Toasters Guide
Power output
The power output of a toaster determines how quickly and evenly it can toast your bread. Generally, toasters with higher power outputs will toast your bread faster and more efficiently. One example of a toaster with a high power output is the Cuisinart CPT-440 4-Slice Toaster. It boasts an impressive 1800-watt power output, allowing it to toast your bread in seconds. Another option is the Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster, which features a powerful 1800-watt motor for fast and consistent toasting performance. These toasters are perfect for busy individuals who need their toast ready in a flash.
Size and compactness
The size of a toaster is crucial as it determines how much countertop space it will occupy in your kitchen. If you have limited space available, you may want to consider a compact toaster such as the Cuisinart CPT-122 Compact 4-Slice Toaster. With dimensions of 10.75" x 7.13" x 7.13", it takes up minimal space while still allowing you to toast up to four slices at a time. For even more space-saving options, you can explore the range of toaster ovens such as the Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven. These versatile appliances combine toasting and baking functions into one compact unit, ideal for multi-functional kitchens. Whether you opt for a compact toaster or a toaster oven, it is important to consider the available space and select a product that fits your needs.
Number of slices it can toast
This will determine how quickly you can prepare your toast, which is especially important during busy mornings. There are various options available on the market that can accommodate different numbers of slices. For those who need a toaster that can toast four slices at once, the Cuisinart CPT-440 Touch to Toast is a popular choice. It features dual control panels, allowing you to toast bread to your desired level of crispiness. For smaller households or individuals, the Breville BTA840XL Die-Cast is an excellent two-slice toaster. It offers a variety of browning options and a high-lift lever for easy retrieval of smaller items, such as bagels or English muffins.
Adjustable browning settings
This feature allows you to control the level of browning on your toast, ensuring it is perfectly crispy to your liking. One example of a toaster that offers adjustable browning settings is the Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster. This toaster provides 9 different browning levels, allowing you to achieve the shade of toast you desire. Another option is the Cuisinart CPT-420 Touch to Toast Leverless 2-Slice Toaster, which offers 7 browning settings along with an LCD countdown display, making it easy to keep track of toasting time. Additional products with adjustable browning settings include the KitchenAid KMT2115ER Toaster and the Hamilton Beach Classic Chrome 2-Slice Toaster. Remember, the ability to adjust browning settings is crucial in ensuring the perfect toast each and every time.
Even heat distribution
A toaster that evenly toasts bread slices ensures that every bite is perfectly golden brown. Look for toasters that boast advanced heating elements or technologies designed to deliver consistent heat across the bread. One excellent example of such a toaster is the Cuisinart CPT-440 Touch to Toast Leverless 4-Slice Toaster. This stylish toaster features an innovative custom control technology that allows you to toast bread just the way you like it. With its seven shade settings and enhanced bagel toasting capabilities, the Cuisinart CPT-440 ensures every slice is toasted evenly from top to bottom. Another reliable option is the Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster, which features a unique motorized toaster that automatically lowers bread into the toasting slots for even browning and rises once the toasting is complete.
Fast toasting time
Nobody wants to wait around for their toast to be ready in the morning. To ensure quick and efficient toasting, look for toasters with high wattage, such as the Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster with 1800 watts or the Cuisinart CPT-435 Countdown 4-Slice Stainless Steel Toaster with 1800 watts. These toasters offer rapid toasting capabilities, reducing the wait time and conveniently preparing your toast in just a matter of minutes. Additionally, the KitchenAid KMT2115ER Toaster features an extra-wide 1.5-inch slot and 750 watts of power for even faster toasting. These toasters ensure a quick and efficient toasting experience for busy individuals who don't have time to waste.
Removable crumb tray
A removable crumb tray makes cleaning your toaster a breeze, as you can simply take out the tray, empty the crumbs, and easily wipe it clean. This feature not only helps maintain hygiene and cleanliness but also prevents any burnt crumbs from accumulating and affecting the taste of your toast. Some excellent toasters with removable crumb trays include the Breville BTA840XL 4-Slice Smart Toaster and the Cuisinart CPT-160 Metal Classic 2-Slice Toaster. Both of these toasters come with easy to remove crumb trays that can be cleaned quickly, saving you time and effort while ensuring a long-lasting and reliable toaster.
Group 1 - High-end toasters with removable crumb trays:
Breville BTA840XL4-Slice Smart Toaster: This toaster features an innovative Lift & Look feature that allows you to monitor the progress of your toast without canceling the cycle. It also has a motorized carriage that automatically lowers and raises your bread. The removable crumb tray makes cleaning easy and convenient.- Cuisinart CPT-160 Metal Classic 2-Slice Toaster: This toaster has a sleek, stainless steel design with a removable crumb tray for effortless cleaning. It boasts six shade settings to ensure perfect toast every time and extra-wide slots that can accommodate both thick and thin slices of bread.
Group 2 - Budget-friendly toasters with removable crumb trays:
- Hamilton Beach 2-Slice Toaster: This toaster has a compact design perfect for small kitchens or individuals. It features an easy-to-remove crumb tray and comes with multiple shade settings and an automatic toast boost function for easy retrieval of smaller bread slices.
BLACK+DECKER 2-SliceExtra-Wide Slot Toaster: This toaster offers extra-wide slots to accommodate various bread sizes and shapes. It comes with a removable crumb tray for quick cleaning and has functions like one-touch buttons for bagels, defrosting, and canceling to suit your toasting preferences.
Extra wide slots
Look for toasters with extra wide slots to accommodate a variety of bread sizes and thicknesses. A great example of a toaster with extra wide slots is the Cuisinart CPT-440 Touch to Toast Leverless 4-Slice Toaster. It features 1.5-inch wide slots, making it perfect for toasting bagels, thick artisan breads, and even waffles. Another option to consider is the Breville BTA830XL Die-Cast 4-Slice Long Slot Smart Toaster, which offers extra long and extra wide slots to accommodate larger, irregular-sized breads. These toasters are designed to give you the versatility you need in toasting while ensuring even browning and a consistent toasting experience.
Bagel setting
This setting ensures that your bagel is perfectly toasted on the cut side while remaining warm and slightly soft on the other side. One excellent toaster that offers this feature is the Breville BTA840XL Die-Cast 4-Slice Smart Toaster. With its Bagel setting, this toaster ensures that you can enjoy deliciously toasted bagels every time. Another option to consider is the Cuisinart CPT-440 Touch to Toast Leverless 4-Slice Toaster. This toaster also offers a Bagel setting, allowing you to perfectly toast your bagels to your desired level of crispiness.
Defrost setting
This setting allows you to easily toast frozen bread without having to defrost it first. Look for a toaster that offers adjustable defrost settings, so you can customize the toasting time to suit your preferences.
For example, the Cuisinart CPT-180 Metal Classic 4-Slice Toaster features a defrost setting that is perfect for slice-toasting frozen pastries or breads. It offers six shade options, ensuring you can achieve your desired level of toasting. Another great option is the Breville BTA830XL Die-Cast 4-Slice Long Slot Smart Toaster. With its defrost setting and LED panel that illuminates the setting options, you can easily select the perfect defrost time and shade. Its extra-long and wide slots can accommodate a variety of bread sizes. These toasters are perfect for those who frequently use frozen bread and want fast and efficient toasting without the need for defrosting.
Reheat function
This function allows you to warm up cold toast without further browning or toasting. It is especially useful if you have leftover toast or need to take a break from toasting and want to keep the bread warm.
One toaster that offers a reliable reheat function is the Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster. It comes with a dedicated reheat button that allows you to bring toast or bagels back to a warm and delicious state. Another option is the Oster 2-Slice Retractable Cord Toaster, which also includes a convenient reheat feature. Both toasters have adjustable browning control and extra-wide slots to accommodate various types of bread. These toasters are great choices if the reheat function is an important factor for you.
Cancel button
This feature allows you to stop the toasting process in case you've decided the bread is done before the timer has completed. It is particularly useful when you prefer your toast less crispy or when you've accidentally set the timer for too long. When researching toasters, you'll find that many top brands offer models with this convenient feature. For instance, the Cuisinart CPT-160P1 toaster not only has a Cancel button but also features a motorized lift for easy removal of toasted items. Another excellent option is the Breville BTA820XL toaster which includes a Lift & Look function that allows you to check the progress of your toast without interrupting the toasting cycle. Both these toasters come from reputable brands and deliver excellent toasting results.
Temperature control
This allows you to have full control over how light or dark you want your toast to be. Some toasters on the market offer a wide range of temperature settings, like the Breville BTA730XL Bit More toaster with its 6 different shade settings, ensuring you get the perfect toast every time. Other products, such as the Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster, provide simple dial controls for adjusting the toast shade to your liking. For those seeking more advanced options, the Smeg TSF01RDUS 2-Slice Toaster offers additional features like a bagel setting and a defrost function along with its variable browning settings. Whatever your preference, ensuring that the toaster you choose has temperature control will guarantee that you can enjoy your toast exactly the way you like it.
LED display
An LED display provides clear visibility and enhances convenience by allowing users to easily monitor the toasting progress. One excellent example of a toaster with a LED display is the Breville BTA730XL the Bit More 4-Slice Toaster. This toaster features a high-lift lever, LED progress indicator lights, and a LED panel that shows the shade setting and toasting progress countdown. Another option is the Cuisinart CPT-440P1 4-Slice Touchscreen Toaster, which features a sleek touchscreen with LED indicators, allowing users to select their preferred toasting options with precision. The LED display on these toasters ensures effortless control over toasting preferences, making the process more convenient and enjoyable.
Toast lift mechanism
This mechanism lifts your toast out of the toaster to ensure you have a hassle-free and safe removal process. One popular option is the Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster. This toaster features a motorized toast lift that gently raises your toast with the push of a button, making it convenient and easy to reach your perfectly toasted slices. Another great option is the Cuisinart CPT-180 Metal Classic 4-Slice Toaster, which utilizes an extra-lift carriage lever to elevate your toast for a secure and steady grip. These innovative mechanisms guarantee a smooth experience and reduce the risk of burning your fingers.
Cord length
A longer cord provides flexibility and convenience, allowing you to place the toaster in any location without having to worry about its proximity to an electrical outlet. Look for toasters with cords that are at least 2 feet in length, giving you plenty of reach. Additionally, some models offer retractable cords, enabling you to adjust the length as needed and keeping your countertop tidy. One toaster that stands out in terms of cord length is the Cuisinart CPT-180P1 with its 36-inch cord, providing ample length for any setup and giving you the freedom to place it wherever is most convenient for you.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more practical and space-saving option, you may consider cordless toasters. These eliminate the need for a physical cord and function by placing the toaster on a charging base. The Lifelong Glass Top 800-Watt 2-Slice Cordless Toaster is a prime example of this type of toaster, powered by an internal battery that can be charged on the base. With its cordless design, you can easily pick up the toaster and move it within your kitchen without being limited by the length of a cord.
Auto shut-off feature
This feature ensures that your toaster turns off automatically when the toasting cycle is complete, preventing your toast from burning or drying out. It's especially useful for busy households or individuals who may forget about their toast while attending to other tasks. One excellent toaster that offers this functionality is the Cuisinart CPT-160. This 2-slice toaster comes with an auto shut-off feature, allowing you to set your desired toasting time, and it will automatically turn off once the toast is ready. Another great option is the Breville BTA830XL, a 4-slice toaster that also includes an auto shut-off feature, as well as other advanced functions like 'Lift and Look' and 'A Bit More' for additional control over your toasting process. These toasters provide the convenience and peace of mind in knowing that your toast will always come out perfectly toasted.
Durability and build quality
Look for toasters made with high-quality materials such as stainless steel or durable plastics. In particular, the Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster is known for its solid and sturdy construction, ensuring it can withstand regular use without wear and tear. Similarly, the KitchenAid KMT2203FP Pro Line Series 2-Slice Automatic Toaster boasts a durable metal construction that guarantees longevity in the kitchen. Another option worth considering is the Cuisinart CPT-180P1 Metal Classic 4-Slice toaster, which features a brushed stainless steel housing, enhancing its durability while also adding an elegant touch to your countertop.
Cool-touch exterior
This feature ensures that the outer surface of the toaster remains cool to the touch, minimizing the risk of accidental burns. A great example of a toaster with this feature is the Cuisinart CPT-440 Touch to Toast Leverless 4-Slice Toaster. This toaster not only has a cool-touch exterior but also offers a convenient leverless design, allowing you to easily lower the bread into the toasting chamber. Another excellent option is the Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster. This toaster boasts a cool-touch exterior and features a motorized lift that automatically raises and lowers the bread, ensuring even toasting every time. Both of these toasters prioritize safety without compromising performance.
Easy to clean
Look for models that have features specifically designed to make cleaning a breeze. For example, the KitchenAid KMT4116CU 4 Slice Toaster comes with a removable crumb tray, allowing you to easily empty out the crumbs and keep your toaster clean. Additionally, it has a high-lift lever that raises smaller slices of bread to a higher position, making it easy to retrieve without burning your fingers.
Another toaster that is known for its easy cleaning is the Cuisinart CPT-320 Compact Stainless 2-Slice Toaster. It also features a removable crumb tray for easy cleanup. Additionally, it has a bagel function that toasts the inside of the bagel while gently warming the outside for a perfect texture every time.
In the market, there are also toaster models specifically designed for easy cleaning. These models, such as the Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster, have a motorized lift that raises the bread and lowers it into the toasting chamber with a touch of a button, ensuring even toasting and making it easier to clean interior walls.
For those considering a high-end toaster, the Smeg 2-Slice Toaster is a great choice. It features a removable stainless steel crumb tray for easy cleaning and a bun warmer to gently heat pastries and buns.
Energy efficiency
Opting for an energy-efficient toaster not only saves electricity but also helps promote sustainability. A great example of an energy-efficient toaster is the Cuisinart 2 Slice Compact Plastic Toaster. It features custom controls, allowing users to defrost, bagel, and reheat toast to perfection. With a power rating of 900 watts and a compact design, this toaster minimizes energy consumption while still delivering optimal toasting results. For individuals who require a larger capacity, the Breville Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster is an energy-efficient option. This toaster offers a motorized carriage that automatically lifts and lowers the bread for perfect toasting, along with a power rating of 900 watts to ensure efficient use of electricity.
Versatility (can toast different types of bread)
An ideal toaster should be able to toast different types of bread, ranging from sliced white bread to bagels and artisan bread. To ensure versatility, look for features like multiple toasting settings, variable browning control, and extra-wide slots.
One toaster that offers great versatility is the Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast Stainless-Steel 2-Slice Smart Toaster. With its variable browning control and five distinct settings, this toaster allows you to toast different types of bread to your desired level of brownness. Furthermore, it features extra-wide slots that can accommodate even thicker slices of bread or bagels, making it suitable for a wide range of bread options.
Another option to consider is the Cuisinart CPT-440 Touch to Toast Leverless 4-Slice Toaster. This toaster offers dual controls, allowing you to create different toast settings simultaneously. Its extra-wide slots are capable of toasting a variety of breads, from sliced bread to bagels. Additionally, this toaster features a motorized lift that gently lowers and raises the bread, ensuring easy and safe retrieval.
These toasters exemplify the versatility needed when choosing the best toaster, enabling you to enjoy a variety of bread options without sacrificing the quality of your toasting experience.
Safe and stable base
Look for a toaster with a sturdy construction and a non-slip base to prevent accidents and ensure stability during use. One product that exemplifies this is the Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro Convection Toaster Oven. It features a reinforced stainless steel exterior and a non-slip base, providing a secure and durable base. Another option is the Cuisinart CPT-122 Compact 2-Slice Toaster, which is designed with a stable base to prevent wobbling and sliding on countertops. Both of these toasters prioritize safety and stability in their design, making them excellent choices for your kitchen.
Variable believe levels
This feature allows you to customize the toast to your liking - from light and golden to crispy and brown. The Breville BTA830XL Die-Cast 4-Slice Long Slot Smart Toaster is an excellent choice that provides 5 different browning settings to cater to various tastes. Equipped with a LCD display, it also offers an "A Bit More" button which allows you to add extra toasting time if desired. Similarly, the Cuisinart CPT-440 Touch to Toast Leverless 4-Slice Toaster offers 7 shade settings to ensure perfect toasting, along with a motorized lift that lowers and raises your toast with a touch of a button. For those who prefer a compact option, the `Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Toaster with Control Shall Defrost and Bagel’ is a great choice, offering easy-to-use push-button controls with multiple shade settings for consistent toasting results.
Construction material
The material used in the toaster not only affects its durability but also plays a role in its performance. Stainless steel toasters are a popular choice as they are highly durable and often come with stylish designs. The Cuisinart CPT-180 Classic 4-Slice Toaster is an excellent example of a stainless steel toaster that offers both durability and sleek aesthetics. Another material option is plastic, which is often used for its affordability and light weight. A reliable plastic toaster on the market is the Hamilton Beach 2-Slice Cool Touch Toaster, which provides a cool-touch exterior for added safety. Lastly, for those seeking a more unique construction material, there are toasters made from chrome. The Smeg 2-Slice Toaster is a fantastic choice featuring a chrome construction that adds a touch of retro style to any kitchen.
Extra features (e.g., toast (re)heat, bagel stetting)
Some toasters come with a toast (re)heat function, which allows you to warm up toast that has been cooled down without browning it further. This is helpful for those who like to enjoy warm toast even if they leave it sitting for a few minutes. The Cuisinart CPT-640 4-Slice Toaster is a great example of a toaster with this feature, giving you the convenience of warmed-up toast anytime.
Another popular extra feature to look out for is the bagel setting. In this mode, the toaster only toasts the cut side of the bagel while keeping the other side warm and soft. This makes it perfect for toasting bagels, as it enhances their inner texture without overcooking the crust. The Hamilton Beach 24990 Professional is a fantastic toaster that offers this feature, ensuring you get a perfectly toasted bagel every time. With these extra features, your toaster becomes more versatile and efficient, giving you a better toasting experience.
Intuitive control panel/buttons
You want a toaster that is easy to use and doesn't require a lot of guesswork. Look for models with clearly labeled buttons and a user-friendly interface. For example, the Breville BTA830XL Smart Toaster offers a high-lift lever for easy removal of smaller slices, a "Bit More" button to add a little extra toast, and a "Frozen" button for toasting frozen bread. Another option is the Cuisinart CPT-440 Touch to Toast Leverless 4-Slice Toaster, which features touchpad controls, allowing for precise browning levels, as well as a countdown timer display and dual independent controls for toasting different types of bread simultaneously. These models are great choices for those who want a toaster with an intuitive control panel and user-friendly buttons.
Color/ Design option
Toasters are available in a range of colors and designs, allowing you to find one that matches your kitchen decor and personal style. If you prefer a sleek and modern look, the Breville BTA820XL Smart Toaster is a great choice, featuring a brushed stainless steel exterior. For those who want to add a pop of color to their kitchen, the Smeg TSF01CRUS 50's Retro Style Aesthetic Toaster offers a vibrant, retro design with a chrome exterior and various color options like pastel blue or pink. If space is a concern, the compact Cuisinart CPT-180BKS Metal Classic 4-Slice Toaster is a versatile option that comes in a black stainless steel finish.
Indicator lights
Indicator lights provide handy visual cues that help determine when your toast is ready. One exceptional example is the Cuisinart CPT-180 Metal Classic 4-Slice Toaster, which features dual indicator lights for both the slices being toasted and the desired shade. Another highly regarded option is the Hamilton Beach 2-Slice Keep Warm Toaster, which boasts a toast shade selector with indicator lights, enabling users to easily monitor and choose the exact level of browning desired. Grouping toasters based on budget, one affordable option with indicator lights is the BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster, which consists of a shade selector knob with indicator lights to ensure consistent browning while toasting. In the high-end segment, the Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster boasts advanced features with LED progress indicator lights, providing real-time feedback on the toasting process and ensuring precise control. So, consider the presence of indicator lights as a crucial feature when selecting the right toaster.
Easy storage and portability
Some toasters are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them easy to store in small kitchens or even take on the go. One example is the Compact 2-Slice Toaster by Hamilton Beach, which measures just 6.93 x 11.02 x 7.8 inches and weighs only 2.75 pounds. This toaster is an excellent choice for those with limited counter space or for those who frequently travel and want to enjoy a tasty breakfast wherever they go.
Another option for easy storage and portability is the 4-Slice Long Slot Toaster by Cuisinart. This toaster features extra long slots that can accommodate a variety of bread sizes, including bagels and artisanal loaves. It measures 11.42 x 13.2 x 7.48 inches and weighs 8.78 pounds, making it a great choice for those who want a toaster that provides versatility while still being easy to store when not in use.
In terms of small and compact toasters, the 2-Slice Toaster by KitchenAid is a top contender. It measures 11.4 x 5.55 x 7.48 inches and weighs 4.2 pounds. Despite its small size, this toaster offers a range of advanced features, such as a shade control dial and a high lift lever, ensuring that you can enjoy your toast just the way you like it.
Price
There are a range of toasters available in a variety of price points to suit every budget. For those on a tighter budget, the BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster is a great option. It comes with extra-wide slots, perfect for toasting bread and bagels, and has seven shading settings to achieve the desired toasting level. Another affordable option is the Cuisinart CPT-160P1 Metal Classic 2-Slice toaster, featuring six shade settings, multiple toasting functions, and a compact design that fits well in smaller kitchens. On the higher end of the price scale, the Breville BTA830XL Die-Cast 4-Slice Long Slot Smart Toaster offers long slots for toasting artisan bread, five browning settings, and a motorized lift and look feature that allows you to check toast progress without interrupting the toasting cycle. For those seeking a well-known luxury brand, the KitchenAid KMT4116CU 4 Slice Long Slot Toaster is a stylish and efficient option with extra-wide slots and seven shade settings.
Variety of brands
Different brands have their own unique features, advantages, and drawbacks. For instance, the Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster offers a sleek design and a motorized lift that gently lowers and raises the bread, making it easy to retrieve without any hassle. It also has a "Lift and Look" function that lets you check the toast without canceling the cycle.
Another well-known brand, the Cuisinart CPT-180 Metal Classic 4-Slice Toaster, is a popular choice among consumers. This toaster comes with dual controls, allowing you to toast different bread types or shade settings simultaneously. Its extra-wide slots accommodate a variety of bread sizes and thicknesses. On the downside, some users have reported that the toasting consistency may vary across the slots, with some slices having uneven browning.
In summary, the variety of brands available in the market offers individuals a wide range of choices with different features and capabilities. It's important to carefully consider the pros and cons of each brand, such as the Breville BTA820XL and Cuisinart CPT-180, to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.