The 8 Best Toasters Worthy of a Spot on Your Counter
The 8 Best Toasters Worthy of a Spot on Your Counter
If you're in the market for a new toaster, you'll notice a there's now a wide field: two- and four- slice toasters, plastic and metal options, long-slot models, smartscreen versions... It's understandable if selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. The good news is that most are designed for more than merely toasting a plain slice of bread. Here are our top picks for the best toasters you can buy in 2021, including a combination of toasters we’ve tested in lab, road-tested at home, and recommend based on specially unique features and cleanability (we love a removable crumb tray!), and top reviews.
1) Breville Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster
Breville
The Breville Die-Cast 2-Slice Toaster took the top spot in our test. It's worth every cent if you're looking for a champion toaster that will turn out evenly golden brown slices of bread batch after batch. With the push of a button, the grates lower your toast automatically — no lever-pressing. It also features extra-wide slots for bagels.
Use the Lift and Look setting to check on its progress; if your toast isn't browned to perfection, use the A Bit More feature to add extra time. A pull-out crumb tray on the base makes it easy to clean, although it is not dishwasher safe. Also worth noting that the sleek die-cast metal housing makes it major eye candy for your countertop.
2) Black+Decker 2-Slice Toaster
BLACK+DECKER
The brushed stainless steel Black+Decker 2-Slice Toaster proves you don't need to spend a bundle to get a good toaster. If you have bread for breakfast on the reg, you'll love that this model can toast bagels, big homemade slices of bread, and English muffins alike. Because of its low price and small countertop footprint, it's great for dorm rooms, kitchens with minimal counter space, and anyone on a budget. It’s available in red or black.
3) Elite Gourmet Cool Touch Long Slot Toaster
Elite Gourmet
amazon.com
If there’s always an unsliced loaf of sourdough in your kitchen, clear room on your countertop for this stainless steel toaster by Elite Gourmet. Priced under $40, it has two long slots that make it big enough for oversize slices from round loaves, or you can toast four regular-size pieces of bread at once. The controls on this model are exceptionally easy to read. It also features a push-down crumb tray.
4) Krups Savoy 4-Slice Toaster
KRUPS
amazon.com
This black-and-stainless-steel model can be depended on to toast white bread to a delicate golden color as well as rye bread to a deeper brown. It's great for entertaining too—not only can it toast up to four slices at once, but if there's a crowd at the table, it will pop up slice after slice to the same degree of doneness without burning by the second or third batch.
5) Cuisinart 2-Slice Compact Toaster
Cuisinart
amazon.com
If you'd rather not give up too much counter space or live in a house or dorm with a small kitchen, the Cuisinart 2-Slice Compact Toaster is your best bet at just 6.5" x 11" x 7". The settings (bagel, defrost and reheat) are easy to read and select, and it unfailingly toasts bread to golden brown doneness. More perks: The Cuisinart's slots are wide enough to accommodate thick bagels.
6) Dash Clear View Toaster
DASH
No need to pop your toast out to check if it’s done: The Dash Clear View Toaster allows you to watch your toast browning through a glass window. We also love that this 2-slice toaster has one long slot instead of two short ones; not only can it fit two slices of bread side by side, it can also fit a single long slice. The removable crumb tray makes it easy to clean. It is available in four colors.
Some reviewers note that the range of toast settings between 2 and 6 (there are seven total) is hard to differentiate but that it does a good job of toasting evenly.
7) Smeg 2-Slice Toaster
Smeg
amazon.com
If good looks take all in your kitchen, the Smeg 2-Slice Toaster is worth the price. With its bright, glossy finish (that comes in nine colors!) and its 1950s aesthetic, this sturdy toaster is a beauty that takes up minimal counter space. When you select a setting, it locks into place so you know you've set it precisely. Also available in 4-slice size.
8) Revolution InstaGLO? R180 Toaster
Revolution
amazon.com
This smart toaster has a touch screen tablet as a control panel. Each time, you make three selections by tapping the screen: What you’re toasting (bread, bagel, English muffins, waffles, or toaster pastries); whether it's fresh, frozen, or for reheating; and the level of brownness (seven total). The toast automatically lowers and lifts high enough so that you won’t get burned. When the screen is idle, it features the current date and time. Plus, the screen brightness is adjustable.
The manufacturer claims the toaster will heat quickly, resulting in better-tasting toast because it can toast the exterior without drying out the inside. Reviewers agree, but some claim that it toasts slightly unevenly.
The best 2-slice and 4-slice toasters to toast bread, bagels, toaster pastries and frozen waffles from brands like Breville, Black + Decker, Cuisinart and Krups.