Ever wanted to grab a crisp, golden-brown piece of toast straight from the toaster to kick-start your morning? Rhetorical question — of course you have! After all, who hasn’t? To make this dream a reality, you’ll need to purchase the right toaster. That's why we've put together this comprehensive buying guide. It’s here to help you pick the best toaster for you and your kitchen. Let’s get started!
Size and capacity
Start your hunt for the best toaster by examining the size and capacity of each model. Some toasters have room for two slices at once while others have a four-slice design. Remember that larger toasters consume more counter space, but they are also twice as efficient as smaller ones.
Energy efficiency
Make sure you assess the energy efficiency of toasters you’re considering. An energy-efficient toaster is one that can heat up quickly while keeping your electricity bills at a reasonable level. We recommend toasters that have high wattage ratings because they heat up fast while providing you with consistent results every time. However, the caveat is that they consume more power than low-wattage toasters. It’s all about finding a balance between performance and energy consumption.
Browning control
Did you know that a feature called browning control is a crucial aspect to consider when shopping for toasters? Imagine biting into a piece of toast that is overdone it tastes like charcoal or so underdone that it’s barely even warm. With an adjustable browning control feature, you can avoid these undesirable extremes. Select a toaster that offers a wide range of browning options for best results.
Extra features
After considering the capacity, efficiency, and browning control of a toaster, take a moment to analyze any other extra features that the toaster offers. From defrosting and reheating to bagel settings and more, bonus features like these can amplify your experience.
Safety
Never overlook the safety features of a toaster when shopping for one. For instance, a cool-touch exterior can prevent accidental burns. Meanwhile, an automatic shut-off feature can protect the toaster from overheating because it will turn itself off if it gets too hot. Similarly, a high-lift lever means you’ll be able to safely eject the contents of the toaster without risking your safety.
Price
The price of a toaster should be a major factor in your decision-making process, but don't let it be the only thing you focus on. At the same time, you don’t want to buy the cheapest toaster on the market just because it’s inexpensive. Such a low price point could indicate low quality. On the other hand, expensive models might be overpriced. It’s also possible that they are equipped with features that you’ll never use, so you’re spending more on something you don’t need in the first place.
