The 9 best toasters for a delectable breakfast experience

There's nothing quite like waking up in the morning and having a slice of crispy toast with a cup of coffee. if you’re someone who loves this ritual — or you just enjoy bread and warm toasted pastries — you’ll want a toaster on your kitchen counter.

Here are our best toaster picks that will get your bread browned just right and look pretty sitting on your countertop, too.

Read more: Find the best espresso machine for your home

Best overall toaster

4-Slice Toaster with Manual High-Lift Lever

$79.99

$79.99 at KitchenAid

Specifications

• Material: Metal

• Dimensions: 11.5 x 12.5 x 8.3 in. (H x W x D) 

• Colors: Red, contour silver, brushed stainless steel, black

• Features: Dual independent dials, removable crumb tray, 5 shade settings

Pros & Cons

• Toasts uneven pastries such as bagels, evenly

• Easy clean up

• Easy toast access with high-lift lever

• Can toast two ways simultaneously

• Higher price point

This KitchenAid 4-Slice toaster is not just any toaster - you can toast bread two ways at the same time, thanks to its dual controls. It also has extra-wide slots that can accommodate bread of a range of shapes and sizes, whether it’s thinly sliced bread or special bagels.

What makes this toaster unique is its high-lift lever so even the smallest slice of toast won’t get left behind. There is also a 'beep' alert to signal when your toast is ready, so there’s no risky guesswork involved.

Available in four colors, there’s a shade to match the rest of your kitchen appliances.

Sleek designer toaster

Pro Line Series 2-Slice Automatic Toaster

$299.99

$299.99 at KitchenAid

Specifications

• Material: Aluminium 

• Dimensions:13.7 x 7.1 x 8.9 in. (D x W x H)

• Colors: Red, white, black

• Features: Automatic lift & lower, auto keep warm function, defrost, bagel or A Little Longer function, removable crumb tray

Pros & Cons

• Auto keep warm function keeps toast warm if not removed immediately

• Special settings to toast bread a little longer

• Looks great on any kitchen counter

• Some reviews say it doesn’t last long

The Pro Line Series 2-Slice Automatic Toaster. comes with extra-wide slots that accommodate a range of bread shapes and sizes. Its smart design comes with an automatic lift & lower feature, which is activated once a slice of bread is in the slot.

This toaster not only adds a color pop to any kitchen but also "toasts better and more evenly than any other toaster", according to a reviewer. What makes this toaster special is that it has a Keep Warm function if you haven’t removed your toast after 45 seconds, so your toasted bread stays warm. Although some would consider the price tag steep for a toaster, some users think it's an investment worth every penny. 

Best 2-slice toaster with extra wide slots

BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster

You save $10.03 (33.44%)

$19.96$29.99

$19.96 at Walmart

• Material: Stainless steel with black accents   

• Dimensions: 10.63 x 6.61 x 6.89 in. (L x W x H)

• Colors:  Black & silver

• Features: Self-adjusting guide, 7 shade settings, bagel function, drop down tray

Pros & Cons

• Easy to use

• Lightweight

• Very affordable price

• Two-year warranty

• Some reviews say it doesn’t toast evenly

• Slots may not be wide enough for some

Start your mornings right with the BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster. It's all about control with this toaster's seven shade settings so you can make perfect toasts and bagels and defrost frozen waffles every time. 

Thanks to its extra-wide slots, you can add a delicious crunch to bagels and thicker sliced breads. Users love the space-saving design and frozen function.

Best value toaster

Cuisinart CPT-122BK 2-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster

$29.95

$29.95 at Amazon

Specifications

• Material: Plastic

• Dimensions: 6.5 x 11 x 7 in. (D x W x H)

• Color: White, black 

• Features: 7 shade settings, preheat, cancel, defrost functions, slide out crumb tray

Pros & Cons

• Three-year warranty

• BPA-free

• Easy-to-view dials

• Lightweight

• Not as sturdy as some would prefer

• Some reviews say lever is difficult to keep down

Bid adieu to uneven toasting with the Cuisinart Compact 2-Slice Toaster. Its compact size fits on any countertop, saving space. 

It can handle anything from thick to thinly sliced bread with its 1.5-inch wide toasting slots and has seven easy-to-use settings for the right level of toasting every time.

This Cuisinart toaster’s classic design not only looks elegant in your kitchen but also stays cool on the outside even after use. Users say it works well when toasting bagels and pastries, or for making nutritious croutons from thin-sliced bread. Some even call it the best toaster. 

Best 4-slice toaster with long slots

Mueller Ultratoast Full Stainless Steel Toaster

You save $20 (33.34%)

$39.99$59.99

$39.99 at Amazon

Specifications

• Material: Stainless steel

• Dimensions: 15.6 x 6.3 x 7 in. (D x W x H)

• Color: Stainless steel

• Features: 6 browning settings, removable crumb tray, extra wide slots, defrost, reheat, cancel funtions

Pros & Cons

• 1.6-inch slots compared to the average 1.5 inches

• Has memory setting

• Sleek design

• Takes time to get used to settings

The Mueller UltraToast 4-Slice toaster comes with cancel, defrost, and even reheat functions, as well as intelligent heating technology that ensures even toasting every time.

It’s not just smart, it's also fashionable with its sleek stainless steel finish. Customers rave about how the stylish design and LED display improve their countertop aesthetics and make for easy toasting.

Of course, it's not just all about the looks, it's also practical This bread toaster has sizable 1.6-inch wide slots and is a long slot toaster that can accommodate more than your basic slices of bread. From thick slices of artisan bread to Texas toast and bagels, there are a variety of items that can fit into the Mueller UltraToast.

Moreover, cleaning it is simple — thanks to its removable crumb tray and under-base cord storage for a clutter-free kitchen.

Best compact toaster

Hamilton Beach Brushed Stainless Steel 2-Slice Toaster

$22.99

$22.99 at Target

Specifications

• Material: Stainless steel

• Dimensions: 7.48 x 7.48 X 11.3 in. (H x W x D)

• Color: Silver

• Features: High-lift toast boost, shade selector dial, cancel button, slide-out crumb tray

Pros & Cons

• Lightweight and compact

• Easy to use

• Affordable price

• Electrical cord is short for some users

• Basic functions

If you’re short on space, the Hamilton Beach 2-slice toaster is compact enough that it won’t take up much room on your countertop while still giving you nicely browned toast in the morning. Its cord wrap makes it easy to store and if you decide to leave it out, its stainless steel finish is sleek and stylish.

You get a toast boost feature so you can easily grab small slices once they’re done and extra wide slots make it great for toasting thicker sandwich bread, waffles, bagels and even muffins. And you don’t have to worry about bread getting stuck and burnt because there’s an automatic shutoff that will activate at the end of the toasting process.

Best toaster for a variety of bread

GE 2-Slice Toaster

$49.99

$49.99 at Best Buy

Specifications

• Material: Stainless steel

• Dimensions: 15.6 x 6.3 x 7 in. (D x W x H)

• Color: Stainless steel

• Features: 7 shade settings, extra wide slots, removable crumb tray, LED light buttons

Pros & Cons

• LED lights show which toasting option is selected

• Easy to use

• Concealed cord storage

• Crumb tray located at the back can be inconvenient

• Can get very hot on the outside when in use

The GE 2-Slice Toaster made of stainless steel features a seven-shade browning control for perfectly customized toasting. Whether you're preparing toast, waffles, or bagels, this toaster can do it all.

Reviewers give props to this bread toaster's even toasting performance. One user said, “This toaster feels solid, has basic controls and toasts bread to a repeated darkness evenly on both sides. This does a better job than the expensive versions.”

There’s a special 'frozen' button that can defrost pastries, and for bagel lovers, a dedicated 'bagel' button ensures perfectly toasted bagels every time.

Modern and elegant toaster

Cuisinart 4 Slice Toaster

You save $23.32 (25%)

$69.95$93.27

$69.95 at Wayfair

Specifications

• Material: Stainless steel

• Dimensions: 7.5 X 10.25 X 10.65 in. (D x W x H)

• Colors:  White, black, black & steel, red

• Features: Toast, bagel, defrost, reheat and cancel functions, 6-setting shade dial

Pros & Cons

• Sleek and stylish design

• Lightweight

• BPA-free

• Limited three-year warranty

• Slots might not be wide enough for some

• Knobs and lever feel flimsy for some

The Cuisinart 4-Slice Toaster is a sleek toaster that will look modern and match the rest of your kitchen appliances.  It has dual control panels so you and a friend can toast items to your individual preferences at the same time.

Boasting 1.5-inch toaster slots, you can toast a wide variety of items including thick toast, pancakes, bagels and pastries. A "HI Lift" lever allows you to boost the lever upwards, which prevents burning your fingers when you have to remove your toast.

If you're looking for a reliable and practical toaster that adds a dash of style to your kitchen, you can't go wrong with the Cuisinart 4-Slice Toaster.

Best luxe toaster

SMEG 4-Slice Toaster

You save $70.05 (20.01%)

$279.95$350

$279.95 at Wayfair

Specifications

• Material: Stainless steel

• Dimensions: 33 x 33 in. (D x W)

• Colors: Black, cream, pastel blue, pastel green, pink, red, steel

• Features: Defrost function, 6 shade settings, auto pop-up

Pros & Cons

• Vintage retro design

• Variety of colors

• Looks and feels high quality

• Higher price point

• Sandwich rack and bun warmer not included

Start your day with a touch of retro elegance and perfectly toasted bread with the SMEG 4-Slice Toaster. Available in a stunning array of shades, its iconic '50s design adds a dash of nostalgia to your kitchen counter. 

Its four wide slots allow you to toast four slices of bread at once, accommodating everything from artisanal loaves to bagels. With six adjustable browning levels, you have complete control over your toast's crispiness. And don't worry about frozen slices because its defrost function will ensure they turn out just right. 

Need to warm up that second round of toast? This SMEG toaster’s reheat function has you covered. And cleaning up is a breeze too, thanks to the removable crumb tray.

How to choose a toaster

To help you make your purchasing decision, our editors answer some commonly asked questions about toasters. 

Are 4-slice toasters superior to 2-slice toasters?

Choosing between a two-slice toaster and a four-slice toaster depends on your household's toasting requirements. Four or more people may benefit from a four-slice toaster, which can speed up meal preparation. Conversely, smaller households or those with limited storage space may prefer a two-slice toaster.

Why are some smart toasters so expensive?

Some smart toasters have a higher price tag due to their build quality, brand credibility, state-of-the-art features and design aesthetics. More expensive models may offer better performance, last longer, and have bonus features, such as wider slots, bagel and defrost settings or a unique design.

Which toasters get our nod of approval?

After researching and reviewing all the best toaster options, the four slice toasters that stand out are the KicthenAid 4-Slice Toaster with Manual High-Lift Lever with its customized settings and high lift lever, along with the Mueller Ultratoast Full Stainless Steel Toaster and its smart heating technology.

If you’re looking for a two-slice toaster, the BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster is a great option as it’s a no-fuss, versatile toaster with extra-wide slots, seven shade settings and a cancel button to stop the toasting process as needed.

These toasters represent an ideal mix of style, functionality and robust performance. Though the choice of toaster depends on individual needs and budget, these picks promise to deliver on performance with each use. 

Boost your breakfast routine by shopping for one of the top toasters today!

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Prices updated on 10/25/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.