The Complete History of Toasters | gastroback
Based on our research, we know that paying more doesn’t always translate to better quality. The Breville is a better-looking toaster with more features and complex circuitry. But it doesn’t have superior heating elements or better-quality electrical components than the Cuisinarts, which cost significantly less.
- In our Lab tests, slices of bread came out very evenly toasted (no un-toasted edges, like some competitors), and the shade selector did produce different results, offering users a variety of toast shades.
- Unlike some other cheap toasters, the Cuisinarts have slots that are wide enough to fit thick, hand-cut bagels without requiring you to push them down yourself.
- The stylish Buydeem four-slice will complement any kitchen with its retro-inspired exterior.
- Despite its extra large size, this attractive toaster could be left on the counter without detracting from the decor.
Smeg is coveted for its retro-style appliances and trendy color options that add pizazz to any kitchen. The exterior of this toaster is powder-coated steel with polished chrome accents, but not only is it one of the most attractive designs on the market—it’s highly functional, too. Anti-slip feet keep this firm on the counter, and the removable crumb tray makes it simple to clean.
The Best Long-Slot Toaster
And when it comes down to it, the ideal toaster should simply toast bread evenly and consistently without a whole lot of fuss. If that versatility appeals to you, and you want to do more than just toast carbs, we recommend getting a toaster oven in lieu of a slot toaster. But if you don’t have room for a large toaster oven, you may be deciding between getting a two- or four-slot toaster. Four-slot toasters offer double the capacity, so you can produce more toast quickly, which is nice for feeding a large family. A two-slot toaster takes up less space and is best for smaller kitchens or households with fewer mouths to feed. The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab have tested hundreds of appliances over the years, including toasters, toaster ovens and air fryer toaster ovens.
Final thoughts on the best toasters
If it is just you, a two-slice toaster should work, but a four-slice model will likely be more efficient if you have a family. If you regularly toast larger things like Pop-Tarts or waffles, look for a model with deep slots, says Lin. If you toast multiple slices of bread on a daily basis, making a weekly habit of emptying the crumb tray isn’t a bad idea.
Most can toast bagels, frozen waffles, toaster pastries, artisan breads, English muffins, and many other foods you can put in a slot and heat without melting. While all of the toasters on our list have dedicated reheat and frozen settings, some may be able to do even more. For example, some toasters also have accessories for making Paninis and warming muffins on top of the toaster, while toaster ovens offer a plethora of other functions, including the ability to roast and broil entire meals. The Oster 4-Slice Toaster wasn’t as nice as the Breville, but it’s also only 40% the cost. Its extra-wide slots easily accommodate whatever you’d like to toast, be that thin slices of sandwich bread or thick slabs of brioche.