Best Toasters to Start Your Mornings

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 27, 2024
The aroma of freshly baked bread can become an awesome start of the day. But what should you do if you’ve no time for baking? A good alternative will be to get a toaster! With a toaster at hand, you’ll not skip breakfasts anymore and will be able to savor crispy toasts whenever you wish! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
POWER
TOASTS NUMBER
SHADE SETTINGS
PARTIAL LOAD
LIGHT INDICATOR
HEATING
DEFROSTING
CRUMB TRAY
WARRANTY
 
PROS

There is a Cancel button on the top of the control panel that will help you immediately stop the toasting process if need be. The integrated high-lift lever allows you to gently remove your toasts from the slots.

CONS

It emits a specific smell during the first uses. 

OUR VERDICT

For anyone looking to buy a high-quality toaster that looks premium, the KRUPS KH732D50 will be the best fit. Though the middle-range price, this model is practical and functional and will fit even a bun due to its wide 1.5" slots.

detailed parameters
POWER

1000 watts

TOASTS NUMBER

2 Slice

SHADE SETTINGS

6

PARTIAL LOAD

No

LIGHT INDICATOR

Indicator lights

HEATING

Yes

DEFROSTING

Yes

CRUMB TRAY

Removable 

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS

The unique Single-Slice feature allows you to toast each side of the bread as evenly as possible so that it comes out perfectly from both sides.

CONS

The toast lowering handle is a little stiff.

OUR VERDICT

The Cuisinart CPT-620 is a stylish and functional toaster that can heat or toast five different types of pastries and breads. The mode switch is located on the front panel. A defrost function is also available. The retractable crumb tray makes cleaning easy.

detailed parameters
POWER

900 watts

TOASTS NUMBER

2 Slice

SHADE SETTINGS

7

PARTIAL LOAD

No

LIGHT INDICATOR

Indicator lights

HEATING

Yes

DEFROSTING

Yes

CRUMB TRAY

Slide out

WARRANTY

3 years limited

PROS

The bread slots are wide enough to fit both a bagel and other air buns, so there should be a minimal chance of anything getting stuck in them.

CONS

Housing gets soiled easily.

OUR VERDICT

The compact Cuisinart CPT-122 toaster does not take up much space in any kitchen, even in the smallest. It will delight with its Multiple Toasting Functions, as well as seven shades of toasting. So, each member of the family will be able to prepare a slice of bread with a fried or not very fried crust.

detailed parameters
POWER

900 watts

TOASTS NUMBER

2 Slice (4 Slice available)

SHADE SETTINGS

7

PARTIAL LOAD

No

LIGHT INDICATOR

Indicator lights

HEATING

Yes

DEFROSTING

Yes

CRUMB TRAY

Slide out

WARRANTY

3 years limited

PROS

The toaster has a wide stable base with non-slip legs, and is also safe to use due to the Cool-touch sides and Auto shutoff.

CONS

No reheating function.

OUR VERDICT

The Hamilton Beach 22633 toaster performs well when working in any of the available modes. For more convenient use, the model has a backlit power button, automatic ejection of toast with high lift and wide slots.

detailed parameters
POWER

750 watts

TOASTS NUMBER

2 Slice (4 Slice available)

SHADE SETTINGS

6

PARTIAL LOAD

No

LIGHT INDICATOR

Illuminated buttons

HEATING

No

DEFROSTING

Yes

CRUMB TRAY

Slide out

WARRANTY

1 year limited

PROS

Thanks to the wide 1.5" loading slots, the following types of baked goods are compatible with this appliance: thick and thin French toast, bagels, pancakes and other toast-baked goods and semi-finished products.

CONS

The gleaming stainless steel exterior attracts fingerprints.

OUR VERDICT

The Cuisinart CPT-320P1 is an easy-to-use, compact and functional toaster, with the help of which you can not only toast bread to the set degree of toasting, but also defrost or simply reheat the slices.

detailed parameters
POWER

900 watts

TOASTS NUMBER

2 Slice

SHADE SETTINGS

6

PARTIAL LOAD

No

LIGHT INDICATOR

Indicator lights

HEATING

Yes

DEFROSTING

Yes

CRUMB TRAY

Slide out

WARRANTY

3 years limited

X

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KRUPS KH732D

Quality Tested by Time

Robert KRUPS is the leading brand of kitchen appliances that was created in 1846. Today, it successfully perpetuates the highest standards of quality that it has set more than 150 years ago. It puts "Passion, Precision and Perfection" at the heart of each appliance, and the KRUPS KH732D50 toaster is no exception. It not only looks well on any counter but also toasts well.

It has two generously-sized, self-centering slots that can accommodate slices of standard toast bread as well as bagels, buns, English muffins, and large slices of tasty, homemade bread. These slots are 5.75-inch long so that the large slices of bread could be toasted evenly as well. Still, if you load something extra small, you can easily get those slices out as well. Just like the other models on the list, the KRUPS toaster is equipped with High-lift lever to help you remove smaller pieces easily and safely.

The toaster isn't a standout in terms of extra settings, yet it has quite a lot to offer. With the handy shade-setting dial, the KRUPS KH732D50 allows you to choose one of six variable browning settings for any type of bread. As for toasting settings, it comes with 5 functions of toasting, defrost, bagel, reheat, and cancel.

Review of KRUPS KH732D 2-Slice Stainless Steel Toaster

Sleek Design

As mentioned, the KRUPS Breakfast Set 2-Slice Toaster looks incredible. It boasts a design which is rarely seen in any of the similar toasters in its price range. The thing is that this supreme toaster has a chrome finish and stainless steel body that can add gloss to your kitchen. And the sleek metal body not only looks fantastic but gives the appliance a longer life and greater durability as well.

The LED indicators and shiny accents also contribute to the overall appearance of the toaster. Simply put, it looks so expensive that it's hard to believe that it costs less than half a hundred dollars.

KRUPS KH732D 2-Slice Stainless Steel Toaster in the use

The Final Thoughts

The other highlights we didn't mention include two removable crumb trays (under each tray) that assist you in easy cleanup and maintenance of the toaster, and the neat cord storage that will help you keep your countertop look tidy. The manufacturer hasn't cut corners and made each detail with high-quality materials and unwavering craftsmanship.

To wrap things up, this stoutly-built appliance looks premium and works quite well. It will impart beauty to your kitchen and please you with perfectly-toasted pastry for long years to come.

Detailed review of KRUPS KH732D 2-Slice Stainless Steel Toaster

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $44.83
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0083VCXQM

 

Cuisinart CPT-620

Looks Good, Works Great

Need a stylish toaster that doesn’t leave the bread half-done? The Cuisinart 2-slice model may be the choice for you. It’s compact, versatile, and lets you have a toast right to your taste.

For a start, this unit can boast a number of modes such as Toast or Bagel, Defrost or Reheat. All this to boost your kitchen experience and fully meet your needs. You can control the machine via a handy dial for bread types and the buttons at the front. Combine the bread type with the defrost feature, and you’ll get an accurate timing preset.

Want the bread shade to be perfect? Absolutely no problem with the Cuisinart. The shade dial lets you choose from as many as 7 settings for any bread piece. Make it just a little light – or go for the full brown shade; it all depends on what you choose. Ideal for big families, this machine gives everyone their preferred bread for the breakfast.

Let’s not forget how stylish this model looks. If you go for the classical design as opposed to modern plastic, the stainless steel body and retro controls of this machine will surely impress you. Needless to say, the stainless steel body is also durable, which is a plus in anyone’s book.

Review of Cuisinart CPT-620 2-Slice Custom Select Toaster

Fit for Many Breads

Perhaps, one of the biggest pros of this model is the unique single-slice feature. Due to the very even heat delivery, each side of the bread slice will be toasted to perfection. Even a thick slice will come out with no issues; finally, a toaster that really knows its job.

What can you load into this machine? Not some long artisan breads, but shorter/thicker slices are all right with the 1.5-inch wide slots. Note that the waffles and English muffins also make it to the list. As for the handle that lowers the toast, it works well if being a little stiff. The high lift lever always pops up after a toasting session so that you can remove the bread – and not get burned.

Great, but what about the crumbs? A slide-out tray will take good care of them, and you won’t have to actually flip the toaster for dumping purposes. A nice little touch from the manufacturer that cares about your customer experience. And when you’re not using the device, there’s a handy cord wrap at the bottom to get it out of sight.

All in all, this capable toaster will cover many bread types – and personal tastes – without breaking a sweat. Consider getting one for your own kitchen or make it a welcome gift to family or friends.

Cuisinart CPT-620 2-Slice Custom Select Toaster in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $48.31
Stock In stock
ASIN B01B846UZ0

 

Cuisinart CPT-122

Great All-Around Toaster

When most people are looking for a new toaster for their kitchen, the main thing they are concerned with is how well the toaster will work for them while being as easy to use as possible. Most people aren't too hung up on many of the small details of some toasters, such as the large number of features that many of the top-end models have. If your concern falls in line with most other people, then you'll probably love the Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster. This toaster was made from the ground up to be good at making toast from a variety of different breads, and this it does quite well.

The first thing that should be mentioned is in regards to the slots that the toaster uses. The two 1 1/2-inch top-loading slots allow the toaster to accommodate a variety of different breads of varying thickness, letting you toast things such as bagels just as easily as regular thin bread slices without worry of the break getting stuck in them. Furthermore, between the wide slots and the high-lift toast ejection, you can also safely remove your freshly toasted bread without worries of your fingers getting burned by accidentally touching something that is hot. This greatly aids in the overall convenience of the toaster, letting its basic functions be worry-free.

Review of Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster

Compact and Functional

Although the focus of this toaster is on its basic operation, there are still plenty of other features and characteristics of it that will appeal to most users. The toaster itself is housed in a compact plastic frame that not only makes the toaster a bit lighter than many of its peers, but also allows you to easily place it even in a very cramped kitchen. The plastic housing also prevents any part of the outside of the toaster from getting hot during operation, although the downside to it is that it does get soiled easily, so those who are worried about that will want to wipe it down after every use.

Regarding its operation, this toaster is just as easy to use as any other, while containing many of the features that users expect from a modern device. The toaster has a convenient dial that lets you set the toasting shade to one of 7 different positions, giving you full control of the end result of the toasting process. Furthermore, many of the extra functions that are standard on new toasters are present here, including a special mode for bagels, as well as defrosting and reheating functions. Keeping the inside of the toaster is also a breeze thanks to the slide-out crumb tray that lets you clean it out in just a matter of seconds. For those looking for a classic toaster that works well and gives you a great combination of convenience and extra features, then this toaster from Cuisinart is a great choice.

Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $25.90
Stock In stock
ASIN B009GQ034C

 

Hamilton Beach 22633

Convenient Toaster

Hamilton Beach has long been known as a maker of quality kitchen appliances, and this same reputation extends to the Hamilton Beach 22633 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster. Just like with their other appliances, this toaster is made to the high standards that are expected of all of their products, which will be readily apparent to anyone who opts for this model.

One of the first things that most users will notice about this toaster is its sleek appearance, with a black and silver exterior that gives the toaster a futuristic luxurious look. Instead of the squared-off rectangular shape of most toasters, this model has a rounded housing with a compact footprint that makes it easy to put wherever you want it in your kitchen.

As to the operation of this toaster, it works just as easy as it looks. This is a standard two-slot toaster with the bread loaded from the top. The extra-wide slots allow for various types of bread to be placed in them easily, including many types of artisan bread or even Texas toast, and the high-lift function will automatically move the bread high enough above the slots after toasting so you can safely remove each piece without burning your fingers. It's a pretty basic design that is tried and true, so no one should find any complaints here.

Review of Hamilton Beach 22633 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster

Easy Controls

The convenience of this toaster extends beyond its basic functions and onto the special features that are often expected of more recent models. First off, the buttons on this toaster are clearly marked so that there isn't any confusion about what they do, and what's more, they are also illuminated, allowing you to easily operate the toaster even in minimal lighting. This model also has three toasting functions, including regular toasting, bagels, and defrost. Some users may note the lack of a reheating function on this model, but those who rarely or never use it on toasters won't miss it at all.

Just like with most other toasters, this model includes a shade dial that lets you set the toasting to one of six different shade settings, so you have plenty of control over how well-toasted your bread will be. Once the toasting function is finished, the unit has an auto-shutoff feature that means that you won't have to remember to turn it off after use. Maintenence of this toaster is also a breeze, thanks to the easy to remove crumb tray that collects stray crumbs from your toast. Best of all, though, is the fact that this toaster is a well-engineered product that is easy to use, and is certain to become a permanent fixture in your kitchen.

Hamilton Beach 22633 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01KZ729F6

 

Cuisinart CPT-320P1

Classical Beauty

Anyone who wants to bring the retro classical design to their home should take a look at the Cuisinart CPTT-320P1. With its nice blending of black and stainless steel, this model can add appeal to any kitchen and perfectly mesh with other kitchenware. However, it's not only the visual part that people love about the CPTT-320P1. The strength of Cuisinart brand is that they never compromise durability, quality, and performance of their appliances and that all of their products can boast of an array of valuable and usable features. The Cuisinart CPTT-320P1 is one such model.

To kick things off, this model offers extended defrost settings. This way, it doesn't just defrost bread like most regular toasters do, but it first defrosts it to the room temperature and then toasts it as you want. It also offers multiple toasting functions that let you toast, defrost, reheat as well as stop the toaster's operation. Plus, it has a bagel function that will let you get your bagels browned from the top and keep them soft and chewy at the bottom. However, if you prefer your bagels toasted all the way through, using the bagel button isn't necessary - just select the toast setting and shade you like and toast it the way you normally would. The CPTT-320P1 has 6 browning settings for light, medium and dark shades of toast.

Review of Cuisinart CPT-320P1 Compact Stainless 2-Slice Toaster

Best For Home Regular Use

When buying kitchen appliances, space is often the most crucial thing to consider, especially if your kitchen is on the smaller side. However, with the Cuisinart CPT-320P1, you'll have no issues of the kind whatsoever. Measuring just 6.5 x 11 x 7 inches, the model takes very little countertop space and can be placed sideways, facing forward or anyhow you want on your worktop without getting in the way of other appliances. At the same time, this toaster is incredibly roomy inside, featuring extra-wide 1.5 slots that can accommodate all kinds of bread, including thin slices, French toasts, pancakes, and thicker bagel halves. On top of that, it has a HI Lift lever, so if you toast a thicker slice, it will lift it clear out for you, preventing you from picking it with your fingers.

To wrap things up, if you like Cuisinart brand and are looking for a budget toaster, the Cuisinart CPT-320P1 can be a great choice. It sports a timeless brushless stainless steel design and has extended toasting options, making it one of the best toasters for regular home use.

Cuisinart CPT-320P1 Compact Stainless 2-Slice Toaster in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $39.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00C811Q0W

 

Infographics

Comparison of Toasters to Start Your Mornings

What Is a Toaster?

The mouth-watering aroma and delicious flavor of hot bread will become a good start in the morning. However, not everyone is fortunate enough to live in close proximity to bakery stores and confectioneries. And very few of us bake bread at home, given the effort and time baking usually requires. With a toaster at hand, however, preparing delicious breakfast will not be as time-taking. This kitchen appliance, requiring very little space on the counter, will help bake fantastic toasts literally in mere minutes. Once you load a few slices of bread inside the unit, it will do the rest of the job for you while you can go make your cuppa of tea or coffee. Unlike frying toasts in a pan, toasts baked in a toaster always come out perfectly cooked and have a splendid aroma and golden crisp.

Enjoying hot toasts is great, but if you've been looking for more cooking options, we suggest you go for a toaster oven. With this handy appliance, you will be able to cook not only toasts but also bagels, pastry and many other delicious home-made goodies.

What Features to Compare

Number of Slots

Before buying a toaster, think of how many slots you want it to have. If you're a 2-person household and you don't eat plenty of toasts, we recommend models with two slots. However, if your family is bigger than that and all of you prefer starting a day with a yummy buttered toast with marmalade or jam, we suggest you turn your eyes to something more capacious, toasters that can fit 4-5 toasts at a time.

Shade Settings

All entries we've got on this list belong to automatic toasters, which means they all have thermostats that allow them to toast bread to different shades. This is how they work: once you select a shade, a toaster automatically toasts bread to that shade without burning it. This makes them not only very convenient to operate but also guarantees that your toasts are perfectly done from inside and outside. What is also of note is that you can always pause a toasting cycle. By clicking the button "Lift and Look", you can check how well done your slice is and, if it's not dark enough yet, prolong the cycle.

Power

Power parameter is quite important, as it can tell you how quickly a toaster works, but not as important as energy efficiency is. So, consider models that both toast fast and offer single slice settings, allowing you to save energy when you don't need to toast more than one toast.

Useful Toaster Features

Unless you've come for a basic toaster, we recommend you consider what other useful features a toaster has. Here are the most popular features present in top-of-the-range models:

  • High lift - this one pushes smaller slices above the top of the slots allowing you to remove them safely without burning your fingers.
  • Timer - this one may come in handy when you need to know the exact amount of time you've got left before your toast is ready.
  • Bagel setting - a good option if you want to toast only one side of bread.
  • Defrost - a convenient option that can save you a lot of time. It defrosts bread first, then automatically activates a toasting cycle so your toast is ready in the span of a few minutes.
  • Reheat - you can use this setting if your toast has gone cold before your cup of coffee is ready. However, keep note that it may be quite difficult to achieve a balance here. In some models, this setting can be too long and your bread might get browner than you want, in others it can be too short and do not heat the slice enough.
  • Adjustable slots - this feature is also useful, especially if you love muffins and bagels. It allows you to fit a wide range of bread types and different thicknesses.

Now, when you know what parameters and features to look for, we hope you'll find a toaster that will be perfect for you.

Did you know?

Statistics

It’s not a secret that Americans are big toast lovers. 75 million people in the US eat toasts every day. But did you know that the average family spends approximately 35 hours per year making toasts?

What Is Actually “Toasting”?

The toasting process is the Maillard reaction. When the slices of bread are subjected to 310 degrees Fahrenheit heat, the sugars in them begin to brown and the crunchy surface appears.

How Much Time? Power?

Standard two-slice toasters usually toast one slice of bread for 1-3 minutes using from 600 to 1200 Watts of power. Nowadays, you can find a lot of 4-slice toasters for home use, which speed up the process significantly.

Why "Toast"?

The word “toast” comes from the Latin terms “torrere” and “tostum”, meaning to "burn" or "scorch". Toasting was a fairly common activity in Roman times. Romans originally toasted bread over a fire with a stick. After a while, the British shared their fondness for toasts with Romans. When they crossed the ocean, the introduced toasted bread to Americans.

The First Electric Toaster

The first electric toaster, the “Eclipse Toaster”, was created in 1893 in Scotland. Later on, it was reinvented in the US. Unfortunately, that improved version could still toast only one side of the slice at a time. Moreover, it required someone turning it off manually. The “automatic bread turner” appeared in 1915. And finally, in 1919, the pop-up toaster was invented. The interesting fact is that the sliced bread appeared only in 1933. After its debut, toasters got the boost in popularity. Today, a toaster is the most common kitchen appliance in the world.

Modern Technologies

The first toaster that could be controlled via the Internet was invented in 1990. And the appliance that could recognize the toast’s shades was presented in 2012. Technologies don’t stand still.

Not Just for Toast Bread

Modern toasters have been adapted to not only toast bread and bagels but also waffles, crumpets, and even hot dogs.

The Fastest Time to Eat a slice of Toast Bread

The Guinness World Record for the fastest time to eat a slice of toast bread is held by Anthony Falzon from Malta. He managed to eat a slice of toast bread in 8.47 seconds. How about trying to break that record?

Sources:

1. Matt Clear Best Buy Toasters, Which?

2. Kristen Hicks How to Choose the Best Toaster [Buyer’s Guide], Compact Appliance. July 4, 2016.

3. Elaine Magee The Best Bread: Tips for Buying Breads, WebMD.

5. Cathy Christoffersen The History of The Electric Toaster, HSTRY.

6. Toaster, Wikipedia. October 20, 2016.

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