Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?
Today’s toasters are capable of a lot more than just simply making a slice of toast. Most are built with convenient features like customizable doneness settings, extra-wide slots, and even smart tech features. Some are compact enough to stow away when not in use, while others are a multifunctional kitchen appliance that helps you prepare a full meal.
In this guide, we’ve explored some of the most popular toasters that deliver on performance, design, and practicality, from budget-friendly to premium models. Read on for our recommendations, as well as some helpful pointers before you shop.
The Best Toasters
Best Overall: Breville 'A Bit More' Two-Slice Toaster
Best Budget: Black+Decker Two-Slice Toaster
Most Capacity: GE Stainless Steel Four-Slice Toaster
Best Smart: Revolution R180B High-Speed Touch-Screen Toaster
Best Retro: Smeg Retro Style Two-Slice Toaster
What to Consider
Slot Number and Size
When searching for the right toaster, think about how many slices of toast you make regularly, and the type of bread you typically eat. Most standard toasters have a two-slot capacity, but if you’re feeding your family, or making breakfast at the same time as your partner, then a four-slot toaster might be a better countertop companion. For thick, rustic bread, opt for extra-wide or extra-long slots to prevent slices from getting stuck.
Settings
Most toasters, if not all, offer a shade selection for changing the level of doneness. Whether you like a light browning or a dark crisp, there is usually a numbered dial, slider, or touch screen to make your selections. All the picks on this list offer between five and seven shade options to cater to your toasting needs. Models that are a step up from basic typically have settings for bagels and frozen items like waffles.
Features
Some toasters are designed with special features to make the toasting process as streamlined as possible. During our search, we found that some of these features included indicator lights to let you know when your toast is done, a high-lift lever to check on the progress of your toast, and digital interfaces for easy operation. In our roundup, we’ve included toasters that offer a mix of the above.
How We Selected
We have years of experience testing and researching kitchen gadgets and countertop appliances, from toaster ovens to air fryers to espresso machines. To find recommendation-worthy toasters, we referenced these buying guides and focused on key factors like capacity, performance, and a variety of settings.We looked for models from well-received brands like Breville, Hamilton Beach, and GE, analyzing reviews and ratings to understand common issues and results. Additionally, we compared toasters across various price ranges, considering high-end models and more basic versions.
1
Best Overall
Breville ‘A Bit More’ Two-Slice Toaster
Pros
Five different doneness levels- “A Bit More” button for more customized toasting
- LED indicator light
Cons
- Buttons are on the side, making them somewhat inaccessible
Sometimes the perfect piece of toast is in-between doneness settings, so it’s a guessing game each time you use the toaster. With this model from Breville, use the lift lever and the “A Bit More” button to extend toasting time without interrupting the cycle to achieve that golden-brown.
One of our favorite features is the LED indicator light that lets you know the progress of your toast. The Bagel and Frozen buttons helps ensure even heat for your morning favorites, and there are five levels of doneness. The toaster accommodates two slices at once.
Key Specs
| Capacity | 2 slices |
|---|---|
| Doneness Level | 5 |
| Features | Lift lever, extra toasting setting, bagel and frozen buttons |
Pros
- Seven toast settings
- Comes with a drop-down crumb tray
- Wide slots
Cons
- No doneness indicator
Simple and straightforward, this toaster from Black+Decker is a good choice for everyday toasting needs. It has a bagel and a defrost button, and seven different shade settings, so you get the perfect color whether you like a crispy or golden finish.
The appliance has wide slots to make room for thicker breads, and the controls are intuitive and easy to use. There is also a slide-out tray to collect crumbs for quick cleanup. Overall, it’s a budget-friendly and practical toaster for general use.
Key Specs
| Capacity | 2 slices |
|---|---|
| Doneness Level | 7 |
| Features | Crumb tray, extra-wide slots, bagel and defrost buttons |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Slide-out crumb tray
- Four wide slots
- Seven shade settings
Cons
- Bulkier design
Swapping out slices of bread, frozen waffles, and bagels is often a pain with a two-slot toaster, especially if you’re hosting friends and family and need to cook in bulk. This model from GE has four wide slots that handles all your favorite pastries, and seven shade settings for optimal toasting.
There is a high-lift lever for peeking at your items throughout the toasting cycle, and a slide-out tray catches any crumbs that drop. The stainless-steel finish adds a touch of elegance if being stored on a countertop.
Key Specs
| Capacity | 4 slices |
|---|---|
| Doneness Level | 7 |
| Features | Slide-out crumb tray, extra-wide slots, high-lift lever |
Pros
- Variety of customizable settings
- Panini press included
- Countdown for when toast is done
Cons
- No defrost option
Touch-screen toasting is a switch-up from more common toasting methods, but it has its benefits. The interface on this design has five choices of bread, three toasting modes, and seven shade settings to choose from, which offers more variety than some of our other selections on this list.
Instead of using a lever, the machine has an automatic lower-and-lift mechanism that adjusts to what you’re toasting. There is an on-screen countdown clock, and an alert for when it’s tine to empty the crumb tray.
If you’re a sandwich lover, use the included panini press to make grilled cheese, BLTs, and more.
Key Specs
| Capacity | 2 slices |
|---|---|
| Doneness Level | 7 |
| Features | Three toasting modes, touchscreen interface, doneness countdown, crumb tray, panini press |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Simple controls
- Defrost button
- Automatic pop-up
Cons
- No numbered settings around dial
Smeg has been around since the 1940s, creating aesthetically-appealing household appliances and gadgets that are as much decor as they are functional.
This toaster has a sleek, matte finish, with stainless steel trimmings and controls. In terms of performance, the appliance handles basic toasting needs for two slices of fresh or frozen breads and bagels. The slots automatically pop up when toasting is done, and there is a removable crumb tray.
One downside is that there are no numbers around the dial on the toaster, so it’s hard to set your ideal level of doneness.
Key Specs
| Capacity | 2 slices |
|---|---|
| Doneness Level | 6 |
| Features | Defrost and bagel buttons, crumb tray, automatic pop-up |
6
Best Wide-Slot Toaster
Hamilton Beach Gourmet Two-Slice Slot Toaster
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Large slots for thicker breads, bagels, and pastries
- Bagel button
- Several shade levels
Cons
- No defrost button
Baking sourdough bread has become all the rage in the last few years, with no signs of slowing down. There's no better way to enjoy your accomplishment than with a thick slice, toasted to perfection.
The slots on this toaster from Hamilton Beach are wide and long, extending 6.5 inches to make room for your favorite bakery items. You have the option to only toast one slice, and there are seven doneness levels available.
There is no defrost button, but if you’re toasting fresh baked goods, this toaster gets the job done.
Key Specs
| Capacity | 2 slices |
|---|---|
| Doneness Level | 7 |
| Features | Bagel button, long and wide slots, lift-up lever |
Amber Joglar
Digital Content Producer
Amber is the Digital Content Producer for Popular Mechanics, Runner's World and Bicycling, where she covers a range of tasks for the commerce team. She also writes fashion and beauty content for Best Products. Her work has been featured across all of the Enthusiast Group sites. In her free time you can likely find her watching horror movies, reading a good thriller book, or listening to a comedy podcast.
