A toaster looks like the simplest appliance in the kitchen, and most of them do the one job well enough. Where they differ is in what they do with bread that is not a square sandwich slice: a split bolillo for molletes, a thick slice of telera for a torta, a long piece of sourdough, a frozen waffle, a bagel. A good toaster browns those evenly, lets you check on them without starting over, and is easy to empty of crumbs.
This guide covers eight toasters from Breville, Cuisinart, KitchenAid, Smeg, Hamilton Beach and Balmuda: two- and four-slice models, a long-slot toaster and one steam toaster that works more like a small oven. For each we list the slots, the slot size where the maker states it, browning settings, special functions, crumb tray and warranty. Where a figure is not published, we say “Not stated” rather than guess.
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Quick verdict: which toaster to buy
For most kitchens, the best toaster is the Breville Bit More 2-Slice Toaster: wide slots, a Lift and Look button to check progress and an A Bit More button to add time without restarting. If you toast long artisan slices or four at a time, the Breville Die-Cast 4-Slice Long Slot Smart Toaster has the same buttons plus a motorized carriage in a longer body. The Cuisinart 4-Slice Toaster gives two separate control panels and a three-year warranty, the Smeg 2-Slice Toaster is the style pick, and the Hamilton Beach Extra-Wide Slot 2-Slice Toaster is the budget choice.
The table compares the five we would steer most cooks toward, one for each kind of kitchen. All eight toasters are reviewed in full after it.
Five toasters side by side
Slots, browning control and special functions for our five standout picks, as each maker or Amazon listing gives them.
| Toaster | Best for | Slots & settings | Special functions | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Breville Bit More 2-Slice ToasterBest overall
|
Control over every slice | 2 wide slots; variable browning | Lift and Look, A Bit More, bagel, defrost | View on Amazon |
Breville Die-Cast 4-Slice Long Slot Smart ToasterBest long slot
|
Long artisan slices and families | 2 long slots, 4 slices; variable browning | Lift and Look, A Bit More, bagel, defrost | View on Amazon |
Cuisinart 4-Slice ToasterBest 4-slice
|
Two people toasting differently | 4 slots, 1.5 in wide; dual 6-setting dials | Bagel, defrost, reheat | View on Amazon |
Smeg 2-Slice ToasterBest looking
|
A toaster that stays on show | 2 extra-wide slots; 6 levels | Bagel, defrost, reheat | View on Amazon |
| Reliable basics at a low cost | 2 extra-wide slots; 7 shades | Bagel, defrost, Toast Boost | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Specifications as stated by each maker or the Amazon listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best toaster
These eight run from a simple two-slot toaster with a lever to a steam toaster for rolls and pastries. Each review covers who it suits, the details that matter and one honest reason to pass on it.
1. Breville Bit More 2-Slice Toaster – Check Toast Without Restarting
Breville’s Bit More toaster is the one to buy if you want control over each batch without paying for a motor. You lower the bread with an ordinary lever, and the two buttons that matter do the rest: Lift and Look lets you raise the slices partway through to see them without interrupting the cycle, and A Bit More adds a short burst of time if they need it.
That matters most for bread that browns unevenly, like a halved bolillo with a domed crust, or a thick slice of telera before it becomes a torta. The listing describes the two slots as wider, for larger artisan bread, thick bagels and dense pastries, though Breville does not give the width. Browning is variable, and an LED indicator shows how much of the cycle is left. Bagel and Defrost settings cover the other common jobs.
The crumb tray pulls out from the front, so you can empty it without lifting the toaster. The listing calls it compact, gives 1,000 watts and a one-year limited warranty, and does not state the dimensions.
Why we like it
- Lift and Look and A Bit More buttons (listing)
- LED indicator of time remaining (listing)
- Wider slots for thick bread and bagels (listing)
- Front pull-out crumb tray (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | BTA720XL |
|---|---|
| Slots | 2 |
| Slot width/length (stated) | “Wider slots”; size not stated |
| Settings | Variable browning control |
| Special functions | Bagel, defrost, Lift and Look, A Bit More |
| Crumb tray | Front pull-out |
| Warranty | 1-year limited (listing) |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who toasts a mix of breads and wants to check and adjust without guessing. It is compact enough for a small counter.
Skip it if you want the toaster to lower and lift the bread for you; this one has a manual lever, while Breville’s Die-Cast 4-Slice below is motorized.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Check progress mid-cycle
- Add time without restarting
- Compact
Cons
- Slot width not stated
- One-year warranty
- Manual lever, no motorized lift
2. Breville Die-Cast 4-Slice Long Slot Smart Toaster – Room for Long Slices
This is Breville’s motorized Die-Cast system in a long-slot body. Instead of four short slots, it has two long ones, each taking two regular slices end to end or one long slice of sourdough or country bread. Breville gives the size as 7.7 inches wide by 14.9 inches deep, so it sits narrow and long on the counter.
It has one-touch motorized lowering on top of the controls of the Bit More: Lift and Look, A Bit More, Bagel and Defrost, a browning slider and an LED progress bar. The listing rates it at 1,600 watts, which is what it takes to heat four slices at once. Like the Bit More, it has a front crumb tray you can empty without lifting the toaster.
A long-slot toaster is the practical choice if you buy whole loaves rather than sliced bread, because you can toast a full slice without cutting it in half. For a household that toasts a few slices at a time, it does the same work as a four-slot toaster in a narrower footprint. The listing gives a one-year limited warranty.
Why we like it
- Long slots take artisan slices whole (listing)
- Same Lift and Look and A Bit More controls (listing)
- Narrow 7.7-inch footprint (Breville)
- Front pull-out crumb tray (Breville)
Key specifications
| Model | BTA830XL |
|---|---|
| Slots | 2 long slots (4 slices) |
| Slot width/length (stated) | “Extra long”; size not stated |
| Settings | Variable browning slider |
| Special functions | Bagel, defrost, Lift and Look, A Bit More |
| Crumb tray | Front pull-out |
| Warranty | 1-year limited (listing) |
Why we recommend it
It suits households that buy whole artisan loaves, or that need four slices at once without a wide toaster.
Skip it if your counter is shallow; at nearly 15 inches deep it needs more front-to-back space than a standard toaster.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fits long slices whole
- Four slices in a narrow body
- Full Breville control set
Cons
- Deep footprint
- Both slices in a slot share one setting
- Slot dimensions not stated
3. Cuisinart 4-Slice Toaster – Two Toasters in One Body
Cuisinart’s CPT-180 is a four-slot toaster with two separate control panels, so each pair of slots works like its own toaster. One person can toast a bagel on the left while someone else defrosts frozen waffles on the right, each on a different shade.
Each side has its own six-setting browning dial and dedicated Bagel, Defrost and Reheat buttons with LED indicators. The slots are 1.5 inches wide, according to the listing, wide enough for thick bread, bagels and frozen pancakes. An extra-lift carriage lever raises small items like English muffins so you can reach them, and a slide-out crumb tray and a cord wrap under the base finish it off.
For a family breakfast, or a brunch where everyone wants something slightly different, the split controls are the main reason to choose it over a single-panel four-slicer. It comes with a limited three-year warranty, longer than most toasters here.
Why we like it
- Two independent control panels (listing)
- 1.5-inch-wide slots (listing)
- Bagel, defrost and reheat on each side (listing)
- Limited three-year warranty (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | CPT-180P1 |
|---|---|
| Slots | 4 |
| Slot width/length (stated) | 1.5 in wide |
| Settings | Two 6-setting dials |
| Special functions | Bagel, defrost, reheat (each side) |
| Crumb tray | Slide-out |
| Warranty | Limited 3-year (listing) |
Why we recommend it
It suits a family or shared kitchen where people toast different things at the same time.
Skip it if you mostly toast one or two slices; a wide four-slot toaster takes counter space you may not need.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Split controls
- Wide slots
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Wide footprint
- Six shade settings rather than seven
- Standard slot length, not long-slot
4. Smeg 2-Slice Toaster – Retro Steel That Stays Out
Smeg’s TSF01 is the toaster people buy to leave on the counter. It has a steel body with a powder-coated enamel finish in a 1950s shape, and the listing gives the size as about 12.25 by 7.75 by 7.75 inches. It comes in many colors on Amazon; we link the red one, and the stock of other colors varies.
Under the styling it is a well-specified two-slicer. There are two extra-wide slots with self-centering racks that hold bread upright, and six browning levels. A backlit chrome knob selects Reheat, Defrost, Cancel or Bagel. The crumb tray is removable stainless steel, which the listing says resists scratches, stains and corrosion. Anti-slip feet and a built-in cord wrap round it out.
Smeg also sells a sandwich rack separately that fits the TSF01 for toasted sandwiches. The listing gives a one-year warranty, and does not state the slot width or the wattage.
Why we like it
- Steel body with enamel finish (listing)
- Self-centering racks in extra-wide slots (listing)
- Reheat, defrost, cancel and bagel (listing)
- Stainless steel crumb tray (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | TSF01RDUS |
|---|---|
| Slots | 2 |
| Slot width/length (stated) | “Extra-wide”; size not stated |
| Settings | 6 browning levels |
| Special functions | Bagel, defrost, reheat, cancel |
| Crumb tray | Removable, stainless steel |
| Warranty | 1 year (listing) |
Why we recommend it
It suits a kitchen where the toaster is part of the look, and a cook who still wants the usual functions.
Skip it if you mainly want value; you are paying for the design, and the Hamilton Beach below does the same basic jobs.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Distinctive design, many colors
- Self-centering racks
- Stainless crumb tray
Cons
- One-year warranty
- Slot size and wattage not stated
- Some colors show low stock
5. Hamilton Beach Extra-Wide Slot 2-Slice Toaster – The Basics, Done Properly
If you want a toaster that simply works, this Hamilton Beach covers everything most people use. The two slots are extra-wide for thick bread, bagels and artisan slices, and bread guides hold each slice upright and centered so both sides toast evenly.
There are seven shade settings on a dial, a Bagel button that extends the cycle (with a light that shows when it is on), and a Defrost button for frozen bread and waffles. Toast Boost lifts small items like English muffins higher so you can reach them. Auto shutoff and a slide-out crumb tray are standard.
For a kitchen that toasts sandwich bread, bolillos split in half and the occasional frozen waffle, that is the full list of what a toaster needs to do. The listing gives a one-year warranty. It does not state the slot width or wattage.
Why we like it
- Self-centering bread guides (listing)
- Seven shade settings (listing)
- Bagel and defrost buttons (listing)
- Toast Boost for small items (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | 22633 |
|---|---|
| Slots | 2 |
| Slot width/length (stated) | “Extra-wide”; size not stated |
| Settings | 7 shades |
| Special functions | Bagel, defrost, Toast Boost |
| Crumb tray | Slide-out |
| Warranty | 1 year (listing) |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who wants dependable toast, bagels and frozen waffles without paying for features they will not use.
Skip it if you want to check toast mid-cycle or toast long slices whole; it has neither feature.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Low cost
- All the common functions
- Self-centering guides
Cons
- No way to check toast mid-cycle
- Slot size not stated
- One-year warranty
6. Cuisinart Custom Select 2-Slice Toaster – Single-Slice Setting, Long Warranty
The Custom Select is Cuisinart’s compact two-slicer, and two of its features stand out. The first is a Single-Slice setting that adjusts the toaster so one piece of bread comes out evenly on both sides. The second is a limited three-year warranty.
The slots are 1.5 inches wide, according to the listing. A seven-setting shade dial runs from light to dark, and the buttons cover Toast, Bagel, Defrost, Reheat and Cancel. A high-lift lever raises the toast when it is done so small pieces are easy to grab, and a removable crumb tray and a cord wrap under the base keep the counter tidy.
For one or two people who mostly toast a single slice, a bolillo half or a bagel, it is a sensible, well-documented choice.
Why we like it
- Single-slice setting (listing)
- 1.5-inch-wide slots (listing)
- Seven shade settings plus reheat (listing)
- Limited three-year warranty (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | CPT-620 |
|---|---|
| Slots | 2 |
| Slot width/length (stated) | 1.5 in wide |
| Settings | 7-setting shade dial |
| Special functions | Bagel, defrost, reheat, single slice |
| Crumb tray | Removable |
| Warranty | Limited 3-year (listing) |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small household that often toasts one slice and wants a longer warranty than most two-slicers offer.
Skip it if you want long slots or a motorized carriage; it is a straightforward lever toaster.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Even single-slice toasting
- Three-year warranty
- Compact
Cons
- Standard slot length
- Wattage not stated in the listing
7. KitchenAid 2-Slice Toaster with Manual Lift Lever – Gentler Bagel Setting
KitchenAid’s KMT2115 is a plain, sturdy two-slicer with a metal exterior and a high-lift manual lever. Its most useful detail is how it handles bagels: on the bagel setting, the listing says the element on one side drops to half power, so the cut face toasts while the outer crust only warms.
That same trick works for a split bolillo or a halved telera, where you want the cut side golden and the crust left soft. The slots are extra-wide for bagels, English muffins and thick bread, and the shade control has five settings, from light (1) to dark (5). The high-lift lever raises small pieces clear of the slot, and a removable crumb tray makes cleaning easy; the listing says to wash the tray by hand.
It comes in several colors on Amazon; we link the stainless steel version. The listing gives a one-year warranty and does not state the slot width or wattage.
Why we like it
- Bagel setting halves heat on one side (listing)
- Extra-wide slots (listing)
- High-lift manual lever (listing)
- Metal exterior (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | KMT2115SX |
|---|---|
| Slots | 2 |
| Slot width/length (stated) | “Extra-wide”; size not stated |
| Settings | 5 shade settings |
| Special functions | Bagel (one side at 50%) |
| Crumb tray | Removable, hand wash |
| Warranty | 1 year (listing) |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who toasts a lot of split rolls and bagels and wants the crust left soft, in a simple metal toaster.
Skip it if you need a defrost button; the listing does not mention one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- One-sided bagel heat
- Metal exterior
- High-lift lever
Cons
- Only five shade settings
- No defrost listed
- Crumb tray is hand wash only
8. Balmuda The Toaster Pro – Steam for Rolls and Pastries
The Balmuda is not a slot toaster at all. It is a small steam oven toaster: you add 5 cc of water to a small inlet, and the listing says the steam crisps the outside of bread and pastries while keeping the inside moist. Three heating zones control the balance of crust and crumb.
That makes it the one toaster here designed to warm a whole bolillo or a pan dulce, rather than only the cut face of a split roll. It has six modes: Shokupan (Japanese milk bread), Golden Toast, Pizza, Croissant, Oven at 350°F, 400°F or 450°F, and Salamander Grill, a strong top-down heat for melting cheese or browning the top of a dish, which also suits molletes.
The listing gives the size as 14.1 by 12.6 by 8.2 inches and notes that the baking tray is sold separately. A US retailer lists it at 1,300 watts with a two-slice capacity and a crumb catcher. Balmuda’s US warranty terms are not stated in the listing.
Why we like it
- Steam keeps rolls soft inside (listing)
- Six modes incl. oven and salamander (listing)
- Three heating zones (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | K11H-SE-BK |
|---|---|
| Slots | None; oven-style rack, 2 slices (retailer) |
| Slot width/length (stated) | Not applicable |
| Settings | 6 modes; oven at 350, 400 or 450°F |
| Special functions | Steam, salamander grill |
| Crumb tray | Crumb catcher (retailer) |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who toasts rolls, croissants and pan dulce more than sliced bread and wants one small appliance that also broils.
Skip it if you want quick everyday toast; it is slower and costlier than a slot toaster, and the baking tray costs extra.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Warms whole rolls and pastries
- Salamander mode for melting cheese
- Compact for an oven toaster
Cons
- Baking tray sold separately
- Small capacity
- US warranty not stated
How to choose a toaster for the bread you buy
Most toasters toast sandwich bread well. These are the details that decide how they handle everything else.
Slot width and length
Wide slots, usually stated as 1.5 inches by makers who give a number, take bagels, thick slices and split rolls without squashing them. Long slots take a full slice from a large loaf without cutting it. If you buy sliced sandwich bread, any of these will do. If you buy bolillos, teleras and country loaves, look for wide slots, and for long slots if your loaves are big.
Browning control and consistency
More shade settings do not mean better toast; what matters is that the toaster gets the same result twice. Features that help are self-centering guides, which keep the bread an even distance from both elements, and the ability to check progress mid-cycle, which the Breville toasters offer with Lift and Look.
Bagel, defrost and reheat
A bagel setting toasts the cut side more than the crust; that is also the right setting for a split roll. Defrost adds time for frozen bread and waffles. Reheat warms toast that has gone cold without browning it further. Check which ones a model really has: the KitchenAid here lists a bagel setting but no defrost.
Two slots, four slots or long slots
Two slots suit one or two people. Four slots with separate controls, like the Cuisinart CPT-180, suit a family. A long-slot toaster gives four-slice capacity in a narrower but deeper body, so measure your counter depth.
Crumb tray and cleaning
A front pull-out crumb tray, like Breville’s, is easier to empty than one you reach for at the back. Empty it regularly, and follow the manual’s cleaning instructions, which start with unplugging the toaster.
Warranty
Most of our picks carry one year. Cuisinart gives three years on both of its toasters here, which is worth weighing if you want a toaster to last.
How we chose these eight toasters
We started from what a restaurant kitchen asks of anything that toasts bread: even browning on rolls as well as sliced bread, a way to see and adjust without starting over, wide enough slots for split bolillos and thick slices, and easy crumb cleanup. We then looked at toasters from identifiable brands sold on Amazon in the United States and kept only those showing as in stock when we checked.
Specifications come from the Amazon listings and from Breville’s product pages, and for the Balmuda from a US retailer where the listing did not give a figure. We checked every model against the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall list and found none of these eight on it. We left out the Dualit Classic and Design Series toasters, which were showing low stock or a future availability date when we checked, unbranded sellers and near-identical models.
We have not used these toasters for this guide, and we did not draw on outside equipment reviews, including America’s Test Kitchen, Cook’s Illustrated, Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping; everything here comes from the makers, the listings and our kitchen’s view of what a toaster needs to do.
Toasting for a Mexican breakfast
- Molletes: toast the split bolillo cut side first, then spread with refried beans and cheese and finish under a broiler or toaster oven.
- Tortas: a lightly toasted telera holds up better to fillings; a bagel setting crisps the cut face and leaves the crust soft.
- Pan dulce and conchas: these are better warmed whole than toasted in a slot; a steam toaster or a low oven suits them.
- Storage: rolls and loaves stay fresher between uses in a bread box; see our best bread box guide.
Toaster questions, answered
What is the best toaster brand?
There is no single best brand, but Breville, Cuisinart, KitchenAid, Smeg and Hamilton Beach all publish clear specifications for their toasters on Amazon. Breville stands out for control features, Cuisinart for its three-year warranty, Smeg for design and Hamilton Beach for value.
What is the best toaster for home use?
For most homes, the Breville Bit More 2-Slice Toaster, for its wide slots and the ability to check and extend toasting without restarting. For a family, the Cuisinart 4-Slice with its two control panels.
Should I buy a toaster or a toaster oven?
A toaster is faster and smaller for bread. A toaster oven also melts cheese, reheats enchiladas and crisps tortillas, which a slot toaster cannot. Many kitchens with the space keep both. A steam toaster like the Balmuda sits in between.
Are long-slot toasters worth it?
Yes, if you buy whole loaves and slice them yourself. A long slot takes a full slice without trimming it to fit. If you buy sliced sandwich bread, a standard two- or four-slot toaster does the same job in a smaller footprint.
What do America’s Test Kitchen and Consumer Reports recommend?
We did not consult their reviews for this guide, so we cannot speak for them. Everything here comes from maker specifications and Amazon listings, read from a restaurant kitchen’s point of view.
Our final pick for toast and rolls
Buy the Breville Bit More 2-Slice Toaster if you want the most control over each batch. Choose the Breville 4-Slice Long Slot for whole loaves, the Cuisinart 4-Slice for a family, the Smeg for a toaster that stays on show and the Hamilton Beach for dependable basics. For rolls and pastries, the Balmuda is the specialist.
Mostly toasting bagels? See our guide to the best toasters for bagels and English muffins.
On a budget? See our guide to the best budget toasters.
Need four slots? See our guide to the best 4-slot wide toasters.
Related guide: Best toaster for gluten free bread.
Related guide: Best 2 slice toaster.
Related guide: Best long slot toaster.
Related guide: Toaster vs toaster oven.
Related guide: 2 slice vs 4 slice toaster.
For the bigger jobs a toaster cannot do, our guide on how to reheat Mexican leftovers covers ovens, skillets and steam, and our Mexican brunch guide explains what to expect and what to order. Or let us do the cooking: see the menu or call to order.