Toasters
Toasters That Earn Their Counter Space
7 picks compared
6 min read
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The short answerFor most kitchens, the Cuisinart CPT-440 or Breville BTA820XL are top picks. The Cuisinart handles thick bagels with extra-wide slots. Breville offers precision with its lift-and-look mechanism. For budget, the Hamilton Beach 22624 is a reliable choice.
?How we pickedWe compare published specifications, safety certifications and thousands of verified owner reviews, and we do not physically test every unit. Read the full process in our review methodology.
Cuisinart CPT-440
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 best overall
The Cuisinart CPT-440 has extra-wide 1.5-inch slots for thick bagels and artisan bread. Its six-setting dial and LED indicators make toasting predictable. Owners report even browning across all slices.
Wattage 1200 wattsSlot width 1.5 inchesNumber of slots 2Controls 6-setting dial, LED
- Extra-wide slots handle thick bread
- Even toasting with consistent results
- Easy-to-clean crumb tray
- Takes up space on the counter
- No bagel-specific setting
Breville BTA820XL
★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 best for precision
The Breville BTA820XL features a lift-and-look mechanism to check toast without canceling the cycle. Its A Bit More function adds extra time for darker results. Owners appreciate the wide slots and durable build.
Wattage 1600 wattsSlot width 1.5 inchesNumber of slots 2Features Lift-and-look, A Bit More
- Lift-and-look prevents over-toasting
- High wattage for fast, even browning
- Solid construction
- Expensive compared to basic models
- Controls can be confusing at first
Best for: best for precision
Hamilton Beach 22624
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 best value
The Hamilton Beach 22624 offers extra-wide slots at a budget price. Its one-touch bagel and defrost settings cover common needs. Owners say it toasts evenly and is easy to use.
Wattage 1100 wattsSlot width 1.5 inchesNumber of slots 2Settings Bagel, defrost, cancel
- Affordable with useful settings
- Wide slots fit thick bagels
- Simple controls
- Lower wattage may be slower
- Plastic body feels less sturdy
Cuisinart CPT-122
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 best for small kitchens
The Cuisinart CPT-122 is a compact two-slice toaster that saves counter space. It has a 1.5-inch slot width and six shade settings. Owners find it reliable for daily use.
Wattage 1200 wattsSlot width 1.5 inchesNumber of slots 2Dimensions 10.5 x 7.5 x 7.5 inches
- Small footprint fits tight spaces
- Even toasting with six settings
- Easy to clean
- No bagel setting
- Short power cord
Best for: best for small kitchens
Breville BTA730BSS
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 best for bagels
The Breville BTA730BSS includes a dedicated bagel setting that toasts the cut side only. Its extra-wide slots accommodate thick bagels and bread. Owners report perfect bagels every time.
Wattage 1200 wattsSlot width 1.5 inchesNumber of slots 2Features Bagel mode, lift-and-look
- Bagel mode toasts one side only
- Wide slots handle thick bagels
- Durable stainless steel
- Pricey for a two-slice toaster
- Heavier than some models
Best for: best for bagels
KitchenAid KMT4115
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 best for families
The KitchenAid KMT4115 is a four-slice toaster with independent controls for each pair. Its extra-wide slots and digital timer ensure consistent results. Owners like the ability to toast different types at once.
Wattage 1800 wattsSlot width 1.5 inchesNumber of slots 4Controls Dual independent controls
- Four slots for busy mornings
- Independent controls for different settings
- High wattage for fast toasting
- Large footprint
- Higher price point
Best for: best for families
Oster TSSTTRJB2
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 best for retro style
The Oster TSSTTRJB2 combines retro aesthetics with modern performance. Its stainless steel body and mechanical dials add charm. Owners say it toasts evenly and is easy to operate.
Wattage 900 wattsSlot width 1.25 inchesNumber of slots 2Material Stainless steel
- Stylish retro design
- Durable stainless steel
- Simple mechanical controls
- Lower wattage may be slower
- Slots are narrower for thick bread
Best for: best for retro style
Bagel lovers need wider slots and a bagel setting. Frequent users want fast, even toasting. Our picks balance performance, durability, and price.
What to look for in a toaster
Start with slot width. Standard slots measure about 1.25 inches, while extra-wide slots are 1.5 inches or more. If you eat thick bagels or artisan bread, extra-wide is essential. Wattage affects speed and evenness; higher wattage usually means faster toasting. Look for at least 1200 watts for consistent results. Features like bagel mode, defrost, and lift-and-look add convenience but raise the price.
How many slots do you need?
Two-slice toasters suit singles, couples, or small kitchens. They take up less counter space and are easier to store. Four-slice models handle families or frequent entertaining. They often have dual controls, letting you toast different breads at different settings. Consider your daily toast consumption. If you make more than two slices at once, a four-slice toaster saves time.
Bagel mode and other settings
Bagel mode toasts only the cut side, leaving the outer side soft. This is ideal for bagels, English muffins, and thick bread. Defrost mode toasts frozen items without burning them. A cancel button is useful for stopping the cycle early. Some toasters offer a lift-and-look feature, letting you check progress without resetting. These settings add flexibility but may increase cost.
Materials and durability
Stainless steel bodies resist fingerprints and are more durable than plastic. They also look modern and match most kitchens. Plastic models are lighter and cheaper but may show wear over time. Check the crumb tray; a removable tray makes cleaning easier. Look for a toaster with a cord wrap to keep your counter tidy. Consider the warranty; longer warranties indicate confidence in durability.
Questions people ask
How do I clean a toaster?
Unplug the toaster and wait for it to cool. Remove the crumb tray and empty it. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. For stubborn crumbs, use a soft brush. Never immerse the toaster in water.
What is the best toaster for bagels?
The Breville BTA730BSS is a top choice. Its dedicated bagel mode toasts only the cut side. Extra-wide slots accommodate thick bagels. Owners report consistent results.
How many watts should a toaster have?
Aim for at least 1200 watts. Higher wattage means faster, more even toasting. Budget models may have 900 watts, which can be slower. For heavy use, consider 1600 watts or more.
Is a four-slice toaster worth it?
If you toast for more than two people, yes. Four-slice models save time and often have dual controls. They take up more space, so measure your counter first. Families and frequent hosts benefit most.
What is the difference between a toaster and a toaster oven?
A toaster is designed for bread and bagels. A toaster oven can bake, broil, and toast. Toaster ovens are more versatile but take longer for simple toast. If you only need toast, a toaster is faster and more compact.
Can I toast frozen bread in a toaster?
Yes, if your toaster has a defrost setting. This setting toasts frozen items without burning the outside. Without it, frozen bread may come out uneven. Check your toaster's manual for guidance.
How do I choose the right shade setting?
Start with a medium setting, like 3 or 4. Adjust based on your preference and bread type. Thicker bread may need a higher setting. Experiment to find your perfect toast.
What is the best toaster for a small kitchen?
The Cuisinart CPT-122 is compact and reliable. Its small footprint fits tight spaces. It has six shade settings and a removable crumb tray. It lacks a bagel setting, but it handles basic toasting well.
Are expensive toasters worth it?
Higher-priced toasters often have better build quality and features. They may toast more evenly and last longer. If you toast daily, investing in a quality model can pay off. Budget models work, but may lack durability.
What is the best toaster for thick bread?
Look for extra-wide slots, at least 1.5 inches. The Cuisinart CPT-440 and Breville BTA820XL are excellent. They handle thick slices without jamming. Check the slot width before buying.
The bottom lineSo which one?
The Cuisinart CPT-440 is the best all-around toaster for most people. For precision lovers, the Breville BTA820XL offers unmatched control. Budget shoppers will find the Hamilton Beach 22624 a solid value.
