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10 Best Toasters 2023 | The Strategist

10 Best Toasters 2023 | The Strategist

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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By Ambar Pardilla, a writer at the Strategist covering fashion and home organization.  She joined the Strategist as a writer in 2021 and before that worked at NBC and HuffPost.

Photo: Marcus McDonald

Photo: Marcus McDonald

I’m a self-professed toast snob, with strong opinions on things like what a crunch should sound like. Usually, I like my toast to be ombré like a sunset, with a lemon-colored center and amber edges. So that’s made me slightly obsessive about what makes for the right toaster. For one thing, it should produce a hot and crispy slice quickly — and I mean that — with a little “ding” to let you know your toast is done.

Sure, you could make toast with a butter, pan, and some patience — as some folks I reached out to do — but I’m still on the side of those who consider a toaster a useful appliance to own. (Besides, I don’t like the sogginess that sometimes happens with a pan.) And the toasterscape is chock-full of choices, which makes it harder to know what to buy. There are simple, industrial models (your KitchenAids and your Cuisinarts), retro-inspired styles (Smeg, obviously), and even avant-garde options, like an Italian-designed Alessi covered in plissé pleats. (A delightful fact: The first toaster was actually invented before sliced bread in a real chicken-or-the-egg kind of scenario). So I talked to fellow toast-heads to make sense of the market. I even tested out a number of the models you’ll see below — I lost count of how much toast was eaten in the process.

Toasters are usually available in either a two- or four-slice capacity, and often the same model can come in either capacity. Where there’s more variability is in the width and length of the slot, which is why your favorite slice might fit into one toaster but stick out of another. So let me introduce two industry terms: long-slot and extra-wide slots. A long-slot toaster is usually at least 14 inches long, with an almost exaggerated shape, and it is good for accommodating slices from artisan loaves. Extra-wide slots tend to be marketed as 1.5 inches wide, and those are nice if you’re dealing with a lot of bagels. These terms aren’t standard, and are all somewhat abstract, so I’ve called out cases where a toaster brands itself in a particular way — but read the descriptions from our experts to better understand slot specifics. In general, I found that toasters with extra-wide slots were the most versatile.

You’ve probably set a toaster dial wrong and ended up with a slice that looks like it was accidentally dipped into a black paint can. So even though most toasters have some sort of dial to represent different levels of brownness, these can vary between models. (A “1” on one may be the same as a “3” on another.) Here, I’m noting how many levels of doneness a toaster offers, as well as whether there are any specific adjacent functions.

So you know if a toaster will fit into the spot you have in mind. These are all listed by width, diameter, and height so you can easily compare different toasters on this list.

You could spend $20 or $200 on a toaster. They essentially do the same thing. But the more high-end you go, the more you (generally) get. That could include lights to make numbers easier to read for barely awake eyes. Maybe there are bread-specific features, like for white versus whole grain. Or it might be all about the design. This is an appliance that’s probably going to get prime kitchen counter real estate — so it should look the part.

KitchenAid 4-Slice Toaster with Manual High-Lift Lever

$80

Slots: Extra-wide for 4 slices (or 2-slice version) | Settings: 5 (plus bagel and cancel) | Size: 11. 4” x 7.7” x 7.7” | Extras: High-lift lever

I have had this KitchenAid toaster for almost a year now — it’s the one I depend on most. I use it at least three times a week and sometimes twice a day when I really don’t feel like cooking. It has popped out perfectly golden toast from the first time I pushed down the lever. It’s got five browning settings, each of which is distinct; 1 gives you a barely there blond, while 5 gets you to scorched territory. I prefer a 2, which produces the perfect sundown shade I talked about above, whether I’ve put in a slice of an already brown multigrain from the bag or a hand-cut chunk of ciabatta.

There are two features that really make the design stand out from all the other toasters I tested. First are the extra-wide slots, which have let me easily toast slices from thicker loaves. The high-lift lever also means I’m able to delicately take toast from the top without having to play the saddest game of hot potato. Plus, the KitchenAid lets out an assertive beep when toast is ready — so I never have to chew through cold toast because I couldn’t hear a ding. I have put it through the wringer with Pardilla family brunches, where pancake-like stacks of toast are passed around. That KitchenAid quality is no joke: One Amazon review I read before the brand sent it to me for review described the toaster as “built as solid as a 1957 Buick.” I have accidentally banged the toaster around and there’s not a scratch on it. It’s surprisingly easy to wipe down with a dish towel to restore its original glossiness. And it has a certain Jetsons-like charm, despite its heft.

$80 at Amazon

Buy

$80 at KitchenAid

Buy

Black+Decker 2-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster

$60

Slots: Extra-wide for 2 slices | Settings: 7 (plus frozen and cancel) | Size: 12.75” x 7.25” x 9.25” | Extras: Self-centering guides on slots

I heard about this Black+Decker toaster from Alexandra Shytsman, recipe developer and founder of recipe blog The New Baguette. Though this toaster doesn’t have the bells and whistles of others, it’s reliable and has earned a permanent place on Shytsman’s countertop for more than two years. It’s small but mighty: Its extra-wide slots are as advertised, and Shytsman puts everything from thicker-cut bagels to Ezekiel bread inside. The self-centering slots ensure an even toasting, and like our pick for best overall toaster, the lever on the Black+Decker helps Shytsman get smaller items out of the toaster, like English muffins, without having to reach in with a tong.

$60 at Amazon

Buy

$31 at Walmart

Buy

Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster

$210

$210

Slots: 2 long slots for 4 slices | Settings: 5 (plus bagel and frozen) with progress bar | Size: 17.7” x 14.9” x 7.5” | Extras: One-touch lowering, LED lights, “A Bit More” and “Lift and Look” functions

“It’s the toaster for toast people” is how Ali Slagle, author of I Dream of Dinner (So You Don’t Have To), described this Breville Die-Cast. The big selling point is the toaster’s duo of wider long-slots, designed for up to four slices, and it allows you to get toast to a shade resembling the inside of a toasted nut, Slagle says.

But it also has a number of features to satisfy even the most discerning of toast people. “This might sound funny, but it’s a graceful machine,” Slagle says, adding that it “dings kindly when it’s ready.” Michael East of Griddle King likes that it doesn’t “pop” like other toasters, so it doesn’t fling crumbs all over the place. There’s the cheekily named “A Bit More” button that you can press if you really just want a little extra browning and “avoid doing a full second round of toasting,” Slagle says. “Lift & Look” is for those who are “nervous you went too high on the setting or are trying to really fine-tune the browning,” says Strategist senior editor Jen Trolio, who owns a similar version of this specific model. (She received it as a wedding gift and her 13th anniversary is this year, if you’re curious about its durability.) As does Laura Arnold, a culinary producer and cookbook consultant, who promises that “this toaster does all the work for you. ”

Breville The Toast Select Luxe

$200

Slots: Extra-wide for 4 slices | Settings: 6 (plus cancel) with progress bar | Size: 8.23” x 13.43” x 7.87” | Extras: Preset toast types, “A Bit More” and “Lift and Look” functions

Anna Stockwell, a food stylist and recipe developer, hasn’t found any bread that doesn’t fit into the wide-slotted Breville Select Luxe. “The slots are plenty wide for bagels and thick slices of sourdough,” she says. It’s an updated version of the Breville Die-Cast above, and it comes with multiple presets, including for whole wheat bread and muffins. But Stockwell’s favorite function is “frozen,” as she keeps her gluten-free bread fresh in the freezer, and the toaster accounts for defrosting without sacrificing toastiness. This toaster also gets brownie points for aesthetics, which Stockwell describes as “ retro-chic.”

$200 at Amazon

Buy

$200 at Breville

Buy

Cuisinart Classic 2-Slice Toaster

$50

Slots: Extra-wide for 2 or 4 slices | Settings: 6 (plus bagel, defrost, reheat, and cancel) | Size: 7” x 9” x 7.25” | Extras: Manual lift-lever, LED indicator lights

As a more affordable alternative, the Cuisinart Classic comes recommended by recipe developer Rebecca Firkser. The 1.5-inch toaster slots are the same thickness that Firkser typically cuts bread. Even with these extra-wide slots, it’s small enough for her kitchen. Firkser only has “a weirdly deep corner between the stove and sink that can’t do much else but store stuff,” and that’s where this toaster sits. It has been a fixture in her kitchen even after eight years, four apartments, seven roommates, “and many (many) slices of bread.” It’s lasted through high levels of heat, too — she prefers charred (but not burnt) pieces of toast. “It’s nothing fancy, but it does exactly what you need it to do, and does it well,” Firkser promises. Food stylist María del Mar Cuadra owns the also “unobtrusive” four-slice version and favors it to too-slow toaster ovens.

Smeg 4-Slice Toaster

$280

Slots: For 2 or 4 slices | Settings: 6 (plus bagel, cancel, defrost, and reheat) | Size: 13” x 11. 75” x 7.5” | Extras: Ball lever knobs, non-slip feet, enamel finish

The retro Smeg toaster is a staple on wedding registries and new homeowner wish lists, and you can spot it on the kitchen countertops of celebrities like Saturday Night Live’s Chloe Fineman and Food Network star Molly Yeh. Its aesthetics are a large part of the appeal. “It feels like the logical adult upgrade to the Easy-Bake Oven I loved so much as a kid,” says Hadley Sui, author of Oishisou!! The Ultimate Anime Dessert Cookbook. Sui always gets “a crisp surface with some chewy give in the middle of the slice” on the lowest setting. I tried the Smeg on everything from Arnold’s country-style white to Pepperidge Farm’s whole grain to Trader Joe’s frozen Belgian waffles and never had to switch the dial over from one. It’s not perfect: I found that sesame seeds can catch on the top edge of the toaster, and the Strategist’s kitchen-and-dining writer Emma Wartzman is convinced that her Smeg leaves one side of toast darker than the other. But the craftsmanship is solid: Carrie Carrollo, a writer and content creator, has had hers for over three years now. The company also makes what it calls a “bun warmer” if you’d like to expand what it can do. Gracie Bensimon of Gracie Baked introduced me to the attachment, which helps make sandwiches with gooey cheese and deli meat. It doubles as a way for her not to burn herself when retrieving toast or sandwiches, thanks to its included handles.

Hay Sowden Toaster

$95 now 15% off

$81

Slots: Long-slot for up to 2 slices | Settings: 7 (plus stop button on bottom) | Size: 6” x 14.75” x 7.75” | Extras: Warming tray on top

Hay is one of our most-written-about brands at the Strategist, known for its playful designs. This toaster is a member of Hay’s colorful Sowden collection, named after designer George Sowden, who created the pieces from his Milanese studio. It’s joy inducing, resembling a toy you’d find in a kid’s pretend kitchen. The red dial on the blue version reminds me of a clown’s nose even. Don’t be deceived by how the toaster looks, however. I’ve mostly used it for breads that are longer than the standard — like cleaved-off pieces of ciabatta — and each has come out crunchy and crispy-edged. (Fair warning, though, that the very tip of a taller toast might stick out, requiring you to flip it to get an even doneness.) It doesn’t have any extra features like other toasters on this list — you’re only getting a cancel button and timer with the Sowden — but the simplicity is part of its power. The tray top also doubles as a place to freshen once-flaky pastries. I’ve resurrected even the droopiest croissants there.

Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven

$170 now 7% off

$158

Slots: None, pan and removable rack | Settings: 5 with temperatures (250–500ºF) and timer (up to 25 minutes) | Size: 12.5” x 17.3” x 12.8” | Extras: Adjustable interior brightness, LED indicator lights, pre-set cooking functions

“If I could have one appliance, and one appliance only, it would be a toaster oven,” writes Strategist contributor Sarah Leon. In the middle of a renovation, she had to improvise a makeshift kitchen, and this Panasonic became an essential, if unexpected, star of it. Part of the toaster oven’s magic is based on its “smart sensor,” which automatically turns the machine’s heat on and off to keep what’s inside at just the right temperature. “It heats up very quickly and doesn’t have to be on for a long time,” she explains. And her husband has even cooked lobster in it. “Something about the infrared technology also means that it makes the best toast. I can’t explain it; you’ll have to trust me,” Leon says.

$158 at Amazon

Buy

$167 at Walmart

Buy

Hamilton Beach 31142 Toaster Oven

$70

Slots: None, bake pan with oven rack | Settings: 5 (bake, broil, keep warm, toast, and bagel) with 3 toast-specific functions | Size: 14.76” x 11.85” x 8.07” | Extras: Knobs, ready bell sound

You can only choose between three toast-specific settings on this Hamilton Beach, but that’s more than enough for Snackable Bakes author Jessie Sheehan. Each is represented by a drawing of toast on the right side of the last dial — the middle of the three gives Sheehan a super-hot slice that’s perfect for soaking up butter. Deli-style bagels are also just a turn of a dial away. In between “bake” and “broil,” a convenient “bagel” function toasts the side of a bagel that’s cut while purely warming the round part. It also helps her make a mean chicken parm for her younger son, while her husband relies on it to roast pepitas destined to go in salads. “There’s absolutely nothing sexy about it, and yet it is a workhorse that has never failed me,” Sheehan says.

$70 at Amazon

Buy

$50 at Walmart

Buy

Balmuda The Toaster Oven

$299

Slots: None, bake pan with oven rack | Settings: 15 on a timed dial with temperatures from 350–450°F | Size: 14. 1” x 12.6” x 8.2” | Extras: Modes for sandwiches, artisan breads, and pizza

This is the tricked-out toaster made TikTok famous by Emily Mariko. “The Toaster Oven” — as it’s called, designed by Japanese home-appliance brand Balmuda — is double the price of Panasonic’s. But it really is the Ferrari of steam ovens. In Balmuda’s case, you pour a teaspoon of water into a top opening to heat up what’s inside. It’s undoubtedly unique — the company sent me one to try out — with toast getting a lighter texture compared to other toasters. Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, a food writer and editor who also owns one, supplied a more scientific explanation for this: As “the steam replicates a professional bread oven,” the crust becomes crunchier, while the center of bread stays moist and corners get crisper. The effect really re-creates the taste of just-baked bread, as promised.

But it’s the bonus features that help justify that $300 price tag. I got gooey, better-than-panini-pressed grilled cheese with the sandwich-specific setting. Hoeffner uses the pizza function to get as close to a box-fresh slice as possible. Even her croissants turn “extra fluffy and fantastic to pull apart.” Hoeffner adds: “It’s the perfect countertop appliance,” especially if you don’t have much space to spare.

Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro

$500

Slots: None, wire racks with roasting pan and air-frying basket | Settings: 13 including toast, bagel, reheat, and dehydrate and temperatures from 80–480°F | Size: 12. 5” x 17.3” x 12.8” | Extras: “A Bit More,” connects to Joule app, nonstick pizza pan

Over the course of reporting this guide, I reached out to a number of gourmands — and often received a response to the effect of “Oh, I use an air fryer to toast instead.” (Our kitchen-and-dining writer also heard a lot about toast while she was working on our air-fryer guide.) So I decided it was only fair to include an air fryer on this list. Food stylist Drew Aichele made a convincing case for Breville’s Joule, which he depends on at least four times a week. While it’s a definite splurge, it’s a multifunctional appliance that’s similar to the Breville oven we’ve heard raves about from the owners of dumpling eatery Mimi Cheng’s and food editor Alyse Whitney. Aichele toggles between the “toast” and “broil” functions (there are 13 in total including roasting, dehydrating, and baking), depending on how thick his slice of bread is, and adjusts the timer accordingly to avoid too-burnt corners. He gets golden toast that’s still soft at the center every time and can make up to eight slices simultaneously. The appliance also has a pretty intuitive design — his favorite feature is the magnets on the inside of the door that allow you to easily pull out the racks halfway. (You can even connect the air fryer to an app to see the progress of what you’re cooking.)

• Drew Aichele, food stylist
• Gracie Bensimon, founder of Gracie Baked
• Carrie Carrollo, a writer and content creator
• Michael East, owner of Griddle King
• María del Mar Cuadra, food stylist
• Rebecca Firkser, recipe developer
• Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, food writer and editor
• Sarah Leon, Strategist contributor
• Alexandra Shytsman, recipe developer and founder of The New Baguette
• Ali Slagle, author of I Dream of Dinner (So You Don’t Have To)
• Hadley Sui, author of Oishisou!! The Ultimate Anime Dessert Cookbook
• Anna Stockwell, food stylist and recipe developer
• Jen Trolio, Strategist senior editor
• Emma Wartzman, Strategist kitchen and dining writer

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The 11 Very Best Toasters

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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6 Best Toasters of 2023, Tested by Experts

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us?

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1

Best Overall Toaster

Cuisinart 2-Slice Digital Toaster with MemorySet

1

Best Overall Toaster

Cuisinart 2-Slice Digital Toaster with MemorySet

$103 at Amazon$70 at Home Depot$50 at Walmart

Credit: Cuisinart
Pros
Cons

We have tested many Cuisinart toasters over the years, all of which have received high testing scores. This one offers a more digitized experience by housing most of the settings on a screen on the front of the toaster. "It offers different settings for different types of bread (white, whole grain, bagel, sweet, waffles, English muffin and gluten-free), which is helpful now that people are eating more than just packaged white bread, which toasts differently than something baked with less sugar and preservatives for example," says Nicole Papantoniou, Director of the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. "In general, most of these settings are differentiated by more or less time." There is also a shade selector that allows you to choose anywhere from lightly toasted to dark (levels one through seven) and options for defrosting and toasting single slices. Clean-up is also easy with a removable crumb tray. This model comes in a four-slice option as well if you have a larger family or want a separate set of slots designated for gluten-free bread without any contamination.

Dimensions6.9 x 11.3 x 7.2 inches
Style of toasterTwo-slice
MaterialStainless steel
SettingsWhite, whole grain, bagel, sweet, waffles, English muffin, gluten-free, defrost, single slice and shade selector

2

Best Value Toaster

Hamilton Beach Brushed Stainless Steel Toaster

2

Best Value Toaster

Hamilton Beach Brushed Stainless Steel Toaster

Now 12% Off

$36 at Walmart$25 at Wayfair$30 at JCPenney

Credit: Hamilton Beach
Pros
Cons

This Hamilton Beach is a super basic but affordable model with seven toast shade options. Papantoniou especially loves that the stainless steel exterior makes it a bit more elegant-looking than other basic toasters that are usually plastic. While this model does not feature different bread settings like the Cuisinart pick above, it does feature extra-wide slots for thick-cut Texas toast or bagels. (Take note: You may have to adjust the shade setting or for thicker or frozen pieces of bread.)

This model also features family-friendly cool-touch sides to avoid burns. There is also a handy slide-out crumb tray for easy clean-up.

Dimensions11.3 x 7.48 x 7.48 inches
Style of toasterTwo-slice
MaterialStainless steel
SettingsShade selector

3

Best long-slot toaster

Cuisinart Long-Slot Toaster

3

Best long-slot toaster

Cuisinart Long-Slot Toaster

Now 14% Off

$60 at Amazon$60 at Walmart$62 at Wayfair

Credit: Cuisinart
Pros
Cons

Whether you need to toast a long slice of sourdough bread or a long ciabatta roll, Cuisinart Long-Slot Toaster allows you to keep your bread intact – perfect for an epic avocado toast or large BLT. While we haven't tested this model in the Lab yet, many of Cuisinart's toasters have performed well in past tests. We love that this toaster features a high lift lever, removable crumb tray and cord wrap underneath the toaster for ease of use. This model comes with a shade selector featuring seven different levels of browning and preset buttons that feature toast, bagel, defrost, reheat and cancel. Take note that with a toaster that fits longer slices of bread comes a larger footprint, so it will take up more space on your countertop than other toasters on the market.

Dimensions6 x 18 x 7 inches
Style of toastLong-slot toaster
MaterialStainless steel
SettingsToast, bagel, defrost, reheat and shade selector

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4

Best Four-Slice Toaster

Krups Savoy Four-Slice Toaster

4

Best Four-Slice Toaster

Krups Savoy Four-Slice Toaster

$80 at Amazon$100 at Sur la Table

Credit: Krups
Pros
Cons

This black and stainless steel model is consistently dependable for toasting white bread to a delicate golden color as well as rye bread to a deeper brown. It's great for entertaining too — not only can it toast up to four slices at once, but if there's a crowd at the table, it will pop up slice after slice to the same degree of doneness without burning by the second or third batch. This model features dual independent control panels so you can toast a frozen bagel on one side and a fresh piece of whole grain bread on the other and each will be cooked to the correct doneness.

Additional features include six browning settings, plus defrost, reheat and bagel. A high lift lever helps retrieve smaller pieces of toast. In our testing, we especially liked that toast and English muffins popped up high enough to grab easily.

Dimensions13.34 x 13.5 x 8.58 inches
Style of toaster Four-slice
MaterialStainless steel
SettingsDefrost, reheat, bagel and shade selector

5

Best Smart Toaster

Breville Die-Cast Two-Slice Smart Toaster

5

Best Smart Toaster

Breville Die-Cast Two-Slice Smart Toaster

$160 at Williams Sonoma

Credit: Breville
Pros
Cons

The Breville Die-Cast Two-Slice Toaster took the top spot in our test, and the only reason it’s not our best overall pick is because you probably don’t need to spend this much money on a toaster. Still, if you value consistent toast, it's a champion toaster. We made five batches of toast consecutively, and it toasted consistently from batch to batch. With the push of a button, the grates lower your toast automatically — no lever-pressing. It also features extra-wide slots for bagels and thicker slices of bread. We found the "Lift and Look" setting to be particularly convenient; it allows you to check on your toast's progress and if your toast isn't browned enough, you can use the "A Bit More" setting to add extra time.

A pull-out crumb tray on the base makes it easy to clean, although it is not dishwasher safe. Also worth noting: The sleek die-cast metal housing with brushed steel exterior makes it major eye candy for your countertop.

Dimensions6.75 x 10.25 x 7.5 inches
Style of toasterTwo-slice
MaterialBrushed steel
SettingsToast, lift & look, bagel, defrost, a bit more and shade selector

6

Best Retro Toaster

Smeg Smeg Two-Slice Toaster

6

Best Retro Toaster

Smeg Smeg Two-Slice Toaster

Now 17% Off

$200 at Williams Sonoma

Credit: Smeg
Pros
Cons

If good looks are a high priority in your kitchen, the Smeg Two-Slice Toaster is worth the price. With its bright, glossy finish (that comes in 14 colors and patterns!) and its 1950s aesthetic, this sturdy toaster is a beauty that takes up minimal counter space. When you select a setting, it locks into place so you know you've set it precisely and extra wide slots ensure that you can fit thicker cut slices of bread. In our testing, it toasted evenly and showed a good range of toast shades. It was able to toast five consecutive batches of toast consistently.

This model comes with six browning levels and a backlit chrome knob that offers reheat, defrost, cancel and bagel settings. For easy clean-up, there is a removable crumb tray. If you still want a retro toaster, but in a larger size, Smeg also has a four-slice size available.

Dimensions12.5 x 7.75 x 7.75 inches
Style of toaster2-slice
MaterialSteel with powder-coated enamel
SettingsReheat, defrost, bagel and shade selector

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How we test toasters

At the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab, we’ve tested hundreds of appliances over the years to find the best ones, including toasters and toaster ovens. On our quest to make the perfect toast and find the best toaster on the market, we left no crumb behind: We've tested nearly 60 toasters over the years to determine how quickly and evenly they toast white bread.

We lined up toasted slices side by side from light to dark to evaluate each toaster's range. After we toasted consecutive batches, we compared them for consistency from batch to batch. We reviewed the owner’s manual and evaluated the ease of using the controls. We also evaluated surface temperatures of each unit during toasting as well as cleanability (We love a removable crumb tray when cleaning a toaster oven or toaster!). We checked whether or not the slots can accommodate thick bagels, long slices of bread and small English muffins. And we noted whether slices pop up high enough for easy grabbing.

What to look for when shopping for the best toaster

✔️ Style of toaster: When choosing a toaster, consider how many slices of toast you regularly make at once and what size of bread you like to toast.

✔️ Material: The exterior material of toasters is more about looks than anything else. In our tests, we found that toast quality wasn't compromised either way.