Best Toasters

Believed to have been invented in the late 1800s, these convenient appliances offer a fast and efficient way of toasting sliced bread and other bread products that can be enjoyed as a simple breakfast, a quick snack, or as a filling accompaniment to a larger meal. Toasters are renowned for being very easy to use, so it is rare to find a household without one. Furthermore, in recent years, dual-purpose countertop toaster ovens have become a popular space-saving alternative to separate kitchen appliances.

Confused about which model is right for you? Here’s our quick rundown of some of the main styles of toaster:

Digital

Bringing digital displays and controls to the humble toaster may sound a little like overkill. Digital models, however, can be extremely useful and look great in any modern kitchen setting. Rather than turning dials, you may find it easier to press buttons or a touch screen which displays your settings before you start toasting. Some digital options also feature a handy countdown timer so you’ll know exactly how long until your toast is ready, helping you to make the most of those precious minutes you have before rushing out the door in the morning.

Retro

Retro models are all about the looks. Whether you have a retro-styled kitchen or an ultra-modern one, a quirky retro toaster will look good wherever you place it. They are usually available in a variety of sizes and are often brightly colored. If this fits your decor, the chances are you will be sold on looks alone, however many retro models will offer just as much functionality as modern looking ones, so be sure to check the features you need are also available in the toaster that has taken your fancy.

Classic

Classic models cover a wide range of functionality and prices. Generally fairly compact, with basic settings, visible levers, buttons, and a darkness dial, these offer the traditional style of pop-up design that first comes to mind when you think of a toaster.

Extra-wide

If you enjoy toasting more than just your average sliced bread, for example, home-made waffles, bagels, and French sticks, you may want to consider purchasing an extra-wide toaster. Extra-wide models benefit from larger than average slots that allow you to toast a wider variety of breads and pastries.

Compact

If you have a small kitchen, you will be very familiar with the need for space-saving appliances. A compact toaster is the perfect choice in these circumstances. These models may have fewer features than their larger brethren, but they still provide great results without taking over the limited room on your counter.

Here are some of the essential features that you should keep an eye out for when choosing your new toaster:

Dimensions

It’s something we’ve all been guilty of at some point when appliance shopping, but it is always recommended to check the exact footprint dimensions of your toaster before placing your order. As they are often in regular use, it makes sense to ensure that your toaster will comfortably fit on your countertop in an easily accessible location. This is particularly important if you have a small kitchen or are shopping for a toaster for your RV. To help you along, each of the models discussed have their exact dimensions listed in our comparison chart.

Slot Sizes

Depending upon what you prefer to toast, you may like to opt for a model with wider than average slots. This will allow you to toast thicker bread as well as various other items such as bagels and waffles.

Basic Functions

Most toasters offer a selection of basic functions. Here are some of the most common ones that you are likely to encounter:

• Cancel – While pretty self-explanatory, don’t underestimate the convenience of having a cancel button. Cancel your toast with one quick press and that’s all there is to it.
• Bagel – When you use the bagel mode, your toaster will only heat up one side. This protects the side of your bagel with heat sensitive toppings, such as seeds, from getting too dried out and crisped up.
• Defrost – When you place a slice of frozen bread in your toaster and hit defrost (or frozen), it will extend the time so that your bread defrosts before being toasted. This is much more convenient than having to run the heating cycle several times.
• Reheat – Not all models have a reheat function, but if you frequently forget about your toast, you might find having one comes in handy. Simply hit reheat for a quick blast of heat to warm up your toast without burning it or drying it out.

Dual Controls

Having a dual control model allows your appliance to be used as a pair individual two-slice toasters, meaning you can set your slices to dark brown, while the kids’ slices are set to light, without having to supervise or repeat the process.

Shade Settings

Almost every toaster comes with shade settings. They usually come in the form of a numbered dial, but more modern models may use buttons and a screen. Simply select a number between one and the maximum setting to have your toast pop up at a certain lightness or darkness. Note that when you use your new toaster it will take a few attempts to get the results just how you like them. You’ll also need to bear in mind that when you toast for the second time onwards in quick succession that the appliance will already have heated up. It will, therefore, brown your bread more quickly, resulting in darker results than on the first run, unless you dial it down a setting.

External Construction

Looks aside, the external housing of your toaster will determine how robust it will be. Stainless steel is a popular and highly-durable choice, while cheaper models may be made from hard, heat-resistant plastic.

Cable Tidy

If you are not intending on using your toaster all that regularly, you may want to look for a model with an included cable tidy so that you can neatly store it away when it is not in use.

Removable Crumb Tray

A removable crumb tray makes cleaning out your toaster quick and easy. It is important to do so on a regular basis, so having a crumb tray that is easy to remove will save you from having to upend your toaster to shake them out and get crumbs everywhere in the process.

Alarm

Some models make a beeping noise when your toast is ready. Some people find this useful as it lets them get on with other things, knowing they’ll be alerted when the cooking cycle is finished. On the other hand, some people may find this irritating. Like many things, whether an alarm will be beneficial comes down to personal preference.