Will you go for the best toaster to get your toast just right? Then, choose from my picks for the best toaster.
This buying guide will help you with the necessary information you need when buying your best toaster. A toaster is one of the best appliances to have in your kitchen.
Most especially if you are the type that loves toast and has to go to work very early in the morning or if you have children that you have to cook for very early in the morning before they leave for school.
Moreso, they are very fast and safe to use. Also, their prices vary on what time, size, and features the toaster you are getting will have.
To start with, I will divide this article into sections.
First, I will give my overview, and here, you will understand what a toaster is and how it works. In addition, I will give and explain the types of toasters.
Moreso, I will explain the pros and cons. In other words, the benefits and likely limitations or the advantages and disadvantages of buying and using a toaster.
Next, I will explain the features and factors to consider when buying your best toaster. This will help you decide on which features you want in your toaster.
Furthermore, I will give each of my products a tabular representation with their specifications and pros and cons.
Notwithstanding, I will give suitable answers to related questions for better understanding before giving my final thoughts.
Finally, I will urge you to sit back and relax with a bowl of popcorn or even a toast if you already have one but are looking for another one to get or the best one. Thus, you will not miss out on any piece of information.
Best Toaster: Overview
Before going into details of what a toaster does, let us have a look at what a toaster is.
A toaster is kitchen equipment used for toasting slices of bread and other food items. Moreso, it makes cooking faster and easier.
Furthermore, using a toaster is very safe as long as you follow the manual or instruction guide that comes with it. However, one part that people do not like to hear about is the cleaning aspect. Do not worry because toasters are easy to clean; you can just clean them with a dry towel.
Moreover, when it comes to size, toasters are usually small in size and will not take much of your counter space. Hence, you can carry them while traveling or moving.
Additionally, toasters have special features that give your toast the right and adequate temperature, taste, and crispness. They also make them more attractive and delicious.
Moving forward, let us go into detail about how a toaster works.
First, clean your toaster before putting your slice into the toasting slot. Moreso, you can decide to toast only one slice by using only one slot of the toasting machine by setting the temperature of only one slot.
Next, you set the temperature level; this way, you can decide if you want your toast to be light, brown, or even dark. To continue, there is a manual level that you will press to begin toasting.
Notwithstanding, you do not have to worry about waiting for the toast to get ready if your toaster has an automatic push-out feature. This feature will pop your toast out automatically when it is ready, and then you can serve it to eat.
Finally, it comes in different types. We will be discussing this in our next section.
Types Of Toaster
Toasters come in various types and designs and have different or additional features. I will explain them below.
Oven Toaster
As the name implies, this type of toaster works with both an oven and a toaster. Thus, it does more than toasting; it can also broil, grill, and the like.
Also, it is designed n a way that you can toast your bread or other food items on top while you bake underneath. Notwithstanding, it is small in size. Therefore, it does not occupy space.
Smart Toaster
A piece of smart equipment always functions with the internet and always has more features.
Therefore, a smart toaster has several special features that can allow you to monitor and control your toaster while it is working. Also, you can connect to the app on your smartphone to operate your toaster, depending on the brand.
Hence, you can set the temperature and change the settings on your toaster with the app.
Convection Toaster
This type uses less or no oil to toast, cook or do any cooking. Though it uses air to cook and it is usually fast and even.
Furthermore, it heats the air and makes sure it revolves around the toaster for even cooking. But, again, it is large, and due to its size and features, it is expensive.
Commercial Toaster
Commercial toasters are very big because they use them in public places like restaurants, events, schools, hospitals, cinemas, and the like. Some have features like timers; some can turn off automatically when the toast is ready to serve.
Advantageously, you can toast multiple slices of bread with this toaster.
Best Toaster: Pros And Cons
Pros
Settings
One of the advantages of using a toaster is the settings. With a toaster, you can set the temperature of how you want your toast to be.
Either from light brown to dark brown. Also, you can set the temperature for only one slot if it is just one slice of toast you want to eat.
Size
Toasters are usually small in size. Therefore, it does not take up space on your countertop and your kitchen. Also, with the portable size, you can carry it around.
Multi-Purpose
A toaster, as we expect, is for toasting, but it can do more than just toasting. A toaster can broil, grill, bake, and other cooking themes.
Thus, it is a big advantage with lots of benefits. You can also reheat your food and defrost your food items. However, these features of a toaster depend on the type.
Easy To use
A toaster is one kitchen equipment that is easy to use, operate, and clean. The cleaning aspect needs a wipe and dry clothes after use.
Budget Friendly
Depending on the type, size, and features of the toaster you are getting, the prices of toasters are very pocket friendly. But, most importantly, they are worth their prices.
However, it is also important to check your budget, the type it is going for, and if it is worth it.
Cons
Power
Toasters are equipment that uses electricity to function.
Moreover, if the toaster you are using is like a commercial type or is large with special and additional features, it is bound to use lots of power which can lead to an increase in your electricity bill.
Size
One of the disadvantages or likely limitations of getting a toaster of large size is to be sure that it will occupy space and is not suitable for smaller-sized kitchens.
Price
A toaster with additional features is bound to be expensive.
Nevertheless, it depends on what type you are getting and what your budget is. First, however, it is important to check the size of the family members, how much they eat, and the features you need to know the type you need.
This way, you will not buy one type and regret it.
Wrong Use
One of the disadvantages of using a toaster is that it causes damage if you do not use it in the right way. Thus, always check and read through the manual or instruction guide before using it, especially if it is your first time or a different brand than the type you have been using.
Things To Look Out For Before Buying The Best Toaster
Capacity
The first thing to consider is how many you are in the house and how much everyone eats. This will help you discover the type of toaster to buy.
Also, if you are up to 4 in your home, it is best to go for a 4-slice toaster or more. But, if you are just two, you can get a 2-slice to 4-slice toaster.
Energy Efficiency
Another important factor is how much power it will use per toast. Some toasters will heat much just to toast a slice, which will use much power and can increase your electricity bill.
Browning settings
Every toaster has browning settings, some in buttons and some in numbers. However, you can choose from either light brown to dark.
Also, the higher the numbers on the browning settings, the deeper your toast gets.
Material
Most toasters are made out of durable stainless steel material. That is, it will last longer.
Notwithstanding, stainless steel is a low conductor of heat, but with the instruction or manual, it is easy to use.
Design
Toasters have a very portable design that does not take up your counter space and beautifies your kitchen. Moreso, it comes with a removable tray as a feature that takes the bread crumbs while toasting for easy cleaning and disposal.
Specification Of The Best Toaster
| Product | Dimension | Item Weight | Wattage | Material | Brand |
| Cuisinart Toaster | 11 x 6.5 x 7.2 inches | 2.6 Pounds | 900 watts | Plastic | Cuisinart |
| BLACK+DECKER Toaster | 16.9 x 11.63 x 9.07 inches | 7.26 pounds | 1150 watts | Stainless Steel | BLACK+DECKER |
| Amazon Basics Toaster | 10.7 x 6.42 x 7.56 inches | 2.17 pounds | 900 watts | Metal | Amazon Basics |
| Cuisinart 180P1 Toaster | 11.15 x 10.65 x 7.5 inches | 6.1 pounds | N/A | Brushed Stainless | Cuisinart |
| Elite Gourmet Toaster | 14.68 x 7.13 x 7.68 inches | 5.2 pounds | N/A | Stainless Steel | Elite Gourmet |
5Cuisinart Toaster
Cuisinart Toaster comes 5th.
This comes with 7 different shade settings to give your toast the right and adequate browning according to your preference. Moreso, the toaster’s design makes cleaning easy and fast with the removable crumb tray.
The tray receives the crumbs from the slices of bread while toasting to avoid mess and to ensure easy disposal.
Furthermore, the pop-up lift makes it easy to know when your toast is ready to serve. Again, you can easily monitor and remove your toast by raising the lever.
The Cuisinart toaster is not big. Hence, it will not occupy your countertop space, and it is easy to move around, take a trip, or even move out of an apartment.
Nevertheless, it has special additional features apart from toasting: reheating, bagel, and defrosting features. Interestingly, it has a large capacity able to accept large slices of toast.
Although the material is stainless steel and is low conduct of heat, it lasts longer. Lastly, it comes with a 3-years warranty.
Pros
- It is easy to use.
- Also, easy to clean.
- It has a large capacity.
- Durability.
Cons
- Does not pop up enough.
- Uneven toasting.
4BLACK+DECKER
BLACK+DECKER Toaster comes 4th on my list. This is a type of convection toaster.
Convection toasters use hot air and ensure they circulate throughout the toaster for even cooking, which means it uses little or no oil.
Interestingly, it is a 4-slice toaster that can accept up to 4 slices of bread and is suitable for a family of 2, or 4. Also, it has several functionalities: baking, broiling, toasting, and keeping warm.
It comes with a rack and pan, mostly for grilling food items, roasting, and toasting. However, the pan is for receiving the crumbs and unused food items for easy disposal and cleaning.
Finally, it features a 2-years warranty.
Pros
- It is easy to clean.
- It is easy to use.
- Large capacity.
- 4 functionalities.
Cons
- It becomes very hot on the outside.
- It is not suitable for broiling due to space.
3Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics Toaster comes 3rd in my beat toaster.
It is a 2-slice toaster that can toast 2 slices of bread at once and is suitable for a family of 2. Also, it comes with 6 browning settings, from light brown to dark brown.
Moreso, the slots can accommodate thin slices of bread and are wide enough to accommodate fatty slices of bread. Thus, it has a large capacity.
Notwithstanding, it comes with a lift lever for popping out the toast when it is ready to serve and eat, a removable crumb tray where all crumbs from toast fall into and ensure no mess. Hence, cleaning is easy.
The toaster is also lightweight, which makes it easy to move around when traveling or moving out to another apartment. Finally, it is worth the price.
Pros
- It is easy to use and clean.
- Comes with a crumb tray.
- Large capacity.
- High-lift lever.
- Lastly, adjustable temperature controls.
Con
- No stated warranty.
2Cuisinart 180P1
The Cuisinart 180P1 toaster comes 2nd among my best toasters.
This device allows you to use one side while the other side is not busy because it comes with two controls for each side. Thus, you can decide to use one side for just one toast and both when you need to toast more than one slice.
Additionally, it has 6 different browning settings and functionalities that include dual reheat, defrost, and bagels. Also, it has a LED display for easy monitoring of your toast.
Again, it comes with a lift lever to help you lift or pop out your toast when it is ready to serve and a crumb tray where all bread crumbs fall into for easy cleaning and disposal. It also has a large capacity to accommodate thick slices of bread.
Finally, it comes with a limited 3-year warranty.
Pros
- Large capacity.
- Easy to use and clean.
- LED display indicator.
- Dual-lever.
- Six functionalities.
- 3-year warranty.
Cons
- Uneven toast.
- A bit expensive.
1Elite Gourmet
Elite Gourmet Toaster comes 1st as my best toaster.
This toaster has a large capacity because its slot isis so wide and can accommodate extra-sized slices of bread and other food items. Also, you can set the browning shade you want for your toast with the six-shade settings.
Going forward, it has a special and additional feature that allows you to warm your leftover toast with the reheat function. Hence, you do not have to worry about eating cold leftover toast or food.
Interestingly, this toaster has cancel settings that give you access to cancel a toast in the middle of the cycle quickly. Also, it comes with a rack for warming food items like rolls, pastries, and the like.
One of the aspects we do not like to hear about after cooking is the cleaning aspect. However, the removable crumb tray makes cleaning easy and easier.
Finally, it features a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Extra wide slots.
- 6 adjustable levels.
- Reheat function.
- Cancel button.
- Warming rack.
- Crumb tray.
- Above all, it is just so great and worth the price.
Con
- No bagel settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is A Toaster?
A toaster is kitchen equipment for making toast and toasting other food items. Some toasters can also do more than toasting, like grilling, baking, and the like depending on the type of toaster.
Notwithstanding, a toaster uses electricity to function.
2. Are Toasters Worth It?
Toasters make cooking faster and easier, especially if you are the types that love to eat toast as breakfast and you have to go to work very early, or you have children that will have to go to school early. Moreso, it makes the cleaning aspect easy because it comes with a tray that receives bread crumbs for easy disposal and to avoid creating a mess.
3. How Many Slice Toaster Is Best For A Family Of 4?
Toasters come in different sizes. We have the 2-slice toasters that are suitable for a single person or a family of 2, depending on how much they eat. However, for a family of 4, a 4-slice toaster will do the work or a larger size.
4. How Much Warranty Is A Toaster?
A warranty for a toaster is not general. It depends on the manufacturer and the type of toaster you are getting.
5. How Do I Maintain My Toaster?
With the removable crumb tray, cleaning has been made easy. Therefore, all you have to do to maintain your toaster is to make sure you clean it after every use.
My Final Thoughts On The Best Toaster
Finally, I have been able to give every piece of information that is capable of helping you pick which of the best toaster you will be buying.
Moreso, I have given each best with their specifications and their pros and cons. This way, you can easily decide which to get.
However, I have done my research and will stick to the “Elite Gourmet Toaster” as my best toaster. Also, I have made it easy to access your toasters by adding the link; as long as you click on the button, you are on your way to the store.
I hope you found this Best Toaster buying guide helpful.
If yes, please comment on the “leave a reply” form at the end of this article.
For more buying guides like this, please visit our Appliances & Gadgets page. You may also find our HVAC & Lighting page very helpful.
Further Readings And References
goodhousekeeping.com – 6 Best Toasters to Buy in 2022
foodandwine.com – The Best Toasters to Get the Perfect Crunch, Every Tim
homesandgardens.com – Best toaster 2022 for deliciously crispy and browned toast
