Delving into the nuances of thermal regulation and browning consistency, selecting the ideal toaster involves more than just aesthetics. The best toaster 2017 models represent advancements in heating element technology and crumb management.
Understanding the subtle differences in build materials and control interfaces is key to finding the best toaster for your culinary needs. Explore our curated selection to uncover the top performers and discover what makes them stand out in a crowded market.
Your Next Perfect Slice Awaits!
1. BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots, 7 Shade Settings, 1400
Achieve perfectly toasted bread every time with the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster. Designed for modern kitchens, its extra-wide slots and customizable browning options make it a versatile choice for everything from thin slices to thick bagels and artisanal breads. Enjoy effortless operation and easy cleanup, elevating your breakfast routine.
Enjoy effortless operation and easy cleanup, elevating your breakfast routine.
This 1400-watt toaster boasts four independent slots and seven precise shade settings, ensuring consistent results for every user. The self-centering guides adapt to various bread thicknesses, while specialized functions like the Bagel and Frozen modes offer enhanced convenience.
Pros
- Versatile Toasting Capabilities: Extra-wide slots easily accommodate bagels, thick-cut bread, and pastries, making this a truly flexible countertop appliance for various breakfast needs.
- Customizable Browning Control: A simple-to-use shade selector with seven settings allows for precise toasting, from lightly warmed to deeply golden brown, catering to individual preferences.
- Convenient Specialty Functions: Dedicated Bagel, Frozen, and Cancel buttons provide added functionality, allowing for crispier cut-side toasting of bagels and efficient defrosting of frozen items.
- Easy Retrieval and Cleaning: The high-lift lever simplifies removing smaller items, preventing burnt fingers, while the slide-out crumb tray ensures hassle-free cleanup and odor reduction.
Cons
- The lever only locks down when the appliance is plugged in, which could be a minor inconvenience for some users during initial setup or after unplugging.
Offering a blend of functionality and ease of use, the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster is an excellent addition for any household seeking reliable and consistent toast. Its thoughtful features, from wide slots to customizable settings, make it a practical and appreciated kitchen essential for everyday breakfasts.
2. bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting Shade
Discover the ultimate space-saving solution for your breakfast routine with the bella 2-Slice Slim Toaster. Its ultra-slim design and versatile toasting capabilities make it an indispensable addition to any modern kitchen seeking both style and functionality.
This compact kitchen appliance boasts a sleek profile, fitting effortlessly onto countertops with limited space. Engineered for convenience, it features a generous 10-inch long slot capable of handling bagels, artisan breads, and two standard slices simultaneously, promising perfectly toasted results every time.
Pros
- Space-Saving Slim Design: With a mere 3.58-inch width, this bella toaster slides neatly into the smallest kitchen spaces, maintaining a clutter-free countertop.
- Versatile Toasting Slot: The extended 10-inch long slot accommodates thick artisan breads, bagels, and baguettes, offering flexibility beyond standard bread slices.
- Customizable Toasting Experience: Six precise shade settings, easily adjusted with a dial, allow you to achieve your preferred level of toastiness, from light golden to dark crisp.
- Convenient High-Lift Lever: Safely and easily retrieve smaller items like English muffins without the risk of burning your fingers.
- Effortless Cleaning: A removable crumb tray simplifies the cleanup process, ensuring your toaster remains pristine and functions optimally.
- Integrated Cord Management: A built-in cord wrap tucks away excess cable, further contributing to a tidy kitchen environment.
- Additional Toasting Functions: Features like defrost, reheat, and automatic shut-off enhance usability and convenience for everyday use.
Cons
- While it fits two slices, the long slot is primarily designed for wider items, meaning two standard bread slices will toast side-by-side rather than in individual chambers.
The bella 2-Slice Slim Toaster is the perfect choice for individuals or small households prioritizing efficiency and style. Its thoughtful design, from the slim footprint to the versatile slot and easy cleanup, makes preparing your favorite toasted breakfast items a simple pleasure.
3. Cuisinart 4 Slice Compact Stainless Steel Toaster with Extra-Wide Slots
Elevate your breakfast routine with the Cuisinart 4 Slice Compact Stainless Steel Toaster. This stylish appliance is engineered for versatility and precision, ensuring perfectly toasted bread, bagels, and more with its intuitive controls and spacious slots.
Enjoy custom browning and quick reheating for delicious results every time.
Designed for modern kitchens, this Cuisinart toaster boasts extra-wide slots accommodating a variety of bread types, from thick-cut slices to frozen waffles. Its dual control panels offer independent browning selections, while dedicated buttons for defrost and reheat provide ultimate convenience.
Pros
- Versatile Toasting Options: Features dual 6-setting browning dials, plus dedicated buttons for defrost, reheat, and bagels, offering precise control for various bread types and desired crunch levels.
- Accommodates Wider Selections: Extra-wide 1.5-inch slots easily handle thicker items like artisanal bread, bagels, French toast, and frozen pastries, preventing sticking and uneven toasting.
- Efficient and Convenient: Dual control panels allow for simultaneous toasting of different items to individual preferences, while the extra-lift carriage lever makes retrieving smaller items easier.
- Easy Maintenance: A removable crumb tray slides out for quick and simple cleaning, keeping your countertop tidy and the appliance functional.
- Durable and Stylish Design: Constructed with premium stainless steel, this toaster adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen while promising long-lasting performance.
Cons
- While compact, some users might find the dual control panels require a slight learning curve initially for optimal customization.
The Cuisinart 4 Slice Compact Stainless Steel Toaster is an excellent choice for households seeking a reliable, feature-rich appliance for their morning meals. Its combination of custom toasting, versatile slot size, and user-friendly design makes it a highly recommended kitchen essential for achieving perfect toast with ease.
4. Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 4-Slice Long Slot Toaster | Extra Wide
Elevate your breakfast routine with the Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 4-Slice Long Slot Toaster. Experience unparalleled versatility with its extra-wide and long slots, designed to accommodate everything from thick sourdough and artisan bread to full bagel halves and waffles, ensuring perfect toast every time.
This advanced 4-slice toaster offers precise control with six browning settings, plus convenient Reheat, Defrost, and Cancel functions. Its integrated warming rack provides the ultimate convenience, allowing you to warm pastries while toasting bread, bringing everything to your table at the ideal temperature. Engineered for efficiency with 1300 watts of power and user-friendly features like cord storage and slide-out crumb trays.
Engineered for efficiency with 1300 watts of power and user-friendly features like cord storage and slide-out crumb trays.
Pros
- Spacious 10″ long and 1.5″ wide slots easily fit thick bread slices, bagel halves, and artisanal loaves that conventional toasters struggle with, ensuring a consistent toast for large items.
- Six distinct browning levels provide granular control, allowing users to achieve their ideal toast shade, from lightly warmed to deeply golden and crunchy.
- Integrated warming rack offers a significant advantage, gently heating buns, croissants, or pitas on top while bread is toasting below, making it a true breakfast station.
- Dedicated Reheat, Defrost, and Cancel functions add significant utility, catering to various needs such as refreshing day-old toast, toasting frozen items directly, or stopping the cycle immediately.
- Thoughtful design elements like generous cord storage, easy-to-clean slide-out crumb trays, and a high-lift lever enhance daily usability and counter tidiness.
Cons
- Toasting only two slices per slot, positioned opposite each other, is recommended for optimal browning, which might be a minor inconvenience for those seeking to toast all four slots simultaneously with different items.
The Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 stands out as a superior 4-slice toaster, offering exceptional slot dimensions and advanced functionalities. Its combination of customizable browning, specialized functions, and the included warming rack makes it an ideal choice for households that enjoy a variety of breakfast items and appreciate culinary convenience.
5. GE 2 Slice Stainless Steel Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for
Elevate your breakfast routine with the GE 2 Slice Stainless Steel Toaster. Designed for modern kitchens, this appliance perfectly toasts everything from delicate pastries to thick bagels, ensuring a delicious start to your day with customizable browning options and effortless cleanup.
Experience consistent results every time thanks to its even toasting capability, Wide slots make it incredibly versatile for various bread types and baked goods. Its sleek stainless steel finish adds a touch of elegance to any countertop, blending form with function for daily use.
Pros
- Achieve your preferred level of crispiness with 7 distinct shade settings, catering to diverse taste preferences from lightly golden to deeply toasted.
- Effortlessly accommodate thicker items like artisan bread slices, bagels, and pastries thanks to the generously sized 1.38″ x 5.50″ extra wide toaster slots.
- Enjoy impeccable browning on every slice due to the efficient heating element designed for uniform heat distribution, ensuring no burnt edges or pale centers.
- Maintain a spotless kitchen environment with the integrated removable crumb tray, simplifying the cleaning process and preventing messy build-up.
Cons
- While offering 7 shade settings, finer control between very similar shades might be limited for the most discerning toast connoisseur.
This GE 2-slice toaster is an ideal choice for individuals or small households seeking a reliable and stylish appliance for their morning toast needs. Its thoughtful design, including extra-wide slots and even toasting technology, makes it a practical and efficient addition to any kitchen, promising perfectly browned bread with minimal fuss and easy maintenance.
6. BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels & Thick
Elevate your breakfast routine with the BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster, expertly designed for versatility and convenience. Achieve your perfect toast every time, whether it’s a classic slice of bread or a thick, artisanal bagel, thanks to its thoughtful features and straightforward operation.
This 2-slice toaster boasts extra-wide slots, accommodating a variety of baked goods from bagels and English muffins to thick-cut bread and frozen waffles. With 6 adjustable shade settings, you have precise control over your toast’s crispness, ensuring a delightful start to your day.
Pros
- Versatile Extra-Wide Slots: Effortlessly toast thick-cut breads, substantial bagels, and fluffy waffles, providing flexibility for diverse breakfast preferences.
- Customizable Toasting Shades: Select from 6 distinct browning levels for your ideal golden brown or extra crunchy finish, catering to individual tastes.
- Consistent & Quick Toasting: Enjoy reliably even browning and efficient performance, serving up perfectly toasted items without the wait or uneven patches.
- Compact & Tidy Design: Its space-saving footprint is ideal for any kitchen counter, offering powerful functionality without sacrificing valuable prep space.
- Hassle-Free Cleaning: The integrated, removable crumb tray makes cleanup a breeze, keeping your countertop free from debris.
- Convenient Cancel Option: Easily halt the toasting cycle at any moment, ensuring complete control and safe operation.
Cons
- While it offers 6 shade settings, some users may desire even finer gradations for extremely specific browning preferences.
For those seeking a reliable and adaptable toaster that simplifies breakfast preparation, the BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster is an excellent choice for everyday use. Its blend of user-friendly features and consistent performance makes it a valuable addition to any modern kitchen, perfect for families and individuals alike.
7. Cuisinart Core Collection 2-Slice Toaster | Extra-Long Slots for Artisan
Elevate your breakfast routine with the Cuisinart Core Collection 2-Slice Toaster, a modern appliance designed for superior toastability. Its extra-long slots and intelligent browning technology ensure perfectly golden results for every type of bread, from artisan sourdough to classic bagels.
This versatile 2-slice toaster boasts 1200 watts of power for efficient toasting. The extra-long slots, a standout feature for baker’s bread, accommodate various thicknesses with ease. With 7 browning settings and specialized functions, achieving your ideal crisp and crunch is effortless.
With 7 browning settings and specialized functions, achieving your ideal crisp and crunch is effortless. The high-lift carriage is perfect for retrieving smaller items safely, and the easy-clean crumb tray simplifies maintenance.
Pros
- Accommodates thick-cut artisan loaves and varied bread types thanks to its generous 40% larger slots.
- Delivers consistently even browning on both sides with the One-Slice Technology and a dedicated True Bagel setting.
- Offers convenient mid-toast checks without interrupting the cycle using the High-Lift QuickView lever.
- Features intuitive push-button controls for Bagel, Defrost, Single Slice, and Cancel, plus a +30 Seconds option for customized toasting.
- Maintains a tidy kitchen space with a removable crumb tray and integrated cord storage.
Cons
- While compact, the 2-slice capacity might be limiting for larger households needing to toast multiple items simultaneously.
The Cuisinart Core Collection toaster is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable and stylish appliance that handles a wide array of bread needs with precision. Its thoughtful features, from the extended slots to the user-friendly controls, make it a top contender for your kitchen countertop.
8. Proctor Silex 2-Slice Toaster with Extra Wide Slots for Bagels,
Start your day with perfectly toasted bread, bagels, and more with the Proctor Silex 2-Slice Toaster. Designed for versatility and convenience, this appliance effortlessly handles thicker slices, ensuring your breakfast favorites are prepared to your exact liking every morning.
This 2-slice toaster boasts extra-wide slots, a godsend for bulky bagels and artisanal breads that often get stuck in standard toasters. The innovative Toast Boost feature elevates smaller items like English muffins for easy retrieval, while the user-friendly shade selector offers seven toasting levels, from lightly golden to deeply browned. Its 700-wattage ensures efficient toasting, and the automatic shut-off provides peace of mind.
Ideal for kitchens where space is a consideration, its compact design and built-in cord wrap make storage a breeze.
Pros
- Accommodates thicker items like bagels and artisan bread thanks to its extra-wide toasting slots, a significant upgrade from standard 2-slice models.
- Easily retrieve smaller items such as English muffins without burning your fingers with the convenient Toast Boost feature.
- Maintain a clean kitchen environment with the easily accessible pull-out crumb tray, simplifying cleanup after each use.
- Achieve your ideal toast shade consistently with seven variable browning settings and a straightforward Cancel button for immediate completion.
- Effortless storage is provided by the integrated cord wrap, keeping countertops tidy when the toaster is not in use.
- Enjoy enhanced safety and convenience with the automatic shut-off function, which stops the toasting cycle even if bread becomes jammed.
Cons
- While effective for most needs, some users might desire additional specialized functions or a higher wattage for extremely rapid toasting.
The Proctor Silex 2-Slice Toaster offers practical functionality for everyday breakfast needs. It’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable and user-friendly appliance to perfectly toast a variety of breads, from standard slices to thick bagels, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen counter.
9. Cuisinart CPT-160 Metal Classic 2-Slice Toaster, Brushed Stainless
Elevate your breakfast routine with the Cuisinart CPT-160 Metal Classic 2-Slice Toaster. Its brushed stainless steel finish brings a touch of sophistication to any kitchen counter, while its robust functionality ensures perfectly toasted bread, bagels, and more every time. This appliance is designed for both style and substance.
This compact yet capable toaster boasts 5-inch wide slots, accommodating a variety of bread types.
Enjoy precise toasting with its 6-setting shade dial, complemented by convenient reheat, defrost, and bagel functions, all indicated by clear LED lights. The high-lift carriage makes retrieving smaller items effortless, and a pull-out crumb tray simplifies cleanup.
Pros
- Versatile Toasting Options: Features dedicated buttons for reheating, defrosting frozen bread, and toasting bagels to perfection, alongside a 6-setting shade control for custom browning levels.
- Generous Slot Width: The 1.5-inch wide toasting slots easily accommodate thicker items like artisanal breads, thick-cut slices, and bagels, preventing sticking and ensuring even toasting.
- User-Friendly Design: Includes an extra-lift carriage lever for safely removing smaller items, an easy-clean slide-out crumb tray, and integrated cord storage for a tidy appearance.
- Durable Construction: Built with a sleek brushed stainless steel exterior, this Cuisinart toaster is designed for longevity and countertop appeal, making it a standout kitchen essential.
- BPA-Free Materials: Ensures peace of mind with the use of BPA-free components, making it a safe choice for daily use in your home.
Cons
- While generally well-regarded, the 900-wattage might result in slightly longer toasting times compared to higher-wattage models for a crispier finish.
For those seeking a reliable, stylish, and feature-rich 2-slice toaster, the Cuisinart CPT-160 is an excellent choice. It offers a balance of functionality and aesthetic appeal, ideal for everyday use and a must-have for any modern kitchen appliance collection.
Enjoy consistently delicious toast with this classic appliance.
10. Mueller UltraToast Stainless Steel Toaster 4 Slice – Extra-Wide 1.6″
Elevate your morning routine with the Mueller UltraToast 4 Slice Toaster, a modern kitchen essential designed for families craving perfectly toasted bread, bagels, and more. Its spacious, extra-wide slots and intelligent browning technology deliver consistent results, transforming everyday breakfasts into delightful culinary experiences.
Experience unparalleled toasting performance with self-centering guides and six browning settings, all managed through an intuitive LED display and touch controls. This innovative appliance is engineered to handle everything from thick artisan loaves to delicate English muffins, ensuring each slice is toasted to perfection, every time.
Pros
- Accommodates oversized items like artisan bread, large bagels, and English muffins with its extra-wide, 1.6-inch slots.
- Intelligent heating and memory recall capabilities ensure consistent, personalized browning across all six settings, even for frozen items.
- Modern capacitive touch controls and a clear LED display offer a user-friendly and sophisticated toasting experience, while integrated cord storage maintains a tidy countertop.
- Effortless cleaning is achieved through a convenient slide-out crumb tray and a fingerprint-resistant brushed stainless steel exterior that wipes clean easily.
Cons
- For optimal, even browning, the appliance performs best when all four slots are actively in use.
The Mueller UltraToast 4 Slice Toaster is the ultimate solution for households seeking versatility and reliability in their breakfast appliances. Its robust construction, advanced features, and user-centric design make it a standout choice for anyone who appreciates perfectly toasted food with minimal fuss, making it an ideal gift or upgrade for any kitchen.
How to Find the Best Toaster
Toasting performance and settings
Achieving your ideal slice of toast relies heavily on the capability and versatility of a toaster’s heating elements and browning adjustment mechanisms.
The degree of control over browning levels is paramount, as a wide range of settings ensures you can cater to diverse preferences, from lightly golden to deeply caramelized. Consistency in toasting, meaning that both sides of the bread cook evenly and that results are repeatable, is a hallmark of a quality appliance. This is especially important when toasting different types of bread, whether it’s a thin slice of sourdough or a thick-cut artisan loaf, each requiring unique thermal management.
This is especially important when toasting different types of bread, whether it’s a thin slice of sourdough or a thick-cut artisan loaf, each requiring unique thermal management.
Beyond basic browning, look for specialized functions that enhance convenience and expand culinary possibilities. Dedicated bagel settings, for instance, effectively toast the cut side while gently warming the rounded exterior. Pastry functions can be ideal for delicate items, preventing over-browning.
Furthermore, features like defrosting frozen bread to the perfect crispness or reheating previously toasted items without further browning add significant utility, transforming your countertop appliance into a more adaptable kitchen companion.
Capacity and slot size
The number of bread slots and their dimensions fundamentally determine a toaster’s utility for your daily breakfast routine.
For families or individuals who toast frequently, a four-slice model offers significant time-saving convenience over a two-slice unit, allowing for larger batches or varied preferences to be prepared simultaneously. Equally important is the width of these slots; standard slots accommodate regular sliced bread, but if you frequently enjoy thicker artisan loaves, bagels, or even artisanal croissants, wider slots are essential to prevent jamming and ensure even toasting. Consider the overall dimensions of the appliance as well; a larger capacity unit will naturally occupy more counter space, so it’s wise to measure your available area to ensure a perfect fit without sacrificing precious kitchen real estate.
Ultimately, matching the toaster’s capacity and slot configuration to your household’s specific bread types and consumption habits ensures optimal performance and satisfaction, preventing the frustration of ill-fitting slices or insufficient output.
Convenience and cleaning features
Effortless operation and upkeep significantly enhance the daily kitchen experience.
A well-designed appliance should minimize your effort, not add to it. Think about the practicalities of daily use and cleaning.
Consider how a highlift lever can be a lifesaver for retrieving smaller items like English muffins or bagels without risking burnt fingertips. Furthermore, integrated cord storage solutions keep your countertops tidy and free from unsightly tangled wires, promoting a neat and organized cooking space.
Materials also play a crucial role in maintenance. Appliances featuring wipeclean exterior surfaces, often constructed from durable stainless steel or easy-to-clean coated plastics, allow for quick and simple wipe-downs after spills or splatters, ensuring your kitchen gadget always looks its best with minimal fuss. These small but vital considerations contribute to a seamless and enjoyable toasting process from start to finish.
Build quality and safety
A well-constructed appliance is not only a sign of longevity but also a critical aspect of kitchen safety.
When evaluating a new toasting device, prioritize robust build quality and integrated safety mechanisms to ensure a reliable and secure user experience.
Look for housings made from durable materials like brushed stainless steel, which offers superior heat resistance and a premium feel, or high-quality, heat-resistant plastics that won’t warp or degrade over time. A cool-touch exterior is paramount for preventing accidental burns during operation, especially in busy kitchens with children or pets. Advanced safety features such as automatic shutoff, which powers down the unit if there’s a malfunction or if the bread becomes jammed, contribute to peace of mind.
Additionally, nonslip feet provide essential stability, preventing the appliance from sliding on countertops during use, thereby minimizing the risk of spills or tipping accidents. These elements collectively contribute to a dependable and secure countertop companion.
Quick Best Toaster 2017 Buying Checklist
- Consider Capacity: How many slices do you need to toast at once?
- Check Slot Width: Can it accommodate thicker breads like bagels or artisan loaves?
- Evaluate Browning Control: Does it offer a wide range of consistent browning settings?
- Look for Special Features: Do you need bagel, defrost, or reheat functions?
- Assess Cleaning Ease: Is there a removable crumb tray and easy-to-clean exterior?
- Prioritize Safety: Does it have cool-touch housing and auto-shutoff features?
Frequently Asked Questions
What’S The Difference Between A 2-Slice And 4-Slice Toaster?
A 2-slice toaster is ideal for individuals or couples, while a 4-slice toaster is better suited for families or those who entertain, offering more toasting capacity at once.
How Important Is The Material Of A Toaster?
Materials like stainless steel offer durability and a premium look, although plastic models can be lighter and more budget-friendly. Consider longevity and aesthetics for your kitchen.
What Does ‘Bagel Setting’ Do?
A bagel setting typically toasts the cut side of the bagel more intensely while gently warming the outer sides, preventing burning.
Are All Toasters Hard To Clean?
Most toasters feature a removable crumb tray to catch debris, making cleaning much simpler. Some exteriors are also designed for easy wipe-downs.
Can I Toast Frozen Bread?
Many modern toasters include a defrost setting specifically designed to thaw frozen bread before toasting it to perfection.
Final Words
Finding the best toaster can significantly elevate your breakfast routine with perfectly golden slices every time. With various features like versatile browning and dedicated settings, these appliances offer convenience and consistent results.
Invest in a quality toaster to make your mornings quicker and tastier.
