Best toasters for 2023, according to our expert tester
do you like toast Of course you do
We spent hours testing toasters to create this definitive list of favorites. Believe it or not, toasters are more complex than you think.
Although all toasters toast, not all toasters are created equal. The simplest toasters toast bread quickly by turning a dial and pushing a lever, while the fancier options offer more ways to customize your toasting experience.
What should I consider when buying a toaster?
When looking to buy a toaster oven, here are some important things to keep in mind when choosing the best choice for you:
How many pieces?
When purchasing a toaster, you should consider how often you make toast and how many slices you want to make at one time. If you’re someone who likes to toast occasionally, a two-slice toaster is probably for you. However, if you eat a lot of toast or regularly cook for a large group of people, we recommend opting for a four-slot toaster.
During the test, we assessed the toast’s full coverage and even browning.
Photo credit: Jenna Clark for Mashable
shadow levels
Different toasters have different color levels. You should do your research before you buy to make sure the toaster you choose will brown the toast the way you want it. Additionally, some toasters instruct the user to select the desired color with a rotary knob, while others use a lever or other mechanism.
characteristics
A crumb tray is an essential feature to look out for, as a toaster without one makes quite a mess.
A quick view feature is also helpful so you can check your toast throughout the process. Because not all toasters are created equal, you have control over how much heat you add to the bread and the ability to remove the toaster at any time (only after hitting the cancel button, of course).
For an even comparison, we tested each toaster on the highest color setting to determine which toaster produced the darkest, most thorough toast. With that in mind, our top pick is this Breville Bit More 4 Slice Toaster(opens in a new tab) as it was roasted the most evenly and had the most visually stimulating properties. However, the Cuisinart CPT-520 Motorized 2-Slice Toaster(opens in a new tab) With its large selection of buttons and the ability to serve several types of bread, it was just behind.
Read on to learn about our top five toasters and find the toaster that best suits your toasting needs and budget.
As we tested
We practically tested each toaster on this list by toasting two large slices of the same type of whole wheat bread in each toaster on the highest setting or the highest color level.
We tested models at different price points, from budget options to more expensive ones.
During testing, we paid attention to the following:
Toast: We compared the toasters against each other, examining the amount of toasting that occurs when using each individual toaster, as well as the time it took to toast. We also checked whether the toast was even or not.
Best price performance ratio: We compared toasters in several categories to see if we thought they offered good value for money.
Cooling Factor/Settings: When testing these toasters, we thought about whether they had any unique features or settings that set them apart or brought something new to the table.
Ease of use and learning curve: Kitchen appliances (yes, even toasters) can be overwhelming, especially for those new to the kitchen. We tested these toasters to see how intuitive they are to users and how easy or complex their instruction manuals and user guides are to understand and navigate.
Shadow Levels: We have made sure that the toaster models we have selected have at least five color levels.
scavenging process: We noticed how easy it was to clean each toaster afterwards and whether the toasters had features that made the process easier.
