Table of Contents
Mm, toast. There’s nothing more delicious than a perfectly golden piece of bread, crunchy on the outside and soft and buttery in the middle.
Toasters are an essential appliance for most kitchens, especially since breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If your toaster is battered and underperforming or just old and ugly, it might be time for an upgrade!
Unfortunately, buying a new toaster isn’t as easy as it sounds. There is a huge range of types, styles, and models standing between you and a final decision.
There are so many features and options to consider that you may never decide what you need or how much you want to spend. While the appliance is incredibly simple, the purchase-decision is not.
We’ve collected a few 2-slice and 4-slice toasters for you to consider to help you along with your toaster-getting journey.
We spent 67 hours analyzing 1403 customer reviews and 51 different toasters to bring the best toasters with the ideal quality-value ratios.
We’re pretty confident you’ll find at least one toaster you can picture in your kitchen, and by the time you get to the end, you’ll be armed with all of the information you need to make an informed decision about which toaster belongs on your countertop.
Following our last update, we recommend the Cuisinart CPT-420C 2-slice toaster; if you are looking at a 4-slice toaster for your family, we recommend the Cuisinart CPT-180!
Our Top Pick Toaster in 2023
Overall, the functionality and usability of the Cuisinart CPT-420C 2-slice toaster make it our favourite 2-slicer on the market. We’re very happy with the intuitive design and operational features.
Pros:
- 7 browning levels
- Countdown
- Lever-less operation
Cons:
- No lift-and-hook function
With great features and an elegant stainless-steel design, the Cuisinart CPT-180 4-slice toaster will make a great addition to your kitchen. It definitely earns its keep with pre-set functions and effective toasting.
Pros:
- Long warranty
- Large capacity
- Stainless steel design
Cons:
- No display
Our selection of the best models available right now:
-
- Cuisinart CPT-420C
- Black + Decker TR1278B
- Cuisinart CPT-180
- Black + Decker TR1478BD
- Revolution R180 Touchscreen Toaster
- Breville BTA840XL
- Cuisinart CPT-160
- KitchenAid KMT4115SX
- Keenstone Stainless Steel Toaster
- Cuisinart CPT-440C 4-Slice Touch To Toast Leverless Toaster
- West Bend 77224 QuikServe Slide Through Wide Slot Toaster
- Dash DVTS501BK Toaster
- Hamilton Beach 22796 Toaster
Toaster Comparative Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Top Pick 2-Slice
|
Cuisinart CPT-420C
|
9,7
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Budget Pick – 2 Slice
|
Black + Decker TR1278B
|
9,1
|
Check Price on AmazonCheck Price at Walmart |
|
Top Pick 4-Slice
|
Cuisinart CPT-180
|
9,6
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Budget Pick – 4 Slice
|
Black + Decker TR1478BD
|
9,1
|
Check Price on AmazonCheck Price at Walmart |
|
Smart Pick
|
Revolution R180 Touchscreen Toaster
|
9,4
|
Check Price on AmazonCheck Price at Walmart |
Top Pick for The Best 2-Slice Toaster
Presentation of the Cuisinart CPT-420C
The Best 2-Slice Toaster
Cuisinart
Toasters come at all different price pints with varied features and designs. If you want a 2-slice toaster that has the perfect combination of value, quality, and features, the Cuisinart CPT-420C toaster is the one to go with.
Cuisinart CPT-420C Video Review
What We Think of the Cuisinart CPT-420C
The Cuisinart CPT-420C is one of the few toasters with a cycle countdown on an easy-to-read LCD display.
This toaster uses a lever-less operation style to compliment its sleek stainless-steel design.
The toaster also has a bagel setting to get the perfect colour of shade without burning or under-toasting.
You can also use the defrost and reheat settings to warm up your food without re-toasting or to defrost frozen waffles and other foods before toasting.
The toaster has 7 variable shade options to choose from so even picky eaters can achieve the perfect level of crunch and brownness of their breads.
This toaster even has an audible alert once the toaster has finished its cycle, so even if you’re busy doing something else in your kitchen or have wandered away for a moment, you’ll know the second your toast is done and can butter it before it cools off to much for melting.
This is one of the best toasters I’ve ever had. I live alone so I don’t need anything too large, but I really enjoy all of the features on this Cuisinart toaster. I love the lever-less feature and the countdown helps me time my other morning activities while the toaster makes my toast. Since I have eggs and toast every morning, this durable toaster is perfect for me.
Mark E.
The crumb tray on this model is removable from the back, so depending on where you place your toaster on your counter, you’ll have to move it each time you want to dump the crumbs in the garbage.
We do wish Cuisinart had complemented their lever-less technology with a lift-and-look function.
It seems to be outclassed by its levered competition in its price range, but if you want a cheaper lever-less toaster, the Cuisinart CPT-420C will be perfect for you.
You won’t have any issues with usage or reliable browning, and that’s what’s most important in a toaster anyway.
Cuisinart CPT-420C Specifications
- Dimensions: 8.5” x 11.5” x 8”
- Slice Capacity: 2
- Colour: Silver
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Number of Toast Settings: 7
- Weight: 4.5 lbs
- Wattage: 900
Cuisinart CPT-420C Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- 7 browning levels
- Countdown
- Lever-less operation
Cons
- No lift-and-hook function
Our Final Opinion About the Cuisinart CPT-420C
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the functionality and usability of the Cuisinart CPT-420C 2-slice toaster make it our favourite 2-slicer on the market. We’re very happy with the intuitive design and operational features.
Budget Pick for The Best 2-Slice Toaster
Presentation of the Black + Decker TR1278B
The Affordable Choice
Black + Decker
This economy 2-slice toaster by Black + Decker is a basic toaster with great functionality and usability features, but not so many extra frills. It’s a great fit for any smaller kitchen or family that doesn’t expect too much.
What We Think of the Black + Decker TR1278B
The Black + Decker TR1278B 2-slice toaster comes with 7 shade settings for ultimate customization for your perfect slide.
The toaster has extra-wide slots to accommodate bagels and thicker-sliced breads without squishing or getting stuck.
As an added bonus, the toaster features an extra-lift option to avoid burning your fingers or putting yourself in danger to coax out those smaller pieces.
The toaster has additional settings including a bagel function and frozen setting, as well as a cancel button to rescue toast from being burned.
The lever on this Black + Decker toaster glides easily and will continue to do so for numerous years, so you won’t have to worry about arguing with your toaster over releasing your bread to you.
I wanted a cheap toaster to replace my last toaster, but I wanted something a bit more durable to last me for several years. I found this Black + Decker toaster to be the perfect balance of value for my money and easy-to-use features. I don’t need fancy things, but the wide slots make toasting bagels much easier and I also like the lightweight and compact design since I store it in my cupboard.
Anne S.
The shade settings on this toaster are easy to use, but the other buttons are somewhat difficult to push, which might get frustrating if you’re using them regularly.
The crumb tray is removal which is convenient, but it is poorly designed compared to some other models.
We’re also pretty disappointed that the high setting effectively burns your toast beyond all recognition. If that’s your thing, have at it, but the rest of us will be better off using a lower setting for a crisp edge.
This toaster is more cheaply made so you’ll be using flimsier plastic parts, but it holds up well against other models in terms of effective browning (maybe even too much) and straightforward controls.
For the price, we didn’t expect much more from the Black + Decker TR1278B toaster.
Black + Decker TR1278B Specifications
- Dimensions: 6” x 10” x 6
- Slice Capacity: 2
- Colour: Black
- Material: Plastic
- Number of Toast Settings: 7
- Weight: 1.5 lbs
- Wattage: 850
- Warranty: 1 year
Black + Decker TR1278B Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Great price
- Extra wide slots for bagels and thick slices
- Extra-lift for easy removal
Cons
- No countdown
Our Final Opinion About the Black + Decker TR1278B
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Black + decker TR1278B 2-slice toaster is a compact, useful kitchen appliance for the budget-minded shopper that doesn’t need a super fancy toaster to darken their breads.
Top Pick for The Best 4-Slice Toaster
Presentation of the Cuisinart CPT-180
The Beast
Cuisinart
The 4-slice Cuisinart CPT-180 toaster is large and feature packed for incredible functionality. This toaster will satisfy all of your carb cravings in the blink of eye.
Cuisinart CPT-180 Video Review
What We Think of the Cuisinart CPT-180
The Cuisinart CPT-180 is a sleek stainless-steel 4-slice toaster capable of perfectly browning toast, bagels, pastries, English muffins, and more.
It comes equipped with a variety of features that allow it to outclass many others in its category, and it toasts more efficiently than many other models on the market.
We’re a big fan of the dual controls on this toaster since they allow you to cook two pairs of slices at different settings at the same time.
You will no longer have to fight with your partner over who gets to go first; harmony restored! This toaster has the usual cancel option as well as a defrost, bagel, and reheat function for greater functionality and versatility.
The dials on this toaster are easy to use and the levers glide smoothly, though they do not raise up high enough to make grabbing your now perfectly toasted bread easy.
This large 4-slice toaster has been perfect for my family of 6. We make a lot of toast each morning before the kids go to school so having a larger and super efficient toaster is a priority for us. It works really well and it doesn’t take too long to brown our bread or English muffins. Everything works flawlessly on this toaster and it is really easy to use.
Karen L.
There are 6 shade settings on this Cuisinart toaster, but it does toast quite faster than other models so it is definitely worth sacrificing that 7th shade setting (who ever uses the highest setting anyway, right?). one minor flaw to this unit is the awkward placement of the crumb tray.
It is removable (yay) but comes out the back of the toaster rather than the front, so you’ll have to spin the toaster around to clean the tray and put it back.
Awkwardness aside, this toaster really is a fantastic option for any household looking for a reliable and effective 4-slice toaster with awesome usability functions and features.
Cuisinart CPT-180 Specifications
- Dimensions: 11.1” x 10.7 x 7.5”
- Slice Capacity: 4
- Colour: Silver
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Number of Toast Settings: 6
- Weight: 6.1 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year warranty
Cuisinart CPT-180 Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Long warranty
- Large capacity
- Stainless steel design
Cons
- No display
Our Final Opinion About the Cuisinart CPT-180
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
With great features and an elegant stainless-steel design, the Cuisinart CPT-180 4-slice toaster will make a great addition to your kitchen. It definitely earns its keep with pre-set functions and effective toasting.
Budget Pick for The Best 4-Slice Toaster
Presentation of the Black + Decker TR1478BD
The Black Beauty
Black + Decker
This Black + Decker TR1478BD 4-slice toaster will please every budget-minded toast connoisseur. You’ll receive a reasonable number of usability features at a wonderfully low price.
What We Think of the Black + Decker TR1478BD
The Black + Decker TR1478BD toaster is a 4-slice toaster with the perfect balance of great value and necessary features for super simple use.
With 7 toast settings, you can achieve your perfect slice no matter what. If you overestimate your setting by accident, the handy cancel button will take care of that problem lickity-split.
The toaster also has frozen and bagel functions that adjust the toaster to toast longer to reflect the wider width of the bagel or the frozen state of your waffles.
The slots are wider than average to make toasting bagels and thicker breads less of a challenge, and the self-adjusting guides will ensure that your food is perfectly positioned for toasting every time.
This toaster is a game changer! It’s quite affordable but has all the features you need: variety of shade settings, easy lift for grabbing toast, and straightforward operation. It doesn’t slip and slide around on the counter which is great and the toast settings brown your bread quickly so you can enjoy a breakfast even if you’re running a bit late – which is a constant in my house!
Louise B.
The crumb tray on this toaster is easily removable for quick and simple disposal of crumbs, seeds, or other debris from your breads and other foods.
This toaster isn’t the fastest on the market, but it does have great value and a sturdy build. Plus, the power cord is easily wrapped beneath the unit for easier storage.
This toaster also uses dual controls so you can toast two sets of slices at once while using different settings whenever necessary.
The buttons are a bit challenging to push down, but hopefully you won’t have to use them too often. This toaster is stainless steel with black plastic accents so it has a mix of durability and aesthetically pleasing design.
For the affordable price, this 4-slice toaster by Black + Decker will make a great addition to any kitchen.
Black + Decker TR1478BD Specifications
- Dimensions: 12.3” x 12” x 8”
- Slice Capacity: 4
- Colour: Black
- Material: Plastic and Stainless Steel
- Number of Toast Settings: 7
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Wattage: 1400
- Warranty: 2 years
Black + Decker TR1478BD Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- High wattage
- Lightweight
- 7 toast settings
Cons
- Less compact than other 4-slice toasters
Our Final Opinion About the Black + Decker TR1478BD
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the economy Black + Decker TR1478BD 4-slice toaster has great functionality. Simple usability, and a sleek black design that will look great in any kitchen, even if it is a bit bulky.
Smart Pick for The Best 4-Slice Toaster
Presentation of the Revolution R180 Touchscreen Toaster
The Smart Pick
Revolution
If you are someone who burns water when boiling for pasta, you probably need a little extra help in the kitchen even for something simple like toast. With a variety of intelligent features that make achieving the perfect golden slice a piece of cake, the Revolution R180 touchscreen toaster will be your new best friend.
Revolution R180 Touchscreen Toaster Video Review
What We Think of the Revolution R180 Touchscreen Toaster
The Revolution toaster is apart from the competition for a number of reasons. Most obviously is its touch screen control system. Since most toasters use sliders or dials for controlling the “doneness” of your bread products, the touchscreen is certainly exciting. Even more exciting is the more than 60 toast settings for all types of toasted products cooked to every level of toasty you could need.
The actual technology of this high-end toaster is also improved over most others since it is up to 35% faster than competing toasters. This means you won’t accidentally burn your toast by double toasting because you popped it too soon out of impatience. Plus, it holds onto as much as 30% extra moisture, a particularly helpful feature if you don’t enjoy bread products very often and usually toast them from frozen.
I never thought I’d be impressed by a toaster, but here I am. I received this as a gift, as I never would have bought a toaster so expensive for myself, but it’s one of the best things I’ve ever been gifted. I can finally make frozen bread products without them getting all dried out, and my mornings are much happier for it. It is much faster than my last toaster and there are so many choices that it was a little overwhelming at first. Love love love the touchscreen too.
madison y.
We would have liked this toaster to hold 4 pieces of toast to make it more worthy of the extravagant price tag, but the higher efficiency does still make it convenient for feeding families at breakfast time. The screen shows a countdown clock for all cook cycles and ends with a beautiful little chime to make mornings a touch more bearable. This efficient toaster requires no preheating time and adjusts the placement and intensity of heat based on the product your toasting to ensure perfection every time.
Revolution R180 Touchscreen Toaster Specifications
- Dimensions: 8.4” x 11.6” x 6.1”
- Slice Capacity: 2
- Colour: Silver
- Material: Stainless steel
- Number of Toast Settings: 63
- Weight: 7 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
Revolution R180 Touchscreen Toaster Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- 63 digital settings for custom toast slices
- High-speed cooking for rushed mornings or big families eating together
- Makes everything from Pop-Tarts to bagels to waffles
- Very easy to use
Cons
- Very expensive
- Touchscreen may become dirty regularly
Our Final Opinion About the Revolution R180 Touchscreen Toaster
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 1.0 out of 5.0 stars
While we love the features on this intuitive touchscreen toaster with high-speed efficiency, we find it hard to stomach that any toaster could cost this much. If you’re willing to splurge on fancy smart features, you’ll be very happy with the quality, performance, and results using this Revolution toaster.
Alternative Products to Consider
Presentation of the Breville BTA840XL
The Smart Alternative
Breville
We never put much stock in the whole “robot uprising” thing, but the Breville BTA840XL 4-slice toaster might make us rethink our position. With its intuitive controls, smart progress indicators, and advanced functionality, this Breville toaster may indeed have the intelligence to outsmart us all.
Breville BTA840XL Video Review
What We Think of the Breville BTA840XL
Alright, so much to talk about with the Breville BTA840XL 4-slice toaster.
This is another lever-less toaster, but it has so many awesome features that the lever-less design is almost not noteworthy.
Before diving into the features of this toaster, it’s worth mentioning that it is the priciest on our list, so don’t get too excited about it until you’ve seen the dollar amount this puppy is worth.
The Breville toaster uses an automatic lever system rather than a manual lever system, and it comes with a couple of surprises.
This toaster has a lift-and-look function which allows you to check your breads easily and clearly without having to cancel the cycle and stop the toasting progress.
If it’s well toasted, you can use the cancel button to eject your toast immediately, but if it needs another minute you can let it continue without having to set another cycle or cancel the first.
I had a hard time convincing my wife that this toaster was worth the money, but eventually she gave in and now uses it more than I do. This toaster has so many features that are actually pretty impressive. We get a lot of use out of the lift-and-look function since we don’t like our toast too crunchy, and its great that we can each control our own bread while they cook at the same time.
Bob H.
This toaster has another unique control: the “a bit more” setting will automatically lower your bread for a little longer to achieve that perfect balance of crunch and chewiness.
This toaster uses an auto-lift function to raise your toast out of the toaster once the cycle is complete, and you have a visual countdown of the cycle progress right above the shade setting controls so you know how long you have left before your toast is finished.
And of course, you have dual controls for each pair of slices.
Only the most impressive users will manage to burn their toast using the Breville 4-slice toaster, but it does only come with 5 toast settings rather than 6 or 7.
The slots are extra wide to handle any bagel or artisan bread, and you can use defrost and bagel settings on this unit as well.
Breville BTA840XL Specifications
- Dimensions: 11.25” x 11.5” x 7.2”
- Slice Capacity: 4
- Colour: Silver
- Material: Metal
- Number of Toast Settings: 5
- Weight: 9.5 lbs
- Wattage: 1800
- Warranty: 1 year
Breville BTA840XL Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Lift-and-look function
- LED cycle progress indicators
- Dual controls
- “A bit more” setting
Cons
Cons
- Expensive
- Only 5 toast settings
Our Final Opinion About the Breville BTA840XL
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 3.0 out of 5.0 stars
We could not be happier with the Breville BTA840XL 4-slice toaster. The numerous advanced usability features on this model make it the most intelligent toaster we’ve ever seen, but the price makes us a bit queasy. If you can afford it, enjoy it enough for all of us!
Presentation of the Cuisinart CPT-160
The Sleek Alternative
Cuisinart
The Cuisinart CPT-160 stainless steel toaster is similar to the CPT-180 but is a 2-slice rather than a 4-slice toaster. If you enjoy the sleek design and great features but run a smaller household, the 160 model is perfect for you. Plus, it’s shiny enough that you can check your appearance inconspicuously without being judged by your family.
Cuisinart CPT-160 Video Review
What We Think of the Cuisinart CPT-160
The Cuisinart CPT-160 2-slice toaster is the smaller version of the CPT-180. If you enjoy the features of the 180 model but only wanted a 2-slice toaster, you’re in luck!
The sleek stainless-steel housing with black accents will make this toaster stand out in any kitchen, and usability isn’t sacrificed for an appealing design.
This toaster has wide slots to cater to a variety of breads and other foods, and an extra-lift carriage makes smaller breads easier to reach and remove.
The slots are a bit short, so rye breads are off the table with this toaster, but it is built compactly to save you counter space.
This toaster sports the usual defrost, reheat, cancel, and bagel functions we see on most toasters nowadays, and it has 6 shade settings for every mood.
This shiny Cuisinart toaster looks great in our kitchen and matches all of our other appliances. It works great and the lever has a super smooth glide. The toaster browns everything from bagels to waffles evenly and the removable crumb tray makes cleanup simple and quick. Our last toaster was old and didn’t have a feature like that, so I really appreciate how simple this one is to use and clean. Definitely recommend this toaster to everyone.
Megan F.
This Cuisinart toaster uses LED indicator lights for added convenience and has a removable crumb tray for enhanced cleaning and reduced fire risk.
The shade setting dial is easy to adjust and this toaster features a cord wrap beneath the unit for easy storage.
This toaster also comes with a 3-year warranty, so you can be confident this toaster will remain in god condition and great working order for many years to come.
It is a bit disappointing that the slots are short, but as a compact toaster, it can still handle most bread types, bagels, frozen waffles, English muffins, pastries, and other shorter foods.
You can also set the dial between numbered shade settings if you want something in between the settings.
Cuisinart CPT-160 Specifications
- Dimensions: 10.7” x 7.1” x 7.1”
- Slice Capacity: 2
- Colour: Silver
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Number of Toast Settings: 6
- Weight: 4.4 lbs
- Wattage: 900 Watts
- Warranty: 3 years
Cuisinart CPT-160 Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Extra lift carriage
- Compact to save counterspace
- Slide-out crumb tray
Cons
Cons
- Short slots
Our Final Opinion About the Cuisinart CPT-160
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
We definitely recommend the Cuisinart CPT-160 to all smaller households that don’t require a large toaster. It will fit nicely on any counter and is super easy to use.
Presentation of the KitchenAid KMT4115SX
The Minimalist Alternative
KitchenAid
While still sporting the sleek stainless-steel finish as some of our other favourite models, the KitchenAid KMT4115SX 4-slice toaster has minimal settings and features and prioritizes effective functionality over frills and gadgets.
What We Think of the KitchenAid KMT4115SX
The KitchenAid KMT4115SX 4-slice toaster is another larger capacity option with fewer features but superior functionality.
This toaster uses a manual lever system with an extra-lift carriage to make removal of breads and other smaller foods easier on the fingers.
The all-metal construction of this model makes it incredibly durable and a bit heavier than many other toasters on the market, which we actually enjoy.
The controls also feel solid, and we feel that this toaster is built to last.
The slots on this toaster are extra-wide for greater versatility in uses and suitable foods, and this is another toaster with a removable crumb tray for optimal cleaning of crumbs and debris.
The under-base cord storage will allow you to easily pack away your toaster in a cupboard or to simply tidy of your counter for a cleaner, tidy appearance.
This basic toaster is exactly what I was looking for. I almost always have a bagel with cream cheese in the morning so I needed a toaster that could handle something wider than toast. It works great and the lever lifts out the bagel enough that I can grab it without touching the hot toaster. I love not having to prop it out with a butter knife anymore.
Heather W.
This KitchenAid toaster has 5 different shade settings and dual controls for each side.
This toaster only has a bagel function as an added feature, and the cancel button is located right below.
You also have an audible alert on this toaster when the cycle is complete, but it is fairly loud and cannot be adjusted.
We feel that this toaster doesn’t satisfy our craving for special features, but if you only need basic functions, this KitchenAid toaster will satisfy your needs.
There are better options at this price-point though, and more affordable choices if you’re looking for a more basic/traditional toaster.
KitchenAid KMT4115SX Specifications
- Dimensions: 11.5” x 12.5” x 8.3”
- Slice Capacity: 4
- Colour: Silver
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Number of Toast Settings: 5
- Weight: 8 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
KitchenAid KMT4115SX Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Wide slots
- Under-base cord storage
- Removable crumb tray
Cons
Cons
- Bulky design
- No special features
Our Final Opinion About the KitchenAid KMT4115SX
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, we feel that the KitchenAid KMT4115SX 4-slice toaster is overpriced for its basic design and minimalist functionality, but users won’t have any disappointments from lack of effectiveness or ease of use, so that’s something.
Presentation of the Keenstone Stainless Steel Toaster
The Retro Pick
Keenstone
The Keenstone Stainless Steel Toaster is a stylish, minimalistic, and effective toaster. It fits in great with fashionable kitchens with a retro or minimalist flair, depending on the color you get. At the same time, it is expensive and does not come with as many advanced features as toasters of its price range.
What We Think of the Keenstone Stainless Steel Toaster
The Keenstone Stainless Steel Toaster is a great choice of toaster if you are looking for an attractive yet basic toaster. It comes with a toasting level knob and a cancel, bagel, and defrost button. These features make this toaster highly functional and basic, perfect for people who don’t want anything too fancy.
At the same time, this toaster does come with one feature that is advanced and highly helpful. It features a crumb tray that easily catches crumbs and slides out whenever you are ready to clean the appliance.
The appearance of this toaster is nice too. It has a sleek and rounded appearance that is very minimalistic. The color options are cream and red. The cream option will look great in modern kitchens, whereas red will look great in retro ones.
Not only does it appear attractive. Instead it is highly durable. Whereas most toasters are made from plastic, this one is stainless steel. The stainless steel ensures the toaster will last a long time and lead to a safe toasting experience.
I toast completely frozen Eggo waffles with this and it gets the job done. It’s got a wide opening, but it is great for thinner foods too. Great value for money and looks great too.
gordon
Even though the only advanced feature on this toaster is the slide out tray, it is still expensive. We wished that a toaster of this price came with more functional choices to ensure you get your money’s worth from the purchase.
If you are looking for a stylish yet basic toaster, though, the Keenstone Stainless Steel Toaster is a good choice. Because of its rounded design, intuitive features, and stainless steel material, it will last you a good while without being too confusing.
Keenstone Stainless Steel Toaster Specifications
- Brand: Keenstone
- Material: Stainless steel
- Number of Slots: 2
- Toasting Options: Toast, bagel, defrost
- Cleaning Option: Slide out tray
Keenstone Stainless Steel Toaster Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Very attractive
- Easy to clean
- Durable materials
- Intuitive design
Cons
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn’t come with advanced features
Our Final Opinion About the Keenstone Stainless Steel Toaster
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.8 Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Price:4.3]
The Keenstone Stainless Steel Toaster is very attractive, durable, and easy to clean. However, it falls on the expensive side, especially considering the lack of advanced features.
Presentation of the Cuisinart CPT-440C 4-Slice Touch To Toast Leverless Toaster
The Family Pick
Cuisinart
The Cuisinart CPT-440C 4-Slice Touch To Toast Leverless Toaster is one of the most advanced toasters. It comes with four slots, a leverless design, and various cooking options. At the same time, it is very expensive and shouldn’t be bought by those on a budget.
Cuisinart CPT-440C 4-Slice Touch To Toast Leverless Toaster Video Review
What We Think of the Cuisinart CPT-440C 4-Slice Touch To Toast Leverless Toaster
The Cuisinart CPT-440C 4-Slice Touch To Toast Leverless Toaster is the type of toaster that serious foodies buy. It comes with some of the most advanced features that make older toasters look aged and decrepit.
This toaster comes with four toasting slots, all of which are extra wide. It also comes with a cancel, bagel, defrost, and reheat option for each slot. More so, there are 7 browning options to help you get the exact level of toasting you want. These levels are displayed on an LCD backlit screen.
Probably the coolest feature of this toaster is its leverless design. Instead of having trouble storing a toaster with an annoying handle, this toaster has a housed motorized lift design. This means you just press the toast button, and the toast descends into the appliance.
Not only is this contraption advanced, but it is very durable. It is made from a stainless steel design, making it durable and timeless.
Easy and quick to use. Much faster than other toasters. The only thing to keep in mind is that you might have to manually push down thicker bread that gets caught on the sides of the slots.
daniel s.
Because the Cuisinart CPT-440C 4-Slice Touch To Toast Leverless Toaster comes with so many features, it’s no shock that it is highly expensive. People on a budget (or people who just want a basic toaster) should opt for something else.
We aren’t completely satisfied with the toaster’s abilities, either. For a toaster this expensive, you would expect perfect results. However, the toast isn’t evenly toasted on both sides, and some customers have issues with it fully toasting thicker bread too.
If you are sold on the leverless design, the Cuisinart CPT-440C 4-Slice Touch To Toast Leverless Toaster is one of your only options. Even though it is expensive and has minor toasting flaws, it really is one of the most advanced options currently.
Cuisinart CPT-440C 4-Slice Touch To Toast Leverless Toaster Specifications
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Material: Stainless steel
- Number of Slots: 4
- Toasting Options: Toast, bagel, defrost, reheat
- Cleaning Option: Not listed
Cuisinart CPT-440C 4-Slice Touch To Toast Leverless Toaster Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Leverless
- Comes with several cooking options
- LCD backlit screen
- Durable materials
Cons
Cons
- Expensive
- Toast isn’t always toasted perfectly
Our Final Opinion About the Cuisinart CPT-440C 4-Slice Touch To Toast Leverless Toaster
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.6 Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.6 Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
The Cuisinart CPT-440C 4-Slice Touch To Toast Leverless Toaster comes with a leverless and all around advanced design that brings the modern toaster to the future. However, the toasting isn’t perfect, especially considering its outrageous price.
Presentation of the West Bend 77224 QuikServe Slide Through Wide Slot Toaster
The Slide-Out Pick
West Bend
The West Bend 77224 QuikServe Slide Through Wide Slot Toaster has an innovative design that some people love. If you don’t want to worry about your toast popping back up, you might be one of these people. That being said, people either love or hate this model, meaning you should make sure you want a toaster of this kind before buying it.
What We Think of The West Bend 77224 QuikServe Slide Through Wide Slot Toaster
The West Bend 77224 QuikServe Slide Through Wide Slot Toaster is very unique. What makes it different from other toasters is that it doesn’t pop the toast back up once it is finished toasting. Instead, the toast slides out so you can easily pick the slices up.
Additionally, this toaster comes with 7 browning settings, a bagel setting, and a gluten free setting. The gluten free setting is very unique and ensures that bread with gluten is toasted properly as well.
The appearance of this toaster is noteworthy. It is much slimmer and sleeker than other toasters. Its main body is black. The slim, black frame makes it look very modern, but it is also great for smaller kitchens as a result.
Price-wise, this toaster isn’t too expensive, but it isn’t too cheap either. We find its price very fair given its unique design. Those on a tight budget may want something more basic, but it certainly isn’t outrageously priced.
Love how easy this is. My kids can use this without burning their fingers. Just slide the toast in and it will push the toast out perfectly. Shipping was very fast too.
loroko.
With all of that in mind, it’s important for us to say one thing: people have a love-hate relationship with this toaster. Some absolutely love it, but others hate it. People who specifically want the slide out feature can’t get enough of this toaster, but others claim it doesn’t work as well in theory.
This is something to keep in mind. Unless you specifically want a toaster that is safer for children or need a slimmer option, we wouldn’t risk your money by buying this toaster. Instead, we recommend going with something more classic. Still, people who specifically are looking for this sort of a design will like it a lot, such as parents with younger children.
All in all, the West Bend 77224 QuikServe Slide Through Wide Slot Toaster has a unique design that is great if you have a slim kitchen or need a safer extraction method. For everyone else, we recommend a different toaster.
West Bend 77224 QuikServe Slide Through Wide Slot Toaster Specifications
- Brand: West Bend
- Material: Plastic
- Number of Slots: 2
- Toasting Options: Toast, bagel, gluten free
- Cleaning Option: Not listed
West Bend 77224 QuikServe Slide Through Wide Slot Toaster Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Unique design
- Great for children
- Slim
- Gluten free option
Cons
Cons
- Not as reliable as a classic toaster
Our Final Opinion about the West Bend 77224 QuikServe Slide Through Wide Slot Toaster
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.3 Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.3 Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
The West Bend 77224 QuikServe Slide Through Wide Slot Toaster is a great choice if you have kids, but it isn’t as durable or reliable as other toaster options. Unless you want this design specifically, don’t risk your money since you may not like it.
Presentation of the Dash DVTS501BK Toaster
The Best Overall
Dash
The Dash DVTS501BK Toaster melds a unique design with efficiency and more affordable prices. If you want a toaster that is super easy to use because of its advanced features without breaking the bank, this is a great choice.
Dash DVTS501BK Toaster Video Review
What We Think of the Dash DVTS501BK Toaster
Many toasters that have an intuitive design are overly priced and too expensive for regular households. In contrast, the Dash DVTS501BK Toaster has an intuitive design that genuinely makes this toaster easier to use, but it isn’t too expensive either.
The most intuitive feature of this toaster is its see through window. The see through window allows you to see the exact level of browning as the toast is toasting. This is a great option if you are picky about the level of toastiness.
If you don’t want to watch your toast as it browns, you don’t have to. This toaster also comes with 7 automatic browning levels, as well as a toast, defrost, reheat, and bagel option. All of these choices mean that you don’t have to sit in front of the toaster if you don’t want to.
Something else we really like about this toaster is that it is very easy to clean out. It comes with the bottom crumb tray for easy cleaning. Plus, the glass window slides out for cleaning as well.
On top of these features, this toaster is pretty fairly priced. It certainly isn’t as cheap as some of the most basic options, but it is nowhere near as expensive as some of the more advanced toasters either.
Awesome! It was an awesome idea to put a glass window on the toaster.
grant h.
One downside of the Dash DVTS501BK Toaster is that you have to stand in front of the toaster if you want to use the glass window. This can be a bit annoying since watching bread toast isn’t very entertaining. If you aren’t standing in front of the glass mirror, this toaster isn’t that impressive.
Another issue is that a couple customers had issues with their toaster breaking after a couple of months. Most people did not have this issue and the company offers a good warranty, but it is a bit of an inconvenience if it happens to you.
Still, the glass window makes the Dash DVTS501BK Toaster a great choice if you want something a bit unique. At the same time, it isn’t too expensive and offers various automatic toasting levels too.
Dash DVTS501BK Toaster Specifications
- Brand: Dash
- Material: Plastic
- Number of Slots: 2
- Toasting Options: Toast, defrost, bagel, reheat
- Cleaning Option: Slide out crumb tray, glass window slides out too
Dash DVTS501BK Toaster Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Glass window for easy viewing
- Multiple cooking options
- Easy to clean
- Affordable for its upgraded design
Cons
Cons
- Must watch toast to benefit from the glass window
- Premature breakage
Our Final Opinion About the Dash DVTS501BK Toaster
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.3 Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.8 Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Price:4.6]
The Dash DVTS501BK Toaster is an upgraded toaster without the advanced toaster price. The glass window makes it easy to get the exact level of browning you desire, but this window isn’t all that useful if you don’t intend on watching your toast cook.
Presentation of the Hamilton Beach 22796 Toaster
The Budget Pick
Hamilton Beach
The Hamilton Beach 22796 Toaster is a great choice if you are on a tight budget but still want a quality toaster. With all of the basics and a durable design, this toaster is a great choice because of its quality and affordability.
What We Think of the Hamilton Beach 22796 Toaster
Many people who want a toaster just wanted toaster that gets the job done. If you are one of these people, you probably don’t want to spend a fortune on a fancy toaster. The Hamilton Beach 22796 Toaster is a great choice because it isn’t too expensive, yet it is really durable and efficient.
The Hamilton Beach 22796 Toaster is it two slot toaster. Both slots are wide, and comes with a bagel, defrost, and cancel button. Whenever the toast is finished toasting, the toaster will immediately send the toast up. You could even pull the lever up slightly more for easier removal.
Though very basic in design, this toaster does come with a cleaning tray. A cleaning tray is very unique for a toaster of this price. This makes cleaning the toaster so much easier.
The toaster is also very durable. Being made from stainless steel, it is easy to clean and is less likely to start a fire. Not to mention, the stainless steel material ensures that your toaster will last a long time, allowing you to get your true money’s worth.
Good affordable toaster. Can even toast Texas toast without any issues. Recommend.
dusty r.
On top of these features, this toaster is very affordable. It is by far one of the more affordable options on this list. Those on a budget will likely love this toaster because of its low price tag and durability.
Although this toaster may be great for those on a budget, those looking for a more advanced toaster probably want something else. Because the Hamilton Beach 22796 Toaster is so affordable, it doesn’t come with any advanced features. Instead, it is just a toaster, albeit a durable one.
A few customers have some complaints about the toaster’s quality. For example, one user had issues with the lever, whereas another person’s toaster arrived damaged, though these complaints were few in number.
For its price, you won’t find another toaster as good as this one. The Hamilton Beach 22796 Toaster is a great toaster if you want a basic and really affordable option.
Hamilton Beach 22796 Toaster Specifications
- Brand: Hamilton Beach
- Material: Stainless steel
- Number of Slots: 2
- Toasting Options: Toast, defrost, bagel, cancel
- Cleaning Option: Slide out crumb tray
Hamilton Beach 22796 Toaster Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Intuitive and basic design
- Easy to clean
- Durable materials
Cons
Cons
- Does not come with fancy features
- Some issues with quality control
Our Final Opinion About the Hamilton Beach 22796 Toaster
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.3 Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.3 Price:4.9]
The Hamilton Beach 22796 Toaster is a great toaster if you are on a tight budget. Its durable and all around basic design means it is low in cost, but it does not come with any advanced features that some buyers may be interested in.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Toaster
How Do Toasters Work?
Toasters work quite simply. Once plugged in, the electrical flow heats a series of thin wires, or filaments, that heat red-hot on each wall of the toaster to cook the bread on both sides. The filaments are connected to each other and spaced apart enough to cook the entire bread surface evenly.
How Do I Clean a Toaster?
Cleaning a toaster has become much easier in recent years thanks to removable crumb trays. No more flipping the toaster upside done and shaking it like you’re mixing a cocktail; nope, that fun is over!
Instead, you can remove the crumb tray and dump the crumbs into the trash as often as you like. You should also wash the tray with a mild soap, rinse well, and let dry completely before inserting back into your toaster. Make sure you unplug the toaster and let it cool down before doing so. You can also use a soft brush to loosen any stubborn crumbs. To clean the interior, use a soft microfibre cloth without chemicals.
Also, never submerge the toaster in water or put it in the dishwasher, you’re just asking for trouble. If you have a steel or chrome toaster, you’ll also want to give the exterior a quick wipe to remove fingerprints for a flawless appearance.
What’s the Difference Between a Toaster and a Toaster Oven?
Toasters are typically much smaller than a toaster oven and are designed simply for browning breads. They are usually less expensive than a toaster oven and brown your breads much more evenly than a toaster oven. Toasters are also much faster than a toaster oven.
Toaster ovens can do much more than make toast. They have a temperature gauge and racks like a normal oven and can make pizzas, cookies, and meats, among others. Some toaster ovens can even roast whole chickens or turkeys using a turning spit. You can also use them to reheat food. Toaster ovens are more expensive than toasters and are usually more complicated in design.
If all you need to do is toast some breads, a toaster is all you need.
What Can I Put in My Toaster?
Aside from your usual bread, bagels, poptarts, frozen waffles, and English muffins, your toaster is capable of so much more.
Toasters are actually much more versatile than you might think. Using toaster bags, you can make grilled cheese sandwiches, veggie burgers, garlic bread, paninis, reheated pizza, leftover onion rings and fries, DIY tortilla chips, veggies, and more!
Are Toasters Safe to Use?
For the most part, yes toasters are safe. As with any appliance, there is a risk of fire if the toaster is used improperly, not cleaned out regularly, or left neat flammable items. Toasters also pose a risk to your personal safety if you stick something like a fork into it. Toasters do have the ability to electrocute you, so make sure to unplug it before cleaning it or removing a stuck piece of bread.
How to Properly Choose Your Toaster
- Slice Capacity.
The slice capacity of the toaster is the biggest factor to consider when choosing a toaster. If you don’t make toast often or don’t need to make a large batch of toast at once, a 2-slice toaster is probably enough. However, if you have a large family or just really really like toast, you’re better off with a 4-slice toaster.
- Lift Type.
The lift mechanism of your toaster isn’t as important as some other considerations, but it is still worth weighing in since it correlates to ease of use. Some toasters use a manual lever while others simply work with a button and are automatic. Many toasters will also come with an extra-lift-lever to make removing your breads easier so you can avoid burning your fingers.
- Price.
Your budget is a large factor in choosing the right toaster for your household. Many factors will determine the price of your toaster including size, number of features, and brand name. It’s a good idea to set your budget before browsing for a toaster to help narrow down your search and eliminate those that have unnecessary frills and features that you don’t feel are worth paying more for.
- Warranty.
The warranty period of your toaster is important to take note of since a shorter warranty speaks to lower quality while a longer warranty speaks to higher quality materials and craftsmanship. Higher-end toasters typically have a longer warranty period that mid or low-level toasters, so you do get what you pay for.
- Features.
Extra features to keep a lookout for include self-adjusting guides that ensure your toast is centered and gets toasted evenly, a lift-and-look function that allows you to view your toast without cancelling the cycle, cycle or progress countdowns, and more. These kinds of special features make usability easier and more convenient, but often only come with higher-end, more expensive toasters. If these features appeal to you, be prepared to spend a bit more.
- Uses.
The versatility of the toaster you choose will play a big role in what you can make with it. Some toasters have extra wide slots and a specific bagel setting for perfectly toasting bagels, and others will have a defrost setting for toasting anything that starts frozen. If you plan on only making toast, a simpler toaster will suffice, but if you plan on using your toaster for a variety of bread shapes and sizes, look for a toaster with versatile settings and larger slots.
- Number of Toast Settings.
Some people like their bread warmed up and some prefer it burned nearly to a crisp. The variety of toast settings your toaster has will impact the range of brownness you can achieve. Usually, the higher number of toast settings the better, but some toasters will have a bagel setting that will give you the perfect toast for those wider breads.
- Ease of Cleaning.
Many toasters nowadays will come with a removable crumb tray so that you don’t experience buildup and fire hazards from crumbs left in your toaster. This makes cleaning much easier and more effective. Some trays slide out and some come off completely, so this is something to watch out for if you enjoy a deep clean. A non-stick interior is also a handy feature of some toasters.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of toasters allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
