Best overall: Breville Bit More 4-Slice ToasterBest smart toaster: Revolution R180 InstaGLO Toaster Best 4-slice: Oster 4-Slice Stainless Steel Digital TouchscreenBest for fast toasting: Café Express 2-Slice Toaster Best budget: Black & Decker 2-Slice Extra-Wide Slot ToasterBest for bagels: Calphalon Precision 2-Slice ToasterBest long-slot: Zwilling Enfinigy Cool Touch ToasterBest with a timer: All-Clad Stainless Steel Digital ToasterBest design: SMEG 2-Slice ToasterBest toaster oven: Cuisinart CMW-200 Convection Microwave Oven and Grill
How we chose the best toasters
As a freelance journalist for over 10 years, I’ve reviewed home and tech products for publications such as CNN Underscored, NBC News Select, Popular Mechanics, Architectural Digest, Tom’s Guide, The Daily Beast, USA Today’s Reviewed, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and Bob Vila. Our extensive selections are based on personal testing, thorough research, recommendations from fellow critics, and user impressions.
What to consider when buying the best toasters
You can probably find dozens—if not hundreds—of toasters for $25 to $30. They’ll probably work well at first but you might find yourself right back here looking for a replacement in a year or two. A bargain toaster isn’t actually a bargain if it stops working after a few hundred toasts. Plus, cheaply built toasters may be a fire hazard. That’s why our list is not based on the cheapest toaster that you can find. When choosing the best toaster, you should consider its functionality, size, ease of operation, and browning settings. Your personal preferences may vary but here’s a breakdown of these features, which will help you find the toaster you really want.
Settings
Since we all have preferences regarding how well we like our toast—and some types of bread require more or less browning time than others—browning settings are an important feature to consider. And with 4-slice toasters, a nice feature is the ability to control both sides separately since you may like your toast well, but your partner or kids may prefer a lighter shade. Toasters can do more than just crisp up sliced bread. Most can toast bagels, frozen waffles, toaster pastries, artisan breads, English muffins, and many other foods that 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.
Size
Size matters. Two-slice toasters tend to be more compact, which makes them invaluable in tight spaces. Also, a 2-slice toaster is obviously not as expensive as its 4-slice counterpart. On the other hand, the toaster can become a bottleneck in the morning if everyone needs it at once. If you need to make toast for more than one person at a time, a 4-slice version can save you some time. Size is also an important consideration if you want to toast more than just supermarket-style sliced bread. For example, toasters with longer and/or wider slots are more likely to fit thick artisan breads like sourdough, baguette, ciabatta, focaccia, and brioche.
Interior design
A removable crumb tray is another consideration and it makes cleaning much easier. Some crumb trays are located in the front of the toaster, and some are on the side or on the back, but on models without a removable crumb tray, you’ll need to pick the toaster up and hold the crumb track over the trash can before opening it. Without a crumb tray (assuming those models even exist), you’ll have to turn the toaster upside down and shake it. Another convenience feature is a lift function that ensures the bread is high enough that you can get it out without testing your eye-hand coordination like you’re playing the Operation board game—except, instead of a buzzing sound, you’ll know you failed when you burn your fingers!
Ease of operation
Some toasters have touchscreens for selecting functions. Others have buttons. Some stick to the classic dials and sliders. Only you can decide what feels right in your home, but it’s worth thinking about before you make your pick.
The best toasters: Reviews & Recommendations
There are hundreds—if not thousands—of toasters. Picking just one assertively and with confidence can be a challenge. We’ve narrowed the choices down to just a few that we consider the best toasters. One of these should have you spreading grape jam on golden bread in no time.
Best overall: Breville Bit More 4-Slice Toaster
Buy it used or refurbished: eBay Why it made the cut: This toaster can fit any size of bread, toast it well, and serve it up to you (minus the platter). Specs
Dimensions: 15 ¾ x 8 x 7 ¾ inchesWeight: 5.5 poundsSlots: 4Material: Stainless SteelCrumb tray: Yes
Pros
Extra-long capacitySlide-out crumb traySliding browning controlConcealed cord storageLift and lookA bit more toasting feature
Cons
Not cheap
The Breville Bit More 4-Slice Toaster is immaculately designed. This four-slicer is great for busy mornings and comes with extra-long slots that can hold all kinds of bread. It’s made from stainless steel so you know it’s durable. There’s an LED toasting progress indicator to let you track how close your bread is to toasting, and a lift and look lever that lets you raise and lower the toast to do a visual check without stopping the process. It also has a high lift feature, which raises the toast half an inch higher than the starting position, so you can easily remove English muffins and other small items without burning your fingers. The toaster has four push-button settings: bagel, frozen, cancel, and … “a bit more.” In the event that the toast comes out lighter than expected, you can use the “a bit more” setting to add a little more toasting time. The browning control slider ranges from 1 (lightest) to 5 (darkest), so you can choose the exact level of browning desired. There’s an audible alert to let you know when the toast is ready, and you can adjust the volume or mute it. Cleaning is also a breeze, with a removable, front crumb tray. Across the board, though, Breville makes some incredible toasters. Breville also makes a 2-slice version of the Bit More toaster, in case you don’t have room for a larger model. The company also makes the decadent Toast Select Luxe, which has specific settings for different kinds of breads, including white bread, brown bread, grain, fruit, rye, and crumpet.
Best smart toaster: Revolution R180 InstaGLO Toaster
Buy it used or refurbished: eBay Why it made the cut: The Revolution R180 InstaGLO does everything but wash your dishes. Maybe that’s the next upgrade? Specs
Dimensions: 11.65 x 6.13 x 8.4 inchesWeight: 7.83 poundsSlots: 2Material: Stainless steelCrumb tray: Yes
Pros
Touchscreen instead of levers and dialsToasts fasterSmartphone controlClean crumb tray reminderDoubles as a sleek clockAccessories for Panini press/warming rack
Cons
Extremely expensiveOnly comes in a 2-slice model
Admittedly, $300 is a lot of money for a toaster—but the Revolution InstaGLO is no ordinary toaster. It has a touchscreen interface that visualizes all of the controls: There are no levers to push down, no knobs or dials to turn. It has a countdown timer, so you can check how long it will be until your toast is done, in addition to the usual chime. You select the type of bread from the icons and then select fresh, frozen, or reheat, select from one of the seven settings, then press start. Between uses, the screen also lets the toaster serve as a stainless-steel digital clock. The Revolution InstaGLO can handle breads, English muffins, bagels, waffles, and toaster pastries. It uses a heating system that powers up quickly, searing the bread so the outside is crispy and the inside is soft. You can expand its functionality even more with optional accessories, including a Panini press and a warming rack to reheat things that wouldn’t fit in a toaster slot. And it’s smart. Not just because there’s a smartphone app to control it remotely, either. It automatically adjusts the lift to the height of whatever is being toasted. There’s even a smart reminder that displays on the screen when you need to empty the crumbs at the bottom, and the catch tray releases with a simple push. It really feels like using a toaster from the future.
Best 4-slice: Oster 4-Slice Stainless Steel Digital Touchscreen
Why it made the cut: You can fully control each side of this Oster 4-slice toaster separately for customized results. Specs
Dimensions: 12.99 x 12.83 x 8.66 inchesWeight: 6.06 poundsSlots: 4Material: Stainless steelCrumb tray: Yes
Pros
6 toast shadesRemovable crumb trayTouchscreen interfaceControls for each side
Cons
No concealed cord storage
We love the Oster 4-Slice Stainless Steel Digital Touchscreen Toaster because it’s a high-quality appliance available at a great price. As its name implies, it can toast four slices of bread and has a touchscreen interface, making it easy to select functions and view progress. The digital countdown timer lets you view the toaster’s progress. It also allows for greater customization and control than your average toaster. There are four functions for each side: Bagel, frozen, reheat, and cancel. Six shade settings provide a variety of browning options, and the quick check lever lets you visually check the toast. Between uses, the removable crumb tray slides out to make it easy to remove crumbs. We also appreciate that there’s also a 2-slice version for those of us with smaller kitchens.
Best for fast toasting: Café Express Finish Toaster
Why it made the cut: Members of the microwave generation will love the hurry-up-and-finish option. Specs
Dimensions: 7.0 x 12.28 x 8.0 inchesWeight: 8 poundsSlots: 2Material: Aluminum with stainless steel finishCrumb tray: Yes
Pros
Push to release crumb trayExtra-wide slotsExtra lift for waffles8 shading optionsCord storage
Cons
ExpensiveDoes not come in a 4-slice model
The aptly named Café Express Finish Toaster gets high marks for its unique “express finish” setting that engages extra heating elements to toast the bread extra fast. It’s a gamble: You need to pay attention when using the feature or you’ll end up burning the bread. Still, the setting can be a life-saver if you need to get out the door (or log on asap). In addition to the express finish setting, there are also settings for bagels, reheating, and defrosting frozen bread. By turning the browning control knob, you can choose up to eight different settings. An LED ring on the front indicates your toast’s browning progress and will blink when it’s ready. Sometimes, especially when you’re tight on space, you need to turn the toaster in a particular direction to make it fit. The Café Express Finish toaster works especially well in these scenarios since it has a cord channel in the bottom. This means the cord can be used on the backside, left side, or right side of the toaster. Lastly, Cafe Express Finish Toaster is undoubtedly one of the most stylish toasters on the list. It comes in three finishes: Stainless steel, matte black, and matte white.
Best budget: Black+Decker 2-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster
Buy it used or refurbished: eBay Why it made the cut: The Black + Decker 2-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster is ideal for budget-conscious buyers. Specs
Dimensions: 8.58 x 9.09 x 12.32 inchesWeight: 2.64 poundsSlots: 2Material: PlasticCrumb tray: Yes
Pros
InexpensiveExtra-wide slotsExtra lever lift7 browning choices
Cons
Plastic componentsDrop-down crumb tray
The Black+Decker 2-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster is a remarkably good value. It’s the least expensive toaster on our list, but will definitely get the job done. With extra-wide slots, it can hold bagels and other thick types of bread, and an extra lift feature is perfect for pulling out items that aren’t easy to grab. Its simple controls include a control dial that lets you select one of 7 browning shades, and special settings for bagels and defrosting frozen food. The drop-down crumb tray is not as convenient as those that slide out, but at least it has something. That’s a very small caveat for a comparatively cheap and very effective kitchen appliance.
Best for bagels: Calphalon Precision 2-Slice Toaster
Buy it used or refurbished: eBay Why it made the cut: Your bagels can fit comfortably in the Calphalon Precision 2-Slice Toaster, with enough space to brown effectively. Specs
Dimensions: 10.55 x 7.6 x 8.35 inchesWeight: 5.69 poundsSlots: 2Material: MetalCrumb tray: Yes
Pros
Extra-wide slotsRemovable crumb trayLED TimerToast lift6 browning settings
Cons
No 4-slice model
The Calphalon Precision 2-Slice Toaster has extra-wide slots to accommodate bagels and other thick bread. The toaster uses Intellicrisp technology to heat bread consistently for a more even toast. Its three buttons—bagel, defrost, and cancel—control the toaster, along with the dial that lets you select from one of 6 browning settings. There’s also an LED timer surrounding the shade dial, and this provides the browning status of the toast in the form of a countdown clock. In addition, the toast lift can elevate the toast so you can visually check it, and it’s also helpful when browning shorter or smaller pieces of toast. A removable crumb tray makes it easy to clean up crumbs, and the toaster has a durable design. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for an option with simple controls.
Best long slot: Zwilling Enfinity Cool Touch Toaster
Buy it used or refurbished: eBay Why it made the cut: You won’t have to cut your bread in half to get full coverage with the Zwilling Enfinity Cool Touch Toaster. Specs
Dimensions: 16.75 x 6.6 x 8.2 inchesWeight: 6.17 poundsSlots: 2Material: Stainless steelCrumb tray: Yes
Pros
Extra-long slotsWorks as a 4-slot toaster7 toast settingsRemovable crumb trayCool to the touch
Cons
Expensive
If you like to toast long slices of bread, the Zwilling Enfinity Cool Touch Toaster will fit your kitchen like a glove. Each slot can fit two slices of regular toast (for a total of four slices), or one long slice of bread. It’s also a handy option if you want a 4-slice toaster but don’t have enough counter space for one. The Enfinity Cool Touch features three settings—Bagel, reheat, and defrost—and you can toast to 7 browning shades. The extra-lift feature ensures your bread won’t get stuck in the toaster, and a removable crumb tray makes the toaster easy to clean. Last, but not least: Its namesake “cool touch” exterior is designed so you don’t have to worry about accidentally touching the toaster and burning yourself while it’s working. The Zwilling Enfinity Cool Touch Toaster also comes in standard-depth 2 slot and 4 slot form factors. Additional accessories, including a toaster bun warmer and toaster sandwich rack, can add additional options for adventurous chefs.
Best with a timer: All-Clad Stainless Steel Digital Toaster
Buy it used or refurbished: eBay Why it made the cut: The All-Clad Stainless Steel Digital Toaster has a digital countdown clock, and lets you add more time to fine-tune your toast. Specs
Dimensions: 12.9 x 8.6 x 8.9 inchesWeight: 2.10 poundsSlots: 2Material: Stainless steelCrumb tray: Yes
Pros
Adjustable timerDigital display6 browning levelsCrumb tray slides outWide slots
Cons
Crumb tray is in the back
If you are very particular about your toast, you’ll probably like the All-Clad Stainless Steel Digital Toaster. It has four settings: reheat, defrost, bagel, and a button lets you add more time during the toasting process. Plus, the LED screen has a countdown clock that lets you keep track of how long your bread has been toasting. Beyond that, it has many of the hallmark features we look for in a good toaster, including wide slots, 6 browning settings, and a high-lift lever that makes it easy to retrieve items from the toaster.
Best design: Smeg 2-Slice Toaster
Buy it used or refurbished: eBay Why it made the cut: The Smeg toaster looks luxurious but it’s more than just a pretty face. Specs
Dimensions: 12.25 x 7.75 x 7.75 inchesWeight: 5 poundsSlots: 2Material: Stainless SteelCrumb tray: Yes
Pros
Retro designLuscious colorsBuilt-in cord wrapAnti-slip feetExtra-wideCrumb tray
Cons
Pricey
The SMEG 2-Slice Toaster shows that kitchen appliances can be both functional and beautiful. Its retro aesthetic grabs a lot of attention on kitchen counters, leading it to make frequent appearances on wish lists for housewarming gifts. Since the 2-slice toaster has extra-wide slots, it can be used for toasting artisan and larger-sized bread to one of 6 browning settings. It also has bagel, reheat, and defrost options. In keeping with its style-forward persona, the Smeg toaster comes in many shapes and colors. For busier homes, you can get 4-slice and 4-slot models. All three versions come in a wide variety of colors, including matte champagne, gold, red, chrome, pastel green, pastel blue, pastel pink, black, and white.
Best toaster oven: Cuisinart CMW-200 Convection Microwave Oven and Grill
Buy it used or refurbished here: eBay Why it made the cut: The Cuisinart CMW-200 can make toast, but it can also microwave, roast, and bake like a standard oven. Specs
Dimensions: 21.20 x 19 x 12.20Weight: 41.30 poundsSlots: N/AMaterial: Stainless steelCrumb tray: N/A
Pros
All-in-one applianceTouchpad controlsConvection oven bakes quicklyCan be used with or without microwaveCan be programmed for multistage cooking
Cons
It’s a bit much if you just want toast
The Cuisinart CMW-200 Convection Microwave Oven basically does everything but refrigerate your food and wash your dishes. Not only can you toast bread on the convection bake setting, but you can also actually bake bread. The appliance also lets you microwave, grill, defrost, roast, reheat, and keep food warm. To call it a toaster, or even a toaster oven doesn’t quite do it justice. It’s a countertop smart oven made for all kinds of cooking.
Final thoughts on the best toasters
The toaster is a kitchen staple for a reason. Even though it’s usually a single-task appliance, many people get a lot of use out of it. If you’re a toast person, getting a great toaster can enhance the quality of your breakfast and, by extension, the quality of your day.
