For many of us, toast is part of our daily routine. We wake up, brew a pot of coffee and pop a few slices of bread in the toaster for an easy breakfast. If you’ve got a good toaster on your hands, you’ll have a perfectly golden slice ready to top with homemade jam or a few slices of avocado. But if your toaster isn’t so hot, well, that toast can be burnt, unevenly toasted or downright disappointing.
So what’s really the best toaster to keep on your kitchen counter? Our Test Kitchen had to find out so your morning routine can be satisfying and delicious.
How We Found the Best Toaster Brands
To find the best toaster for your kitchens at home, our pros grabbed seven brands—some high-tech, some basic and some that landed in between. Each toaster was put through its paces crisping up the following: white bread, multigrain bread, oat bran bread, Italian bread, sourdough, bagels and frozen waffles.
Our testers paid attention to how long each slice took to toast, how evenly the toast looked and how crisp. We also kept these criteria in mind as we slathered slice after slice with butter.
- Even browning: Are items browned evenly? Do you achieve consistent results every time you toast?
- Toast time: How long does it take to reach the ideal medium brown toast?
- Slots: Are the toaster slots wide enough to accommodate all kinds of bread like bakery-style bagels and larger slices of artisan bread?
- Crumb removal: Does the toaster have a crumb tray? Is it easy to remove? Is it messy to empty?
- Price: Are the features, functionality and appearance worth the cost?
Our Test Kitchen-Preferred Toasters
Our Test Kitchen went through a few loaves of bread and a couple of boxes of frozen waffles for this test. In the end, four brands popped.
For Impatient Toast-Lovers: Breville Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster
There are two kinds of breakfast-makers out there: People that push down the level on the toaster and let it go and people that have to peek at their bread every 30 seconds. If you’re one of the latter, this Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster is the best toaster for you.
This toaster has a wealth of features ideal for the impatient among us, first of which is a progress bar. You can see how long you’ve got left on your toast giving you time to make a quick cafe-style drink or wash up a few dishes. Breville’s toaster also includes a “Lift and Look” button so you can peek on the status of your toast without having to cancel the cycle.
As far as this toaster’s performance, our Test Kitchen had no issues. Every bread and waffle we popped into the large slots turned out a nice even brown color—no obvious streaks and no burning.
- Capacity: Two slices; you can also get the same toaster in a four-slice model
- Settings: Toast, bagel and defrost
- Additional features: Progress bar, Smart Toasting technology that adjusts the time and temperature for your selections, “A Bit More” button for a touch more toasting, “Lift and Look” function, removable crumb tray
- Price: $130
Best Splurge: Wolf Gourmet 2-Slice Toaster
Serious cooks know that Wolf is one of the big names in premier appliances. (Raise your hand if you’ve ever ogled a Wolf range at the appliance store!) Rest assured that the company also produces great small appliances, like this Wolf Gourmet Toaster.
This toaster was one of our Test Kitchen’s favorites for many reasons, including the generously sized slots. At more than six inches long, you can easily toast long slices of ciabatta and sourdough without having any bread peeking out of the top untoasted. As for those slices of artisan bread, it came out perfectly toasted every time—no burnt toast here! The Wolf toaster did take a bit more time to toast up our bread and waffles, but our Test Kitchen thought the flawless performance was worth the extra 15 seconds of time.
One last notable characteristic of this toaster: It is heavy-duty. Our testing crew noted time and time again that you could feel the strength and quality of the materials used in making this toaster. Everything from the carriage that carries the toast to the knob felt like it would last for ages. This durability and performance make it worth the price.
- Capacity: Two slices, also available as a four-slice toaster
- Settings: Toast, bagel and defrost
- Additional features: Keep warm option, removable crumb tray
- Price: $300
Best Basic Model: GE 2-Slice Stainless Steel Toaster
Not all of us want or need the fanciest appliance out there. If you’re looking for a basic model that crisps up bread just right, opt for a GE 2-Slice Stainless Steel Toaster. This sleek toaster is compact and does the job well—not to mention it’s a great bargain from a notable brand.
The slots, while smaller than some brands we tested, were still large enough to accommodate generously sized bagels. As for toasting, this GE appliance crisped up bread evenly, though our testers noticed that what would be considered “medium” on this appliance was a bit lighter than what most would consider a medium-hued toast. No worries though—just crank up the dial a bit to compensate.
- Capacity: Two slices, though a four-slice model is also available
- Settings: Toast, bagel and defrost
- Additional features: Removable crumb tray
- Price: $49
For Smart Kitchens: Revolution Toaster
If you love techie kitchen gadgets and have a home full of smart appliances, you’ll want to check out the Revolution Toaster. This touchscreen toaster is the first of its kind. You make all your selections on the full-color screen by swiping and tapping, which our testers thought was pretty darn nifty (and even kind of fun!).
Besides being very cool, this toaster was speedy! Slices of oat bran bread popped up golden brown after just 90 seconds with an “enjoy” message on the screen. If you prefer your toast on the darker side, this might not be the best option for you. Well done toast came up a bit uneven.
One last thing: When it’s time to empty the crumb tray on this model, the toaster will tell you “it’s time!” That’s pretty nifty since many of us can’t remember the last time (if ever) we cleaned out our crumb trays.
- Capacity: Two slices
- Settings: Toast, bagels, toaster pastry, English muffin, waffle and defrost
- Additional features: Touchscreen, smart sensors and removable crumb tray
- Price: $300
Make the Most of Your Toast
When it comes to making use of the best toaster options, don’t limit yourself to just breakfast. Use that toaster to crisp up bread for every sandwich you make, use it to heat up frozen waffles for all kinds of treats like ice cream waffle-wiches or quick Monte Cristos.
Rainbow Fruit Toast
Nothing will brighten up your morning more than one of these colorful and tasty toasts. —Shannon Roum, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Egg-Topped Avocado Toast
We always have avocados on hand, so it's easy to make this quick breakfast toast for my husband and me. It's really tasty! —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Italian Joes on Texas Toast
This is ideal for a weeknight on the go. If you double the tomatoes, tomato paste, meat and wine, you'll have enough sauce to freeze. —Ashley Armstrong, Kingsland, Georgia
Butternut Squash Panzanella Salad
This colorful salad is easy to make—and it's even easier if you use precut chunks of butternut squash. You can use pecans in place of the almonds or watercress instead of the arugula or spinach. —Nancy Buchanan, Costa Mesa, California
Mozzarella Mushrooms with Garlic Toast
I came up with this dinner using ingredients I had on hand. It turned out to be so delicious, my wife and I now make it for special occasions. —Marc Bushee, Moorhead, Minnesota
Princess Toast
I made these sparkly treats for my daughter's brownie troop and they're great for princess parties. Sometimes I use lemon curd in place of the jam. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Herbed Tuna Sandwiches
A delightful combination of herbs and reduced-fat cheese makes this simple tuna sandwich a standout. —Marie Connor, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Bacon, Egg & Avocado Sandwiches
My husband wanted bacon and eggs; I wanted a BLT. We settled our standoff with an irresistible sandwich we've had many times since. —Patti Darwin, Lubbock, Texas
Garden Bounty Panzanella Salad
My sister gave me fresh tomatoes and basil, so I made a bread salad known as Panzanella. The longer it sits, the more the bread soaks up the seasonings. —Jannine Fisk, Malden, Massachusetts
Steak Crostini with Carrot-Horseradish Marmalade
I've been making little tweaks to this family favorite for years. Prep everything ahead, then layer up the crostini right before party time. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Loaded Avocado BLT
My husband invented this twist on a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. I like to make it with extra slices of bacon; if you want, you can leave the Gorgonzola cheese out of the avocado spread. —Lori Grant, Kingsport, Tennessee
Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich
It doesn't get much cozier than these delightful suppertime sandwiches. They're an easy way to use up leftover turkey, and I love the way the thick toast soaks up the creamy sauce. —Carol Hull, Hermiston, Oregon
Southern Fried BLT
I’m really not big on tomatoes—but I do like them green and fried, so I decided to try them in a sandwich. It was a smash! If you’ve gotta have cheese, add sharp cheddar to this indulgent twist on the traditional BLT. —Stacy King, Rome, Georgia
Pomegranate Pistachio Crostini
Pomegranate seeds intrigue me, so I sliced French bread, smeared it with cream cheese, and added seeds, pistachios and chocolate. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Marinated Mozzarella & Tomato Appetizers
Inspired by a dish I had at a restaurant, this simply sensational combination should marinate for at least three hours—the longer the better. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Peach Bruschetta
As a starter or light snack, this bruschetta is a wonderful way to savor the season with just a bite of fresh peach amid a medley of lively flavors. —Nikiko Masumoto, Del Ray, California
The Ultimate Grilled Cheese
These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up, too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois
Brie Appetizers with Bacon-Plum Jam
Among my friends, I'm known as the Pork Master because I love to cook just about every cut there is. These appetizers combine soft, mild Brie cheese with a sweet-sour bacon jam that has a touch of Sriracha sauce. —Rick Pascocello, New York, New York
Reuben Eggs Benedict
When it comes to food, two of my all-time favorites are Reuben sandwiches and eggs Benedict. So naturally I combined them into this incredible breakfast dish. I serve mine with bacon on the side, but hash browns and fresh fruit go great, too! —Jessica Rehs, Akron, Ohio
Feta Bruschetta
You won't believe the compliments you'll receive when you greet guests with these warm appetizers. Every crispy bite offers the savory tastes of feta cheese, tomatoes, basil and garlic. They're terrific for holiday parties or most any gathering. —Stacey Rinehart, Eugene, Oregon
Turkey Sandwich with Raspberry-Mustard Spread
My hearty sandwich has different yet complementary flavors and textures. It is filled with flavor and nutrients, without all the unhealthy fats, sodium and added sugar many other sandwiches have. And it’s absolutely delicious! —Sarah Savage, Buena Vista, Virginia
Open-Faced Frico Egg Sandwich
The layer of melted and crisped cheese—the frico—is what makes this creamy sandwich unique. If you like spicy aoli, add two large cloves of garlic. —Julie Solis, Congers, New York
Peanut Butter, Honey & Pear Open-Faced Sandwiches
I work a 12-hour night shift at a hospital, and when I come home in the morning, I don't want to cook a big breakfast. I love these sandwiches because they're versatile; sometimes I use apples instead of pears and different cheeses, such as Brie or grated Parmesan. —L.J.Washington, Carpinteria, California
Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Toast Cups
When I was growing up, we had a family tradition of having eggs Benedict with champagne and orange juice for our Christmas breakfast. But now that I’m cooking, a fussy breakfast isn’t my style. I wanted to come up with a dish I could make ahead that would mimic the flavors of traditional eggs Benedict and would also freeze well. Friends, all I can say is, this one fits the bill! —Lyndsay Wells, Ladysmith, British Columbia
Lemon-Herb Salmon Toasts
Quick, light and tasty, my salmon toasts make irresistible finger food. —Christie Wells, Lake Villa, Illinois
Sweet Potato Crostini
For party time, I turn this sweet potato side dish into an appetizer by serving it on slices of a French baguette. — Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Hot Bacon Cheese Dip
I've tried assorted appetizers before, but this one is a surefire people-pleaser. The thick bacon cheese dip has lots of flavor and keeps my guests happily munching as long as it lasts. I serve it with tortilla chips or sliced French bread. —Suzanne Whitaker, Knoxville, Tennessee
Zucchini Panzanella Salad
I learned how to make panzanella from my friend's grandmother. Once I discovered how to make the perfect vinaigrette, it became a dish I crave during the summer. It's also a great way to use day-old bread and your garden's bounty of zucchini. —Felicity Wolf, Kansas City, Missouri
Sicilian Nachos
Crispy bread replaces the classic tortilla chips and savory meat sauce tops things off. This hearty appetizer easily doubles as a main dish. Add a salad and you have dinner. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Southwestern Pulled Pork Crostini
As a different take on crostini, these apps are great for tailgating and casual parties. —Randy Cartwright, Linden, Wisconsin
So-Easy-Yet-Delicious Onion Soup
Topped with a slice of cheesy toast hot from the broiler, homemade onion soup is guaranteed to please. Add a green side salad for a complete meal. —Hildy Schlegel, Addison, New York
Steak & Blue Cheese Bruschetta with Onion & Roasted Tomato Jam
An appetizer bursting with flavor from bleu cheese, caramelized onion, jam and balsamic vinegar—tasty bites that vanish in a hurry. —Debbie Reid, Clearwater, Florida
Italian Eggs Benedict with Pesto Hollandaise
My husband and I have a standing breakfast date on Saturday mornings. When we want something fancy, we make Italian-inspired eggs Benedict with pesto and prosciutto. —Jackie Dodd, Los Angeles, California
Mushroom Pear Melts
I really like mushrooms with cheese. Add pears, broil away, and you have got a scrumptious open-faced sandwich. Serve with a salad and fruity tea. —Marla Hyatt, St. Paul, MN
Beef Stroganoff Sandwiches
For an American take on classic Russian comfort food, we turn beef Stroganoff into a sandwich. It comes together fast, and our family devours it. —Alison Garcia, Beatrice, Nebraska
Bruschetta Melts
I made this awesome bruschetta for my daughter’s baby shower, but I should've planned for more. We ran out right away! —Coleen McCrea Katz, Havertown, Pennsylvania
Scrambled Egg Bread
We always eat ham, eggs and bread on camping trips, and we often have extras. Combine them and you’ve got scrambled egg bread. We first made this on a visit to Mount Shasta. —Shirley Mondeau, Rohnert Park, California
Chipotle Turkey Club Sandwich
We’re crazy for BLTs. A nearby roadside stand carries gorgeous tomatoes every summer. We load up, then stuff our sandwiches with the usual suspects, plus smoked turkey and cheese. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Mushroom-Avocado Eggs on Toast
Two of my favorites – mushroom and avocado – make a stacked sandwich fancy enough for company or a weekend breakfast with the family. —Carol McLaughlin, Papillion, Nebraska
Derby Hot Browns
This classic open-faced sandwich created at the Brown Hotel in Louisville is easy to do with deli or leftover turkey, toast and a quick cheese sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chiles Rellenos Sandwiches
Even since my early days of cooking, one thing hasn’t changed: I still love to make these zippy grilled chile relleno sandwiches. —Gladys Hill, Qulin, Missouri
Croque-Madame
My son and I love having a croque-madame (a fried egg atop our grilled ham and cheese) for lunch. If eggs aren't your favorite, you can make the sandwich without it (which makes it a croque-monsieur). —Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
Southwestern Eggs Benedict with Avocado Sauce
I frequently make this spicy spinoff of classic eggs Benedict for my husband, who loves breakfast. I like the heat from the jalapenos and also that the avocado sauce is a healthier substitute for the usual hollandaise sauce. —Kara Scow, McKinney, Texas
Garlic Toast Pizzas
Between working full-time, going to school and raising three children, finding time-saving recipes that my family likes is one of my biggest challenges. These quick pizzas pack a huge amount of flavor. —Amy Grim, Chillicothe, Ohio
Panzanella Pasta
We take classic panzanella ingredients like ripe tomatoes, peppers and olives and toss them with hot noodles for a hearty pasta dish. My kids especially like the crunchy croutons. —Ashley Pierce, Brantford, Ontario
Tuna Ciabatta Melts
Use any good crusty bread when compiling this tuna spread sandwich. Top with slices of crunchy cucumber or luscious tomato for extra freshness. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota
Open-Faced Egg Sandwiches
I always experiment with different herbs on my eggs, since I eat them every morning. This one became one of my favorites! —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri
Portobello Bruschetta with Rosemary Aioli
Caramelizing onions, broiling peppers and whipping up a homemade aioli with fresh herbs adds dimensions of flavor you won't find in a store-bough bruschetta. —Stephanie Kalina-Metzger, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
Smoked Gouda Veggie Melt
After a long day of teaching, I like to make these veggie-packed grilled-cheese sandwiches. My 8-year-old daughter is a big fan, too. —Charlie Herzog, West Brookfield, Vermont
Grilled Nectarine & Cheese Crostini
At our house, we love the summer tastes of sweet grilled nectarines and fresh basil over goat cheese. I can usually find all the ingredients at the farmers market. —Brandy Hollingshead, Grass Valley, CaliforniaThe post The Best Toaster for Your Kitchen, According to the Pros appeared first on Taste of Home.
Lisa Kaminski