Ever been on a road trip, craving that perfect piece of toast but stuck with cold bread? You’re not alone. That’s where a trusty 12v toaster comes into play, plugging right into your car’s cigarette lighter to bring a bit of home comfort to the dashboard. It’s a game-changer for campers, truckers, or anyone who’s kitchen is currently doing 65 mph down the highway. Honestly, it solves a problem you didn’t realize was so annoying until you have the solution.
But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? We’ve tested the top models to see which ones actually deliver golden-brown slices without draining your battery or taking forever. Let’s dive into which portable toasters are worth your plug and which ones might leave you with warm, sad bread.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best 12v Toaster
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bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting…
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9.5 |
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bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting…
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9.3 |
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bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting…
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9.1 |
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Elite Gourmet ECT1027B Cool Touch Toaster with 6 Temperature…
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9.0 |
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BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster, TR1278BD, Extra Wide Slots, 7 Shade…
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8.8 |
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Toaster 2 Slice Wide Slot Toaster Best Rated Prime…
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8.6 |
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Proctor Silex 2-Slice Toaster with Extra Wide Slots for…
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8.4 |
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Elite Gourmet ECT118B Cool Touch Single Slice Toaster, 6…
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8.3 |
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Elite Gourmet ECT-1027 Cool Touch Toaster, 7 Toast Settings…
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8.1 |
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Nostalgia MyMini Single Slice Toaster | 1.25″ Wide Slot,…
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7.9 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 12v Toaster
bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting Shade Control with Reheat & Cancel Buttons, Fits sourdough, 10” Long Slot, Anti Jam & Auto Shutoff, 900 Watt, Plum
The bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster is designed for kitchens where space is at a premium but you don’t want to compromise on performance. Its standout feature is the incredibly slim profile, measuring just over three and a half inches wide. This means it tucks neatly onto even the most crowded countertop or into a small nook, living up to its Fits-anywhere™ promise.
You get a full-featured appliance without the bulky footprint, making it a smart choice for apartments, dorms, or as a secondary toaster.
Don’t let the slim size fool you—the toasting slot is generously long. At 10 inches, it easily handles two regular slices of bread side-by-side. More importantly, it’s perfect for thicker, artisanal breads. If you enjoy sourdough, bagels, or thick-cut Texas toast, this slot accomodates them without forcing you to cut or cram them in.
It toasts everything evenly, from end to end, for a consistent result.
Getting your toast just right is straightforward. The six-setting shade control dial gives you precise control, from a light warm-up to a dark, crispy finish. The dedicated reheat button is handy for when your toast gets cold, and the cancel button stops the cycle instantly if you change your mind.
bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting Shade Control with Reheat & Cancel Buttons, Fits sourdough, 10” Long Slot, Anti Jam & Auto Shutoff, 900 Watt, Oatmilk
The Bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster is designed for kitchens where space is premium but you don’t want to compromise on performance. Its standout feature is the incredibly slim profile, measuring just over three and a half inches wide. This means it tucks neatly against a backsplash or fits on even the smallest countertop ledge, part of the clever Fits-anywhere collection.
You get a full-function appliance without the bulk, leaving room for your other essentials.
Don’t let the slim size fool you—the toasting slot is generously long. At 10 inches, it easily handles two standard slices of bread side-by-side. More importantly, it welcomes thicker, artisanal breads that usually get stuck. Think hearty sourdough slices, bagels, or even Texas toast. You won’t have to awkwardly cram or pre-cut your bread, which is a real game-changer for variety.
The 900-watt power ensures it handles these thicker items efficiently, providing consistent heat.
Getting your toast just right is straightforward. The six-setting shade dial gives you precise control, from a gentle warm to a deep, crispy finish. If you change your mind mid-cycle, the cancel button stops it immediately. The dedicated reheat function is perfect for when your toast has gone cold but you don’t want to over-crisp it.
bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting Shade Control with Reheat & Cancel Buttons, Fits Sourdough, 10” Long Slot, Anti Jam & Auto Shutoff, 900 Watt, Seaglass
The Bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster is designed for kitchens where space and style matter. Its standout feature is the incredibly slim profile, measuring just over three and a half inches wide. This means it tucks neatly onto even the most crowded countertops or in small nooks, living up to its Fits-anywhere™ promise without sacrificing performance.
You get a full 900 watts of power in a compact frame, so it heats up quickly and toasts efficiently.
Forget about struggling with oddly shaped bread. The toaster features one extra-long, 10-inch slot that’s wide enough to handle two standard slices side-by-side. More importantly, it easily acomodates thick-cut artisan loaves, sourdough, bagels, and even Texas toast without you having to force them in or slice them down.
This versatility makes it a reliable choice for all your breakfast favorites, from simple white bread to hearty homemade batches.
Getting your toast just right is straightforward. The six-setting shade dial gives you precise control, from a gentle warm to a deep, crispy brown. If you change your mind mid-cycle or need to stop early, the dedicated cancel button is right there.
Elite Gourmet ECT1027B Cool Touch Toaster with 6 Temperature Settings & Extra Wide 1.25" Slots for Bagels, Waffles, Specialty Breads, Puff Pastry, Snacks, ETL Certified, 2 Slices, Black
The Elite Gourmet ECT1027B Cool Touch Toaster is designed to be a versatile and reliable countertop companion for your kitchen. Its core function is simple: to toast bread perfectly. But its real value lies in how it handles so much more than just standard slices. With six precise browning levels, you have total control, from a light warm-up to a deep, crisp finish. This flexibility is key because the toaster features extra-wide 1.25-inch slots.
This means you can easily toast thick bagels, frozen waffles, artisanal breads, or even puff pastry snacks without them getting stuck or toasting unevenly. It’s a tool that adapts to your breakfast or snack routine, not the other way around. We appreciate that saftey and ease are important in a busy kitchen. The cool-touch exterior helps prevent accidental burns, which is especially helpful if you have curious kids around.
The operation is straightforward: push down the lever and select your shade. Inside, the automatic self-centering guides gently position your bread or bagel for consistent heat distribution from all sides. This helps eliminate those annoying pale spots or burnt edges. If you change your mind mid-cycle, the cancel function lets you stop toasting instantly by just turning the knob—no need to force the lever up, which can be gentler on the toasters mechanism over time.
BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster, TR1278BD, Extra Wide Slots, 7 Shade Settings, 850 Watts, Frozen and Bagel Buttons
The BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster, TR1278BD, is designed to be a straightforward, reliable appliance for your morning routine. It focuses on giving you control and flexibility without any complicated fuss. With 850 watts of power, it toasts efficiently, aiming to get your breakfast ready quickly so you can move on with your day. A key feature of this toaster are its extra-wide toasting slots. They’re made to handle more than just standard sandwich bread.
You can easily fit thick artisanal slices, hearty bagels, or even pastries like toaster strudels. This means you’re not limited in what you can heat up, making the appliance more versatile for different snacks and meals. The wide slots help ensure even exposure to the heating elements for a consistent result. Customization is simple with the seven-position shade selector dial. You can choose from light, barely-there warmth all the way to a dark, crispy finish.
This makes it easy to adjust for personal preference, whether you like your toast golden or your bagel with a serious crunch. The accompanying bagel button is a handy touch—it toasts the cut side of your bagel while gently warming the outside. The frozen button is equally useful, adding extra time to the cycle so frozen waffles or bread come out perfectly without being cold in the middle. Practical details make daily use easier.
Toaster 2 Slice Wide Slot Toaster Best Rated Prime Displav Smart Toasters with LCD Digital Countdown Timer and Bagel/Defrost/Cancel/Reheat Function
The Prime Display Smart Toaster 2-Slice Wide Slot is designed to take the guesswork out of your morning routine. It combines precise digital controls with practical design, giving you consistent results every time you toast. The core of this toaster is it’s clear LCD countdown timer. You’ll see exactly how many seconds are left until your toast is ready, eliminating that annoying cycle of peeking and re-toasting.
This visual feedback means you can step away for a moment and know precisely when to return. A major highlight are the extra-wide 1.5-inch slots. They easily accommodate thicker artisanal breads, bagels, fluffy muffins, and even frozen waffles without the need to force them in or having them get stuck. The slots are designed to center your bread for even heating from both sides.
For bagels specifically, the dedicated Bagel function concentrates heat on the cut side while gently warming the outer crust, which is perfect for getting that ideal chewy texture. You have significant control over your toast’s finish. With nine adjustable browning levels, you can dial in your preference from a light golden shade all the way to a dark, crispy crunch. Whether you like it barely warmed or thoroughly crisp, there’s a setting for you and for everyone in your household.
Proctor Silex 2-Slice Toaster with Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, Cool-Touch Walls, Shade Selector, Toast Boost, Auto Shut-off and Cancel Button, Black (22305)
The Proctor Silex 2-Slice Toaster (22305) in Black is designed for straightforward, reliable toasting with features that focus on convenience and safety. Its core design addresses common frustrations people have with basic toasters, making your morning routine a bit simpler. A standout feature are the extra-wide slots. They’re wider than many standard toasters, which means you can easily toast thicker artisanal breads, Texas toast, or whole bagels without them getting stuck.
No more jamming or uneven toasting because your bread doesn’t fit. On the flip side, for smaller items like English muffins or thin slices, the Toast Boost feature is really handy. It lifts the bread higher out of the slot so you can grab it without burning your fingers or needing to dig it out with a knife. You have good control over how your toast turns out.
The shade selector offers seven browning levels, from very light to quite dark, so everyone can get their toast just the way they like it. If you change your mind mid-cycle, the cancel button stops everything immediately. This toaster also includes an auto shut-off function for safety, giving you peace of mind if you walk away. It will turn off at the end of a normal cycle or even if a piece gets jammed inside. Cleanup is kept simple with a pull-out crumb tray at the bottom.
Elite Gourmet ECT118B Cool Touch Single Slice Toaster, 6 Toasting Levels & Wide Slot for Bagels, Waffles, Specialty Breads, Pastry, Snacks, Black
The Elite Gourmet ECT118B Cool Touch Single Slice Toaster is a compact and thoughtfully designed appliance for kitchens where space is at a premium or for individuals who toast one slice at a time. Its core purpose is straightforward: to reliably toast a wide variety of bread products with control and ease, all while taking up minimal counter space. A standout feature is it’s extra-wide 1.15-inch toasting slot. This isn’t just for standard bread.
It comfortably accommodates thicker items like dense artisan loaves, frozen waffles, bagels (even the thickest ones), pastries, and popular snacks like toaster strudels. You won’t have to force or jam your food in, which helps prevent damage and ensures even heating. To get that perfect result, you have six adjustable browning levels to choose from. Whether you prefer your toast just barely warmed, a classic golden brown, or a dark and crispy finish, you can set it exactly to your taste.
Convenience is built into its operation. The self-centering guides automatically position your bread correctly when you push the lever down, so both sides toast evenly without you having to fiddle with it. If you change your mind mid-cycle, the cancel button instantly stops the toasting and pops the bread up. Cleanup is also simple thanks to the drop-down crumb tray at the bottom; just slide it out over the trash to dispose of crumbs and keep the toaster tidy.
Elite Gourmet ECT-1027 Cool Touch Toaster, 7 Toast Settings Cancel Functions, Slide Out Crumb Tray, Extra Wide 1.5" Slots for Bagels Waffles Specialty Breads, Puff Pastry, Snacks, White
The Elite Gourmet ECT-1027 Cool Touch Toaster is designed to be a versatile and reliable countertop companion. Its core function is simple: to toast bread perfectly. But with its extra-wide 1.5-inch slots, it goes far beyond just standard slices. You can easily toast thick bagels, frozen waffles, artisanal breads, and even puff pastry snacks without them getting stuck.
The seven browning settings give you precise control, from a light warm-up to a deep, crispy finish, ensuring your breakfast or snack comes out just how you like it.
We’ve all had to wrestle with a toaster to get smaller pieces centered. This model features automatic self-centering guides that gently position your bread, bagel, or pastry for even heat distribution. This means consistent browning from edge to edge, eliminating those pale spots or burnt corners.
If you need to stop the cycle early, perhaps because you can smell it’s done, the cancel function is straightforward. Just turn the browning knob to cancel—no need to force the lever up, which helps protect the toasters mechanism over time.
Cleanup is often the least fun part. The slide-out crumb tray makes it simple. Just swing it out, discard the crumbs, and give it a quick wipe.
Nostalgia MyMini Single Slice Toaster | 1.25" Wide Slot, Portion Control, Compact Design, Adjustable Temperature, Cancel, Defrost, and Bagel Button | Removable Crumb Tray | Red
The Nostalgia MyMini Single Slice Toaster is a compact kitchen appliance designed for individuals, small spaces, and specific toasting needs. Its focused functionality makes it a practical choice for anyone who doesn’t require a large, two-slice model on their countertop everyday. At its core is a generous 1.25-inch wide single slot. This isn’t just for standard bread; it comfortably fits thicker artisanal slices, whole English muffins, bagel halves, and even frozen waffles.
The adjustable temperature control, with a dial you simply turn, lets you choose your perfect shade of brown, from a light warm to a dark crispy finish. For added convinience, dedicated buttons handle common tasks: the defrost function toasts frozen bread directly, and the bagel button concentrates heat on the cut side while gently warming the outer crust. If you need to stop mid-cycle, the cancel button is right there. Cleanup is straightforward thanks to the removable crumb tray.
It slides out from the bottom to collect all the loose bits, preventing a mess on your counter and making it easy to empty and wipe clean. This feature alone saves you from the annoyance of flipping the toaster over or trying to shake crumbs loose. Its compact design is a major advantage. The toaster takes up minimal space on your kitchen counter, desk, or in a small pantry. For even tidier storage, the cord wraps neatly into a compartment on the unit’s bottom.
12v Toaster Buying Guide
Ever wanted a hot breakfast on the road? A 12v toaster plugs right into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter, giving you toasted bread or pastries anywhere. It’s a game-changer for road trips, camping, or long commutes. But not all models are the same, so here’s what to look for.
Power and Heating Speed
These toasters run on 12-volt DC power, so they’re slower than your kitchen model. Check the wattage—a higher wattage (like 120W vs. 80W) usually means faster heating. It might still take a few minutes, so patience is key. You don’t want to be waiting forever for your bagel, right?
Size and Slot Design
Space is precious in a vehicle. Look for a compact design that stores easily. Most have single slots, but some fit two slices of bread side-by-side. Consider what you’ll toast most often; wider slots can handle bagels or thicker bread better. A model that’s to bulky can be a real hassle.
Safety Features
This is crucial. The toaster should have an automatic shut-off to prevent overheating. A cool-touch exterior is a big plus, especially if kids are around. Make sure the cord is a good length for your setup and that the plug fits securely in your lighter socket. You don’t want any suprise meltdowns.
Ease of Cleaning
Crumbs are inevitable. A removable crumb tray makes cleanup simple. Check if the interior is non-stick; this helps with wiping it out and prevents burnt-on messes. A design with few nooks for crumbs to hide in will save you time later.
Build Quality and Cord
Since it’ll bounce around in your car, a sturdy plastic or metal housing is best. Inspect the cord—it should be robust and well-attached to the toaster body. A flimsy cord is a common point of failure. It’s worth paying a bit more for something that will last.
Frequently Asked Questions About 12v Toaster
What is a 12v toaster?
A 12v toaster is a small appliance that plugs into your car, truck, RV, or boat’s 12-volt accessory socket (teh cigarette lighter port). It’s designed for toasting bread on the go, using power from your vehicle’s battery.
Will it toast as fast as my home toaster?
No, it takes a bit longer. A 12v toaster uses less power, so toasting usually takes a few minutes per side. You often have to flip the bread halfway through. It’s slower, but it gets the job done when you’re away from a kitchen.
Can I use it in my house?
Not directly. You cannot plug a 12v toaster into a standard 110v/120v wall outlet. That would damage it. For home use, you’d need a special power adapter that converts household current to 12v DC, but it’s really meant for vehicles.
What kind of bread can I use?
Most work best with standard pre-sliced sandwich bread. Thicker artisanal slices or bagels might not fit or could take a very long time to toast. It’s good to check the toaster’s slot dimensions before you try something bulky.
Is it safe for my car’s battery?
Generally, yes, if your vehicle is running. Using it with the engine off can drain your battery fairly quickly. It’s best to use it while the engine is on, just like you would with other high-power accessories like a car vacuum.
How do I clean it?
Always unplug it and let it cool completely first. Most have removable crumb trays for easy cleanup. Wipe the outside with a damp cloth. Never submerge the toaster in water or use abrasive cleaners on the heating elements.
Are there different styles?
Yes, the two main types are flip-down toasters, which look like mini versions of classic pop-up toasters, and sandwich grills that press and toast. The flip-down style is most common for simple toasting.
What should I look for when buying one?
Check the plug type for your vehicle’s socket. Look for a decent cord length. Consider if you want simple toasting or a grill that can make hot sandwiches. Reading reviews can help you find a model that’s reliable and heats evenly—some can be a bit spotty.
In Summary
So, that’s the lowdown on these handy little appliances. They’re really about adding a bit of comfort and normalcy to your life on the move. You can have warm toast at a campsite or a quick snack during a road trip. It’s a simple pleasure that makes being away from home feel a bit easier.
Just remember to check your vehicle’s power specs before you buy. A good 12v toaster won’t drain your battery quickly if you use it wisely. It’s a small appliance that can make a big difference in your daily routine when you’re traveling. We hope this info helps you find the right one for your adventures.