The Best Toasters
A toaster is a simple kitchen tool that turns bread into warm, golden-brown toast with a push of a lever. Whether you prefer toast with butter and jam or toppings like avocado and poached eggs, a good toaster can make your breakfast better.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, a toaster with advanced settings, or a stylish design to complement your kitchen style, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explore the top toasters and highlight their unique features to help you make an informed decision.
It’s Key to Consider
When buying a toaster, consider the following key factors to ensure you select the best one for your needs:
- Type of toaster: Decide between a pop-up toaster, toaster oven, convection toaster oven, or air fryer toaster oven. Pop-up toasters are great for quick toasting, while toaster ovens offer more versatility, including baking and broiling.
- Slot size and number: Choose a toaster with slots wide enough for bagels and thick bread slices if you need versatility. The number of slots (2, 4, or more) should match your household’s toasting needs.
- Browning control: Look for adjustable browning settings to ensure you get your preferred toast color. Some toasters offer up to nine browning levels for precise control.
- Additional features: Useful features include best toastersA feature that allows the toaster to thaw frozen bread before toasting., a bagel mode, reheat function, cancel button, and dual controls for different toasting preferences in a multi-slice toaster.
- Ease of cleaning: A removable crumb tray simplifies cleaning. Some toasters also feature non-stick interiors for easier maintenance.
- Size and design: Ensure the toaster fits your counter space and complements your kitchen decor. Consider the cord length and whether the toaster has a cool-touch exterior for safety.
- Durability and brand reputation: Research the brand’s reputation and customer reviews for reliability and longevity. Higher-priced models often use better materials and may come with warranties.
- Energy efficiency: Some toasters allow you to choose the number of slots to heat, which can save energy and prevent uneven toasting when only toasting a single slice.
By considering these factors, you can find a toaster that fits your specific needs and preferences.
Toaster Reviews
Toasters have garnered a wide range of feedback from users, with many highlighting their convenience and efficiency. According to various toaster reviews, the most frequently mentioned benefits include quick and even toasting, user-friendly controls, and versatile settings.
Users often appreciate the even toasting feature, which ensures consistent results every time. This is particularly significant for those who enjoy a perfectly browned slice of bread without any burned edges. Additionally, the best toasters are praised for their speed, which makes busy mornings a bit easier.
Many users have shared experiences where toasters have seamlessly integrated into their daily routines. For instance, parents find them indispensable for preparing quick breakfasts for their kids. Office workers also mention how these appliances help them save time during rushed mornings.
Overall, the sentiment in toaster reviews is overwhelmingly positive. Users appreciate the blend of functionality and ease of use, with many considering them a must-have kitchen gadget. This consistent satisfaction highlights the value and reliability of toasters in everyday life.
Best Versatile Toaster
Dimensions | 16.86″D x 9.07″W x 11.6″H |
Material | Stainless steel |
Wattage | 1150 watts |
- you enjoy air-fried food.
- you need a multi-functional appliance.
- you prefer oil-free cooking.
- you bake small meals.
- you reheat leftovers.
- you need a space-saving oven.
- you cook large meals.
- you dislike countertop appliances.
- you need a digital timer.
- you want a full-size oven.
The BLACK+DECKER air fry toaster oven uses Air Fry Technology to offer deep-fried taste without the fat.
This technology surrounds the food with high-intensity hot air, baking, browning, and crisping with little to no oil. This makes it an excellent option for those looking for healthier ways to enjoy fried foods.
This toaster oven features two simple control knobs, one for the 30-minute timer and one for selecting the cooking functions. These controls make it user-friendly, especially for those who prefer straightforward operation without digital complexities.
Additionally, the Even Toast Technology ensures more even toasting with its unique heat diffuser design. This design evenly distributes heat and infrared energy, optimizing the toasting process.
The BLACK+DECKER toaster oven includes five cooking functions. This versatility allows users to prepare a variety of meals and snacks, making it suitable for different cooking needs.
The cooking capacity of this oven can accommodate a 9” pizza, four slices of bread, or various other snacks and meals, offering convenience for small households or quick meal preparations.
For those seeking the best toaster with air-frying capabilities, this product stands out due to its multifunctionality and ease of use. The compact size and versatile cooking options make it ideal for quick and efficient meal preparation.
Thus, the BLACK+DECKER air fry toaster oven can be considered one of the best toaster choices for health-conscious individuals and small kitchens. If you believe you need to eat healthier and are looking for an air fryer, don’t miss our article on the best air fryer toaster ovens.
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven Reviews
- Performance: Users said it works well for toasting and baking, providing quick and even results.
- Versatility: Customers appreciate the multiple functions, especially the air fry feature for healthier cooking.
- Air fryer limitations: Some users think the air fry function doesn’t replace a standalone air fryer in terms of capacity.
- Compact design: Customers think it’s perfect for small kitchens, saving space while offering multiple cooking options.
- Control knobs: Customers said the control knobs are somewhat imprecise, requiring a learning curve.
- Cleaning: Users found it easy to clean, with removable parts facilitating maintenance.
- Rack issues: Some customers are disappointed that the rack doesn’t automatically pull out when opening the door.
Best Multi-Function Toaster
Dimensions | 12.25″D x 15.75″W x 13.75″H |
Material | Stainless steel |
Wattage | 1800 Watts |
- you need a multi-functional appliance.
- you toast large amounts of bread.
- you bake whole chickens.
- you want an adjustable temperature dial.
- you need a nonstick interior.
- you need a wide temperature range.
- you cook small portions.
- you don’t want a countertop device
- you want a basic toaster.
- you want a full-size oven.
This device combines multiple cooking functions into one compact appliance. This premium 1800-watt toaster oven includes settings for airfryer, toast, convection bake, bake, convection broil, broil, grill, and a warming feature.
The wide temperature range from warm to 450°F allows for versatile cooking options, making it suitable for various recipes and cooking styles.
This toaster oven boasts a large capacity, accommodating up to six slices of bread, three pounds of chicken wings, a 12-inch pizza, or a four-pound chicken. The size makes it a practical choice for families or those who enjoy entertaining.
The adjustable temperature dial and 60-minute timer with auto-shutoff ensure precise cooking, while the toast shade selector allows for customized toasting.
Included with the Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven are an oven light, oven rack, baking pan, AirFry basket, and grill. These accessories enhance its functionality, providing users with the tools needed for a variety of cooking methods.
The nonstick, easy-clean interior simplifies cleanup, making it a convenient option for everyday use.
Backed by a limited three-year warranty, this toaster oven offers peace of mind and reliability. Its combination of air-frying and toasting capabilities positions it as a contender for the best toaster on the market.
Overall, the Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven provides a versatile and efficient cooking experience, catering to diverse culinary needs. For those looking for the best toaster with added functionality, this product is a solid choice.
However, if you’re interested in exploring more toaster oven models, be sure to check out our article on the best toaster ovens.
Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven Reviews
- Performance: Users said it cooks a variety of foods quickly and evenly.
- Compact design: Users noted it fits well in small kitchens and saves counter space.
- Cooking quality: Customers mentioned that food comes out crispy and well-cooked.
- No timer: Some customers were disappointed that there is no digital timer for non-toasting functions.
- Accessories: Users appreciate the included accessories, like the air fry basket and baking pan.
- No interior light: Users said they needed to open the door to check on food due to the lack of an interior light.
Best Durable Toaster
Dimensions | 14.96″D x 7.68″W x 7.68″H |
Material | Stainless steel |
Wattage | 1300 watts |
- you want even toasting.
- you need multiple browning settings.
- you like memory-recall features.
- you need defrost and reheat options.
- you appreciate easy cleaning.
- you require compact storage.
- you need advanced digital controls.
- you want a compact toaster.
- you need more than four slots.
- you have a small kitchen.
- you need faster toasting times.
The Mueller toaster offers a multifunctional design, perfect for kickstarting your mornings with fresh toast or warmed bagels.
It includes features like Cancel, Defrost, and Reheat functions, self-centering slot guides, and intelligent heating technology. This ensures even toasting every time, making it a strong contender for the best toaster on the market.
With six browning settings, users can control their toasting level, enjoying toast exactly how they like it.
The memory recall feature keeps your settings saved, but the sleek touch buttons and LED display make switching between settings easy. This adds to the toaster’s convenience and user-friendly design.
The Mueller Ultra features extra-wide slots, each 1.6 inches wide, accommodating long, thick slices of artisan bread, Texas toast, bagels, and English muffins.
This makes it ideal for modern families with hungry mouths to feed each morning. The generous slot size is one of the reasons it could be considered the best toaster for families.
Cleaning the Mueller Ultra is effortless, thanks to the removable crumb tray. The handy under-base cord storage helps keep the toaster compact and tidy.
Designed with quality components and a brushed stainless steel finish, this toaster is a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen.
Mueller UltraToast Full Stainless Steel Toaster Reviews
- Versatility: Users appreciate the various toasting options and the ability to toast different bread types.
- Design: Reviewers love the sleek and modern stainless steel look, which complements any kitchen decor.
- Uneven toasting: Some users reported that the toaster can toast unevenly, with one side more done than the other.
- Ease of use: Users find the touch buttons and LED display user-friendly and convenient.
- Fingerprints: The brushed stainless steel exterior tends to show fingerprints easily.
- Cleaning: Customers are pleased with the removable crumb tray, making cleaning effortless.
- Size: Many users think it’s perfect for small kitchens, thanks to its compact design.
Best Safety Toaster
Dimensions | 10.35″D x 7.24″W x 11.22″H |
Material | Stainless steel |
Wattage | 1500 watts |
- you need to toast multiple items.
- you want adjustable browning.
- you need an auto-shut-off feature.
- you value easy cleanup.
- you have limited countertop space.
- you appreciate safety features.
- you need a high-lift lever.
- you need a digital display.
- you have ample counter space.
- you want a built-in warming rack.
- you require a longer power cord.
The BELLA toaster is designed for busy households, offering four spacious slots to accommodate various breads, muffins, and bagels.
This family-friendly appliance ensures that making breakfast doesn’t take up much time, catering to multiple people at once. The temperature control and six different browning options allow users to customize their toast, preventing burned slices and ensuring each piece is perfectly toasted.
This toaster includes a reheat function and a cancel button, adding to its user-friendly operation. The high lift lever provides easier access to smaller breads like English muffins, and the removable crumb tray simplifies cleanup.
Safety features such as auto shut-off and anti-jam functions enhance the user experience, making mornings worry-free.
With its sleek and slender profile, the BELLA toaster is designed to minimize countertop clutter, fitting neatly into any kitchen space. Its elegant matte finish and stainless steel accents add a modern touch to the appliance, making it a stylish addition to any decor.
This design also makes it a suitable gift for various occasions, including birthdays and housewarmings.
For those seeking the best toaster for their kitchen, the BELLA 4-Slice Toaster stands out with its blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. It is particularly useful for households that value efficiency, safety, and modern design, making it one of the best toaster options available.
BELLA 4-Slice Toaster Reviews
- Design: Customers think it looks sleek and complements kitchen decor well.
- Ease of use: Many reviewers found the controls straightforward and easy to operate.
- Durability: Some customers reported issues with the toaster breaking after a few months.
- Cleaning: Users noted that the crumb tray makes cleanup simple and efficient.
- Size: Some reviewers found it takes up more counter space than expected.
- Value: Several customers mentioned it offers good value for its price.
- Cord length: Some customers found the power cord too short for convenient placement.
- Capacity: Users said the four slots are perfect for family use.
Best High-Performance Toaster
Dimensions | 11.4″D x 11.62″W x 7.48″H |
Material | Stainless steel |
Wattage | 1440 watts |
- you need dual independent controls.
- you prefer specific toast shades.
- you want extra-wide slots.
- you like adjustable shade control.
- you need easy crumb removal.
- you want a high-lift lever.
- you prefer a compact toaster.
- you need a digital display.
- you dislike hand-washing parts.
- you need advanced features.
- you have limited counter space.
The KitchenAid toaster features four extra-wide slots, accommodating various bread types such as bagels, English muffins, and thick slices.
This flexibility allows users to toast different bread varieties with ease. The dual independent controls enable simultaneous toasting for multiple people, ensuring everyone gets their toast just the way they like it.
Designed specifically for bagels, this toaster reduces the heating element on one side by 50%, browning the outer side gently while toasting the inside perfectly. This feature ensures that your bagels are toasted to perfection every time.
The adjustable shade control offers five settings, from light to dark, allowing you to customize the toast’s shade according to your preference.
The high lift lever makes it easy to access your bread, regardless of its size. This feature ensures that you can safely remove smaller pieces of toast without burning your fingers.
Additionally, the removable crumb tray facilitates easy cleaning, keeping the toaster in excellent condition. The tray is hand wash only, which might be a consideration for some users.
Overall, the KitchenAid toaster is designed to provide versatility and convenience, making it a strong contender for the title of the best toaster for those who prioritize customizable toasting options.
With its user-friendly features and focus on toasting perfection, it stands out as a reliable choice for any kitchen. For anyone seeking the best toaster that can handle a variety of breads and toasting preferences, this model is a great option.
KitchenAid 4-Slice Toaster Reviews
- Performance: Customers think it toasts bread evenly and consistently, offering good overall performance.
- Appearance: Many customers said it has a sleek, attractive design that complements kitchen decor.
- Odor issue: Some customers mentioned a metallic smell during initial use, which they found concerning.
- Functionality: Users are pleased with the multiple shade settings, allowing for customized toasting.
- Lever problems: A few users said the lever does not always stay down or lift items properly.
- Ease of use: Many users mentioned the high lift lever makes it easy to retrieve smaller items.
- Alarm sound: A few customers found the beep indicating the end of toasting to be too loud and startling.
The four major types of toasters are pop-up toasters, toaster ovens, convection toaster ovens, and air fryer toaster ovens.
- Pop-up toasters: These are the traditional, slot-based toasters. They are compact and primarily designed to toast bread slices quickly. Pop-up toasters are the most common type found in homes and are known for their simplicity and efficiency .
- Toaster ovens: These are small countertop ovens that can toast, bake, broil, and sometimes more.
They are more versatile than pop-up toasters but take up more counter space. Toaster ovens are suitable for various cooking tasks beyond toasting, like baking small items or reheating food.
- Convection toaster ovens: These are similar to standard toaster ovens but include a fan to circulate hot air, which helps cook food more evenly and quickly.
Convection toaster ovens are ideal for more complex cooking tasks and can function as a secondary oven in a kitchen.
- Air fryer toaster ovens: Combining the functions of a convection oven with an air fryer, these toasters use a powerful fan to circulate hot air, providing a crispy texture similar to frying with less oil.
They are versatile and can replace several kitchen appliances, offering both baking and frying capabilities.
When choosing the best toaster for your needs, consider how you will use it. For quick, simple toasting, a pop-up toaster is ideal. For more versatility and cooking options, a toaster oven or convection toaster oven might be the best choice.
If you enjoy fried foods but want a healthier option, an air fryer toaster oven is a good investment. Each type has its benefits, so determining the best toaster for your kitchen depends on your specific cooking needs and available space.
These features can justify the higher cost if you prioritize consistency and versatility in your toast-making process.
However, if you only toast occasionally, a basic model might suffice. The best toaster for your needs could be a less expensive one that still performs the core function effectively.
Investing in a high-quality toaster can be seen as a long-term investment, as these models tend to last longer and are often more repairable, potentially reducing replacement costs over time.
Ultimately, choosing the best toaster involves weighing the benefits of extra features and durability against the cost.
If you toast daily and value precise control, an expensive toaster might be worth it. For occasional use, a more affordable model will likely meet your needs without the extra expense.
According to an article on the Tastingtable, both appliances are effective, but the key factor is your personal preference. Therefore, understanding their differences is essential for making an informed decision.
- Cooking method and food quality: Toaster ovens use direct heat from coils, which can crisp and caramelize food, making them ideal for toasting, baking, and roasting. They excel at making foods like toast, bagels, and pastries that need a crispy exterior.
Microwaves, on the other hand, use electromagnetic waves to heat food quickly from the inside out, making them perfect for reheating leftovers, defrosting, and cooking liquids and stews efficiently. Microwaves do not crisp food, often leaving it chewy instead.
- Energy efficiency and speed: Microwaves are generally more energy-efficient and faster than toaster ovens. A typical microwave uses between 700-1200 watts, while toaster ovens use between 1200-1800 watts.
This makes microwaves more suitable for quick heating tasks and reduces energy consumption compared to toaster ovens.
- Health and safety: Microwaves are often considered healthier because they cook food without the need for added fats or oils, which can be necessary for toasting and baking in a toaster oven.
However, concerns about acrylamide formation in toasted foods can be a drawback for toaster ovens.
- Versatility and convenience: Toaster ovens offer versatility with their ability to bake, broil, and toast, while microwaves are more convenient for a wide range of quick-cooking tasks.
Despite this, for those who prioritize the crispiness and flavor of foods, a toaster oven might be a better choice. For overall convenience, especially with reheating and defrosting, a microwave might be preferred.
- Price and maintenance: Toaster ovens are typically less expensive and easier to clean, having fewer components that need regular maintenance. Microwaves, although generally more costly, offer more advanced features and are easier to wipe down and maintain.
Ultimately, whether a toaster or microwave is better for you depends on what you value most in your kitchen. If crispy, toasted foods are a priority, consider investing in the best toaster.
However, if quick reheating and energy efficiency are key, a microwave may be the better choice.
When selecting the best toaster, ensure it meets your needs for versatility and ease of cleaning, while also offering consistent performance and safety features.
Choosing between a 2-slice and a 4-slice toaster depends on your household size and usage patterns. If you have a small family or limited counter space, a 2-slice toaster is often sufficient.
It’s compact, affordable, and ideal for individuals or couples who don’t need to toast many slices at once. For those seeking the best toaster for minimal use, a 2-slice model is a practical choice.
However, if you have a larger family or entertain guests frequently, a 4-slice toaster might be a better option. It allows you to toast more slices simultaneously, saving time during busy mornings.
Many 4-slice toasters come with dual independent controls, letting you toast different types of bread at varying settings simultaneously. For larger households, investing in the best toaster with more capacity and features like defrost and bagel settings can be advantageous.
Ultimately, your choice should align with your daily needs, kitchen space, and budget. Whether you opt for a 2-slice or a 4-slice toaster, look for models with useful features such as adjustable shade settings, removable crumb trays, and easy-to-use controls.