Top 4 slice toaster 2023
10 Best Toasters 2022 | The Strategist
10 Best Toasters 2022 | The StrategistEvery product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.
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I’m a self-professed toast snob, which has made me a little obsessive about finding the right toaster. In my mind, a toaster should produce a hot and crispy slice, no matter the sort of bread, within the blink of an eye. I prefer my toast to be ombré like a sunset, with a lemon-colored center and amber edges, but you should have a number of shade options for whatever you’re feeling. In this toaster-scape that’s chock-full of choices, it’s hard to find one that does this all easily.
So I talked with 11 fellow toast-heads and tested four different models — though I lost count of how much toast I’ve eaten over the past few months. There are the simple, industrial-inspired options — like your KitchenAids and your Cuisinarts — the retro-inspired, and even the avant-garde, like an Italian-designed Alessi covered in plissé pleats. But regardless of the look, the best toasters will make the perfect piece of toast every time you press that lever; here are some of my favorites.
Best overall | Best (less expensive) | Best long-slot | Best with extra-wide slots | Best (less expensive) with extra-wide slots | Best high design | Best (less expensive) high design | Best overall oven | Best (less expensive) oven | Best steam oven
Slots: 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 fits into one toaster but can’t even make it halfway through 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 if 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.
Browning settings: 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 calling out how many levels of done, as well as if there are any specific adjacent functions.
Size: So you know if a toaster will fit into the spot you have in mind.
Extras: 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 item that’s probably going to get prime kitchen real estate — so it should look the part.
KitchenAid 4-Slice Toaster with Manual High-Lift Lever
$80 now 25% off
From $60
4 extra-wide slots | 5 browning settings | 11.4” x 11.62” x 7.48” | High-lift lever
I tested this KitchenAid toaster for three months (and am still using it at least three times a week), and from the time I put it on my counter to now, it’s popped out perfectly golden toast.
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 that sundown shade I talked about earlier, 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 have tested and owned. First are the extra-wide slots, which have let me toast slices from thicker loaves — something I couldn’t do with my past toasters. 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 over 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. And there’s a certain Jetsons-like charm to it — I could see it lasting well into the future.
From $60 at Amazon
Buy
$75 at KitchenAid
Buy
Black+Decker 2-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster
$43
2 extra-wide slots | 7 browning settings | 7.25 x 12.75 x 9.25 | 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 the past 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 the tinier items out of the toaster, like English muffins, without having to reach in with a tong.
$43 at Amazon
Buy
$43 at Amazon
Buy
Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster
$210
$210
2 long-slots | 5 browning settings with progress bar | 7.7” x 14.
9” x 7.5” | One-touch lowering, LED lights, “A Bit More,” and “Lift & Look” features
“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. This 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 crumbs aren’t left 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 bit of 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. 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
$179 now 45% off
$98
2 extra-wide slots | 6 settings with progress bar | 8.2” x 7.9” x 13.4” | Preset toast types, “A Bit More” and “Lift & Look” functions
Anna Stockwell, a food stylist and recipe developer, hasn’t found anything bread that doesn’t fit through 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, above, and it comes with preset settings 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, which accounts for defrosting without sacrificing toastiness. This toaster also gets brownie points for aesthetics, which Stockwell describes as “ retro-chic.”
$98 at Amazon
Buy
Cuisinart Classic 2-Slice Toaster
$50
$50
2 or 4 extra-wide slots | 6 browning settings | 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
2 or 4 slots | 6 browning settings | 13” x 11.75” x 7.5” | 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 celebrities’ kitchen countertops, like Saturday Night Live’s Chloe Fineman and Food Network star Molly Yeh. And the 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 it on everything from Arnold’s country-style white to Pepperidge Farm’s whole grain and frozen Belgian waffles from Trader Joe’s and never had to switch the dial over from 1.
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 if you’re able and willing to spend the money, and want a toaster that’ll mostly get the job done, the Smeg will definitely look the part.
$280 at West Elm
Buy
Hay Sowden Toaster
$95 now 20% off
$76
1 long-slot | 7 browning settings | 7.7” x 6” x 7.7” | 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. But don’t be deceived by how the toaster looks, however. The Sowden means business. I found that cleaved-off pieces of ciabatta become perfectly crunchy and crispy-edged. Though the very tip of a taller toast might stick out. The tray top also doubles as a place to freshen once-flaky pastries.
Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven
$170 now 24% off
From $130
No slots | 5 browning settings | 13” x 10.25” x 12” | Temperature control, 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.
From $130 at Amazon
Buy
$190 at Walmart
Buy
Hamilton Beach 31142 Toaster Oven
$70 now 7% off
$65
No slots | Three toast-specific settings | 9.88” x 16.54” x 13.11” | Additional functions including for baking and broiling, adjustable temperature, three knobs
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 becomes perfectly butter-soaked in spots. 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.
$65 at Amazon
Buy
$50 at Walmart
Buy
Balmuda The Toaster Oven
$299 now 10% off
$269
No slots | 15 settings on timed dial | 14.1” x 12.6” x 8.2” | Modes for sandwiches, artisan breads, and pizza, with optional oven temperatures
This is the tricked-out toaster made 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 you’re getting that helps 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 to spare.
• Carrie Carrollo, copywriter and digital 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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6 Best Toasters of 2022, Tested by Experts
We updated this article in November 2022 to ensure the information reflected current prices, features and more.
Our top picks, based on testing notes from the Good Housekeeping Institute, remain the same.
You may not think it, but toasters come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. There are two- and four- slice toasters, plastic and metal options, long-slot models, smart versions and beyond. It's understandable if selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. Whether you want to toast a thick slice of artisan multigrain bread for jammy egg toasts, a piece of sourdough for garlicky shrimp and white bean toast or a slice of white for classic buttered toast, we’ve found a toaster to suit your needs.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has tested toaster ovens, air fryer toaster ovens and more, totaling nearly 60 toasters over the years. We evaluate each one for performance, consistency and efficiency. We grade the owner’s manual and evaluate the controls, surface temperatures, cleanability and any especially unique features.
Here are our top picks for the best toasters you can buy in 2022, including a combination of toasters we’ve tested in our Lab and in our own homes.
Our top picks:
-
1
Best Overall Toaster
Two-Slice Digital Toaster Cuisinart
$70 AT BEST BUY
Read More
$70 AT BEST BUY
-
2
Best Value Toaster
Brushed Stainless Steel Toaster Hamilton Beach
$39 AT WALMART
Read More
$39 AT WALMART
-
3
Best Four-Slice Toaster
Savoy Four-Slice Toaster Krups
$79 AT AMAZON
Read More
$79 AT AMAZON
-
4
Best long-slot toaster
Long-Slot Toaster Cuisinart
$60 AT AMAZON
Read More
$60 AT AMAZON
-
5
Best Smart Toaster
Die-Cast Two-Slice Smart Toaster Breville
$130 AT WILLIAMS SONOMA
Read More
$130 AT WILLIAMS SONOMA
-
6
Best Retro Toaster
Smeg Two-Slice Toaster Smeg
$180 AT WILLIAMS SONOMA
Read More
$180 AT WILLIAMS SONOMA
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You can read more about how we evaluate toasters in our Lab tests — plus everything you need to know to shop for your perfect toaster — at the end of this guide.
Looking for more small kitchen appliances to elevate your breakfast routine and beyond? Check out our guides to the best waffle makers and best indoor grills. And don't forget to look for toasters on sale during Black Friday.
1
Best Overall Toaster
Cuisinart
Two-Slice Digital Toaster
Cuisinart
$70 AT BEST BUY
| Dimensions | 6.9 x 11.3 x 7.2 inches |
|---|---|
| Style of toaster | Two-slice |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Settings | White, 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
Hamilton Beach
$39 AT WALMART $32 AT WAYFAIR $42 AT OVERSTOCK
| Dimensions | 11. 14 x 6.46 x 7.48 inches |
|---|---|
| Style of toaster | Two-slice |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Settings | Shade selector |
3
Best Four-Slice Toaster
Krups
Savoy Four-Slice Toaster
Krups
$79 AT AMAZON $100 AT SUR LA TABLE $85 AT WALMART
| Dimensions | 13.34 x 13.5 x 8.58 inches |
|---|---|
| Style of toaster | Four-slice |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Settings | Defrost, reheat, bagel and shade selector |
4
Best long-slot toaster
Cuisinart
Long-Slot Toaster
Cuisinart
Now 14% off
$60 AT AMAZON $76 AT WALMART $70 AT WAYFAIR
| Dimensions | 6 x 18 x 7 inches |
|---|---|
| Style of toast | Long-slot toaster |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Settings | Toast, bagel, defrost, reheat and shade selector |
5
Best Smart Toaster
Breville
Die-Cast Two-Slice Smart Toaster
Breville
Now 19% off
$130 AT WILLIAMS SONOMA
| Dimensions | 6. 75 x 10.25 x 7.5 inches |
|---|---|
| Style of toaster | Two-slice |
| Material | Brushed steel |
| Settings | Toast, lift & look, bagel, defrost, a bit more and shade selector |
6
Best Retro Toaster
Smeg
Smeg Two-Slice Toaster
Smeg
Now 25% off
$180 AT WILLIAMS SONOMA
| Dimensions | 12.5 x 7.75 x 7.75 inches |
|---|---|
| Style of toaster | 2-slice |
| Material | Steel with powder-coated enamel |
| Settings | Reheat, defrost, bagel and shade selector |
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 the bread you like to toast.
- Four-slice toasters: If there are more than two of you racing to make breakfast at the same time, a four-slice toaster is probably your best bet.
- Two-slice toasters: If counter space is a concern, however, you may want to opt for a two-slice toaster.
- Long-slot toasters: Long-slot toasters are gaining popularity now due to the rise in more rustic forms of bread. Opt for long slots if you love sourdough or other artisanal bread. You'll rarely be able to fit a whole slice in a traditional toaster without cutting it in half.
- Wide-slot toasters: Keep an eye out for toasters with wide slots. These make toasting bagels and thicker slices of bread easier and fuss-free.
✔️ 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.
- Plastic toasters: Generally, plastic toasters tend to be less expensive than metal but aren't always the most aesthetically pleasing.
- Metal toasters: Metal toasters usually are brushed steel or stainless steel and can coordinate with your other kitchen appliances.
✔️ Settings: In addition to toasting bread to your favorite shade and doneness, look for a toaster with the right settings for you. For example, the bagel setting usually toasts only the inside of a bagel and warms the outside so you don't have to worry about an overly dry or crunchy bite. A defrost setting is great for frozen waffles or bread; it typically adds more time to the toasting process so you get the same results you would if the waffles or bread were fresh. Reheat settings typically toast bread or other ingredients for a short amount of time, perfect for a toaster pastry or adding a touch more color.
✔️ Nice-to-haves: While not every toaster will have additional special features there are some nice-to-haves that you can look for when selecting a toaster.
- A glass window will allow you to peer into your toaster as it's toasting to help reduce the likelihood of burnt toast.
- A motorized or high-lift lever helps remedy the issue of stuck toast that is hard to grab out of the toaster slot and takes away the manual task of pushing the toaster lever down.
- A touchscreen interface is easy to read and operate, providing an especially sleek look and usually more toasting options.
How do you choose between a toaster or a toaster oven?
A toaster is great for someone with limited counter space and with limited toasting needs. If you love to toast bagels, bread and waffles and don't need to toast or bake much else, then a reliable toaster is your best bet.
A toaster oven is great for someone who not only toasts bread, but also likes to add toppings like melted cheese, heat up frozen pizza or even roast vegetables. While this will take up more counter space than a toaster, it will offer additional features that can help eliminate the use of a microwave or reduce using the oven (especially great on a hot day).
An air fryer toaster oven is great for someone who loves toasting just as much as they love air frying. Reducing the need to have two appliances, an air fryer toaster oven will help you toast bread, air fry chicken wings and possibly even bake a cake.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, Eva Bleyer has tested all types of kitchen products, from blenders to kitchen scales. While Eva hasn't conducted a side-by-side test of toasters yet, she just finished Lab-testing toaster ovens.
Eva is always looking for the next best toaster to use as the base of a delicious toast; whether it's topped with fluffy scrambled eggs or cottage cheese and seasonal fruit.
Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou oversees all content and testing related to kitchen appliances, tools, gadgets and gear. She's been testing kitchen appliances professionally since 2013 and lends her experience working at kitchen appliance companies where she helped develop popular air fryers and such recipes. For this roundup, she conducted toaster, toaster oven and air fryer toaster oven testing and analyzed data.
Betty Gold is the former Senior Editor & Product Analyst of the Kitchen Appliances Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluated and wrote about every type of cooking tool and food-related item on the market, including toasters.
Betty Gold Betty Gold is an experienced food writer and editor who worked at Good Housekeeping from 2013 to 2019.
Eva Bleyer Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Reviews Analyst Eva (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she tests kitchen gear, home appliances and culinary innovations.
How to choose a toaster: basic 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.
https://www.amazon.com
Types of toasters
Most toasters are compact, rectangular-shaped, with notches into which slices of bread 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 recent models may have uneven cooking, defrost, etc.
Toasters can be roughly divided into two large groups:
- with vertical feed (Toaster). Such models have two or four slots. The body is made of metal or thermoplastic. Vertical types of toasters are equipped with a mechanical platform with a spring mechanism, which lowers the toast into the depth of the body and raises it after cooking. Such models are easy to use and affordable. A typical example is the Amazon Basics Toaster ($22).
https://www.amazon.com
- ovens with toaster function (Toaster Oven). Products are loaded horizontally. In addition to making toast, it can bake, defrost, reheat and maintain the set temperature. The mini-stove is larger than the vertical models. For example, the Black+Decker Toaster Oven (Amazon price $36) is 40 cm long, 20 cm high and about 30 cm deep.
https://www.amazon.com
For coffee houses, cafes, buffets and restaurants, conveyor toasters have been developed that can toast several hundred slices of bread per hour (VEVOR 2200W Commercial Conveyor Toaster - $300).
Top manufacturers
At the end of 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. Scored during the test:
- content and clarity of instructions;
- ease of use;
- convenience controls;
- ease of cleaning and care;
- toast slot size;
- lift height of ready-made toast, so that it is convenient to pick them up with your hand;
- availability of unique features.
Based on the test results, a rating was made.
Die-Cast for 2 slices from the American brand Breville ($130) became the best universal 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.
https://www.amazon.com
The BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Extra Wide Slot (Walmart price $19) from BLACK+DECKER, an American manufacturer of power tools, appliances, hardware and home goods, was named Best Value Toaster. Suitable for toasting standard slices of bread and bagels, the extra-wide slots feature a defrost mode and a convenient lifting mechanism.
https://www.walmart.com
Experts recognized the 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.
https://www.amazon.com
Cuisinart Bakery Artisan Toaster ($80) under the Cuisinart brand, which is owned by the American corporation Conair Corporation, became the best toaster with non-standard 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.
https://www.amazon.com
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.
https://www.walmart.com
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.
The TSF01RDUS 50's Retro Style Aesthetic kitchen toaster ($170), created by the designers of the Italian brand Smeg, was recognized as 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.
https://www.amazon.com
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.
https://www.amazon.com
Toaster functionality
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 body. 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 housing there is a removable drip tray into which the crumbs fall.
Many upright toasters are equipped with additional grates that are fixed above the body and allow you to heat up croissants, pies or sandwiches (for example, IKICH Long Toaster - $55).
https://www.amazon.com
The heating element is most often made of thin nichrome wire. More expensive models are equipped with ceramic heaters or quartz elements.
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).
https://www.amazon.com
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.
Other device features:
- The more modes you have in your toaster, the more chances you have to achieve perfect toasting for different types of bread.
- Cancel button stops heating before the end of the work cycle. This is useful if the wrong parameters are accidentally selected.
- A handy additional feature is centering. The wire frame clamps the toast in the required position so that it warms up evenly.
- "Extra-lift" - a function that lifts the finished toast above the top edge of the chamber, so that it can be easily removed by hand.
- A family with small children will certainly appreciate toasters with printing functions. Such devices do not just brown a piece of bread, but make a drawing on it. Some models include the use of interchangeable nozzles to create different pictures on the toast.
What is the difference between an expensive toaster and a cheap one?
- With the same technical characteristics, the price of the device is affected by the popularity of the brand.
- Semi-automatic models are cheaper than automatic ones. In the first case, the finished toast will have to be taken out with your hands or picked up with a fork. In automatic models, the toast after roasting is fed upwards using a special spring mechanism.
- The cost increases in proportion to the power and the number of slots.
- Models with a quartz heating element are more expensive than those with wire, ceramic panels are more expensive than metal ones.
- Expensive models are often equipped with additional options. Among them are automatic centering, defrosting, heating, one-sided heating, 3D printing, and a sound signal.
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).
It is worth ordering a toaster from the USA 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.
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.
Don't forget about customs duties, which 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. If the purchase price is more than 150 euros, you must also pay a customs fee of 10% of the excess amount.
P.
S. The prices indicated in the article are current as of the end of March 2021.
Rating of the best electric stoves with glass ceramics 2022-2023: TOP-10
Electric stoves with glass ceramics are a type of electric stoves that are not inferior to gas ones in terms of cooking quality, but at the same time they have a number of significant advantages and features.
Glass-ceramic stoves are of high quality, uniform heating, strength and durability, which makes them a great option for a home or garden.
In the article we will look at how to choose the right electric glass-ceramic stove, and also give a rating of the best models that are the best according to customer reviews and expert opinions.
We recommend visiting the rating: TOP-15 electric stoves in 2022-2023.
Content:
- How to choose an electric glass ceramic hob and what to look for?
- Rating of the TOP 10 best electric stoves with glass-ceramic surface for 2022-2023
- TOP-4 of the best electrical slabs with glass ceramics for price/quality on 2022-2023 year
- BEKO FCS47007A
- Gorenje EC 5121 WG-B
- GEFEST 6560-03
- BEKO FFSSS 5701 GS 3 best desktop electric stoves with glass ceramics
- Kitfort KT-109
- Zigmund & Shtain ZIP-551
- MARTA MT-4210
- TOP 3 best budget electric stoves with glass ceramics
- DARINA 1B EC331 606 W
- Kitfort KT-101
- Midea MC-IN2200
- Which glass ceramic electric stove to choose in 2022-2023?
- Which glass-ceramic electric stove to choose in 2022-2023?
- Useful video
How to choose an electric glass ceramic hob and what to look for?
Electric glass-ceramic cookers are equipped with burners with a ceramic coating that heats up to a temperature of 250 degrees.
The surface of glass ceramics can be glossy or matte. When choosing a stove, you should pay attention to the thickness of the glass-ceramic coating, it must be at least 0.5 mm.
In addition, you should pay attention to the following parameters:
- Power. The higher the power, the less energy is required to heat food. 2. Heating element.
- Control panel location. Before buying a stove, you need to check the presence of an indicator that allows you to control the operation of the burners. This is very important, as a large amount of dirt can remain on the glass ceramics, which can spoil the appearance of the hob.
- Control type. Modern models can be equipped with an electronic control that allows you to set various parameters.
Glass-ceramic electric hobs can be very hot. The main disadvantage of such plates is that they cool slowly.
TOP-10 rating of the best electric stoves with glass-ceramic surface for 2022-2023
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The whole cooking process takes place in two stages: first, the ceramic coating is heated and only then the burners are heated. Temperature control is smooth and is carried out at the expense of two power levels. 
When cooking, the heat is evenly distributed. The ceramic surface is not sensitive to temperature changes, so when cooking on a glass-ceramic stove, you will not be afraid that it will crack or start to release harmful substances. 
As a rule, such stoves are bought for summer cottages, as they are convenient to use. The rating presents models that are the best in their segment according to customer reviews and expert opinions. 
The built-in thermostat allows you to maintain the set temperature throughout the life of the plate. Table plate ZigMark ZIG - 551 is easy to use. 
The built-in off timer allows you to cook lunch or dinner at any time convenient for you. 
Thanks to the convection function, heat is evenly distributed over the surface of the stove, ensuring cooking for a long time even with intense heating. The glass-ceramic hob, mirror insert and non-stick coating let you enjoy effortless cooking. 
The plate has a non-stick coating that is resistant to grease and oil, and is also resistant to mechanical damage, abrasion, scratches and other external influences. 
They are light, safe, easy to clean, and at the same time, they tolerate temperature changes well and are easy to clean. Compared to other hobs, glass-ceramic models have a larger heating element surface. Traditionally, such models are safer. 
