If you’re like me, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly toasted bread wafting through the kitchen in the morning. It’s a simple pleasure, but it can set the tone for a fantastic day ahead. Whether you’re a fan of classic white bread, artisanal sourdough, or gluten-free options, the right toaster can make a world of difference.
We’ve toasted, reheated, and defrosted our way through countless slices to find the toasters that consistently deliver the perfect crunch. So, whether you’re looking for a stylish addition to your kitchen or the ultimate toaster that does it all, our 2023 toaster guide has got you covered.
Join us as we dive into the world of toasty excellence and explore the top toasters that’ll transform your mornings.
What are the best Toaster?
When it comes to toasters, the choices are seemingly endless. From the classic 2-slice models to the more robust 4-slice toasters, and from the sleek and minimalistic designs to the retro, colorful ones, there’s a toaster to suit every taste and kitchen décor. Here are some of the best toasters available in 2023:
1. Cuisinart 2-Slice Digital Toaster
The Cuisinart toaster you’re referring to, the Cuisinart CPT-540 4-Slice Motorized Toaster, appears to be a well-received and highly rated kitchen appliance.
It offers a digitized experience with a front screen that houses most of the settings. It includes various settings for different types of bread, such as white, whole grain, bagel, sweet, waffles, English muffin, and gluten-free. This is particularly useful given the variety of bread types people consume, each requiring different toasting settings.
If you have a larger family or need to accommodate gluten-free bread without cross-contamination, the Cuisinart CPT-540 4-Slice Motorized Toaster is a good choice. It toasts bread evenly and consistently, making it a reliable appliance for your kitchen.
Specs –
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 11 x 7.2 inches
- Number of Settings: 7
- Style of Toaster: Two-slice
- Material: Stainless Steel
2. Krups Four-Slice Toaster
This stainless steel toaster is versatile, capable of toasting white bread to a delicate golden color and rye bread to a deeper brown shade. It’s also perfect for entertaining, with the capacity to toast up to four slices at once.
One of its standout features is the dual independent control panels, allowing you to toast different types of bread on each side with precise control over their doneness. Even though this specific model hasn’t been tested, Krups toasters have a track record of performing well, consistently toasting slices without burning in successive batches.
The toaster provides six browning settings, along with options for defrosting, reheating, and toasting bagels. It also features a high lift lever, making it easy to retrieve smaller pieces of toast.
Specs –
- Dimensions: 13.34″ x 13.5″ x 8.58″
- Number of Settings: 6
- Style of Toaster: Four-slice
- Material: Stainless Steel
3. Breville Die-Cast Two-Slice Smart Toaster
The Breville Die-Cast Two-Slice Toaster is a top-performing appliance, although its price tag is nearly $160. It consistently toasts batches of bread, offering reliable results. The toaster’s automated bread-lowering feature eliminates the need for manually pressing a lever.
It comes with extra-wide slots, accommodating various types of bread, including bagels and thicker slices. A convenient “Lift and Look” setting allows you to check your toast’s progress without interrupting the toasting process. If your toast needs a bit more browning, you can use the “A Bit More” setting to add extra toasting time.
The toaster’s design is both stylish and functional, with a die-cast metal housing and a brushed steel exterior. Cleaning is made easy with a pull-out crumb tray, though it’s essential to note that this tray is not dishwasher safe.
Specs –
- Dimensions: 6.75″ x 10.25″ x 7.5″
- Number of Settings: 5
- Style of Toaster: Two-slice
- Material: Brushed steel
4. Hamilton Beach Brushed Stainless Steel Toaster
The Hamilton Beach toaster model offers a simple and cost-effective toasting solution. It provides seven toast shade options, allowing you to customize your toasting preferences.
This toaster is well-suited for smaller spaces, such as apartments, compact kitchens, or even motor homes, thanks to its small dimensions. While it lacks the bread-specific settings found in some other toasters, it compensates with extra-wide slots, making it versatile enough to accommodate thick-cut Texas toast and bagels.
This toaster is well-suited for smaller spaces, such as apartments, compact kitchens, or even motor homes, thanks to its small dimensions. While it lacks the bread-specific settings found in some other toasters, it compensates with extra-wide slots, making it versatile enough to accommodate thick-cut Texas toast and bagels.
Specs –
- Dimensions: 11.3″ x 7.48″ x 7.48″
- Number of Settings: 5
- Style of Toaster: Two-slice
- Material: Brushed steel
5. Smeg Retro Style Toaster
This toaster is a blend of modern technology wrapped in a 1950s-style exterior. It’s constructed from steel with a powder-coated enamel finish, making it resistant to scratches, stains, and corrosion. The anti-slip feet add stability and safety to its placement.
The built-in cord wrap and removable crumb tray contribute to keeping your kitchen area neat and organized. The Smeg toaster offers six variable toasting settings, along with specific settings for bagels, defrosting, and reheating.
The Smeg toaster is designed for individuals who appreciate a stylish and high-performance toaster that’s available in various colors, it may not be the best choice for individuals who are not willing to invest in a toaster primarily for its aesthetic appeal. If you prioritize functionality over design, the Smeg toaster might not be the most cost-effective choice.
Specs –
- Dimensions: 7.7 x 12.2 x 7.8 inches
- Number of Settings: 6
- Style of Toaster: Two-slice
- Material: Steel
6. Zwilling Enfinigy Cool Touch 2 Long Slot Toaster
The Zwilling toaster is a sleek and versatile kitchen appliance with several noteworthy features. It comes with two long slots, making it ideal for toasting up to four slices of sandwich bread or two long slices of sourdough bread, which is convenient for households that require multiple toasts at the same time.
In terms of toasting control, the toaster offers a shade selector with seven different levels of browning, giving users the flexibility to achieve their preferred level of toasting. Additionally, it includes preset buttons for bagel, defrost, and reheat, enhancing its functionality and convenience.
It’s worth noting that long-slot toasters tend to have a larger footprint, which means they may occupy more counter space compared to some other toasters on the market. One point to consider is that this toaster toasts bread more slowly than some competitors tested, taking three minutes on setting four compared to the 1:45 minutes of the fastest toaster tested.
Specs –
- Dimensions: 6.6″ x 16.75″ x 8.2″
- Number of Settings: 7
- Style of Toaster: Long-slot four-slice
- Material: Stainless steel
How to Shop for Toasters Like a Pro
Shopping for toasters like a pro involves considering various factors to ensure you choose the best toaster that suits your needs and preferences. Here’s a list of key points to help you shop for toasters like an expert:
1. Determine Your Budget:
- Set a clear budget range to narrow down your options.
- Toasters come in a wide price range, from budget-friendly to high-end models.
2. Consider Toaster Type:
- Decide between two main types: pop-up toasters or toaster ovens.
- Pop-up toasters are ideal for basic toasting, while toaster ovens offer more versatility.
3. Slot Configuration:
- Choose the number of slots based on your household’s needs, with options for 2-slice or 4-slice toasters.
- Consider slot width, especially if you plan to toast thicker bread or bagels.
4. Browning Control:
- Look for toasters with adjustable browning settings to control how light or dark you want your toast.
- Some toasters offer preset browning levels for convenience.
5. Toasting Functions:
- Consider additional features like bagel settings, defrosting options, and reheating capabilities.
- These functions provide versatility for various toasting needs.
6. Size and Space:
- Measure the available countertop space to ensure the toaster fits comfortably.
- Keep in mind that toaster ovens tend to be larger than pop-up toasters.
7. Build Quality and Material:
- Opt for toasters with durable materials and construction.
- Stainless steel and chrome finishes are popular choices for both aesthetics and longevity.
8. Ease of Cleaning:
- Check if the toaster has a removable crumb tray for easy cleaning.
- Some models offer dishwasher-safe trays for added convenience.
9. Safety Features:
- Look for features like cool-touch exteriors and automatic shutoff to prevent accidental burns and fires.
10. Toasting Speed:
- Consider the time it takes for the toaster to achieve your desired level of toasting.
- Faster toasting can be important if you’re in a rush in the mornings.