Ever stood there staring at your sad, pale toast wondering why it never turns out right? You’re not alone. Finding a toaster that actually works consistently is trickier than it should be. That’s where the rigorous testing from toaster americas test kitchen comes in super handy. They don’t just plug it in; they torture test hundreds of slices to find the real champions, so you don’t have too.
We took their top-rated picks and put them through our own morning routine chaos. From frozen waffles to artisanal sourdough, we wanted to see which model delivers that perfect, even golden-brown crunch every single time. Let’s dive into which toasters are worth your counter space and which ones might leave you, well, burnt.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Toaster Americas Test Kitchen
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bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting…
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9.5 |
Read Review |
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bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting…
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9.3 |
Read Review |
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bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting…
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9.1 |
Read Review |
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Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, With 6 Browning Settings,…
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8.9 |
Read Review |
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Elite Gourmet ECT1027B Cool Touch Toaster with 6 Temperature…
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8.7 |
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Elite Gourmet ECT1027G Cool-Touch 2 Slice Toaster, 6 Toast…
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8.6 |
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Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 Long Slot 4 Slice Toaster, Reheat,…
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8.4 |
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BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster, TR1278BD, Extra Wide Slots, 7 Shade…
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8.2 |
Read Review |
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Cuisinart 4 Slice Compact Stainless Steel Toaster with Extra-Wide…
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8.0 |
Read Review |
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Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster with…
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7.8 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Toaster Americas Test Kitchen
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 at a premium but you don’t want to compromise on performance. Its standout feature is the remarkably slim profile, measuring just over three and a half inches wide.
This means it tucks neatly onto even the smallest countertop or into a narrow gap, living up to its Fits-anywhere™ promise without sacrificing power, thanks to its 900-watt heating system.
What really sets this toaster apart is its single, extra-long 10-inch slot. This design gives you incredible flexibility. You can toast two regular slices of bread side by side, which is perfect for getting them done at the exact same time.
More importantly, it easily handles thicker, artisanal breads that standard toasters struggle with. Think hearty sourdough slices, bulky bagels, or even a piece of Texas toast. You won’t have to awkwardly cram them in or pre-cut your bread, which helps prevent jams and ensures even toasting from edge to edge.
Getting your toast just right is straightforward with the six-setting shade control dial.
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, Surf
The Bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster is designed for kitchens where space and simplicity are key. Its standout feature is the remarkably slim profile, measuring just over three and a half inches wide. This means it tucks neatly against a backsplash or into a small corner, freeing up valuable counter real estate. It’s part of the Fits-anywhere collection, built for modern living where every inch counts.
You get a full-featured appliance without the bulky footprint.
Versatility is central to its design, thanks to the single, extra-long 10-inch slot. This isn’t just for two regular slices side-by-side. It easily handles thicker, artisanal breads like sourdough loafs, bagels, and even wide Texas toast without you having to force or precut them. The slot adapts to what your putting in, making morning prep more straightforward.
You can toast a variety of breads without compromise, which is a real advantage if your household enjoys different types.
Getting your toast just right is simple with the six-setting shade control dial. Whether you prefer a light warm-up or a dark, crispy finish, you can set it and forget it. The dedicated reheat function is handy for when a slice has gone cold, warming it without further browning. If you change your mind mid-cycle, the cancel button stops it immediately.
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, Blossom
The bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster is designed for kitchens where space is precious but you don’t want to compromise on performance. Its standout feature is the remarkably 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 kitchenware idea.
You get a full-function appliance without the usual bulk.
What really sets this toaster apart is its single, extra-long slot. At 10 inches wide, it’s built for versatility. You can toast two standard slices of bread side-by-side, which is perfect for getting breakfast ready quickly. More importantly, it easily handles thicker, artisanal breads. If you enjoy sourdough, bagels, or thick-cut Texas toast, you won’t have to force them in or precut them.
The slot accomodates them without squishing, leading to even toasting from edge to edge.
Control over your toast is straightforward. The six-setting shade dial lets you choose exactly how done you like it, from a gentle warm to a deep, crispy brown. If you change your mind mid-cycle, the cancel button stops it immediately. There’s also a dedicated reheat button, which is handy for warming toast that’s gone cold without making it darker.
Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, With 6 Browning Settings, Extra Wide Slots For Bagels and Special Breads, Removable Easy-to-Clean Crumb Tray, Cancel/Defrost/Bagel Buttons, 900W, Black & Silver
The Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster is a straightforward appliance designed to handle your daily toasting needs reliably. It’s built with practical features that aim to give you control and convenience without unnecessary complexity. If you’re looking for a dependable toaster that covers the basics well, this model is a solid contender for your countertop.
You get two extra-wide slots, each measuring 5-1/4 inches long by 1-1/4 inches wide.
This means it can easily accommodate thicker artisanal breads, bagels, or even pastries without them getting stuck. The dedicated Bagel button is a handy feature—it toasts only the cut side of your bagel while gently warming the outside, which is perfect for getting that classic texture.
For frozen bread, the separate Frozen setting defrosts and toasts in one cycle, saving you the step of waiting for it to thaw first.
Control over your toast’s appearance is simple with the six browning settings. Whether you prefer a light golden shade or a much darker, crispier finish, you can adjust it to match your taste. The selected buttons illuminate, so you can clearly see your chosen function. If you change your mind mid-cycle, the Cancel button stops the toasting immediately.
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. Its core function is simple: to toast. But with its thoughtful features, it handles that task with a flexibility that suits modern kitchens and snack routines. A key highlight are the extra-wide 1.25-inch slots. This isn’t just a toaster for standard sandwich bread. Those wide slots easily accomodate thick, frozen waffles, bulky bagels, artisanal slices, or even puff pastry snacks.
You get six precise browning levels to dial in the perfect shade, from a light warm-up to a deep, crispy finish, no matter what your putting in. The automatic self-centering guides are a small but significant touch, gently positioning your bread for even heat distribution and consistent results every single time. We all know toasters get hot, but the cool-touch exterior on this model means you can place it anywhere without worrying about burning your countertop or yourself.
The operation is straightforward: push down the lever and turn the knob. If you need to stop mid-cycle—maybe you misjudged the time or your coffee’s ready—the cancel function lets you instantly halt toasting by just adjusting the knob. There’s no awkward lifting of the lever, which helps protect the mechanism from wear and tear. Cleanup is refreshingly simple. The swing-out crumb tray slides out smoothly for you to discard crumbs. A quick wipe is usually all it needs before you slide it back in.
Elite Gourmet ECT1027G Cool-Touch 2 Slice Toaster, 6 Toast Settings & Cancel Function, Extra Wide 1.25” Slots Easily Fits Breads, English Muffins, Bagels & Waffles, Gunmetal Gray
The Elite Gourmet ECT1027G Cool-Touch 2 Slice Toaster is designed to be a reliable and versatile addition to your morning routine. Its sleek gunmetal gray finish gives it a modern look that fits right in on any countertop. More importantly, it built with practical features that make toasting simpler and more consistent. A standout feature is the cool-touch exterior.
This means the outside of the toaster stays safe to handle, even while its working, which is great for kitchens where space is tight or if you have curious kids around. You won’t have to worry about accidental burns when moving it or if it’s placed close to other appliances. The compact size helps save on space without sacrificing any performance. This toaster really shines with its flexibility. The slots are extra wide, measuring 1.25 inches, so it’s not just for standard bread slices.
You can easily toast thicker artisan breads, hearty bagels, frozen waffles, or english muffins. It takes the guesswork out of preparing a variety of breakfast items. Getting the perfect toast is straightforward with the six adjustable browning settings. Whether you prefer a gentle warm-up or a dark, crispy finish, you can find your ideal setting. The self-centering guides automatically position your bread or bagel for even heat distribution, so you get consistent results from edge to edge.
Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 Long Slot 4 Slice Toaster, Reheat, 6 Toast Settings, Defrost, Cancel Functions, Built-in Warming Rack, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels & Waffles, Stainless Steel & Black
The Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 Long Slot 4 Slice Toaster is designed to handle your morning routine with flexiblity and consistency. Its core feature are the extra wide toasting slots, which are a game-changer for more than just standard bread. You can easily fit thick-cut artisanal loaves, frozen waffles, whole bagels, or even specialty pastries without them getting stuck. This means you’re not limited to thin slices, opening up a lot more options for breakfast or a quick snack.
You get precise control over your results with six adjustable toasting levels. Whether you prefer your toast just barely warmed through or you like it dark and crispy, you can find your perfect setting. The dial is straightforward, so you can set it and forget it. If you change your mind mid-cycle, the convenient cancel button instantly stops the toasting and pops the bread up, preventing any accidental burns.
This is handy if you need to grab something quickly or realize you set the darkness too high. Beyond basic toasting, this model includes thoughtful functions for everyday needs. The reheat warming function is perfect for refreshing toast that’s gone cold without making it tough or burnt. It uses a lower temperature to gently bring it back to a pleasant warmth. For defrosting, you can pop frozen bread products directly into the slots—no need to plan ahead for thawing.
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 and reliable appliance for your morning routine. It focuses on giving you control and flexibility, so you can get your toast just the way you like it without any fuss. With 850 watts of power, it heats up quickly for efficient toasting, whether your having a quick breakfast or preparing a snack. A key feature of this model are the Extra-Wide Toasting Slots.
They’re built to handle more than just standard sandwich bread. You can easily fit thicker artisanal slices, hearty bagels, or even pastries like pop-tarts. This means you don’t have to worry about your bread getting stuck or toasting unevenly because it’s a bit too bulky. It accomodates a good variety of your favorite breads. Getting the perfect browning is simple with the 7-position Shade Selector dial. You can choose from light and crisp to a much darker, crunchier toast.
This makes it easy to please different preferences in the household, from a light golden shade for one person to a deep brown for another. The controls are clearly marked and easy to use first thing in the morning. For specific toasting needs, the dedicated Bagel and Frozen buttons are really handy. The Bagel function is clever—it toasts the cut side of your bagel while gently warming the outside, so you get that classic crisp texture without over-drying it.
Cuisinart 4 Slice Compact Stainless Steel Toaster with Extra-Wide Slots for Bread, French Toast, Bagels & Pastries, Defrost & Reheat Functions, CPT-180P1, Brushed Stainless, Removable Crumb Tray
The Cuisinart CPT-180P1 4-Slice Compact Stainless Steel Toaster is designed for kitchens where counter space is valuable but flexibility is essential. Its compact footprint means it won’t dominate your counter, yet it still delivers the full utility of a four-slice appliance. The brushed stainless steel finish offers a clean, modern look that fits with most kitchen decors, and it’s built to be a reliable daily performer.
This toaster’s versatility is a key highlight.
It goes beyond just toasting bread. The dedicated defrost function handles frozen items directly from the freezer, adjusting the time to ensure thorough toasting without burning. The reheat function is perfect for warming breads or pastries that are already cooked but have gone cold, reviving them without making them overly crisp or dry. You have independent control over each pair of slots with dual browning dials, letting you toast different types of bread to different shades at the same time.
There’s also a specific bagel button that concentrates heat on the cut side for that ideal crispy exterior and soft interior.
Operation is straightforward. Two seperate control panels, one for each side, give you precise command. LED indicators light up to confirm when the reheat, defrost, or bagel functions are active, so there’s no guesswork. The extra-wide 1.5-inch slots are a practical feature that accommodates a much broader range of items.
Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster with Bagel & Defrost Settings, Shade Selector with 7 Browning Levels, Toast Boost, Auto Shutoff, Black & Stainless Steel (22633)
The Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster (22633) is designed to handle the real variety of breads you have in your kitchen. If you’ve ever struggled to fit a thick slice of artisan bread or a bulky bagel into a standard toaster, this model addresses that directly. Its extra-wide slots are built specifically for those thicker items, making it a practical choice for more than just basic sandwich bread. One of it’s key features is the dedicated bagel setting.
This function intelligently toasts the cut side of your bagel while gently warming the outer, crusty side. The result is that classic bagel-shop texture: one side is crispy and toasted, perfect for holding your cream cheese, while the other side stays softer and warm. It’s a simple but effective way to get a more authentic bagel experience at home. For all your toasting, the shade selector gives you precise control with seven browning levels.
Whether you prefer a very light warm-up or a deep, dark crunch, you can set it exactly how you like. And if you need to stop mid-cycle, the cancel button lets you do that instantly, no waiting required. Retrieving smaller items like English muffins or thin gluten-free slices is easier with the Toast Boost feature. It lifts the bread higher up out of the slot so you can grab it without risking burnt fingers or needing to dig around with a utensil.
Toaster Americas Test Kitchen Buying Guide
That perfect slice of toast seems simple, but the right toaster makes all the difference. The toaster americas test kitchen approach focuses on consistent, even browning and reliable performance. When you’re looking for your own, a few key factors seperate the good from the great.
Consistency is Everything
You want toast that’s the same color on both sides, every single time. Look for models with good, even heating elements. A toaster that burns one side and under-toasts the other is just frustrating. It’s the most basic job, and it has to do it well.
Browning Control That Actually Works
A dial with numbers from 1 to 7 doesn’t mean much if setting 3 is different every morning. The best toasters offer precise, repeatable settings. When you find your preferred shade, you should be able to set it and forget it, getting identical results day after day.
Slot Size and Shape
Think about your bread. Are you mostly using standard sandwich slices, or do you love thick artisanal bread or bagels? Wider, longer slots are more versatile. Some toasters have bagel settings that heat only one side, which is a genuinly useful feature if you eat them often.
Ease of Cleaning
Crumbs are inevitable. A removable crumb tray is a non-negotiable feature for easy cleanup. Check how accessible the tray is—some slide out smoothly, while others are a bit fiddly. The exterior should also wipe down easily without trapping grease or fingerprints.
Build Quality and Stability
A good toaster should feel solid on your counter, not lightweight and shaky. The levers should have a smooth, confident action. This isn’t an appliance you replace every year, so materials and construction matter for long-term use. It’s worth investing in something that feels durable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toaster Americas Test Kitchen
What is Americas Test Kitchen’s toaster recommendation?
They rigorously test many toasters. Their top pick is usually one that toasts bread evenly and reliably. It often has clear controls and a good warranty. You can find their current winner on their website or in their publications.
Why should I trust their recommendation?
Americas Test Kitchen is known for thorough, unbiased testing. They don’t just toast one slice. They test for even browning, speed, and how well a toaster handles different breads, like bagels. Their process is very detailed, which gives you confidence.
Are the recommended toasters very expensive?
Not always. While they sometimes pick a premium model, they also have a “best buy” option. This is a toaster that performs great for a lower price. Their goal is to find the best value, not just the most expensive one.
What features do they say are most important?
Consistent results is number one. A toaster should brown bread the same way every time. Good slot size for thicker bread matters too. They also look for intuitive controls and easy cleaning. Extra-wide slots or a countdown timer can be nice, but aren’t always essential.
Do they test for bagels and frozen waffles?
Yes, they do. A good toaster should have a dedicated bagel setting that toasts the cut side without over-browning the outside. They check how well it handles frozen items too, so you know it’s versatile for your morning routine.
How often do they update their recommendation?
They update their reviews periodically as new models come out. It’s a good idea to check for their latest testing before you buy. Kitchen appliance lineups change, so their top pick from a few years ago might not be the current best.
Where can I see their full review?
You can access it on the Americas Test Kitchen website, though some content requires a subscription. Their magazine and cookbooks sometimes feature the results too. Libraries often carry their annual equipment guide, which is a great free resource.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a toaster is more about reliability than fancy features. You want something that makes your morning routine smoother. It should toast your bread evenly, every single time. A good toaster feels solid and lasts for years. It’s a simple tool, but a good one makes a real difference.
For clear, tested advice, the reviews from America’s Test Kitchen are a fantastic resource. They put toasters through rigorous, real-world use. Their top picks balance performance, durability, and value. Checking out their recommendation for the best toaster americas test kitchen can give you great confidence in your choice. Then, you can just enjoy your perfectly toasted breakfast without a second thought.