Whether it’s served with eggs and coffee in the morning or with soup for lunch, toast is a staple food in nearly every home in America. And in order to make good toast, you need a good toaster – one that doesn’t burn the bread or leave it under-toasted. Fortunately, there are numerous toasters on the market to choose from. Picking one out of the bunch, however, is not a simple task. There are many factors a potential buyer needs to consider when choosing a toaster, such as what the toaster will primarily be used for, the expected lifespan of each model, length of warranty, budget and one’s individual taste regarding size and style.

In order to help you make a quicker, better buying decision, we spent just over 21 hours comparing and analyzing 60 different toaster models. Using what we learned, we were able to create this list of the top six toasters, along with a comprehensive buying guide and comparison chart.

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Best Overall: Breville BTA830XL Long Slot Smart Toaster

Known for its exceptional construction quality and reliability, the Breville BTA830XL Long Slot is easily our top pick, and give it our highest recommendation. If you’re looking for a toaster that will last you years – not months – then the Breville BTA830XL is about as sure of a bet as you can make in the toaster world.

Some of the best features of this unit include an LED toasting progress indicator, sound alert when the toast is ready – which can be adjusted to low, high or mute – and a brushed, cool touch, die-cast metal casing, which houses its 1600-watt heating element. The toaster can hold up to four slices of bread, regardless of the thickness or shape, and has long slot capacity. This makes it a particularly versatile model, and will allow you to toast anything from bagels to traditional bread, or even Texas toast.

Breville BTA830XL toasting progress indicatorThe Breville BTA830XL’s toasting progress indicator

The Breville BTA830XL Smart Toaster also has a number of other useful features, including its “Lift and Look” toaster carriage, designed to give the consumer a view of the toasting process without disturbing the cycle. Another popular feature of this model is the “A Bit More” button that allows users to add another 15 seconds to any toasting cycle if they feel the bread did not come out as dark as they anticipated.

Additionally, at about 15″ long,  8″ high and wide and weighing 8 lbs., the Breville BTA830XL is heavy, solid and well-built, offers consistency from cycle to cycle, and its controls are backlit and easy to operate. Virtually everyone who has used this toaster has reported that it toasts very evenly, without leaving dark/light spots in the toast, as is the case with some of the lower quality toaster models. The Breville BTA830XL Long Slot also features a frozen bagel setting, and all controls are push button. This sleek, beautiful toaster is very pleasing to the eye as well, and therefore lends itself to essentially any kitchen counter top. Read reviews on Amazon >

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Cuisinart CPT-440 Touch to Toast Leverless Toaster

The Cuisinart CPT-440 Touch to Toast is another terrific option to consider when shopping for a state-of-the-art toaster. Boasting a number of great features, this toaster is housed in stainless steel and has a motorized lift, along with 4 extra-wide toast slots. A blue back light and LCD countdown feature displays the time so that the user knows exactly when the toast is about to pop.

Cuisinart CPT-440 countdown timer and motorized liftThe Cuisinart-CPT-440’s digital countdown timer & motorized lift

This toaster is also one of the most versatile models on the market, as users can choose from up to seven different browning levels and the volume of the toaster’s audible alert signal can be adjusted to suit the user. Additionally, the Cuisinart CPT-440 Touch to Toast offers dual independent controls so that the user can make two sets of toast at different toasting levels simultaneously. One can even toast frozen pancakes on one side, while toasting a bagel for someone else at the same time.

The Cuisinart CPT-440 also features reheat and defrost options, as well as enhanced bagel toasting with a cancel option. When the bagel button is turned on, the toaster will brown only one side, which most people prefer when toasting a bagel. However, those who would rather toast both sides of the bagel can simply bypass the customized button and simply toast the bagel as if it were traditional bread.

Streamlined in beautiful brushed stainless steel and offering many helpful features, this Cuisinart CPT-440 offers everything one would expect from a top-of-the-line Cuisinart toaster. Read reviews on Amazon >

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Krups KH734D 4-Slice Toaster

The Krups KH734D is a 4-slice toaster featuring self centering slots of extra-large width. Housed in chrome and brushed stainless steel, this top quality machine is not only pleasing to the eye, it toasts bread to perfection.

Its unique design features blue LED indicators to countdown how much time is remaining in the toasting cycle. It also has dual independent control panels, allowing the consumer to toast different types of bread at one of six different toasting levels. Featuring five functions including reheat and defrost, this model is perfect for toasting any kind of bread. In addition, its defrost feature works perfectly to defrost toaster pastries, pre-shaped frozen hash browns or frozen pancakes.

Krups KH734D front pull out crumb traysKrups KH734D’s front pull-out crumb trays

Any type of bread or toast can be reheated with the reheat function. This is a great feature to have, as toast has a tendency to cool off quickly, and sometimes by the time the rest of the meal is ready, cold toast has become a reality. Fortunately, this model’s reheat option eliminates this problem. This along with its other convenient features make the Krups KH734D a highly versatile option for essentially any consumer.

And adding to its long list of features are its two removable crumb trays, as opposed to the usual one, and innovative cord storage to help counter tops remain tidy. The KRUPS KH734D50 can be purchased as an individual appliance or as part of a matching breakfast set ensemble. Read reviews on Amazon >

4 Best Value: Cuisinart CPT-435 Countdown Toaster

If you’re looking to get the best “bang for your buck” look no further than the Cuisinart CPT-435 Countdown. Combining elegant design with modern digital technology, this advanced, versatile toaster delivers reliable and consistent toasting results. Offering excellent value for money spent, the Cuisinart CPT-435 Countdown has many modern features that are designed to satisfy a wide array of users and their varying tastes and preferences.

Along with its 7 toast shade settings, which Cuisinart toasters are well known for, this unit also has reheat and defrost options, as well as bagel and frozen pancake settings. In addition, separate controls are available for defrosting waffles prior to toasting, as well as to reduce heat on the rounded side of bagels.

The Cuisinart CPT-435 Countdown is housed in a durable, easy-to-clean stainless steel and features a countdown display lit by a blue LCD back light. The back light comes with a toasting time countdown bar that makes it easy to keep track of when the toasting process is complete. Read reviews on Amazon >

5 Oster TSSTTRWF4S 4-Slice Toaster

The Oster TSSTTRWF4S, although certainly not a top-of-the-line toaster by any means, is still fairly well designed considering its reasonable cost, and offers as much convenience and versatility as just about any toaster in its price range. Featuring a brushed, stainless steel finish and an accent lever and knob, this toaster is well suited for those looking for a timeless style toaster to match just about any kitchen décor.

The Oster TSSTTRWF4S is also dishwasher safe, a feature that many shoppers find appealing, and has seven toast settings so that toast of any variety can be made, and offers a reheat, frozen and bagel setting. In addition, the Oster TSSTTRWF4S has extrawide slots, which allows a wide variety of different bread types to be toasted.

A retractable cord, removable crumb tray and other standard features are also included with this model. Because of its personal appearance, it can be added to essentially any counter top ensemble of appliances and fit in quite well, not to mention that it would make a great wedding or housewarming gift as well. Read reviews on Amazon >

6 Best Budget Model: Hamilton Beach 22811 Keep Warm Toaster

Those of you who are looking for a budget friendly toaster to replace their current outdated model (or possibly to hand out as a gift) will want to take a good look at the Hamilton Beach 22811 Keep Warm. In addition to the traditional features one would expect, this model has extra functions to offer more convenience to the user, such as the ability to keep toast warm after it’s been toasted through the use of an innovative warming cycle. When the toast is ready, the unit will automatically keep the toast warm for up to three minutes without the user having to push any additional buttons. Toast can be browned at one of seven different levels, and the Hamilton Beach 22881’s cool-touch walls significantly reduces the chances of someone burning their fingers when grabbing toast on the go.

Other features that make this model a good pick are its large illuminated push buttons and bottom cord wrap for clutter free storage. Users will also like its “toast boost” function, which elevates bread items to a higher level for easier removal. The Hamilton Beach 22811 Keep Warm also has special buttons for defrosting and cooking bagels, the latter of which can be toasted on one side only if the user prefers.

It won’t toast as well as the Breville BTA830XL nor can you expect it to last as long, but for someone who is looking for a simple, affordable toaster, the Hamilton Beach 22811 is a great choice. Read reviews on Amazon >

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Toaster

toasted bread on a tableIt’s one of the classic morning annoyances in our daily lives: the malfunctioning toaster that burns everything no matter what the setting. This type of toaster is usually impossible to clean, emits a smell of smoldering rubber when plugged in, and eventually burns itself out within just a few months. It’s not just a mere breakfast time annoyance, it’s also a fire hazard.

If you’ve ever owned one of these so-called toasters, then you understand the importance of choosing the best toaster for your kitchen. Cheap malfunctioning toasters end up not being worth the money you saved when you consider all those loaves of burned bread. In addition, a bad toaster is going to need to be replaced within a few months, if not sooner.

Fortunately, good toasters come in a variety of prices and styles, so whether you’re looking for all the bells and whistles or a simple two-slice model, there’s a decent toaster on the market for every budget and preference.

If you’re tired of throwing away burnt bread and cleaning up a counter full of charred crumbs, here are a few factors to consider when choosing a toaster:

Size and Style

When choosing a toaster, it’s crucial to consider your existing counter space. If it’s limited, your best bet may be a classic two-slice toaster. These have two slots side-by-side or one long slot, and are popular with many buyers because of their compact, streamlined designed. Two-slice toasters are best, however, for smaller households.

If you’re cooking for more than two, you’ll want to go ahead and spend the money on a toaster with a four slice capacity. You’ll be glad you did because there’s nothing more frustrating than trying to toast bread or waffles for several people when you’re working with a tiny, two-slice model.

If you’re a fan of bagels or frozen Belgian waffles, you’ll also want to get a toaster that has at least one slot that’s wide enough to accommodate them. These toasters may cost a few more dollars, but you’ll be able to toast your bagels without having to smash them flat to get them in.

Features

An efficient working pop-up function is pivotal. Unfortunately, this is often the first thing that starts malfunctioning on a sub-standard toaster. Surprisingly, a few upscale toasters on today’s market don’t feature a pop-up function. Instead, they have an alarm that goes off to tell you when your toast is done. Other toasters simply slide the bread through the heating element and the toast emerges from a compartment at the bottom when it’s ready. While most toasters still pop the bread up at the end, if you like trendy innovative appliances, you might want to consider one of these newer types.

Better toasters also have a light that indicates when the toast is done, as well as numbered dials or electronic touchpads to indicate heat levels. Retractable cords are also becoming more common as a space-saving feature.

Slide-out crumb trays are also a popular addition. Just recall how much you enjoy shaking burnt crumbs out of your toaster and sweeping them up off the floor; this should persuade you to spend the extra few dollars on a model with a crumb tray.

Another handy feature on newer toasters is a bread lifter. This is a lever that pushes the popped-up toast out of the slot even further so you won’t have to risk burning your fingers. While it’s not necessary, it’s an ingenious and ergonomic feature to have.

Safety

A few decades ago, plastic toasters began to replace the old-fashioned metal-body toasters for safety reasons. Ff you’ve ever used a metal toaster more than 30 years old, you’ll recall how dangerously hot the metal housing could get. Today’s metal toasters, however, don’t get as hot on the outside because of another important safety feature – the automatic shutoff.

An automatic shutoff is absolutely pivotal in a toaster. According to statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration, appliances cause approximately 9,600 fires a year and result in $211 million in loss of property. Toasters are particular culprits, as are any appliances that contain heating elements. No matter how tight your budget is, spend the extra few dollars to get a toaster with an automatic shutoff; it could save your life or the lives of your family.

Always unplug your toaster when you’re not using it. If you smell a burning odor, unplug the toaster immediately and make sure that there aren’t any crumbs trapped in the heating element. If this area is clean and it’s apparent that the smell is coming from the toaster itself, throw it away or return it to the store or manufacturer if it’s still new or under warranty.

Price

Even if you’re on a limited budget, it’s essential that you buy the best you can for the money. It’s important to remember, however, that an inexpensive toaster can also be a good one. According to respected online review sites, a good quality toaster can cost as little as $15 if you’re looking for a simple two-slice design. Likewise, a commercial grade toaster can cost as much as $1,000, but for that kind of money you’ll get a high-tech marvel that whips multiple slices of toast out in the blink of an eye.

No matter how much you’re able to spend, it’s usually best to stick to recognized brands that you know and trust. Search for clearance sales, particularly after the holidays and during the summer months when retailers want to get rid of inventory. You’ll often be able to find well-known brands for the same price as inexpensive, unfamiliar models. It’s also helpful if your toaster comes with a manufacturer’s warranty, even if it only covers a month or two; check first, because not all toasters have them.

Should I Get A Toaster Oven Instead?

A toaster oven may actually be a good alternative if you really want more from a toaster. Toaster ovens are perfect for cheese toast, mini pizzas, and all the things that would gum up the works of a regular toaster.

Before you buy, decide what you want the toaster to do for you. If you’re looking for something that will toast your bread, bagels and waffles, then a regular toaster will work just fine. If, however, you want something that will heat up open-face sandwiches, cheese toast and even burgers, then a toaster oven may be your best option.

Comparison Chart

Our Top Pick

Capacity
4 Slices
Wattage
1600
Housing Material
Die-Cast Metal
Motorized Lift
Special Functions
“A Bit More”, Defrost & Bagel
1 Year Warranty
Price Level
$$$$$

Best Value

Capacity
4 Slices
Wattage
1800
Housing Material
Stainless Steel
Uses Lever
Special Functions
Defrost, Reheat & Bagel
3 Year Warranty
Price Level
$$$

Best Budget Model

Capacity
2 Slices
Wattage
1450
Housing Material
Plastic & Stainless Steel
Uses Lever
Special Functions
Keep Warm, Defrost & Bagel
1 Year Warranty
Price Level
$

Top Rated

Capacity
4 Slices
Wattage
1800
Housing Material
Stainless Steel
Motorized Lift
Special Functions
Defrost, Reheat & Bagel
3 Year Warranty
Price Level
$$$$

Very Good

Capacity
4 Slices
Wattage
1050
Housing Material
Chrome Stainless Steel
Uses Lever
Special Functions
Defrost, Reheat & Bagel
2 Year Warranty
Price Level
$$$

Good

Capacity
4 Slices
Wattage
1500
Housing Material
Brushed Stainless Steel
Uses Lever
Special Functions
Defrost, Reheat & Bagel
1 Year Warranty
Price Level
$$

Good

Capacity
4 Slices
Wattage
850
Housing Material
Stainless Steel
Uses Lever
Special Functions
Defrost & Reheat
1 Year Warranty
Price Level
$$

Decent

Capacity
2 Slices
Wattage
850
Housing Material
Plastic
Uses Lever
Special Functions
Defrost & Bagel
2 Year Warranty
Price Level
$