A toaster is a kitchen essential that can make your mornings easier and your meals tastier. With countless models on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. We've done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the ten best toasters to buy in 2024. Each toaster has been evaluated for its features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
♦ Our Top Picks:
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Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster 2 Slice BTA820XL
,$149.95 ($159.95)
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Cuisinart 4 Slice Toaster Oven
,$69.95 ($80.99)
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KitchenAid KMT4116ER 4 Slice Long Slot Toaster
,$159.99 ($170.99)
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Hamilton Beach 4 Slice Toaster
,$54.99 ($62.99)
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Krups Breakfast Set Stainless Steel Toaster
,$79.99 ($99.99)
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BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster
,$50.15 ($92.89)
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Oster 4-Slice Toaster
,$79.99 ($102.99)
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SMEG 2 Slice Retro Toaster
,$199.95 ($250.00)
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Nostalgia Classic Retro 3-in-1 Breakfast Station
,$49.99 ($59.99)
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DASH Clear View Toaster
,$49.99 ($69.99)
Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster 2 Slice BTA820XL
$159.95
The Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster 2 Slice BTA820XL is a high-end toaster that combines functionality with style. Its one-touch automation features "Lift & Look" and "A Bit More," allowing users to check toast progress and add extra toasting time without disrupting the cycle. Designed to accommodate larger artisanal bread and thick bagels, this toaster has wide slots and a two-slice capacity. The variable browning control, along with an LED indicator, ensures your toast reaches the perfect level of crispiness every time. Additionally, the automatic control with auto lift and look functionality makes monitoring and removing toast effortless. Cleaning is straightforward with the front crumb tray that slides out easily. The toaster includes five settings: 'A Bit More,' 'Lift & Look,' Defrost, Bagel, and Fruit Bread. Despite its higher price point, the Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster offers exceptional performance and convenience, backed by a one-year limited warranty.
Cuisinart 4 Slice Toaster Oven
$80.99
The Cuisinart 4 Slice Toaster Oven is a versatile and stylish addition to any kitchen with its smooth brushed stainless steel housing and polished chrome and black accents. This toaster oven features dual control panels with six browning settings each, making it easy to achieve your desired level of toastiness. It includes dual reheat, defrost, and bagel buttons with LED indicators for added convenience. The extra-lift carriage lever and slide-out crumb tray simplify the process of retrieving your toast and cleaning the appliance. Its 1.5-inch wide toasting slots can accommodate various bread types, including bagels, toast, waffles, and pastries. The Cuisinart 4 Slice Toaster Oven is BPA-free and comes with a limited three-year warranty, ensuring long-term satisfaction. However, some users may find the dual control panels a bit complex initially.
KitchenAid KMT4116ER 4 Slice Long Slot Toaster
$170.99
The KitchenAid KMT4116ER 4 Slice Long Slot Toaster is designed to handle all types of bread, thanks to its extra-wide 1.5-inch slots. This toaster features a high lift lever for easy removal of smaller pieces and a removable crumb tray for simple cleaning. With seven shade settings and functions for bagel, defrost, reheat, and keep warm, it provides a comprehensive toasting experience. The under-base cord storage helps keep your countertop tidy. While its long slot design is perfect for accommodating various bread sizes, it may occupy more space than traditional toasters, which could be a drawback for those with limited kitchen space.
Hamilton Beach 4 Slice Toaster
$62.99
The Hamilton Beach 4 Slice Toaster is equipped with innovative Sure-Toast technology, ensuring even toasting on both sides of a single slice. Its extra-wide slots are perfect for thicker breads like Texas toast and bagels. The bagel function toasts the cut side while warming the outside, providing an ideal bagel-eating experience. Cleanup is made easy with two slide-out crumb trays, and the toaster operates like two in one with independent controls for each side, allowing you to toast different breads and customize settings. This model’s advanced features might make it bulkier, which could be a concern for smaller kitchens.
Krups Breakfast Set Stainless Steel Toaster
$99.99
The Krups Breakfast Set Stainless Steel Toaster is a reliable and stylish option for toasting up to four slices simultaneously. It features dual independent control panels, allowing you to set different browning levels for each side. The extra-large, self-centering slots ensure even browning for various bread types, including bagels, buns, and English muffins. With six browning settings and four push-button functions—defrost, reheat, bagel, and cancel—this toaster caters to diverse toasting needs. The high lift lever and removable crumb tray make it easy to use and clean, while the sleek brushed and chrome stainless steel design with blue LED indicators adds a modern touch. Despite its larger size, which may not suit compact kitchens, the Krups Breakfast Set offers excellent performance and convenience.
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster
$92.89
The BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster is designed for versatility and ease of use with its extra-wide toasting slots that accommodate bagels, thick breads, and more. Extended levers lift your toast safely into reach, keeping you away from the heat. The toaster features seven shade settings, allowing you to achieve your preferred level of crispness. The pull-out crumb trays make cleanup straightforward, preventing crumbs from burning or cluttering your kitchen. However, some users might find that the toaster's plastic components feel less durable than those of more premium models, which could affect its longevity.
Oster 4-Slice Toaster
$102.99
The Oster 4-Slice Toaster combines modern technology with practical features to enhance your toasting experience. Its intuitive touch screen interface offers easy control, while the digital timer displays the progress and time remaining in the toasting cycle. With six shade settings, you can toast your bread exactly the way you like it. The removable crumb tray ensures easy and swift cleanup, and the quick-check lever allows you to manage browning and remove toast when done. This toaster also offers versatile functions, including bagel, reheat, and frozen modes, and is constructed from durable stainless steel for long-lasting use. Some users, however, may find the touch screen interface less intuitive compared to traditional buttons.
SMEG 2 Slice Retro Toaster
$250.00
The SMEG 2 Slice Retro Toaster combines nostalgic design with modern functionality. It features two generously sized slots that accommodate various bread types and thicknesses, along with six browning levels to achieve the perfect toast. The stylish chrome knob offers four convenient functions: reheat, defrost, cancel, and bagel. Self-centering racks ensure uniform browning by securely holding your toast upright during the toasting process. The removable stainless-steel crumb tray simplifies maintenance, keeping your countertop clean. Although its premium aesthetics and functionality are appealing, some users may find the price point higher than average for a 2-slice toaster.
Nostalgia Classic Retro 3-in-1 Breakfast Station
$59.99
The Nostalgia Classic Retro 3-in-1 Breakfast Station is an all-in-one appliance that caters to your entire breakfast needs. It features a 2-slice wide slot toaster with six settings, an egg cooker capable of cooking up to six eggs in various styles, and a non-stick griddle for cooking eggs, bacon, ham, or sausage. The classic retro styling with chrome accents adds a vintage touch to your kitchen, and the LED lighted control panel with chrome dials provides easy control. The compact 3-in-1 design is perfect for small kitchens, apartments, dorms, or campers. Cool-touch handles ensure safety during use. However, the combined functions may require more countertop space than a standard toaster.
DASH Clear View Toaster
$69.99
The DASH Clear View Toaster offers a unique design with a clear-view window, allowing you to monitor your toast's progress. It features an extra-wide chamber to accommodate specialty breads and baked goods, with seven browning levels to achieve perfect results every time. The toaster includes auto-shut off, and one-touch defrost, reheat, and bagel functions. Its compact and sleek design saves space in your kitchen, making it an ideal addition to any countertop. The crumb tray and glass window slide out for easy cleaning, though some users may find the clear-view window challenging to keep clean over time.
Choosing the right toaster involves considering your specific needs, from budget to the types of bread you prefer. Whether you prioritize design, speed, or versatility, there’s a toaster on this list that will meet your needs and help you start your day with the perfect slice of toast.
FAQ
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Why is my toast burning even at a lower setting?
Check if the crumb tray is full and clean it out, as accumulated crumbs can catch fire and burn your toast. If the toaster continues to burn toast, it might be a malfunctioning thermostat, and you may need to replace the toaster or have it repaired.
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Why does my toaster keep tripping the circuit breaker?
The toaster may be drawing too much power or there could be a short circuit. Try plugging the toaster into a different outlet on a separate circuit. If the problem continues, the toaster might have an internal electrical fault and should be inspected or replaced.
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Why does my toast get stuck in the toaster?
Ensure you are using bread that fits comfortably within the slots and is not too thick. Use the toaster's lift function to gently raise the toast without forcing it. If the bread consistently gets stuck, consider a toaster with wider slots designed for thicker bread.
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