For many, breakfast isn't complete without a delicious slice of toasted bread. Whether you prefer bagels, English muffins, or artisanal loaves, having the right toaster can elevate your morning routine significantly.
Toasters come in various styles, ranging from compact two-slice models ideal for smaller households to larger multi-slot versions that can accommodate the whole family. High-tech options include features like touch screens and timers, while simpler designs still deliver golden-brown toast. With so many choices available, it can be challenging to decide on the perfect toaster.
As a product reviewer and member of a kitchen testing team, I've dedicated countless hours to testing a range of toasters, from thick sourdough to thin wholemeal slices, to identify the best options on the market.
I've compiled a list of my top twelve toasters to suit every kitchen style and budget. Additionally, I've included the best toaster oven for those who want extra versatility. Each toaster has been evaluated based on build quality, toasting consistency, functionality, and price. To sweeten the deal, I've also highlighted some fantastic savings on our selected models.
Quick Picks
If you're in a hurry to find a toaster, check out this quick guide to our top picks. More detailed information is available further down the page.
Best Overall
- Cuisinart CPT-180
Best Overall Toaster
Featuring four slots, an affordable price point, and outstanding performance, this toaster might just be the best you'll ever own. It comes with a variety of useful settings.
Best for Luxury Features
- Breville Die-Cast
Best for Premium Features
This toaster elevates toasting technology with its array of smart features, side controls, and customizable settings, making every toasting experience exceptional.
Best for Home Bakers
- Zwilling Enfinigy
Best for Baking Enthusiasts
For those who bake their own bread, this stylish toaster features long, wide slots, perfect for accommodating uniquely shaped slices.
Best Four-Slice Toaster
- KitchenAid Artisan 4-Slice
Best for Large Families
Designed with thicker slices in mind, the Artisan boasts thoughtful features and a classic aesthetic, ensuring nearly perfect toast every time.
Most Stylish
- Smeg 4 Slice Toaster
Most Fashionable Toaster
Smeg's iconic retro designs shine in their toasters, combining straightforward controls with reliability and functionality.
Best Value
- Dash Clear View
Best for Budget-Conscious Shoppers
This innovative toaster features a clear viewing window to help prevent burnt toast. With long slots and a variety of colors, it offers great value.
Best Toasters of 2024
Best Overall Toaster
1. Cuisinart CPT-180 Classic Toaster
This toaster makes exceptional toast at an affordable price.Expert Review:
Specifications
Dimensions: 11.15 x 10.65 x 7.5 inches
Slots: 4
Settings: Bagel, Defrost, Reheat, Cancel
RRP: $69.95
Reasons to Buy
- Budget-friendly
- Great bagel setting
- Easy to clean
- Available in various colors
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited extra lift
There are numerous reasons to appreciate this toaster. Most importantly, it excels at the basics: selecting your preferred setting, whether Bagel, Reheat, or Defrost, is straightforward. You also have 12 browning options to cater to various preferences.
The construction feels robust, featuring a stainless steel exterior and matching levers. Cleaning is simple, thanks to two independently removable crumb trays. The bagel setting requires you to place the slices facing away from each other, which may seem counter-intuitive.
The levers offer some added lift, making it convenient for smaller items like pop tarts, although they may not accommodate very small slices as effectively.
Best of all, it usually retails for under $100, offering excellent value for a high-quality toaster. While there are certainly cheaper alternatives, they lack the dedicated settings and precision of this model.
Best Luxury Toaster
2. Breville Die-Cast 4-Slice Smart Toaster
Elevate your toasting experience with this high-end model.Expert Review:
Specifications
Dimensions: 10.9" x 11.9" x 7.7"
Slots: 4
Settings: Bagel, Frozen, A Bit More
RRP: $209.95
Reasons to Buy
- Smart auto lift
- Peek feature to check your toast
- Countdown timer
- Outstanding results
- Durable design
Reasons to Avoid
- High price
Customer reviews for this toaster are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its long-lasting performance. One user even noted that five years later, it still works just as effectively as on day one.
In addition to mastering the basics, it comes equipped with numerous helpful features. The dual slider controls manage two slots each, allowing you to customize the toasting level. Once your toast is in place and the Toast button is pressed, it automatically descends with LED indicators showing the progress.
Curious about how your toast is doing? The 'Lift and Look' feature lets you raise the toast for a quick peek, then it lowers back down. If you need a little extra time, the 'A Bit More' button gives you a few more seconds of toasting.
Note that this model uses a
