Best Toasters: 10 Top Picks for 2017

Advanced browning elements and variable slot widths define the cutting edge in modern toasters. Achieving optimal crispness and even coloration on your bread is a science, and the best toaster designs leverage innovative heating coils and precise thermostat controls. When selecting a countertop appliance for your kitchen, understanding the nuances of different toasting technologies can significantly elevate your breakfast experience.

When selecting a countertop appliance for your kitchen, understanding the nuances of different toasting technologies can significantly elevate your breakfast experience. This specialized gear ensures everything from bagels to artisan loaves reaches peak perfection. Our exploration delves into the top-performing models, separating the truly exceptional best toaster options from the rest.

Explore the ultimate browning machines and find your perfect match.

Find Your Perfect Toasting Companion!

Image	Product	Price
Best Pick 1	BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots, 7 Shade Settings, 1400	Check Price
Best Pick 2	bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting Shade	Check Price
Best Pick 3	Cuisinart 4 Slice Compact Stainless Steel Toaster with Extra-Wide Slots	Check Price
Best Pick 4	Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 4-Slice Long Slot Toaster | Extra Wide	Check Price
Best Pick 5	GE 2 Slice Stainless Steel Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for	Check Price

1. BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots, 7 Shade Settings, 1400

Achieve perfectly toasted bread every time with the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster, a versatile kitchen essential designed for modern households. Its spacious slots and customizable settings cater to all your breakfast needs, from thick-cut bagels to delicate waffles, ensuring a delightful start to your day.

This reliable toasting appliance boasts 1400 watts of power, delivering consistent results across seven different shade settings. The extra-wide toasting slots, a key feature for any discerning toast enthusiast, accommodate various bread types and thicknesses, while the intuitive controls simplify your morning routine.

Pros

• Generous Toasting Capacity & Versatility: The four slots, featuring extra-wide openings, effortlessly accommodate thick-cut bread, bagels, English muffins, and even frozen waffles, making it a flexible breakfast companion.
• Precise Browning Control: With seven adjustable shade settings, you can easily select your ideal level of toastiness, from lightly warm to deeply golden brown, ensuring perfect results for every preference.
• Enhanced User Convenience: The high-lift lever makes retrieving smaller items safe and simple, while the dedicated Bagel, Frozen, and Cancel functions offer enhanced control over your toasting experience.
• Effortless Cleanup: A convenient, slide-out crumb tray captures crumbs, simplifying maintenance and preventing burnt residue build-up, keeping your countertops clean and your toaster odor-free.

Cons

• The unit requires the lever to be fully pressed down before selecting specific functions like “Bagel” or “Frozen” to ensure proper operation, which may be a minor learning curve for some users.

For those seeking a dependable and feature-rich toaster that handles a variety of toasting needs, this BLACK+DECKER model stands out. Its smart design and user-friendly features make it an excellent addition to any kitchen, simplifying your breakfast preparation with consistent and satisfying toast.

2. bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting Shade

Revitalize your mornings with the bella 2-Slice Slim Toaster, a marvel of compact design and toasting precision. This kitchen essential, part of the Fits-anywhere™ collection, effortlessly blends stylish aesthetics with supreme functionality, making ideal toast a daily reality without compromising your counter space.

Engineered for convenience, this 2-slice toaster boasts a unique 10-inch long slot, perfect for everything from standard bread to thick bagels and artisanal loaves. Achieve your desired toast shade with six distinct settings and a handy cancel button, all housed within a remarkably slim 58-inch profile.

58-inch profile. Enjoy a clutter-free kitchen thanks to the integrated cord wrap and effortless cleanup with its slide-out crumb tray.

Pros

• Space-Saving Slim Design: Its narrow 3.58″ width makes it ideal for smaller kitchens or countertops where space is at a premium, fitting neatly between appliances.
• Versatile Long Slot: The extra-wide, 10-inch slot easily accommodates two slices of bread side-by-side or thicker items like bagels, ciabatta, and French toast sticks.
• Customizable Toasting: With six shade settings and a cancel function, you can precisely control your toast’s crispiness and color, from light golden to deep brown.
• Easy Maintenance: A removable crumb tray simplifies cleaning, ensuring hygienic operation and optimal performance for your everyday toaster.
• High-Lift Lever: Effortlessly retrieve smaller bread slices or muffins without risking burnt fingers, enhancing user safety and convenience.

Cons

• While capable of toasting various bread types, it is a 2-slice toaster, which might be limiting for larger households during busy mornings.

The bella 2-Slice Slim Toaster is the smart choice for anyone seeking a compact, stylish, and highly functional appliance. Whether you’re toasting bagels for breakfast or creating gourmet sandwiches, this versatile toaster delivers consistent results with ease, making it a valuable addition to any modern kitchen for consistent bread browning and delicious results.

3. Cuisinart 4 Slice Compact Stainless Steel Toaster with Extra-Wide Slots

Elevate your breakfast routine with the Cuisinart 4 Slice Compact Stainless Steel Toaster. Its sleek design complements any kitchen, while versatile toasting, defrosting, and reheating functions cater to all your bread needs, from artisanal loaves to frozen waffles, ensuring perfect results every time.

Experience unparalleled control with dual browning dials offering six distinct heat settings. Extra-wide slots accommodate a variety of breads and bagels, while intuitive LED indicators for reheat, defrost, and bagel functions simplify operation. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the convenient slide-out crumb tray and integrated cord wrap.

Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the convenient slide-out crumb tray and integrated cord wrap.

Pros

• Versatile Toasting Options: Seamlessly toast, defrost frozen items, or reheat previously toasted bread and bagels with dedicated, easy-to-use settings.
• Customizable Browning Control: Achieve your ideal toast shade with dual 6-setting browning dials, ensuring consistent results for every user.
• Accommodates Various Breads: Generously sized 1.5-inch wide slots effortlessly handle thicker items like bagels, French toast, and artisan bread slices.
• Convenient & Easy to Clean: Features an extra-lift carriage for safe retrieval of smaller items and a removable crumb tray for quick, hassle-free cleanup.
• Durable Stainless Steel Construction: The robust stainless steel housing is not only stylish but also built for longevity on your countertop.

Cons

• While compact, the 4-slice capacity might be less ideal for very large households needing to toast multiple batches simultaneously.

The Cuisinart 4 Slice Compact Stainless Steel Toaster is an excellent kitchen companion for those who appreciate precise toasting and a clutter-free countertop. Its smart features and durable build make it a reliable choice for daily use, delivering evenly browned toast and warm bagels with ease.

4. Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 4-Slice Long Slot Toaster | Extra Wide

Discover the Elite Gourmet ECT-3100, a 4-slice long slot toaster designed for modern kitchens. Its versatile design and advanced features elevate your breakfast routine, ensuring perfect toast, bagels, and pastries every time, making it a standout appliance for any home chef.

This 4-slice toaster boasts extra-wide and long slots, accommodating thick sourdough, artisan loaves, and full bagel halves laid flat, a common limitation in many other toasters. With six distinct browning settings, from a gentle warmth to a deep crunch, you achieve precise toast to your exact preference.

Integrated functions like Reheat, Defrost, and Cancel offer unparalleled convenience for busy mornings.

Pros

• **Accommodates Diverse Breads:** The generous 10″ x 1.5″ slots easily fit large items like thick sourdough, artisanal bread, and full bagel halves, which often don’t fit in standard 2-slice or even many 4-slice toasters.
• **Precise Browning Control:** Six adjustable browning levels offer granular control, allowing you to dial in your perfect shade of toast, from lightly warmed to deeply golden brown.
• **Versatile Functions:** The Reheat, Defrost, and Cancel buttons add significant functionality, enabling you to warm up toast without further browning, perfectly toast frozen items, or stop the toasting cycle instantly.
• **Integrated Warming Rack:** A unique built-in warming rack allows you to heat croissants, buns, or rolls simultaneously while your bread toasts, ensuring everything is ready to serve at the same temperature.
• **User-Friendly Design:** Features like cord storage, easy-to-clean slide-out crumb trays, and a high-lift lever for retrieving smaller items enhance daily usability and counter tidiness.

Cons

• For optimal results, toasting two slices per slot, directly opposite each other, is recommended to ensure even browning – a minor adjustment for superior toast quality.

The Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 is an exceptional choice for those seeking a flexible and feature-rich toasting experience. It goes beyond basic toasting, catering to a variety of bread types and pastries with its thoughtful design and advanced functions, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen counter.

5. GE 2 Slice Stainless Steel Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for

Elevate your morning routine with the GE 2 Slice Stainless Steel Toaster, designed for perfect toast every time. Its sleek stainless steel finish and advanced features make it a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen countertop, ensuring breakfast perfection is just a button press away.

Experience ultimate toasting flexibility with 7 browning shade settings, catering to every preference from lightly golden to deep brown. The 850-watt appliance boasts

50 extra-wide slots, ideal for thick-cut bread, bagels, pastries, and waffles. Enjoy consistent results thanks to its even toasting heating element, providing a compact yet powerful solution for your daily toasting needs.

Pros

• Achieve your ideal toast shade with a precise 7-setting browning control, ensuring consistent results for all bread types and personal tastes.
• Accommodate generous slices of artisan bread, thick bagels, and even pastries with ease due to the exceptionally wide 1.38-inch slots.
• Maintain a clean cooking environment with the conveniently located, pull-out crumb tray that simplifies cleanup after each use.

Cons

• Limited capacity means it’s best suited for smaller households or individuals needing to toast only two slices at a time.

This GE 2-slice toaster offers a refined toasting experience with its thoughtful design and robust performance. For those seeking a reliable and aesthetically pleasing appliance to handle various bread thicknesses and achieve perfect browning, this stainless steel toaster is an excellent choice for busy kitchens.

6. BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels & Thick

Achieve perfect toast every morning with the BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster. Its extra-wide slots accommodate everything from thick-cut artisan bread to bagels and waffles, ensuring even toasting from edge to edge. Enjoy customizable browning levels and smart features for a delightful breakfast experience.

This versatile toasting appliance offers 6 shade settings for precise control over your toast’s crispness, catering to every preference. Featuring consistent heating technology, it delivers fast and uniform results, minimizing burnt spots.

The compact, space-saving design makes it an ideal addition to any kitchen countertop, while the removable crumb tray simplifies cleanup.

Pros

• Extra-Wide Slot Versatility: Effortlessly toast bagels, thick slices of artisan bread, English muffins, and waffles thanks to the generous, wide toasting slots.
• Customizable Browning Control: Six adjustable shade settings allow you to select your exact preferred level of toast, from lightly golden to deeply crunchy.
• Fast & Even Toasting Performance: Advanced heating elements ensure consistent temperatures for reliable, quick toasting with minimal uneven browning.
• Compact and Practical Design: Its space-saving footprint fits neatly on your counter, while the integrated cancel button offers immediate control over the toasting cycle.
• Effortless Cleanup: The convenient slide-out crumb tray makes disposing of crumbs quick and mess-free, keeping your kitchen tidy.

Cons

• Some users may find the 850-wattage adequate but less powerful than higher-end models for achieving very dark toasting from a single pass.

For those seeking a reliable, user-friendly countertop toaster, the BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice model excels. It’s an excellent choice for busy households that enjoy a variety of breakfast items, from standard bread to thicker bakery goods, delivered perfectly toasted with minimal fuss.

7. Cuisinart Core Collection 2-Slice Toaster | Extra-Long Slots for Artisan

Achieve perfectly toasted bread every time with the Cuisinart Core Collection 2-Slice Toaster. Its innovative extra-long slots and customizable settings ensure a delightful breakfast experience, from thick artisan sourdough to delicate brioche. Enjoy superior browning and convenient features designed for modern kitchens.

This versatile toaster boasts a powerful 1200-watt performance, accommodating a wide array of bread types thanks to its generous 40% larger slots. Special modes for bagels, defrosting, and single slices, coupled with a precise 7-setting browning control, provide ultimate toasting flexibility. The High-Lift QuickView lever allows for mid-cycle checks, preventing burnt toast.

Pros

• Accommodates thick-cut artisan loaves, sourdough, and larger bread slices with 40% larger, extra-long toasting slots, enhancing breakfast versatility.
• Dedicated “True Bagel” setting toasts the cut side while warming the outside, and “Single Slice Technology” ensures even browning on both sides for one slice.
• Convenient High-Lift QuickView lever allows you to check toast progress without interrupting the toasting cycle, preventing over-toasting.
• Intuitive push-button controls for Bagel, Defrost, Single Slice, and Cancel, along with a “+30 Seconds” option, offer precise control over your toast’s finish.
• Easy to clean and maintain with a removable crumb tray and integrated cord storage, contributing to a clutter-free kitchen counter.

Cons

• While offering broad compatibility, extremely wide artisanal breads might still pose a tight fit in the extra-long slots.

The Cuisinart Core Collection toaster redefines your morning routine with its intelligent design and superior toasting capabilities. Its compact, stylish build complements any kitchen decor, making it an ideal choice for those seeking consistent results and effortless operation for all their toasting needs, from breakfast bagels to afternoon sandwiches.

8. Proctor Silex 2-Slice Toaster with Extra Wide Slots for Bagels,

Achieve your perfect toast every morning with the Proctor Silex 2-Slice Toaster with Extra Wide Slots. Designed for modern kitchens, this versatile appliance caters to a variety of bread types, from delicate slices to hearty bagels, ensuring consistent results with effortless operation.

This 2-slice toaster boasts extra-wide slots, accommodating thicker breads and bagels with ease. The innovative Toast Boost feature simplifies retrieval of smaller items, while the 7-shade variable browning control lets you customize your toast to perfection. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the accessible pull-out crumb tray, keeping your countertops tidy.

Pros

• Generous Slot Width: Effortlessly fits thicker bread slices and bagels, unlike many standard 2-slice toasters.
• Toast Boost Convenience: Easily lifts smaller items like English muffins for simple removal after toasting.
• Customizable Toasting: Offers 7 distinct browning settings to achieve your ideal shade of toast, with a cancel function for immediate stopping.
• Hassle-Free Cleaning: A removable crumb tray at the bottom collects debris, making cleanup quick and efficient.
• Safe and Tidy Storage: Features an auto shut-off for safety and a built-in cord wrap for neat storage, decluttering your kitchen space.

Cons

• Basic Aesthetic: While functional, the design is utilitarian and may not be the most stylish addition to high-end kitchens.

For those seeking a reliable and user-friendly toaster that handles a range of bread thicknesses, the Proctor Silex 2-Slice Toaster is an excellent choice. Its thoughtful features, like the Toast Boost and extra-wide slots, make it a practical appliance for everyday use, delivering consistently delicious toast.

9. Cuisinart CPT-160 Metal Classic 2-Slice Toaster, Brushed Stainless

Elevate your morning routine with the Cuisinart Metal Classic 2-Slice Toaster, a countertop essential designed for both style and performance. Its brushed stainless steel finish adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen, while its versatile toasting functions ensure perfect results for all your favorite breakfast items.

This Cuisinart toaster boasts two generously sized 5-inch wide toasting slots, accommodating a variety of bread types, bagels, and pastries. Enjoy precise browning control with its 6-setting shade dial, complemented by convenient reheat, defrost, and bagel buttons, each featuring illuminating LED indicators for easy operation.

Enjoy precise browning control with its 6-setting shade dial, complemented by convenient reheat, defrost, and bagel buttons, each featuring illuminating LED indicators for easy operation. The robust 900-wattage ensures efficient and quick toasting for your busy mornings.

Pros

• Versatile Toasting Options: Effortlessly toast everything from thin slices of bread to thick bagels thanks to the 1.5-inch wide slots and dedicated bagel function, providing a “better crisp” on the cut side.
• Customized Browning Control: Achieve your ideal toast shade every time with the intuitive 6-setting browning dial and readily accessible reheat, defrost, and cancel buttons, all clearly indicated by LED lights.
• Enhanced Convenience Features: The extra-lift carriage lever makes retrieving smaller items simple, while the slide-out crumb tray and integrated cord wrap offer easy cleanup and tidy storage.
• Durable and Stylish Design: The Cuisinart CPT-160 features a premium brushed stainless steel construction that not only looks great on your countertop but is also built for lasting durability.

Cons

• The 230-volt US voltage might require a converter for use in regions with different electrical standards, impacting its universal adaptability.

The Cuisinart Metal Classic 2-Slice Toaster is an ideal choice for individuals or small households seeking a reliable and stylish appliance for their daily toasting needs. Its combination of user-friendly features, consistent performance, and elegant design makes it a smart addition to any modern kitchen, simplifying breakfast preparation.

10. Mueller UltraToast Stainless Steel Toaster 4 Slice – Extra-Wide 1.6″

Elevate your breakfast routine with the Mueller UltraToast 4 Slice Toaster. Engineered for diverse bread types and modern kitchens, this premium appliance delivers perfectly toasted results every time, transforming your daily meal preparation into a seamless experience.

Featuring four extra-wide 6-inch slots, the UltraToast masterfully handles artisanal loaves, thick bagels, and even English muffins. Its intelligent heating technology, coupled with six adjustable browning settings and convenient Cancel, Defrost, and Reheat functions, ensures consistent perfection for every breakfast need.

Pros

• Accommodates a wide variety of breads, from thin slices to thick artisan loaves and oversized bagels, thanks to its 1.6″ extra-wide, self-centering slots.
• Delivers consistently browned foods, especially effective with frozen items like waffles and pastries, achieving crispy exteriors and warm interiors.
• Offers intuitive control with modern capacitive touch buttons and an LED display, featuring memory recall for personalized browning settings and a single lever for simultaneous slot operation.
• Designed for user convenience with effortless cleaning via a slide-out crumb tray and a compact, clutter-free design featuring under-base cord storage and a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish.

Cons

• Performance is optimized when all slots are utilized, meaning toasting single slices might not yield the same perfectly even browning as when the toaster is fully loaded.

For families seeking a reliable and versatile breakfast appliance, the Mueller UltraToast stands out. Its robust construction, user-friendly features, and consistent toasting performance make it an excellent addition to any kitchen counter, ideal for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches.

Selecting Your Ideal Toaster

Slot size and bread type

The dimensions and configuration of a toaster’s slots are paramount for accommodating a diverse range of baked goods and ensuring uniform browning.

Standard slots are typically designed for everyday sliced bread, but for those who enjoy thicker artisanal loaves, bagels, or even pastries, the importance of slot width and depth cannot be overstated. Insufficiently wide slots can lead to uneven toasting, frustrating squashing, or an inability to fit certain items altogether, diminishing the appliance’s versatility.

Consider whether your household primarily consumes standard sandwich bread or if you frequently toast items like dense sourdough, English muffins, or thick-cut challah. Many modern toasters offer extra-wide (or long) slots specifically to address these needs, preventing the dreaded half-toasted bagel. Furthermore, the number of slots directly affects throughput; single-slot units are compact and ideal for individuals or couples, while double-slot or even four-slot models are better suited for families or those who entertain.

Regardless of slot configuration, the internal elements’ design is key to achieving consistent golden-brown results across various bread thicknesses, ensuring no burnt edges and a perfectly warmed center.

Material and build quality

The materials and craftsmanship of a bread toaster are paramount, directly influencing its longevity, performance, and aesthetic appeal in your kitchen.

Opting for appliances featuring robust stainless steel construction offers a compelling blend of durability and sophisticated style. This premium material not only withstands the rigors of daily use, resisting nicks and scratches, but also provides excellent heat retention for consistent toasting.

For those mindful of budget, high-quality plastic exteriors can offer a more accessible option, though it’s wise to ensure these are made from heat-resistant polymers to prevent warping or discoloration.

When evaluating a toaster, pay close attention to its resistance to both rust and heat. A well-built unit will feature sturdy internal components and a well-ventilated housing to manage accumulated warmth effectively, preventing overheating and ensuring even browning across all bread types.

Broil and browning settings

Achieving your ideal shade of toast every time hinges on sophisticated browning and broil functionalities.

The ability to fine-tune your toast’s doneness is paramount, moving beyond a simple light-to-dark dial. Variable browning controls allow for meticulous customization, ensuring that whether you prefer a barely warmed slice or a deeply golden crisp, your appliance can deliver. This precision is especially vital for households with diverse preferences, where one person’s perfect golden brown is another’s charred disaster.

This precision is especially vital for households with diverse preferences, where one person’s perfect golden brown is another’s charred disaster.

Beyond general browning, many modern units incorporate preset functions tailored for specific bread types. From delicate bagels and thick pastries that require gentle heat to frozen waffles needing a robust toasting cycle, these specialized settings help prevent uneven cooking or burning.

Ultimately, these advanced features are designed to guarantee consistent, delicious results, removing the guesswork and delivering perfect toast with every use.

Cleaning and maintenance

Effortless upkeep is a significant consideration for any kitchen appliance, directly influencing long-term satisfaction and hygiene.

A well-maintained appliance not only performs better but also contributes to a cleaner cooking environment, preventing burnt-on residue and lingering odors.

Look for models featuring a readily accessible, removable crumb tray for swift and simple disposal of fallen debris – a common inconvenience that can otherwise lead to smoke or fires. Furthermore, the presence of nonstick interior coatings significantly simplifies the removal of any burnt bits or melted cheese, preventing stubborn messes. For the exterior, materials that can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth ensure that smudges and splatters are a minor concern, keeping your appliance looking pristine with minimal fuss.

For the exterior, materials that can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth ensure that smudges and splatters are a minor concern, keeping your appliance looking pristine with minimal fuss. Prioritizing these attributes ensures that your daily toasting ritual remains a pleasure, rather than a chore.

Quick Best Toaster 2017 Buying Checklist

• Slot Width: Ensure slots accommodate bagels, thick-cut bread, or specialty loaves.
• Browning Control: Look for a precise, multi-setting dial for your ideal toast shade.
• Crumb Tray: A removable tray makes cleaning significantly easier.
• Material: Consider stainless steel for durability and a premium look.
• Special Functions: Decide if you need bagel, defrost, or reheat settings.
• Footprint: Measure your counter space to ensure a good fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Most Common Toaster Functions?

Common functions include toasting, defrosting frozen bread, and reheating already toasted items. Bagel settings are also popular for toasting one side more than the other.

How Important Is The Material Of A Toaster?

Material impacts durability, heat retention, and aesthetics. Stainless steel is popular for its longevity and sleek appearance, while plastic models can be more budget-friendly.

What Does ‘Variable Browning Control’ Mean?

This refers to a dial or slider that allows you to precisely adjust how dark you want your toast to be, offering greater customization than simple ‘light’ or ‘dark’ settings.

Are Wider Slots Worth The Extra Cost?

If you frequently eat bagels, artisan bread, or thick-cut slices, wider slots offer much better convenience and ensure even toasting without getting stuck.

How Do I Choose The Right Size Toaster?

Consider how much bread you typically toast at once. Two-slice models are standard for individuals or couples, while four-slice models are better for families or entertaining.

Final Words

Selecting the best toaster for your kitchen ensures you start your day with perfectly golden-brown toast every time. With features like customizable browning and convenient cleaning options, a quality toaster enhances your breakfast routine.

Invest in one that fits your needs for delicious toast for years to come.