Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Start your day with a good and healthy breakfast to have plenty of energy to be focussed and able to do your work. You can have your breakfast with cereal or toasted bread. In order to make the best toasted bread, read this article with the best bread toasters currently available. We’ve tested all of them and wrote a toasters comparison in detail.
Top 6 Best Toasters
The following are 6 of the best toaster models that are offered on the market today. They differ from each other in the number of toast slices they can accommodate at the same time, whether they fit only bread or also bagels, the operation buttons and toast dial used for their interface, and a few design tweaks.
These toaster models represent the cream of the bunch, giving you an idea what a good toaster should be so as to give you a great jumpstart on breakfast time.
This is a professional looking toaster that has the capability of toasting and making crisp both regular sized breads and bagels as well as extra-large ones which are just perfect for ever-hungry individuals or those who require bigger-than-usual breakfast early in the day. The Hamilton 22811 toaster has extra-wide slots so you can fit in a large bagel that would otherwise not fit over typical toasters.
The shiny, stainless finish makes the 22811 an excellent addition to the kitchen, both aesthetically and for cooking purposes. You will not have any problem taking out hot bread slices and bagels out when done toasting thanks to the 22811’s Toast Boost feature.
Illuminating buttons add to the nice appearance of this Hamilton Beach toaster, making it quite attractive. Definitely something that helps to perk you up during breakfast time.
Find the Price on Amazon here!
The TR1278B keeps up with the Black & Decker tradition of coming up with quality, durable products that will last for quite some time. This 2-sliced toaster is resilient and enduring, one that can be used in varying kitchen areas whether it be at home, in the office pantry, or even while on the road such as a RV/ mini-van.
The toaster’s robust frame guarantees it will not wear down easily and the smooth corners makes it not bothersome when placed beside other kitchen equipment.
The bread slots are wider than usual, allowing you to put in slices of bread that are bigger than average. There were some noticeable inconsistencies in the toasting results of breads and pastries, although this can be addressed by being more observant in the shade levels that the TR1278B offers.
Find the Price on Amazon here!
Looking for a toaster that does more than just merely help you prepare breakfast? Say hello to the Cuisinart CPT-440, one of the company’s new and better enhanced 4-slice toaster models that is slated to be a very welcome addition to your kitchen appliance resource. It will immediately stand out once placed on the kitchen counter, a polished stainless steel toaster with a digital display.
You cannot help yourself get attracted to shiny stainless form of the CPT-440, especially when the blue LED display starts lighting up during operation. It even has an alarm which signals that toasting is done. Four slices of toast, each one that can be set independently over the other, should be more than enough for a hearty breakfast every day.
Find the Price on Amazon here!
The Cuisinart CPT-160 is all about delivering the basic qualities anyone would want to have in a 2-sliced toaster. Its form and dimensions are quite reminiscent of toasters of old although the CPT-160 would likely be more durable and reliable than them.
Its shiny stainless finish makes it fit right there in your kitchen area, along with your utensils and other appliances. It does not do anything extraordinary yet also will not disappoint you.
The CPT-160 will warm up, toast and defrost most breads, bagels and other food items you will place in it. The conventional dials let you adjust the heat and toast shades, depending on how much level of toast you want your bread slice to be. Critics report some inconsistencies when toasting, very visible in bread slices being white and brown on the same side.
Find the Price on Amazon here!
The Breville BTA840XL is another nice toaster model to consider. Its appearance alone stands out against other models, made with a die-cast aluminum finish. This definitely makes it not ordinary looking and will definitely enhance your kitchen appearance.
Aside from its looks, the BTA840XL also has extra-wide slots so you can insert other foods to be heat and toasted aside from bread slices and bagels.
This toaster is depicted not just by its designers but even by reviewers and critics as a smart toaster, due to the presence of automatic features. You will not find any levers that require pressing down manually. The BTA840XL toaster even has the ability to level a slice of bread that is not in the center upon placing into the toast slot.
Find the Price on Amazon here!
Many will like the Krups KH3110, a toaster model that has a somewhat simple, no-nonsense approach to preparing breakfast. It is designed to be very light, weighing only a little over 3 lbs. so it is easy to carry anywhere. It has extra-deep slots for toasting so you can insert longer than usual foods like thick bread slices, English muffins, and waffles and they will all be toasted completely.
You will like the classical stainless design with the pull-down lever for the toast as well the analog manual knob for toast shades. You can familiarize yourself with the controls with minimal effort. Even children should be able to handle operating the KH3110, without fear of them suffering any harmful incidents.
Find the Price on Amazon here!
Toasters Comparison: Each Model, Side By Side
Cuisinart CPT-440 Touch to Toast Leverless 4-Slice Toaster – also as 2-slice toaster available
Price always plays a role in deciding which appliance to buy, and the same is true for these 6 toaster models. Price always gives a first impression on what to expect and most of the time follows this simple rule – the higher the price goes, the more features you can certainly find.
Toaster technology has quite evolved after several decades and you can readily observe this in the 6 toaster models featured here. Those who remember the classic toaster design will surely be surprised when they see toasters that now have digital displays.
Toasters deal mostly with bread slices and in the process of toasting some bread crumbs are sure to fall down, some of them making their way into the parts of the toaster. Cleaning and maintenance is very much necessary for a toaster to last a good number of years, which is also compared and contrasted below.
-
Price Range
The Hamilton Beach 22811 is at a price level that is within reach for most people and you get a great toaster at a good price. Meanwhile, the Black & Decker TR1278B is one of the most affordable 2-slice toasters in its class.
The Cuisinart CPT-440 demands a hefty investment from you. But considering the features that it offers and the fact that it is a 4-slice toaster, you should definitely consider this toaster.
The Cuisinart CPT-160 is still a reasonably priced item. Some are of the opinion that at this point a toaster like this would probably offer more than the usual. Yet the CPT-160 does not offer that much features against other more affordable models, and its overall performance just above average. Best that you take a closer look first at this toaster before making a decision.
The Breville BTA840XL is at quite a high price range. However, for something that gets a tagline as a smart toaster this pretty much acceptable. With its sophisticated features that many find interesting and unique, you would probably not mind paying that much for this toaster model.
The Krups KH3110 has a reasonable price tag. Critics find the pricing to be average and tolerable at best. Although it is already at a range that raises some eyebrows for some, the KH3110 is a pretty solid toaster model and is quite reliable overall. Although there are other slightly cheaper toaster options, you cannot be wrong for choosing this item at this price range.
-
Technology
The Hamilton Beach 22811 has three operating buttons – Keep Warm, Bagel, Defrost and Cancel. Each of the three lights up whenever pressed, signaling that the model is in action for the toaster.
Keep Warm is perfect to keep the toast crispy hot while you attend to other breakfast chores like making coffee, pouring eggs and bacon from the pan. Bagel mode is used for toasting only the cut size of the bread while defrost is excellent for cold, frozen breads from the refrigerator like croissants. Toast Boost pushes the bread higher up, keeping your hands safe from being scalded.
The Black & Decker TR1278B is a compact toaster designed to operate and be used in small kitchens. This is quite clear from the fact that the designers gave it a short electrical cord, which limits its placement only to spots with a convenient outlet like near a wall.
Utilizing 850 watts of power allows for quick toasting in minutes, although many remarked how the TR1278B was somewhat inconsistent in toasting breads and bagels. This might be resolved somewhat by familiarizing yourself with the toasting levels in the selector where there are up to 7 levels of toasting shades.
The future of toasting is right here in the Cuisinart CPT-440. The hi-tech appearance of its digital display is not just for show as that is exactly what you will get from this toaster model. Use the digital display to set the level of toast shade as well as how much time it will take before the bread slice pops out.
Levels 1 to 2 are for light toasting, 3 to 5 for medium toasting, and 6 and 7 if you prefer blackened toast. Four toasting buttons are available for operation – Toast, Bagel, Defrost and Reheat.
The Cuisinart CPT-160 has controls which are similar to other toasters, so you will not have any trouble operating and using it. The toast shade control, a manual and analog dial, has a range of up to 6 depending on the level of toast shade you prefer. 1 is for those who like the lightest level of toast while 6 is for those who prefer their toast really dark and blackened.
You have four function buttons conventionally designed – Toast, Bagel, Defrost, and Reheat. Toast will probably be your most useful option, ideal for bread slices and other baked foods.
One nice thing about the Breville BTA840XL toaster is its ability to keep the outer surface and casing cool and in normal temperatures even while toasting at high levels. This reduces the occurrence of burning incidents especially if children are around.
As mentioned earlier, there are no more manual levers. You just place the bread and it automatically is brought down for heating. For extra toasting time, use the BTA840XL’s Bit More feature in conjunction with the Lift and Look, which allows you to check out the bread slice, deciding to take it out or add more toasting time.
Like most toaster models, the Krups KH3110 has three operating buttons with the following options – bagel, defrost and reheat. Bagel mode lets you warm only the outside portion of a bread slice while toasting the cut side.
Use defrost mode for food slices that came from the refrigerator and freezer, quite useful for those who wake up to have a midnight snack. Reheat mode meanwhile warms only the food upon being brought down by the lever, without any level of toast occurring in it.
-
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The Hamilton Beach 22811 can be cleaned easily. The slide-out crumb tray lets you take out not only bread crumbs but also other food bits that may have fallen inside like melted and burnt cheese bits, cherry peelings and other minute fruit portions.
In case of food stuck inside, you can unplug and let the toaster cool off then shake it afterwards to dislodge the trapped toast or whatever food piece. Its retractable cord ensures it will not add to clutter in your kitchen counter.
The Black & Decker TR1278B is quite the lightweight toaster, very easy to lift and carry. This makes it very convenient to clean and do some maintenance work. It is a good thing this is the case for the design of the crumb tray is like that of a trap door.
Unlike other toasters whose crumb trays slide out, the TR1278B requires you to lift the toaster on one side then unhinge the crumb tray, emptying out whatever food particles that have accumulated into a waste can.
You should find it very easy to clean and maintain the Cuisinart CPT-440 toaster. You need not specialized cleaners with all their fancy yet harmful chemicals. Just wipe the toaster with a damp cloth so as to collect nearly all of the accumulated dirt and dust then afterwards, dry it completely.
The crumb tray slides in and out conveniently, letting you easily get rid of whatever bread crumbs that have dropped down along with other food particles. If there are slightly large particles stuck inside the toaster, you can always turn it upside down to make it drop.
Just like its fellow Cuisinart toasters, the CPT-160 is not difficult to clean and maintain. No need for you to avail of the services of chemical cleaners to really wipe and polish this toaster as you will only risk damaging some of its sensitive parts.
Best way to clean is with a damp cloth to collect dirt and dust from continued use then wipe it dry after. The crumb tray of the CPT-160 can be slid out with ease so empty it from all food crumbs that have fallen there, dumping them to the garbage bin.
The Breville BTA840XL is quite a heavy toaster, thus requiring some effort on your part during cleaning time. In cases where food gets stuck somewhere inside, you will really have to invert down the toaster then shake it a bit to get it out. It does have a removable crumb tray that catches food particles from toasting particles, which eases out some of its cleaning and maintenance duties.
Cleaning the Krups KH3110 is easy to clean thanks in part to its material that is a form of polycarbonate. This material is dishwasher safe therefore you can clean the toaster by soaking it in water (provided of course it is not plugged in!). The toaster’s safe lift function lets you lift smaller than usual food pieces brought down which reduces the occurrence of food portions getting stuck inside the toaster.
A Few Final Thoughts
Toasters are primarily used for breakfast, especially for those who require a least a slice of bread to start their day. Nothing could be better than a hot, warm meal to jumpstart your senses this early, something which a pop-up toaster could definitely do. Pick a toaster that will aid in your breakfast preparation.
Toasting need not be super-fast, but must always be reliable and ready – the perfect complement to a cup of freshly brewed coffee.