The 5 Best Toasters of 2025

Our Picks of Toasters

Best 2-Slice Toaster for Most People

Breville Bit More 2 Slice

How it performed in taste and consistency testing: The Breville Bit More 2 Slice makes some of the most delicious frozen waffles we've ever had. Each piece comes out with even heating, golden coloring, and even toasting on the front and back. We also really like that it has a dedicated bagel setting, which manages to toast the cut side of the bagel and perfectly warm the backside just the right amount. It did well in our medium-level toast test, achieving that elusive light golden crisp that many toasters fail to deliver.

It also impressed us with its intuitive LED interface and its premium build quality that feels substantial on the countertop. To top it off, we like that the control panel is on the side of the toaster. This allows you to place it parallel to the wall and save on valuable counter space.

Functions	Bagel Frozen A Bit More Cancel
End of Cycle Indicator	Indicator Light, Beep
Dimensions	11.3" x 7.3" x 8.2"
Standard/Long Slot	Standard
Available with Long Slot?	Yes

That said, it's not a perfect machine. Throughout testing, we noticed that one corner of each slice remained a bit lighter than the rest. As our lead tester stated, “It does a consistent job of inconsistently toasting,” — and while that might sound like criticism, at the very least, the predictability of its performance actually helps users adapt and achieve their desired results every time. For those seeking superior evenness, the Black+Decker 2-Slice T2569B delivers more consistent browning across the entire slice at a fraction of the cost, earning significantly higher marks in our toast testing (but falling behind in other metrics). Alternatively, if you're open to a premium toaster, the Smeg 2-Slice combines stunning Italian design with more even toasting performance and better scores across the board.

Read more: Breville Bit More 2 Slice review

Best 4-Slice

Mueller UltraToast 4 Slice

How it performed in taste and consistency testing: The Mueller UltraToast 4 Slice delivered mixed results in our taste and consistency testing. The frozen waffles emerge with restaurant-quality crispiness while maintaining fluffy interiors, as one taste tester noted, “yum! I love how evenly crisp this waffle is.” However, if you want to use the full 4-slice capacity, you will get some inconsistent results. We found that two regular pieces of bread overlap slightly when placed in the slot, which leads to the overlapped portions remaining much paler than the rest.

Otherwise, the extra-long slots proved to be a genuine standout feature, easily accommodating oversized sourdough slices, artisan breads, and even homemade Texas toast that normally sticks out comically from standard toasters. This makes it ideal for households that have moved beyond basic sandwich bread to heartier, bakery-style loaves, or for families who stock their freezers with frozen waffles, pancakes, and toaster pastries. The value is particularly strong for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize these specific uses over perfect everyday toast.

Functions	Frozen Cancel Reheat
End of Cycle Indicator	None
Dimensions	15.5" x 6.4" x 7.2"
Standard/Long Slot	Long
Available with Long Slot?	Yes

The Mueller falls short when it comes to the details that affect daily usability. The touch screen controls are sleek-looking, but are frustratingly imprecise during bleary-eyed morning routines. They lack the tactile feedback of traditional buttons or dials. The single control panel means you can't simultaneously toast different items at different settings, eliminating one of the key advantages of having four slots. For those seeking more consistent everyday toasting with intuitive controls, the Breville Bit More 2 Slice delivers more even browning and thoughtful features like the “Bit More” button. Alternatively, if you need true four-slice flexibility with independent controls and don't mind spending more, the Cuisinart 4 Slice Classic CPT-180 offers dual control panels and more reliable standard bread toasting, though it lacks the Mueller's frozen food prowess.

Read more: Mueller UltraToast 4 Slice review

Best Toaster on a Budget

Black+Decker 2-Slice T2569B

How it performed in taste and consistency testing: The Black+Decker 2-Slice T2569B surprised us with its ability to deliver consistently golden-brown toast. Where many budget toasters struggle with uneven heating and inconsistent results between cycles, this model maintained remarkable uniformity throughout testing. Batch after batch of toast emerged with the same satisfying crunch and even coloration. Its standout feature proved to be the wide-ranging shade selector that, despite running hotter than labeled, offered excellent control once we adjusted our expectations down a notch or two. Testers commented, “This is nearly textbook perfect in my opinion,” when looking at the toast results of the medium heat setting.

The high-lift lever is a particularly thoughtful addition for a budget model, which allows you to easily retrieve smaller items like English muffins without the usual fishing expedition. Otherwise, the features are kept to a minimum; this is a simple toaster with just buttons for cancel, bagel, and toast, along with a 6-setting browning dial. It's not the fanciest or flashiest, but the consistent heating elements ensure that whether you're toasting cheap white bread or artisanal sourdough, you'll get predictable results.

Functions	Bagel Frozen Cancel
End of Cycle Indicator	None
Dimensions	7.3" x 12" x 8"
Standard/Long Slot	Standard
Available with Long Slot?	No

Our testing also revealed a few weak spots. The poorly designed power cord — short, inflexible, and positioned at the front — forces awkward counter arrangements and is annoying during daily use. The crumb tray is also a bit of a pain to remove, and it requires two hands to put back in. For those willing to invest more, the Breville Bit More 2-Slice offers dedicated bagel and frozen settings, plus a more thoughtful cord placement. The Ninja ST100 Foodi 2-in-1 Flip Toaster provides incredible versatility with its transforming design that handles both vertical toasting and compact oven tasks — though both come at significantly higher price points.

Read more: Black+Decker 2-Slice T2569B review

Best Splurge Toaster

Smeg 2-Slice

How it performed in taste and consistency testing: The Smeg 2-Slice consistently delivered some of the most delicious toast we encountered throughout our review process. Our testing team praised the toast's perfect balance of crispiness and moisture retention. It achieves that ideal golden-brown exterior while maintaining a tender interior that isn't dried out or cardboard-like. The consistency particularly impressed us; whether we were on our first or tenth testing cycle, the Smeg produced virtually identical results at each heat setting. “I could literally set it and forget it every morning, knowing my toast would come out exactly how I wanted it,” noted one of our testers who used the Smeg daily for two weeks. This reliability means we can trust it to deliver our preferred toast without the guesswork that plagues many toasters. The flavor development is superb, with the heating elements creating just enough caramelization to enhance the bread's natural sweetness without any bitter or burnt notes.

And the Smeg isn't just great with standard bread slices. It truly excels in its ability to handle diverse bread types and breakfast items with equal finesse — from delicate white sandwich bread to hearty multigrain slices and extra-thick bagel halves. Its standout feature is the remarkable edge-to-edge evenness that eliminates the common frustration of dark corners and pale centers. The six distinct shade settings provide genuine variety, with each level producing noticeably different results and catering to every preference from barely warmed to deeply bronzed. This toaster is ideal for style-forward home cooks who appreciate the marriage of form and function. The retro aesthetic is available in multiple color options and finishes, which enhances rather than clutters contemporary and vintage-inspired kitchens alike.

Functions	Bagel Frozen Reheat Cancel
End of Cycle Indicator	None
Dimensions	12.7" x 7.7" x 7.6"
Standard/Long Slot	Standard
Available with Long Slot?	Yes

The Smeg is a luxury appliance that produces delicious toasts and pastries, but it is sold at a luxury price point; you're definitely paying for both the Italian design pedigree and the toasting performance. This can be a significant barrier for many shoppers, and, despite its excellent results, it lacks some of the advanced features found in comparably priced models, such as LED countdown displays or more specialized settings beyond the basic bagel and defrost functions. For those seeking a toaster with a lower price point that still looks sleek and performs admirably, the Breville Bit More 2 Slice is a great option. Budget-conscious buyers who prioritize function over form should strongly consider the Black+Decker 2-Slice T2569B, which achieved remarkably similar toasting scores at roughly one-fifth the price, proving that excellent toast doesn't always require a premium investment.

Read more: Smeg 2-Slice review

Most Versatile

Ninja ST100 Foodi 2-in-1 Flip Toaster

How it performed in taste and consistency testing: The Ninja ST100 Foodi 2-in-1 Flip Toaster delivered impressive results during our taste testing, particularly with bagels. It achieved near-perfect caramelization on cut sides while keeping the outer edges pleasantly soft — a balance that many dedicated bagel toasters struggle to achieve. Beyond its standout bagel performance, we found remarkable consistency between toasting cycles thanks to the quartz heating elements, which maintain steady temperatures and produce uniform results from one day to the next. The medium and high settings proved to be the Ninja's sweet spot, producing beautifully golden toast with ideal texture — crispy outside while maintaining some interior softness.

The innovative flip design sets this toaster apart, transforming it into a compact oven perfect for reheating pizza slices or melting cheese on open-faced sandwiches. Anyone who loves a good cheesy toast or garlic bread will appreciate the Ninja. This versatility is ideal for small kitchens that don't have much counter space to spare. We also appreciated the timer function, which adds genuine convenience for busy mornings and extends the unit's versatility when using the oven mode. The thoughtfully designed crumb tray slides out smoothly in both toaster and oven configurations, while the intuitive control panel has clear buttons and indicator lights that make operation straightforward even for first-time users. Our reviewer said, “I could see this being great for someone who is single, living in a dorm, or working in the field and has a smaller temporary living accommodation.”

Functions	Bagel Defrost Cancel Bake Broil Reheat
End of Cycle Indicator	Beep
Dimensions	16.2" x 6.4" x 8.5"
Standard/Long Slot	Long
Available with Long Slot?	Yes

However, there are some notable weaknesses that may frustrate daily users. First of all, the light setting produces barely warmed bread rather than proper golden toast — a disappointment for those who prefer gentle toasting or have young children who can't stand a hint of darkness on their toast. The quartz heating elements produce wonderfully even toast, but they retain heat too long for efficient back-to-back batches, which can be annoying if you're making toast for a crowd. For those seeking simpler alternatives without these drawbacks, the Breville Bit More 2-Slice delivers superior traditional toasting with helpful features like “Lift and Look” at a lower price point, while budget-conscious shoppers should consider the Black+Decker 2-Slice T2569B for reliable basic toasting without the complexity or premium cost.

Read more: Ninja ST100 Foodi 2-in-1 Flip Toaster

How We Tested

We researched hundreds of models to choose the ones worthy of inclusion, and then we purchased the most compelling options and lived with them in our testing kitchen for more than a month. In that time, we made more than 400 pieces of toast, almost 250 bagels, and over 150 frozen waffles. Of course we had to taste test, and everyone in the office was recruited to give their opinion.

Toasters are tested across 4 metrics:

• Bread Toasting (35% weighting)

• Bagel Toasting (35% weighting)

• Frozen Waffle Toasting (20% weighting)

• Ease of Use (10% weighting)

We performed more than 17 individual tests per toaster. Bread toasting quality is arguably the most important metric, and to test this, we toasted multiple pieces of bread at different settings, aiming to get a range of colors, from the lightest golden brown to the darkest char. We ran multiple cycles to ensure consistency.

The same approach was applied to bagels, but we paid particular attention to how well each toaster handled the unique challenge of toasting the cut side while gently warming the outer crust. In our frozen waffle tests, we checked to see which models could transform a frozen breakfast pastry into a delectable, evenly heated treat with the perfect balance of crispy exterior and warm, fluffy interior. We checked for hot spots, frozen sections, and structural integrity in items that tend to get soggy when not toasted properly.

We kept careful tabs on toasting consistency and quality throughout the process, noting how convenient each model was to use, how much of a crumbly mess was made, and how easy it was to clean up. Since our first toaster review, we've hands-on tested more than 40 models and eaten hundreds of slices of toast, waffles, and bagels, giving us unique insight into all things toasty.

For more on our toaster testing process, check out our full How We Test article.

Why Trust GearLab

Our test team is made up of food specialists who have been testing and reviewing kitchen appliances for over a decade. Most importantly, they know food. Together, they elevate our testing and produce unbiased test results from the hundreds of home and kitchen appliance products they've tested.

Mallory Paige has a Bachelor of Food Science degree from Colorado State University, which has prepared her to analyze food and data with the mind of a scientist. She has spent the past decade testing gear, writing in-depth reviews, and helping readers make important purchase decisions. And as a mom of three littles, she makes A LOT of toast every week. She knows that an appliance that can consistently deliver the perfect golden-brown toast that her picky three-year-old demands is worth its weight in gold.

Our head kitchen tester is Lesley Robinson. Robinson is a food science graduate, kitchen appliance guru, and baker with a previous career working in the food and supplement industry. She has used and evaluated hundreds of kitchen appliances in GearLabs' test kitchen, cooking up everything from pavlovas to poached eggs, and taste-testing all of her creations.

Analysis and Test Results

Compared to many kitchen appliances, toasters remain beautifully uncomplicated — essentially just a heating element housed in a metal or plastic casing. Despite this simplicity, they perform culinary magic, transforming unremarkable slices of bread into golden treats with crispy exteriors and warm, tender centers. However, finding a toaster that works as promised can be a surprisingly nuanced decision. Our tests are designed to help you find the right toaster for your toasting needs and budget.

What's the Best Value?

There's a surprisingly wide price range for the models we include in this review. Our budget pick, the Black+Decker 2-Slice T2569B, proves that achieving delicious morning toast doesn't require emptying your wallet. This no-nonsense toaster consistently delivered satisfying results throughout our testing, producing pleasantly golden bread with a satisfying crunch that made breakfast genuinely enjoyable. While it may lack the precision and evenness of pricier models, it handles the fundamentals remarkably well—transforming ordinary white bread into appetizing toast and managing frozen waffles with surprising competence.

For larger households on a budget, the Mueller UltraToast 4 Slice offers impressive value with its ability to handle four slices simultaneously, making it perfect for busy families who prioritize quantity and speed over absolute perfection. Though neither model will win beauty contests or deliver the flawless golden-brown consistency of premium options, both prove that tasty, properly toasted breakfast items are achievable at wallet-friendly prices.

Ultimately, determining the best value in a toaster depends on how central this appliance is to your daily routine and what level of performance you expect. If you're someone who treasures their breakfast ritual and demands consistently mouthwatering results, the Smeg 2-Slice justifies its premium price through exceptional performance. It dominated nearly every test we conducted by producing gloriously even, delectable toast that transformed even budget bread into something special. For those who view morning toast as a cornerstone of their day, investing in superior performance pays dividends in daily satisfaction, while occasional toasters will find excellent value in our budget recommendations that still deliver respectable results.

Bread Toasting

The Smeg 2-Slice emerged as the undisputed champion of bread toasting, producing delectable results that made our testing team fight over who got to eat the test slices. This stylish Italian appliance delivers perfectly even browning across the entire surface of the bread, with a golden-brown color that is so appetizing it could be featured in a cookbook. The texture is sublime—crispy and crunchy on the outside while maintaining a tender, warm interior that makes even basic white bread taste like artisanal bakery fare. The consistency impressed us most; whether we were on the first slice of the morning or the tenth consecutive piece, the Smeg maintained its exceptional performance without any hot spots or uneven toasting.

Amazon Basics 2 Slice Smeg 2-Slice

The Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 is the surprising dark horse in our bread toasting tests. It delivers surprisingly tasty results at a fraction of the Smeg's price. While it doesn't quite match the perfect evenness, it produces thoroughly satisfying toast with a delightful crunch and appealing golden color that makes our morning toast genuinely enjoyable. The Cuisinart CPT-122 also performed admirably, creating consistently flavorful toast with good browning control, though we noticed it tends to toast slightly darker on one side — a minor quibble that most users would barely notice during their morning routine.

The Black+Decker 2-Slice T2569B and Bella 2 Slice Auto Shut Off delivered respectable results that, while not gourmet-level, we consider to be adequate when considering their low price point. The Black+Decker tends to create slightly uneven browning, with the centers getting more golden than the edges, but the overall flavor is still pleasant and the crunch satisfying enough for everyday use.

The Mueller UltraToast 4 Slice and Black+Decker 4 Slice TR1478BD are both 4-slice models, and despite their larger capacity, they struggle somewhat with consistency when toasting just two slices. However, they perform better when fully loaded — making them better suited for families who need volume over perfection. These budget options prove that while you might sacrifice some evenness and consistency, you can still achieve reasonably tasty results without breaking the bank.

After taste testing hundreds of pieces of toast, we scored each individual toaster on a scale of 1-10, the results of which you can see below.

Bagel Toasting

When it comes to creating the perfect toasted bagel, we look for crispy and golden on the cut side and gently warmed on the crust. The Smeg 2-Slice once again demonstrates why it commands a premium price. Its dedicated bagel function works flawlessly, producing bagels with a delectably crunchy interior surface that provides the perfect foundation for cream cheese or butter, with an exterior that remains warm but not overly crispy. The level of control is exceptional; whether you prefer a light golden toast or a darker, more caramelized surface, the Smeg delivers mouthwatering results every single time.

The Breville Bit More 2 Slice is another stellar performer in the bagel category, living up to its premium positioning with consistently delicious results that would satisfy even the pickiest New York bagel enthusiast. Its intelligent heat distribution ensures that even dense everything bagels and hearty whole wheat varieties emerge perfectly toasted, with a satisfying crunch that enhances rather than masks the bagel's inherent flavor.

The Ninja ST100 Foodi 2-in-1 Flip Toaster brings innovation to bagel toasting with its unique flip design, though this novelty comes with a learning curve. Once you master the technique, it produces remarkably tasty bagels with excellent texture differentiation between the cut and crust sides, making it a conversation piece that actually delivers on performance.

Cuisinart CPT-122 Ninja ST100 Foodi 2-in-1 Flip Toaster

Cuisinart CPT-122 Ninja ST100 Foodi 2-in-1 Flip Toaster

The Amazon Basics 2 Slice and Hamilton Beach Sleek Stainless Steel are solid middle-ground options for bagel lovers on a budget. While they lack dedicated bagel settings, we found that with some experimentation, both can produce reasonably appetizing toasted bagels, though they require more attention and manual intervention than their pricier counterparts.

The Amazon Basics tends to toast a bit too aggressively on the highest settings, requiring us to find a sweet spot around medium-high for optimal bagel results. The Hamilton Beach delivers more consistent results but takes longer to achieve the desired crispness, which could be frustrating during rushed mornings. Neither option matches the effortless perfection of the premium models, but both are capable of producing a satisfying breakfast when used with care.

After analyzing countless bagels, we ranked each toaster based on how close it comes to creating the perfect toasted bagel.

Bagel Taste Test

Product	Evenness	Texture
Ninja ST100 Foodi 2-in-1 Flip Toaster	9	10
Smeg 2-Slice	7	9
Amazon Basics 2 Slice	7.5	8
Breville Bit More 2 Slice	8	6
Hamilton Beach Sleek Stainless Steel	7	7
Bella 2 Slice Auto Shut Off	7.5	5.5
GE 2 Slice G9TMA2SSPSS	6	7
Mueller UltraToast 4 Slice	6	7
Breville Die Cast 2 Slice Smart	6.5	6
Cuisinart 4 Slice Classic CPT-180	6	6
Bella 2 Slice Slim	6	6
Elite Gourmet ECT1027B	5	6
Black+Decker 4 Slice TR1478BD	4.5	6.5
Black+Decker 2-Slice T2569B	5.5	5
Elite Gourmet ECT-3100	6	4
Cuisinart CPT-122	5	4

Frozen Waffle Toasting

The art of perfectly toasting a frozen waffle involves achieving a delightful contrast between a crispy, golden exterior and a fluffy, thoroughly heated interior. This is what separates truly excellent toasters from merely adequate ones. The Smeg 2-Slice continues its winning streak, transforming frozen waffles into breakfast delights that taste far better than their frozen origins would suggest. The waffles emerge uniformly golden with perfectly crispy ridges that hold syrup beautifully, while the interior is heated through completely without any cold spots or sogginess.

The Breville Bit More 2 Slice demonstrated particular prowess with frozen items, and we give credit to its “A Bit More” button. We used it whenever we wanted to achieve extra crispiness without burning. This feature is invaluable for frozen waffles, allowing us to fine-tune the results to achieve that restaurant-quality texture that makes weekend breakfasts special.

Surprisingly, the budget-friendly Black+Decker 2-Slice T2569B and Bella 2 Slice both perform admirably with frozen waffles. They both produce evenly heated, appetizing results that would satisfy any family. While they lack dedicated frozen settings, their standard medium-high settings work remarkably well, creating waffles with pleasantly crispy exteriors and properly heated centers that tasted delectable when topped with butter and maple syrup.

Amazon Basics 2 Slice Mueller UltraToast 4 Slice

The Mueller UltraToast 4 Slice presents an interesting case study in frozen waffle toasting. When using all four slots, it delivers impressively consistent results across all waffles, making it an excellent choice for families needing to prepare multiple servings simultaneously; however, when toasting just one or two waffles, the results are less predictable. We saw some uneven heating that left some parts too crispy while others remained slightly cool.

The Amazon Basics 2 Slice and Bella 2 Slice Slim both struggle with thicker Belgian-style frozen waffles, requiring multiple cycles to achieve thorough heating, although they handle standard frozen waffles adequately. The Breville Die Cast 2 Slice Smart delivers excellent frozen waffle results with its precise temperature control. While the smart features and higher price may cause some to hesitate, its consistently delicious outcomes justify its position in the premium category.

After taste testing hundreds of waffles, we've ranked them from best to worst.

Waffle Taste Test

Product	Evenness	Texture
Mueller UltraToast 4 Slice	9	9
Smeg 2-Slice	8	9
Breville Bit More 2 Slice	7	9
Breville Die Cast 2 Slice Smart	8	8
Black+Decker 2-Slice T2569B	8	7
Bella 2 Slice Auto Shut Off	7	8
Amazon Basics 2 Slice	8	7
Bella 2 Slice Slim	7	8
Black+Decker 4 Slice TR1478BD	7	7
Elite Gourmet ECT-3100	7	6
Cuisinart 4 Slice Classic CPT-180	6	6
Cuisinart CPT-122	6	5
Ninja ST100 Foodi 2-in-1 Flip Toaster	5	6
Hamilton Beach Sleek Stainless Steel	6	5
GE 2 Slice G9TMA2SSPSS	5	4
Elite Gourmet ECT1027B	4	4

Ease of Use

Morning breakfast routines can be a challenge, especially if you have kids in the mix. Straightforward kitchen appliances can make your morning that much easier, but a complex machine can do the exact opposite; the last thing you want is a slew of confusing buttons and levers between you and a comforting slice of crispy carbohydrates.

The Breville Bit More 2 Slice excels in this category thanks to its intuitive interface that makes achieving perfect results effortless. The clearly labeled buttons, LED indicators that show exactly where you are in the toasting cycle, and that brilliant “More” button that adds just a touch more browning when needed, all combine to create an exceptionally user-friendly experience. The motorized lifting mechanism gently raises the toast when done, adding a premium touch that makes mornings feel a bit more luxurious. Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the front-access crumb tray that slides out smoothly without having to move the entire toaster.

The Cuisinart CPT-122 proves that simplicity and functionality can coexist beautifully, offering an unpretentious design that anyone could master within seconds. Its traditional lever operation feels solid and satisfying, while the clearly marked shade selector makes it easy to replicate our preferred settings day after day. The extra-lift feature ensures you can safely retrieve smaller items without burning your fingers, and the removable crumb tray, while positioned at the back, is still reasonably accessible.

The Black+Decker 2-Slice T2569B epitomizes no-frills functionality with a straightforward design that is still reliable and consistent. Though it lacks fancy features, its simple operation means there is less that can go wrong, and its lightweight design makes it easy to move for cleaning.

The Cuisinart 4 Slice Classic CPT-180 offers excellent build quality and dual independent controls for its two sides, allowing different household members to toast to their preferences simultaneously. While not necessary for every toast eater, this is a fantastic feature for bigger families with varied tastes.

The Breville Die Cast 2 Slice Smart has high-tech features and an LED progress indicator, and those who appreciate precision control will find its extensive customization options appealing, although we feel it sometimes over-complicates what should be a simple task. The Hamilton Beach Sleek Stainless Steel lives up to its name with an attractive design, but its controls feel somewhat flimsy, and the chrome finish, while beautiful when clean, requires constant maintenance to keep looking its best.

Toasting Speed

When you're racing against the clock on hectic mornings (or just generally impatient when you get hungry), toasting speed becomes a crucial factor. We timed how quickly each model could deliver perfectly golden toast on medium settings, and several models distinguished themselves as speed demons without sacrificing quality.

Toast Time

Product	Time
Cuisinart CPT-122	2.0
Hamilton Beach Sleek Stainless Steel	2.0
GE 2 Slice G9TMA2SSPSS	2.1
Ninja ST100 Foodi 2-in-1 Flip Toaster	2.2
Elite Gourmet ECT1027B	2.3
Cuisinart 4 Slice Classic CPT-180	2.4
Elite Gourmet ECT-3100	2.5
Breville Bit More 2 Slice	2.5
Black+Decker 2-Slice T2569B	2.5
Bella 2 Slice Auto Shut Off	2.6
Amazon Basics 2 Slice	2.7
Bella 2 Slice Slim	2.7
Smeg 2-Slice	2.8
Black+Decker 4 Slice TR1478BD	3.1
Breville Die Cast 2 Slice Smart	3.1
Mueller UltraToast 4 Slice	3.3

The Breville Bit More 2 Slice has efficient heating elements that reach optimal temperature quickly, delivering beautifully toasted bread in remarkably short order; it's perfect for mornings when every second counts. The GE 2 Slice G9TMA2SSPSS is also surprisingly swift, combining rapid heating with consistent results that don't force you to choose between speed and quality.

The Cuisinart CPT-122 is one of the fastest, and it is so easy to use in almost every other way that it really can simplify your morning routine. Interestingly, some four-slice models like the Cuisinart 4 Slice Classic CPT-180 can toast two slices almost as quickly as dedicated two-slice models. However, they really shine when toasting at full capacity, essentially cutting toasting time in half if you need to make multiple servings.

After considering each toaster's unique quirks and features, we scored them on their overall usability, and you can see the rankings below.

How to Pick the Best Toaster

When selecting a toaster, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First and foremost, how is its toasting performance? A toaster that doesn't toast well defeats the purpose. This is obvious, but there are other considerations like usability, capacity, and versatility that a toaster needs in order to earn a spot on your countertop.

Versatility

The best models in our test demonstrated remarkable versatility, producing mouthwatering results whether toasting fresh bakery bread, day-old bagels, or frozen waffles straight from the freezer. This adaptability ensures your investment continues delivering value as your breakfast preferences evolve. Models with dedicated settings for different food types generally produced more consistently delicious results, though we found that even basic models could achieve tasty outcomes with some experimentation and attention.

A truly excellent toaster can handle everything from artisanal sourdough to frozen breakfast pastries equally well, but if you favor one type of carb over others, you'll want to look at performance in that specific area. For example, do you prefer perfectly golden toast, properly heated bagels, or thoroughly warmed frozen items (without burnt parts)? If you want excellence in all three, you will likely have to invest in a more premium model.

Capacity

If you have a large family with a busy morning routine, a larger capacity toaster can help. As the name implies, a four-slice toaster can handle twice as many food items as a conventional two-slice one. Some even have independently functioning slots, allowing two people to heat their preferred snacks on their preferred settings at the same time. Of course, if you are a one or two-person household, a traditional two-slice model makes more sense and saves you some counter space.

User-Friendliness

A good toaster is easy to use and eliminates guesswork by including intuitive dials, buttons, and settings. While most toasters have done little to reinvent the wheel, some make the experience just a bit more user-friendly than others. We recommend looking for tactile buttons that are clearly labeled and easy to press. Illuminated buttons and countdown timers can also be nice for more visual feedback on how your toast is doing.

You'll want to avoid models with buttons that are too small or hard to read, as well as those with vague temperature and shade settings. This can make it hard to repeat results when switching back and forth from one type of snack to another.

Lastly, large, easy-to-remove and replace crumb trays make cleaning much easier. We prefer ones that are located at the front of a toaster; however, many designs inconveniently locate the crumb tray access at the rear.

Conclusion

Toasters are one of those kitchen appliances you use most days, yet probably don't think about too much when shopping for one. And that is entirely reasonable because any real or digital retail shelf will instantly bombard you with hundreds of options, all of which seem to be roughly the same. However, we have found that not all these machines perform equally and that an informed decision can bring you more breakfast happiness per dollar. We hope our comprehensive review has helped you navigate the world of toasters and find the perfect model for your kitchen.