Toasters are something we all use on a near daily basis without thinking much about.
Whether it’s for bread, bagels, croissants, or anything else that needs to be toasted, we all have uses for them.
They are also one of those kitchen items that can be either a massive headache or a super simple and helpful gadget.
I don’t like to add extra frustration to my mornings, so I opt for more efficient and non-headache inducing toasters and that is why I have put together this list of the best rated toasters.
I’ve covered all budgets and added features in my list of these top 10 toasters, so there is one for everyone.
I want you guys to throw out the old burnt out toaster and get something that’s going to make your day a little easier.
If you’re like me, and you like spending your time doing things other than yelling at your toaster, then check out the list below and choose which toaster is right for you.
Here are our Top 10 Best Toasters:
- Amazonbasics KT-3680
- Nostalgia TCS2
- The Tobox 2-slice toaster
- Fortune Candy
- Bakery Artisan
- Black + Decker extra wide 4-slice
- Brevo 4-slice
- Odakitchen side-loading toaster
- Oster Long Slot
- Cuisinart CPT-435
Now we obviously can not go out there and try every single toaster on the market but we definitely have put in the time and effort to find what everyone finds to be the best.
We have used most of the toasters on this list, so you can bet that we have a feel for what they can really do.
So before you purchase your next toaster, checkout our list of the best toasters that will be worth the investment.
Table of Contents
1) The AmazonBasics KT-3680 2-Slice Toaster
The first toaster on the list is the AmazonBasics 2-slice toaster.
I really like this one because it’s simple, straight to the point, and will cost you less than $20.
Like all AmazonBasics products, it’s just a plain design with nothing fancy. The exterior is all black with a thin silver strip at the settings menu.
The cool thing about this simple toaster is that it has a couple extra options.
You can choose to toast just one side (the bagel option) and you can also defrost bread.
It’s crazy to me how this simplest toaster is still more advanced than the best were 10 years ago!
My favorite feature on this toaster is one that I always use on any toaster that has it.
The extra-lift lever is perfect for those smaller pieces of bread/bagels that you can’t get out without burning your hands.
These extra-lift levers are a part of most modern toasters, which helps a ton in my opinion.
There’s also 6 settings to allow you to set how toasted you want your bread/bagel.
1 being the least toasted, 6 being the most toasted.
This toaster also comes with illuminating lights on the options, a 22-inch power cord, and 2 bread/bagel slots.
For under $20, you really can’t go wrong.
2) The Nostalgia TCS2 Grilled Cheese Sandwich Toaster
If you’re looking for an incredibly unique and nostalgic toaster, I’ve found the one for you.
The Nostalgia TCS2 Grilled Cheese Sandwich Toaster is a perfect gift for someone who appreciates the little things in life, and the cool gadgets, unique gifts, party discussion items, etc.
The coolest part about this nostalgic toaster is the 2 removable sandwich trays.
You put the grilled cheese sandwich (or whatever it’s called before it’s toasted) into the tray, load it into the toaster, pull down the toasting lever, and your grilled cheese sandwich is ready within minutes.
I’ve always been a huge fan of unique little gifts such as this one.
It’s not really a daily use item (unless you’re all about grilled cheese sandwiches), but it’s really fun to use every once in a while.
This nostalgic toaster is also not very common, which makes it entertaining to show some family or friends.
Another really cool feature that not a lot of toasters have is the crumb catcher.
What?!
They actually have this?
I know, the simple things that people like myself will never think of.
There’s a small tray underneath the toaster that catches all the crumbs that slip through.
It’s a really useful little tray, and honestly I’m a little upset that more toasters don’t have this.
Sad face.
For around $40 you can own a grilled cheese sandwich toaster.
On and don’t forget that this is just a regular old toaster if you were thinking that this bad boy can only make grilled cheese sandwiches.
3) The TOBOX 2-Slice Toaster
If you’re looking for a toaster with a lower price range but a few more features, check out the TOBOX 2-Slice Toaster.
This low-end toaster packs a whole lot in it for under $25.00 and if its looks alone didn’t make you budge, maybe these specs will.
One of the more unique features that this toaster has is the warming rack.
It comes with a little rack that you can lay on top of the toaster to slowly warm up some delicious food.
Just clip the little rack onto the toaster, turn it on your preferred setting, and you’re all good to go.
This cheap toaster comes with 7 different toasting levels and the cool thing about it is that they actually tell you how long it will take to get to that level.
For example, the lowest level (1) takes only 70 seconds, whereas the highest level (7) takes 210 seconds.
As with the previous toaster, this one comes with a removable crumb tray.
Again, with this feature I was stuck with all toasters because it’s so useful.
It can be so time consuming to clean out all the little crumbs, and if you don’t then there’s a constant burning smell every time you use the toaster.
4) The Fortune Candy Toaster
Stepping into the slightly higher priced toasters we have the Fortune Candy Toaster.
This toaster has a unique ridged diamond design and a bold red color, which is great for any of you who are into matching things around your house.
You can also get it in bright white if the red is too much.
The Fortune Candy Toaster boasts extra wide toasting areas for huge bagels, breads, croissants, and more.
The picture even shows each toasting area holding 2 pieces of bread to show how wide it is as it can be super annoying to have to shove bread into a small toaster, which is why I really like this concept.
Like the previous toaster, this one has 7 different shade settings to allow you to reach your desired level of toasting.
However, it doesn’t come with a crumb tray which is a huge bummer in my opinion.
That being said, the tray isn’t necessary for everyone so this can be hit or miss.
Another cool feature of the Fortune Candy Toaster is the high-lift lever.
This one probably has the highest lift lever I’ve seen, and it’s honestly almost overkill but it’s not a burden or anything and is very much still convenient.
If you’re in the market for a durable, uniquely designed toaster, check out the Fortune Candy Toaster.
For less than $50, I think it is a great buy.
5) The Bakery Artisan Bread Toaster by Cuisinart
This toaster is unique in the sense that it has massive toasting slots. They’re meant to artisan breads and other huge breads. At 10 inches by 1.5 inches, these are probably the biggest slots on the list.
Although this artisan bread toaster doesn’t have all the extras on it, you still get all the basics and a few more options. There’s nothing fancy about this all-chrome design, but it’s perfect for the modern kitchen.
I like it because it doesn’t stand out too much. A toaster isn’t meant to be a center-piece, so it’s excellent in that aspect.
As with the other previous toaster options, this one has a pull-out crumb tray, a high-lift lever, and multiple shade settings.
It’s price range of just under $50.00 is due to the brand, Cuisinart, and its reliable product line. They’re always durable and have a great customer service help line.
If you’re looking for a durable and reliable toaster that has everything you need and nothing you don’t, check out the Bakery Artisan Bread Toaster by Cuisinart.
6) The BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster
If you’re looking for a toaster that’s going to have a high amount of usage, check out the Black+Decker 4-slice extra-wide slot toaster. This toaster has 4 very wide toasting slots with 2 different toasting sides. This allows 2 people to use their preferences for toasting shades instead of having the find the happy medium.
Speaking of toasting shades, this one comes with 7 different levels for you to toast to your desired level. It also has self-centering toasting racks to allow for even shading. It can be very frustrating when you have one side burnt and the other side barely toasted.
There’s also multiple options for single-side toasting, frozen breads, and simply warming up breads. This vast array of options gives you the freedom to make your food however you want it, whenever you want it.
The very-modernly designed chrome that wraps the toaster is perfect for the ‘new-age kitchen’ appeal. It’s almost futuristic looking, but it doesn’t stand out too much. Oh, and there’s also that awesome removable crumb cray that I keep raving about.
If you’re looking for a high-quality toaster backed by a well-known, credible brand, then check out the Black+Decker 4-slice extra-wide slot toaster.
7) The BREVO 4-Slice Toaster
The BREVO 4-slice toaster is probably the bulkiest design on this list. It’s a huge block, which can deter some buyers. In my opinion, it just screams that it’s sturdy and a little bit more unique in some ways.
This toaster is kind of the all-around best toaster to some. It has pretty much everything that the other toasters on the list have. One unique feature, however, is the crumb trays.
There’s 2 crumb trays, one for each side of the toaster.Most of the other toasters on the list only have one crumb tray. This might be an insignificant feature, but in my opinion it’s just even more convenient.
The BREVO 4-slice toaster also has 7 shading options and a high-lift lever similar to the other toaster on the list. However, the high-lift lever isn’t as efficient as many of the others since it doesn’t really lift too high up. Again, that might not mean much to some buyers.
With this toaster, you can defrost, reheat, or toast. The options are very similar to many other toasters, but the uniqueness with this toaster comes in the design. As I stated already, it’s a huge block. The 1.5 inch wide toasting slots are mega-efficient and useful for larger breads and croissants or bagels.
I also love the silver knobs, which look like they belong in a car and not on a toaster. It almost makes it feel more futuristic or modern. If you’re looking for a well-rounded toaster, check out the BREVO 4-slice toaster.
8) The Oda Kitchen Side Loading Toaster
As the only side loading toaster on the list, there’s a whole lot to talk about in the Oda Kitchen side loading toaster. I was honestly a little worried about the heating of this toaster, because of the massive gap at the side. I presumed that it would allow too much cold air in, but it actually helps regulate the heat for even toasting.
This side loading toaster is perfect for thicker pieces of bread and bagels. The slots open and close to the desired width, and hold it perfectly center for you. They are also very useful for toasting sandwiches, which almost none of the other toasters on the list can do.
The toasting slots are removable to allow for easy cleaning. The slots have a built-in crumb tray, which is also a really nice and convenient feature. Once you’re done with cleaning it, the tray slides right back in with an easy-to-grip handle. Don’t worry about burning your hands though, the handle doesn’t heat up at all.
The 3 LED lit settings are for frozen breads, reheating, and toasting. There’s also 6 shade settings, allowing you to choose the perfect toasting level.
9) The Oster Long Slot 4-Slice Toaster
For #9 I brought you a toaster with all the extras, plus a little more. The Oster Long Slot 4-Slice Toaster has everything you need in a toaster with a few cool specs that set it apart from the rest of the list.
On the outside, it appears to be a simple, small toaster with a basic silver color. There’s nothing extravagant about the exterior design of this toaster, and the compact size actually makes it pretty convenient for storage.
The best thing about this toaster is the two auto-adjusting bread guides. They center the bread automatically with the trays inside to ensure perfectly even toasting and prevent excess crumb buildup. If you do happen to get some extra crumbs to fall through, there’s also a removable crumb tray that’s dishwasher safe.
Another nice feature about this toaster is actually in the name, “long slot”. The slots on this toaster are large enough to fit one long piece of bread or two small pieces of bread side by side. Most toasters can accomplish that, which makes it very convenient.
The compact design makes it so you only have 2 slots for toasting, but they’re long enough to hold a maximum of 4. It’s nice because you don’t have o worry about having a bulky design, but you still get the extra slots.
If you’re looking for one of the most advanced toasters on the list for under $60.00, the Oster Long Slot 4-Slice Toaster is the one for you.
10) The Cuisinart CPT-435 Countdown 4-Slice Stainless Steel Toaster
Notice how in the past few listings I’ve said stuff like “one of the most futuristic”, or “one of the most advanced”.
The reason I didn’t say the most advanced or futuristic is because this toaster at #10 truly is the most advanced and futuristic affordable toaster.
At under $60.00, you really can’t ask for much more than what this toaster has to offer.
This futuristic toaster is without a doubt the coolest one on the list.
I’ve never seen or heard of another one like it at such an affordable price.
What makes this one so special?
In my opinion, it’s the LED lights.
There’s an LED shade setting that lets you digitally choose how toasted you want you bread, and the best part is, it shows you a countdown.
I’ve rarely seen another toaster that has a countdown timer on it.
I don’t know about you, but waiting for that semi-terrifying moment when the toast blasts out the toaster is never fun.
Like the other toasters on this list, this one comes with a bagel setting, and frozen and reheat settings as well.
Simply click your choice and the options lights up so you know which one you’ve chosen.
Then, the LED timer counts down for you. Both of the sides have their own shade settings and timers, which is super convenient as well.
Top 10 Best Toasters Complete
Well that concludes our list of the best rated toasters on the market today.
Of course we will be updating things as we find better products but for now, I’m sure you’ll find one that YOU can appreciate.
For those of you who are still somewhat confused, this short buying guide will help you out.
How to Buy Your Next Toaster
For something so simple, things can be really complicated with the more than plenty options to choose from when it comes to buying a fricken toaster.
And if you’re anything like me, you will stare at 10 different toasters and it can take you days (or even weeks) before you can make a decision.
Get it down to just two and it will take even longer.
Then you’ll go home and find the ten million reasons as to why the other toaster was a better buy and the list of problem shoppers will continue.
So before you purchase your next toaster, let’s go over some of the stuff that has helped me in a lot of my buying decisions.
I also found some great tips on Independent.co.uk that had other tips but of course they aren’t better than mine (lol).
What’s in Your Wallet?
And I don’t mean the Capital One BS.
I’m talking about how much money you have to spend.
Not just on a toaster but your overall expenses.
Gone are the days when toasters were just $10 as the lineup for today’s homes have you wanting and maybe even needing the best of the best.
But what you are able to spend is a big deal when making this simple, yet complicated decision.
I can not think about how crazy the topic of toasters and it being so complicated is even a thing, but it is what it is as there are really some cool toasters out there.
Now if you know you can not afford one of the pricer models on this list then don’t get it.
There’s no point in buying one and not being able to get bread to put in it.
Kind of reminds me of these ladies that spend a thousand dollars on a wallet but have nothing but maxed out credit cards and $50 to their name.
Don’t be one of those and get something you can afford.
Who Are You Feeding?
For me, I have 5 extra mouths to feed, so of course a four seater would be ideal.
I did make a two person party work for awhile but getting the extra two slots has made life that much easier.
Not to say that I am not fine with just a regular old toaster but it does have its pros.
If it’s just you and a partner or your goldfish then you obviously wouldn’t need one of them six slice models.
A nice two slice toaster will be just fine and this will help in pleasing your wallet.
For those of you who have an army like I do, a four or six slicer might be your best bet but if two is all you can afford, then two it is.
How Much Counter Space Do You Have?
At one point the size of our toaster didn’t matter because there was just no counter space in the apartment we were living in.
Ever single time we needed to toast some bread, we had to pull it out from under a cabinet.
And every single time we were done toasting that bread, we would have to put it back in that same cabinet.
Sure it was inconvenient but we really didn’t have a choice.
For you on the other hand, you might have different options and having it sit there like most normal houses is actually a thing.
Depending on how much space you actually have will determine which toaster you will get.
You don’t need to get a huge one that takes up all the space just because you liked the way it looked.
I don’t know about you but I’m more on the functional side of things rather than cosmetics but if you absolutely, positively need to get one based on looks alone, then go for it.
I do recommend you get one that fits just right and pleases you visually as I’m not too fond of getting something that you don’t find attractive.
Wow, I just mentioned the word attractive and we’re talking about toasters.
That reminds me of the Brave Little Toaster, so now I don’t feel so bad about referring to an appliance as some kind of living thing.
What Do You Really Want Your Toaster to Do?
I could go on and on about what you really need to look out for but I would rather save that for another post.
The last thing I wanted to cover before you made your final decision is the capabilities of your toaster and what you need from them.
Do you need the bare minimum or did you want one that can simply reheat something that you completely forgot about.
Did you want your new toaster to be able to stop in the middle of toasting unlike the older models that had to be manually done?
There are many features that the above mentioned toasters have that are actually really impressive but choose one that fits your needs.
Final Thoughts
We all know that toasters aren’t the most exciting thing to think about.
That being said, they make amazing gifts and they always make life a whole lot easier.
Think about life without being able to toast your bread or bagels. It almost reshapes your shopping list in a way.
There’s a huge array of different toasters on here so you can go through and choose what’s right for you.
If you’re looking for a cheap and simple toaster that still gets the job done, check out the AmazonBasics toaster.
If you’re looking for a futuristic, all-things-included toaster, check out the Cuisinart CPT-435 Countdown Toaster.
It has all the cool bells and whistles to make life a little easier.
Personally, I’m comfortable with the middle ground.
I like stuff that’s cheap (who doesn’t), but I also want something reliable.
I don’t feel the need to have all the extra digital buttons and fancy stuff.
That being said, I’m all about the removable crumb tray and shade settings. For that reason, my favorite would have to be the BREVO 4-slice toaster.
It’s all up to you to decide what exactly you want in a toaster.
I wanted to share all the options for all the budgets out there, and I truly feel that all of these toasters are worth your time and hard-earned money.
