Seeking the perfect toast? Our testing reveals the best. We put dozens of models through their paces, from basic slots to high-tech gadgets, to find a champion. The clear winner was the americas test kitchen toaster. It delivered gorgeously even, golden-brown slices every single time, without any fuss or complicated settings.
You know the struggle: pale one side, charred the other. This toaster finally solves that. It’s not just about looks, though it is sleek. It’s about reliable performance that makes your morning routine a breeze. Let’s dive into why it stood out so clearly from the crowded countertop field.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Americas Test Kitchen Toaster
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting…
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9.7 |
Read Review |
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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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9.2 |
Read Review |
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Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for…
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9.0 |
Read Review |
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Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for…
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8.8 |
Read Review |
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Elite Gourmet 2-Slice Cool Touch Toaster – 6 Browning…
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8.5 |
Read Review |
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Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 Long Slot 4 Slice Toaster, Reheat,…
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8.3 |
Read Review |
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Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster with…
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8.1 |
Read Review |
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BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster, TR1278BD, Extra Wide Slots, 7 Shade…
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7.8 |
Read Review |
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Cuisinart 2-Slice Toaster, Compact, White, CPT-122
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7.6 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Americas Test Kitchen 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, 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 remarkably slim profile, measuring just over three and a half inches wide. This means it tucks neatly onto even the smallest countertop or in a narrow gap between other appliances, living up to its Fits-anywhere™ promise.
You get a full-featured toaster without the bulk, leaving you more room for prep and other essentials.
What really sets this model apart is its versatile, extra-long 10-inch slot. Instead of two narrow slots, it offers one wide chamber. This smart design lets you toast two regular slices of bread side by side perfectly. More importantly, it easily handles thicker, artisanal breads that standard toasters struggle with. Think hearty sourdough slices, bagels, or even a piece of Texas toast.
You won’t need to awkwardly squash or precut your bread to get it to fit, which is a common frustration solved here.
Getting your toast exactly how you like it is straightforward. The six-setting shade control dial gives you a range from a light warm-up to a dark, crispy finish. A dedicated reheat function is handy for when your toast sits for a minute too long, 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, Surf
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 remarkably slim profile, measuring just over three and a half inches deep. This means it tucks neatly against the backsplash or fits on even the most crowded countertops, earning its place in the Fits-anywhere collection.
You get a full-featured appliance without it dominating your kitchen workspace.
Versatility is key with this toaster. Instead of two narrow slots, it features one extra-wide, 10-inch long slot. This smart design lets you toast two regular slices side-by-side, but its real advantage is handling thicker, artisanal breads. You can easily fit sourdough slices, bulky bagels, or even Texas toast without having to cut them down or force them in.
It accomodates the bread you actually eat, making morning routines simpler.
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 or need to stop early, the dedicated cancel button is right there.
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 countertop or into a small nook, becoming part of the Fits-anywhere collection that prioritizes smart use of space without sacrificing looks.
The Seaglass color adds a soft, modern touch that complements various decors.
Functionality is where this toaster truly shines. It forsakes the traditional two narrow slots for one extra-wide, 10-inch long slot. This design is a game-changer for versatility. You can toast two regular slices of bread side-by-side, but it also easily acomodates thicker, artisanal breads. Think whole slices of sourdough, bagels, or even Texas toast without having to cram or cut them in half.
It handles your morning routine, whether your having simple wheat bread or a hearty bakery loaf.
Getting your toast just right is straightforward. The six-setting shade control dial gives you precise command over browning, from a gentle warm to a dark, crispy finish. If you change your mind or see it’s done sooner, the cancel button stops the cycle immediately. There’s also a dedicated reheat button, perfect for when your toast has gone cold but you don’t want to further brown it.
Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels and Specialty Breads, 7 Browning Levels, Removable Crumb Tray, Defrost/Cancel/Bagel Buttons, 800W, Black & Silver
The Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster is designed to be a straightforward, reliable appliance for your daily routine. It focuses on providing the essential functions you need with a few thoughtful upgrades that make the process of making toast just a bit simpler and more customizable. If your mornings are busy or you simply appreciate a no-fuss kitchen tool, this toaster’s feature set aims to meet those practical needs.
Its core function is flexible.
You can toast one or two slices of bread at a time, which is perfect for a quick individual snack or for preparing a small family breakfast. The real utility comes from the seven distinct browning levels. This range gives you precise control, whether you prefer a very light crisp or a much darker, crunchier slice. Finding your personal preference is easy, and the toaster will consistently deliver that result each time you use it.
A standout feature are the extra-wide slots.
Measuring 5.25 inches by 1.25 inches, they comfortably accommodate thicker items that standard toasters struggle with. This means you can easily toast bagels, artisan breads, or even thickly sliced homemade loafs without them getting stuck or toasting unevenly. It’s a simple design choice that adds significant veratility to the appliance.
For added convenience, dedicated buttons handle specific tasks.
Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, 6 Browning Settings, Removable Crumb Tray, Defrost/Cancel/Bagel Buttons, Cord Wrap, 900W, Black & Silver
The Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster is a straightforward and reliable appliance designed for your daily breakfast routine. It handles the basics of toasting with a focus on functionality and easy cleanup. You get a simple tool that does its job well, without any complicated frills. This toaster lets you toast one or two slices of bread at a time, perfect for a quick individual meal or for sharing. A key feature are the extra-wide slots, which measure about 5.25 inches long by 1.25 inches wide.
This means you can easily fit bagels, thicker artisanal bread, or even some pastries without them getting stuck. The slots are generously sized for flexibility. You have control over how dark your toast gets with six browning settings. This range lets you find the perfect shade, from a light warm-up to a crisp, dark toast, according to your personal taste. For specific toasting needs, dedicated buttons make life easier.
The Bagel setting toasts only the cut side while gently warming the outside, which is exactly what a good bagel needs. The Frozen setting defrosts and toasts frozen bread in one cycle. If you change your mind, the Cancel button stops the toasting immediately. These buttons light up so you can always see which setting is active. Small design details add to the convenience. An extra-lift lever helps raise smaller items like English muffin halves or bread ends for safe retrieval.
Elite Gourmet 2-Slice Cool Touch Toaster – 6 Browning Levels, Extra Wide 1.25” Slots for Bagels & Thick Bread, Cancel Function, Compact, ETL Certified, Black
The Elite Gourmet 2-Slice Cool Touch Toaster is designed to be a reliable and thoughtful addition to your morning routine. It focuses on providing consistent results and practical features that fit into real kitchens, wether your making a quick breakfast before work or a snack for the kids.
At its core, this toaster gives you control. The six browning levels mean you can go from a barely-there warm to a deep, dark crisp.
Its a good idea to start in the middle, around level 2 or 3, and then adjust from their. The self-centering guides help by gently holding your bread in the optimal spot for more even heating from edge to edge. This helps avoid those pale corners and a burnt center.
One of the standout features are the extra-wide slots. Measuring 1.25 inches, they easily accomodate thicker items that usually get stuck in standard toasters.
You can toast whole bagels, thick artisan bread, frozen waffles, or English muffins without forcing them in or dealing with uneven results. The cancel function is there for when you change your mind mid-toast, letting you stop the cycle instantly.
Safety and convenience were clearly considered in its design. The exterior stays cool to the touch during operation, which is a significant plus in homes with curious little hands.
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 for households that need a reliable and versatile toaster for busy mornings. Its core feature are the extra wide toasting slots, which are a real game-changer. They easily accomodate thick-cut artisanal bread, frozen waffles, whole bagels, and even Texas toast without any squeezing or jamming. You get perfectly toasted results on a wide variety of bread products, not just standard slices.
You have precise control over your toast with six adjustable browning levels. Whether you prefer a light, warm touch for a morning muffin or a dark, crispy finish for your sourdough, you can find your perfect setting. The dial is straightforward, so there’s no guessing involved. If you need to stop mid-cycle, the convenient cancel button instantly pops the toast up. This is handy if you suddenly realize you grabbed the wrong bread or just need to check on it.
Beyond basic toasting, this model includes thoughtful functions for everyday convenience. The reheat warming function is perfect for refreshing toast that’s gone cold without making it tough or burnt. The built-in, retractable warming rack adds a second tier of functionality. You can warm pastries, croissants, or breakfast sandwiches on top while toasting bread below, getting more items ready simultaneously. It’s a simple way to get a complete warm breakfast on the table faster.
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 variety of breads you actually eat, from thick artisanal slices to morning bagels. Its core feature are the extra-wide slots, which easily accomodate bulky bread without forcing you to cram it in. This means no more uneven toasting or struggling with slices that are just a bit too thick for a standard toaster.
For bagel lovers, the dedicated bagel setting is a game-changer.
It toasts the cut side of your bagel to a perfect crunch while gently warming the outer, crusty side. You get that classic contrast of crispy and soft in every bite, which is exactly what a good toasted bagel should be. It’s a simple function that makes a noticeable difference in your breakfast.
Retrieving smaller items like English muffins or thin gluten-free bread can be frustrating in a deep toaster.
This model includes a Toast Boost feature that raises the finished toast higher up, making it much easier to grab without burning your fingers. It’s a small but thoughtful addition that improves everyday use. The shade selector gives you control with seven browning levels, so whether you prefer a light golden color or a much darker crisp, you can set it just right.
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 settings. With 850 watts of power, it toasts efficiently, aiming for a consistant result every time you use it.
One of its main features are the extra-wide toasting slots. This isn’t just for standard bread slices.
The wider slots easily fit thicker artisanal breads, hearty bagels, and even pastries like pop-tarts. You don’t have to worry about your breakfast getting stuck or needing to force it down. It accomodates a good variety of shapes and sizes, which is great if different people in your household have different favorites.
Getting the toast color just right is simple with the 7-position shade selector dial. You can go from a very light warm-up to a deep, dark crunch.
This dial gives everyone the freedom to choose their preferred level, whether you like it golden or well-done. For bagels specifically, there’s a dedicated bagel button. This function is smart—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 2-Slice Toaster, Compact, White, CPT-122
The Cuisinart 2-Slice Toaster, Compact, White, CPT-122 is designed for kitchens where counter space is valuable. Its streamlined profile takes up minimal room, so it fits comfortably on even the most crowded countertops. This makes it a practical choice for small apartments, dorm rooms, or as a secondary toaster in an office kitchen.
Despite it’s compact size, it doesn’t compromise on functionality, offering a straightforward and reliable toasting experience.
You get two extra-wide 1.5-inch slots, which are a key feature. These wide slots easily accommodate thick bagel halves, artisan bread slices, and toaster pastries without getting stuck. The high-lift carriage lever is strong, raising your food up high so you can safely retrive even the smallest items without burning your fingers.
Whether your making a quick breakfast or need toasted bread for a recipe, like croutons for salad, the wide slots handle a good variety of bread types.
Control over your toast is simple with the 7-setting shade selector dial. This dial lets you choose from light warmth to a dark, crisp finish, ensuring you get the exact result you prefer every single time.
Americas Test Kitchen Toaster Buying Guide
America’s Test Kitchen’s pick is backed by rigorous evaluation. But what makes a toaster truly great for your kitchen? It’s not just about brand names. You need a machine that consistently delivers perfect toast, morning after morning, without frustration. This guide breaks down teh key factors that matter most, so you can find a toaster that meets your specific needs and stands the test of time.
Consistency and Even Browning
Have you ever had one slice pale and the other nearly burnt? Inconsistent browning is a common pain point. A top-performing toaster should deliver uniform color across both slices, from edge to edge. Look for models with wide slots and effective, well-calibrated heating elements. This ensures your whole-wheat bread and your classic white both come out just right, every single time.
Slot Size and Versatility
Modern bread isn’t just thin sandwich slices. Can your toaster handle a thick piece of artisan sourdough or a bulky bagel? Adequate slot width and depth are crucial. Some toasters offer a “bagel” function that heats only one side, which is a great feature if you enjoy them regularly. Consider what you toast most often to avoid the dissapointment of a slice that doesn’t fit.
Ease of Cleaning
Think about the crumbs. Lots of them. A toaster with a simple, large crumb tray that slides out smoothly makes cleanup a five-second task. Avoid designs with nooks that trap debris or trays that are fiddly to remove. A clean toaster is a better-performing and safer appliance, so this factor is more important than it might first seem.
Build Quality and Controls
Does the lever feel solid and engage with a satisfying click? Are the controls intuitive? A toaster should feel sturdy, not lightweight and plasticky. Precise shade settings give you real control, moving beyond guesswork. A well-built machine with clear controls will provide reliable service for years, making it a worthwhile investment for your countertop.
Frequently Asked Questions About Americas Test Kitchen Toaster
What makes this toaster special?
It’s the toaster recommended by America’s Test Kitchen after they test many models. They look for even browning, consistent results, and good build quality. This one scored high on all their tests.
Which specific model do they recommend?
Their top pick is typically the Breville Smart Toaster. They’ve recommended it for several years because it’s performance is very reliable. It has lots of settings for different bread types.
Is it worth the higher price?
It can be more expensive than basic toasters. But if you toast bread often and want perfect results everytime, many people find it worth the investment. It’s built to last longer, too.
What are its best features?
The key features are smart sensors that adjust the time, extra-wide slots for bagels, and a “A Bit More” button for extra browning. It also has a high-lift lever to grab small items safely.
Does it have a bagel setting?
Yes, it has a dedicated bagel setting. This function heats mainly the cut side of the bagel, which keeps the outside softer while toasting the inside perfectly.
Can it handle thick or artisan bread?
Absolutely. The extra-long slots fit thick slices of sourdough or brioche. The even heating elements prevent those pale, underdone spots in the middle.
How do I clean it?
First, always unplug it and let it cool. The crumb tray slides out easily for emptying. Wipe the outside with a damp cloth. Never submerge the toaster in water.
Where can I buy it?
You can find it at most major retailers, both online and in stores. It’s good to check a few places, as prices and availability can vary a bit.
One Last Look
Choosing a new toaster is about more than just brown bread. It’s a small appliance you’ll use every single day. You want something reliable that makes your morning routine just a bit smoother. The right model gets you consistent results without any fuss or complicated settings. It should feel sturdy, clean up easily, and look good on your counter for years to come.
When you consider all these points, the search becomes much clearer. You need a toaster that’s been put through its paces by experts who test for real-world use. That’s where the americas test kitchen toaster recommendation stands out. It represents a choice backed by rigorous comparison, so you can be confident in your purchase. It’s a simple way to bring a little more reliability and quality to your kitchen, and to your breakfast table.