panel placed on it. nine0003

The height of the top panel adapts to the thickness of the food to be cooked. Automatic shutdown is triggered when the plates remain in the same position for a long time.

Features

Pros

Cons

Customer reviews

The plates heat up evenly, the product does not burn. Cooking of frozen food is available, fully automatic cooking of meat of the desired roasting, while no oil is required for cooking. A signal sounds between the degrees of doneness. nine0003

High-quality assembly of the toaster is noted. Removable plates are easy to clean. There are complaints about the spontaneous shutdown of the auto mode. This model is not suitable for cooking meat on the bone.

Best Professional Toaster

Milantoast 18051 - Toaster provides front loading conveyor toast. The speed of the conveyor belt is continuously adjustable. Separate thermostats for the upper and lower heater smoothly change the intensity. nine0003

The width of the belt fits 2 toasts at the same time, and the height of the chamber allows you to fry not only bread, but also rolls.

An additional external panel is installed on the frontal plane and closes the settings controls from outside interference.

The crumb tray can be removed and cleaned in the dishwasher. The band and body of the device are made of stainless steel.

Features

Pros

Cons

Customer Reviews

The toaster allows you to adjust the browning of your toast so that it browns evenly on both sides. The ability to lock the control panel from users is highly appreciated, while providing access to self-loading toast into the machine.

Suitable for use in hotels and catering establishments.

Best Horizontal Toaster

Bartscher A151.300 is a professional horizontal loading toaster. Equipped with quartz heating elements, which are switched on separately. nine0003

Body and internal grilles made of stainless steel. The set includes tongs and a frying rack. The height of the chamber allows you to cook toast, sandwiches and use the grill grate.

Built-in thermostat controls the intensity of heating. You can fry 6 toasts at the same time. The timer is adjustable up to 15 minutes and turns off with a beep.

Features

Pros

Cons

Customer Reviews

The toaster is suitable for catering. The optimal price is marked. The appliance can be used for grilling, reheating and defrosting food. nine0003

Best Toaster Roaster

Tefal Toast ‘n’ Grill TF8010 is a mini oven that can cook 4 toasts at the same time or reheat food. There are 3 main modes: toaster, oven and grill, as well as a fast frying mode at full power.

The model has horizontal bread loading and control of the degree of toasting. The set includes a pull-out baking sheet and a grill grate, a hanging grill. The built-in thermostat smoothly controls the heating intensity of both heating elements. nine0003

The timer sets the cooking time up to 25 minutes and notifies the end of cooking with an audible signal. The case has handles for carrying the device.

Characteristics

Pros

Cons

Customer Reviews

This versatile toaster can be used to reheat sandwiches, pizza, toast and grilled meats and vegetables. The temperature is set automatically or manually. The plastic handle on the tray and the grate does not heat up.

However, when two-sided toast is roasted on the grate, the crumbs fall under the lower heating element, from where they are difficult to remove. nine0003

Best 3 in 1 Toaster

Brand 321 is a multi-bakery equipped with six sets of interchangeable non-stick plates for toasting, sandwiching, baking waffles, pies, cooking on a flat and corrugated grill surface.

Toaster panels turn 180 degrees, which allows you to cook simultaneously on two work surfaces.

Includes overheating protection and plastic holders for removable panels. nine0003

Features

Pros

Cons

Customer reviews

A large number of worktops diversify baking and grilling. Recipes are given in the instructions. Removable plates are easy to clean. nine0003

The toaster toasts evenly on both sides, but may switch off automatically when the heat is too high. There are complaints about the durability of the coating of the plates.

Which toaster is best to buy

When choosing a toaster, determine whether only the basic functions are enough or additional ones are useful. For example, Bugatti Volo, in addition to toasting slices of bread, can cook hot sandwiches and warm up buns.

If you want to make closed sandwiches with fillings, consider the Philips HD 239 toaster2. The multifunctional Redmond RSM-M1404 and Brand 321 models, in addition to sandwiches, will cook waffles, pancakes and grilled products thanks to interchangeable panels.

Estimate how much power the machine will need and how many slices of bread it toasts at a time. High performance Milantoast 18051 professional toaster with conveyor belt is suitable for use in catering restaurants.

Before buying a toaster, consider what you plan to cook with it. The Tefal Toast ‘n’ Grill TF 8010 and Bartscher A151.300 models with horizontal loading are convenient for quick preparation of toast and grilled dishes. And the Tefal Optigrill GC702D34 grill toaster will cope with cooking meat for shawarma, vegetables and hamburger cutlets. nine0003

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How to choose a toaster: the main criteria

The toaster is one of the few kitchen appliances that retains a single function. In fact, its main and only purpose is to brown a piece of bread. We offer you to figure out what characteristics of the device you should pay attention to when choosing.

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Types of toasters

Most toasters are compact, rectangular-shaped devices with notches into which bread slices are inserted. Basic settings include a temperature controller and a forced shutdown button. What is the best toaster to buy? It depends on what additional features you need. More modern models may have an uneven cooking mode, a defrost function, etc.

Toasters can be roughly divided into two large groups:

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Conveyor toasters have been developed for coffee houses, cafes, buffets and restaurants that can toast several hundred slices of bread per hour (VEVOR 2200W Commercial Conveyor Toaster - $300). nine0003

Best manufacturers

Late last year, the Good Housekeeping Institute, an American laboratory of kitchen appliances and technologies, took care of the question of how to choose a toaster. Several dozen devices from various manufacturers were tested to find out how the declared characteristics correspond to reality. During the test, the following were evaluated:

Based on the test results, a rating was made.

Die-Cast 2-slice from the American brand Breville ($130) won the Best All-Purpose Toaster. The device rose to the pedestal thanks to a simple automated control process and many useful innovative features, such as A Bit More (“just a little more”), Lift & Look (“lift and look”), Defrost (“defrost”), Bagel and Fruit Bread (“ bagel and fruit bread"). They allow you to check the toast for readiness and add a little more time without interrupting the work cycle, defrost and reheat bagels, croissants and even sandwiches. nine0003

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The BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Extra Wide Slot ($19 on Walmart) from an American manufacturer of power tools, home appliances, hardware and home goods BLACK+DECKER. Suitable for toasting standard slices of bread and bagels, the extra-wide slots feature a defrost mode and a convenient lifting mechanism.

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Experts recognized Savoy 4-Slice Toaster ($78) from the German brand Krups, which specializes in small household appliances, as the best device for 4 slices. Since 2001, the brand has been part of the French consortium Groupe SEB. The chromed stainless steel model is equipped with a double independent control panel.

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The Bakery Artisan Toaster ($80) under the Cuisinart brand, which is owned by the American corporation Conair Corporation, became the best toaster with unusually long cells. The device is ideal for those who bake homemade bread. The 10" (25.5cm) self-centering slots accept custom-sized pieces of bread. nine0003

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The best compact toaster was another model from Cuisinart - Plastic Compact 2 Slice ($30). With a 7-position rotary switch, it is easy to find a place in the smallest kitchen.

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The Clear View Toaster ($50) from the American company Dash, known for kitchen gadgets and health products, was recognized as the best visual control toaster. The chip of the model is in the transparent side wall through which it is easy to follow the browning process. The device can defrost and reheat. Bagels, waffles and other pastries can be inserted into wide and long slots. The automatic shutdown function prevents overheating. nine0003

The TSF01RDUS 50's Retro Style Aesthetic ($170) kitchen toaster, created by Italian brand Smeg, was named the most stylish. The model does not differ in technical characteristics: the manufacturer focuses on a spectacular retro style and a wide selection of colors.

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The American startup Revolution Cooking R180 ($300), created in the Revolution Cooking laboratory, was named the smartest. The device is equipped with a large touch screen, has 63 customizable modes, works on the patented InstaGLO technology, which provides for super-fast heating. The intelligent control unit does not dry out, but provides a crispy layer on the outside and tender pulp on the inside of a piece of bread, depending on its type. nine0003

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Functionality of toasters

The design includes a chamber with heating elements and a “step” or grate on which pieces of bread are placed (in vertical models) or stacked (in toaster ovens) .

There are controls on the housing. The minimum set in vertical toasters is a lever mechanism that lowers and raises toasts, as well as a switch for the time and intensity of heating.

At the bottom of the case there is a removable tray into which crumbs fall.

Many upright toasters are equipped with additional racks that are fixed above the body and allow you to heat up croissants, pies or sandwiches (for example, IKICH Long Toaster - $55).

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The heating element is most often made of thin nichrome wire. More expensive models are equipped with ceramic heaters or quartz elements. nine0003

The simplest toasters are equipped with two toast slots (SHARDOR Toaster 2 Slice - $37). There are devices designed for 4 slices of bread or more. In some of them, you can simultaneously make toasts of different degrees of frying due to two independent control units (4 Slice Toaster, Keenstone Retro Bagel Toasters - $55).

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Power is a parameter that practically does not affect the choice of a toaster. The average range, sufficient for domestic use, ranges from 500 to 100 watts. In models for 4 toasts - 1300-1500 watts. nine0003

Other device features:

What is the difference between an expensive toaster and a cheap one?

Where can I buy a good toaster?

If you do not want to be content with little, look for inspiration in foreign online stores. So, in Polish online markets, the choice is significantly richer. Take a look at the famous online megamarket Allegro.pl, where toasters are sold from 28 złoty (about 200 UAH, $7). For example, a limited model KENWOOD from the TTM line for two toasts with a capacity of 900W can be ordered from Allegro for only 34 PLN (approximately 240 UAH or $8.5), which is much cheaper than in Ukraine.

For those who do not care about the brand, we recommend that you pay attention to Chinese Internet sites designed for the domestic buyer, such as Taobao or Tmall. There are thousands of models of various shapes and designs, from laconic no-name mono-toasters for a couple of slices for 29 yuan ($4.5) to multifunctional kitchen machines like Delmar for 999 yuan (about $150). nine0003

Ordering a toaster from the USA is worth it if the main selection criterion is quality. Local sellers are reputable and customer oriented. American stores regularly hold promotions and sales with discounts up to 50-70%. Many popular resources regularly publish ratings and reviews of new products in the market with links to stores. It is worth considering that many large online retailers like Amazon or Walmart offer free shipping within the United States.

For shopping in foreign online stores, as a rule, a bank card connected to the international payment system Visa or MasterCard is sufficient. For payments, it is convenient to use electronic wallets: for example, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay. nine0003

Thanks to the NP Shopping forwarding service, Ukrainian customers can order goods in stores that do not work with customers from other countries. We provide registered customers with a shipping address within the country in which the store operates. After the goods arrive at the warehouse of Nova Poshta Global partners, they are transported to Ukraine.

Do not forget about the customs fees that must be taken into account when ordering goods from abroad. Goods worth more than 100 euros (in any currency equivalent) are subject to VAT at a rate of 20% on the amount exceeding the specified limit.

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