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The Best Toasters for Perfect Toast Every Time
Best Toasters of 2024
In the world of kitchen appliances, few hold the same nostalgic charm and everyday utility as the humble toaster. Whether you're a breakfast enthusiast or simply crave a warm slice of bread now and then, choosing the right toaster can make a surprising difference in your daily routine. But with so many options available, from basic models to those equipped with cutting-edge technology, how do you navigate the possibilities?
We evaluated the best of the best out there based on user-friendliness, longevity, innovative features, and setting diversity. In our search, we found the GE Stainless Steel Four-Slice Toaster to be the best overall, boasting 7 different settings, wide slots, and durability. If GE's model doesn't suit your needs, I've included four other option high-quality options that cater to a variety of budgets and needs.
Our Top Picks
View all ContentsDetailing the Best Toasters of 2024
Best Overall
The GE Stainless Steel Toaster is every toast-lover’s dream. One of its most attractive features is its four extra-wide slots, allowing you to toast a variety of breads, bagels, and waffles at the same time with ease. Its powerful 1,500-watt operating system promises a fast-moving toasting timeframe.
Meanwhile, the seven toasting options can accommodate a wide array of toasting preferences. The toaster evenly toasts both sides of the bread, resulting in the perfect crunch every time you use it. Thanks to its compact design, this toaster fits well in most kitchens, both small and large ones. Not only does this toaster prioritize functionality but its sleek stainless-steel design will also elevate your space. Reliable and long-lasting, this toaster is our #1 pick.
Pros
- Perfect toasting on both sides
- Wide slots for bagels and breads
- Easy to clean with removable tray
Cons
- Uneven toasting with single slices
Most Practical
If you’re looking for a toaster that effortlessly accommodates different types of bread, the Vintage Black 850-Watt Toaster is a fantastic choice. It’s a two-slice retro toaster that fits a wide variety of breads with ease thanks to its generously sized slots. In addition to handling a lot of different breads effortlessly, you can also choose between six toasting settings.
This toaster stands out not only because of its practicality but it’s also incredibly easy to clean. It comes with bamboo clips to prevent your fingers from getting hurt when you retrieve your bread. Additionally, this toaster has a removable crumb tray to simplify the entire cleaning process. All you have to do is slide out the tray, dump the crumbs, and slide it back into place.
Pros
- Wide slots for various bread sizes
- Easy to clean with crumb tray
- Includes heat-resistant bamboo tongs
Cons
- Fingerprints show easily
Most Unique Aesthetic
If you’re trying to find a toaster with a reheat feature that never disappoints, your search ends with the BUYDEEM DT640 Four-Slice Retro Toaster. This retro stainless steel comes in a mellow shade of yellow, but it does more than add a charming touch to your kitchen counter! With its extra-wide slots, this toaster accommodates all types of bread, ranging from soft bagels to slices of sourdough. Plus, the high-lift lever makes it easy to prompt your toasted goodies to pop up when you’re ready for them.
This toaster has an exceptional reheat feature that makes warm and perfectly crisp slices not only a possibility but also an expectation. For a retro toaster that is equally as innovative, it’s an even more impressive option thanks to its seven-shade settings. That way, you can take total control of the toasting level. Whether you’re craving a lightly toasted snack or a dark and crispy bite, you can adjust this toaster to meet your preferences with precision.
Pros
- Wide and long slots
- Retro design and attractive color
- Quiet operation with reheat function
Cons
- Initial unpleasant chemical smell
Most Lightweight
A combination of retro aesthetics and high-performing functionality, this toaster truly excels. It’s a vintage-inspired toaster with an adjustable browning knob, and you can use this to choose your ideal crunch level. But it doesn’t stop there! This toaster is also very versatile because you can choose to cancel, defrost, or reheat your toast to your heart’s content.
The sleek white finish of this retro-toaster can add a clean and bright touch to your kitchen countertops. As one of the best lightweight toasters of 2024, this one not only impresses due to its style but it also shines when it comes to maneuverability. Even though it has a sturdy stainless-steel build, this appliance is conveniently lightweight, making it easy to move around as you please.
Pros
- Retro design to enhance kitchen decor
- Even and consistent toasting experience
- Adjustable settings for customized toast
Cons
- Hard to read numbers on dials
Most Space-Saving Design
The Café Express Two-Slice Stainless Steel Toaster stands out in the world of toasters due to its exceptional toasting quality. This means it delivers perfect results every time. Plus, if you lead a busy lifestyle, you’ll be happy to hear that this toaster has an Express Finish mode. This detail redefines the morning rush by toasting bread to your preference in no more than 60 seconds flat.
It also accommodates thicker slices, resulting in mouthwatering breads, bagels, and English muffins. This toaster also excels when it comes to design quality and overall style. With its sleek finishes, this toaster is more than just a kitchen appliance. It also features the brand’s signature copper accent, which adds an elegant touch to any kitchen. This toaster’s LED setting control ring will also light up and show you the level of doneness you’ve selected.
Pros
- Sleek and stylish design
- High-quality toasting abilities
- Durable and substantial build
Cons
- High price compared to build quality
Buying Guide: 6 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Toaster
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.
Toaster FAQs
How should I clean my toaster?
Unplug the toaster and let it cool down completely. Then, remove the crumb tray and make sure you empty it. You can also use a dry cloth to wipe down the outside. For the interior of the toaster, use a soft brush and gently clean the inside. Never use water or any other liquids when you're cleaning the inside of your toaster. Otherwise, not only could you cause damage to the electrical components of your toaster but you might put your safety at risk, too.
Why did my toaster start smoking?
Your toaster might start smoking due to a build-up of crumbs or grease that has accumulated on the heating elements of the toaster. To prevent this from happening, clean your toaster regularly. Also, before using your toaster, make sure there aren't any food particles inside your toaster.
Can I use a toaster for foods other than bread?
While toasters are primarily designed for bread, you can use them with bagels, English muffins, and waffles, too. However, never try to toast foods that have fillings inside, frosting on top, or any kind of coating.
