Cuisinart CPT-122 Review

The Cuisinart CPT-122 offers consumers strong toasting performance with a small footprint. This easy-to-use and inexpensive machine performs well across a large number of our tests, impressing us when working with toast and frozen foods. While there are better models and appliances to handle bagels and waffles specifically (like a toaster oven), few appliances can match the dollar-for-dollar performance of this super easy-to-use machine.

Bread Toasting

The bread toasting performance is where the Cuisinart CPT-122 truly shines and sets itself apart from others in the budget toaster crowd.

On the light setting, the CPT-122 produced something remarkable: visibly golden coloration throughout each slice. This might sound like a low bar, but we were shocked by how many toasters in our testing failed to produce any noticeable browning on their lightest settings. However, we noticed that the heat distribution wasn't perfectly even across the entire surface. One corner tended to brown slightly more than the others, but the difference was subtle enough that most people won't mind.

The medium setting yielded our favorite results, producing bread with mostly even dark gold coloring that looked like it came straight out of a breakfast commercial. We appreciated the absence of those strange horizontal lines that plague many toasters, though that same corner continued its trend of browning slightly more than areas around it. Despite this minor quirk, the overall result was remarkably close to uniformly golden toast.

The high setting delivered deep brown toast favored by those who prefer their breakfast with a serious crunch. The same heat consistency pattern emerged, with that overachieving corner getting slightly darker, but the difference remained subtle enough to be acceptable. What impressed us most was the consistency between rounds. Whether we were toasting the first batch of the morning or the fifth, the CPT-122 delivered nearly identical results every time.

Bagel Toasting

Bagel toasting is where the Cuisinart CPT-122 struggles. It has a bagel-specific function (not all toasters do) but it doesn't help much.

The bagel function on this toaster works by reducing power to the outer heating elements while maintaining full power on the inner elements, theoretically toasting the cut side while gently warming the outer crust. In practice, we found the results somewhat underwhelming. The cut side achieves decent browning, but it lacks the crispy, slightly caramelized surface we look for in perfectly toasted bagels. The browning pattern shows more variation than with regular bread, and the edges often remain lighter than the center.

The outer crust warming is also inconsistent — sometimes barely warm, other times approaching actual toasting. This inconsistency means you have to pay closer attention when toasting bagels, checking progress more frequently than we realistically have time for during busy morning routines. This performance is acceptable for occasional bagel toasters who prioritize budget over perfect results, but if bagels are a daily staple in your household, you might want to find a model with stronger bagel capabilities.

Frozen Waffle Toasting

Using the frozen setting, we found the toaster needed about two and a half minutes to properly prepare standard frozen waffles. The results were generally good: the waffles emerged with crispy exteriors and warm, fluffy interiors and maintained their structural integrity — no sad, soggy centers here. However, we noticed the same uneven heating pattern that appeared during bread testing, with one section consistently coming out a bit darker.

Despite the visual unevenness, the waffles had a satisfying crunch when we bit into them, followed by a soft, fluffy interior. The little waffle pockets held butter and syrup perfectly, and we never encountered any completely frozen sections that we sometimes ran into with lesser toasters.

For families who rely on frozen waffles as a quick breakfast solution, the CPT-122 delivers acceptable performance. While it won't create the perfectly even browning you might get from a high-end toaster oven, it consistently delivers.

Ease of Use

Day-to-day usability makes a difference in how much you'll actually want to use the toaster, and the Cuisinart CPT-122 understands this priority.

The control system employs a traditional lever paired with a simple dial for shade selection. The seven shade settings provide enough variety for most preferences without adding unnecessary options. We appreciate the clearly marked dial that moves smoothly between settings, though we would like to see some form of visual indicator showing when the toaster is actively heating. Many competing models include LED lights that illuminate during operation, confirming that the toaster is actually on and working.

The toasting speed impressed us, with two slices reaching medium doneness in approximately two minutes. This quick turnaround time is valuable during hectic mornings when every second counts. The automatic pop-up mechanism works reliably, launching the toast high enough to grab easily without sending it flying across the counter.

Cleaning the CPT-122 is incredibly easy. The removable crumb tray slides out smoothly from the front of the unit, and the slot has a notably wide opening that actually allows crumbs to fall through. We've tested too many toasters where crumbs mysteriously accumulate in impossible-to-reach corners, but this model's design cuts this to a minimum.

The high-lift lever deserves special mention — it raises smaller items like English muffins high enough to retrieve safely without fishing around with forks or knives. This seemingly minor feature significantly improves daily usability and safety.

Storage is another reason you might choose the CPT-122 over others. Measuring just under a foot wide and standing about seven inches tall, it fits comfortably under most kitchen cabinets. The compact size means it doesn't dominate your counter space when it is out, and the cord wraps neatly underneath, preventing counter clutter.

Should You Buy the Cuisinart CPT 122?

The Cuisinart CPT-122 makes an excellent choice for budget-conscious shoppers who prioritize consistent bread toasting over specialized functions. Its reliable performance and compact footprint suit small families, couples, or individuals who want dependable toast without complexity or expense. We particularly recommend it for apartment dwellers dealing with limited counter space, college students needing a reliable and affordable appliance, or anyone setting up their first kitchen. The straightforward operation and easy maintenance make it ideal for users who want their morning toast without fussing with complicated settings or dealing with frustrating cleaning routines.

What Other Toaster Should You Consider?