A toaster does one job: browning bread, bagels and waffles quickly. Slot width, slot count and shade controls decide how well it does that job. If you searched for the best 2 slice toasters, the best 4 slice toasters or the best long slot toasters, the options below cover those shapes.
Look at the bagel and defrost buttons too. Pick the slot count that matches how many people share the kitchen. Shade dials and a cancel button are small features that matter every morning. The six toasters below range from compact 2 slice models to 4 slice and long slot designs, with one retro style. We have not used these products ourselves. Slot width, controls and finishes change between versions, so confirm the slot size and the number of slices on the current listing before buying. The best toasters for bagels have wide slots and a bagel setting, and the best retro toasters trade slot width for looks.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Slots | 2 slots suit small households; 4 slots suit families |
| Slot width | Wide slots fit bagels and thick bread |
| Controls | A bagel setting and shade dial give control |
| Style | Retro and metal bodies are as much about looks as function |
Specs at a Glance
| Toaster | Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart CPT-180 | 4-slice, metal body | Four slots | Bagel setting; extra-wide slots |
| Breville Bit More | 2-slice | Two slots | Wide slots; shade settings |
| Smeg 2-Slice | 2-slice, retro style | Two slots | Retro design; many colors |
| Cuisinart CPT-122 | 2-slice | Two slots | Compact; bagel setting |
| Hamilton Beach Extra-Wide | 2-slice | Extra-wide slots | Budget friendly |
| KitchenAid Long Slot | 4-slice, long slot | Two long slots | Long slots for artisan bread |
The 6 Best Toasters
1. Cuisinart Metal Classic 4-Slice Toaster (CPT-180)
A popular 4-slice toaster with a metal body, a bagel setting and wide slots. It fits well in a busy kitchen where several people toast at once.
Suits: families. Strengths: a metal body and 4 slots. Weaknesses: takes up counter space. Skip it if you only toast a slice or two.
View Cuisinart Metal Classic 4-Slice Toaster (CPT-180) on Amazon
2. Breville Bit More 2-Slice Toaster
A 2-slice toaster from Breville with wider slots, aimed at thick bread and bagels. Check the listing for the slot size.
Suits: bagels and thick bread. Strengths: wide slots. Weaknesses: a higher price tier. Skip it if you want a compact toaster.
View Breville Bit More 2-Slice Toaster on Amazon
3. Smeg 2-Slice Toaster
A retro-style 2-slice toaster in a range of colors, popular for kitchen looks. Check the listing for slot size, since retro designs often have narrower slots.
Suits: style-minded cooks. Strengths: retro looks. Weaknesses: a higher price for the style. Skip it if you want the lowest cost.
View Smeg 2-Slice Toaster on Amazon
4. Cuisinart 2-Slice Compact Toaster (CPT-122)
A compact 2-slice toaster with a bagel setting, made for small households. It is easy to store and quick to use for a slice or two.
Suits: small households. Strengths: a compact size. Weaknesses: small capacity. Skip it if you toast for a family.
View Cuisinart 2-Slice Compact Toaster (CPT-122) on Amazon
5. Hamilton Beach Extra-Wide Slot Toaster
A budget-friendly toaster with extra-wide slots for bagels and thick bread. It is a plain, practical choice for everyday breakfasts.
Suits: bagels on a budget. Strengths: wide slots. Weaknesses: a basic build. Skip it if you want a premium finish.
View Hamilton Beach Extra-Wide Slot Toaster on Amazon
6. KitchenAid 4-Slice Long Slot Toaster
A 4-slice toaster with two long slots, made for artisan bread and for toasting several slices at once. Check the listing for the bagel and defrost settings.
Suits: artisan bread and families. Strengths: long slots and a familiar name. Weaknesses: takes up counter space. Skip it if you only need two slots.
View KitchenAid 4-Slice Long Slot Toaster on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Unplug it and let it cool before cleaning.
- Empty the crumb tray often.
- Keep the cord away from the hot sides.
- Wipe the outside with a damp cloth.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a fork to pull out stuck bread.
- Toasting bread with sugary fillings.
- Buying slot widths too narrow for bagels.
- Skipping the crumb tray.
Toaster FAQ
What is a long slot toaster?
It has long slots that fit longer pieces of bread, such as artisan loaves, or two slices side by side in one slot.
Is a 4 slice toaster better than a 2 slice?
A 4 slice toaster cooks more at once, but it takes up more counter space.
Can a toaster handle bagels?
Many can, especially those with wide slots and a bagel setting.
Are retro toasters worth it?
If you value looks, yes. They often have narrower slots than function-first models.
The Short Version
For a family toaster, the Cuisinart CPT-180. For thick bread, the Breville. For retro style, the Smeg. For a compact toaster, the Cuisinart CPT-122. For bagels on a budget, the Hamilton Beach. For long slots, the KitchenAid.
