One of the best things about the KitchenAid KMT4116CU is its beautiful, elegant and simple design. The toaster comes in several colors so you can choose one that goes with your décor. The toaster has really large slots, a removable crumb tray and all the basic features, including a Keep Warm button, Bagel and Frozen buttons.
The Cuisinart CPT-440 is a high-end toaster, with 4 extra-wide slots, a motorized lift and Bagel, Reheat and Defrost features. It looks very good and stylish in any kitchen and it performs well on every setting. It is not the most affordable toaster out there but you will get your money’s worth.
The Smeg 2 slice is an Italian made toaster with a very attractive vintage design. It is simple but has all the basic functions, it is fast and toasts your bread evenly. Its drawbacks are the fact that it gets very hot when in use and it is quite an expensive appliance.
In spite of its ‘New Gen’ name, the Dualit toaster is a very vintage looking toaster which you either love or completely dislike. It is handmade in the UK, it has a manual timer and lever, it is extremely durable, it is very fast but it lacks some common features found in most toasters. It is also very expensive.
The Jelly Bean 2 slice from Oster is among the cutest toasters on the market. It is small yet solid and it is one of the best choices for people on a budget. It has a Frozen, Bagel and Warm function and removable crumb tray.
The Cuisinart ViewPro Glass 2 is a modern 2-slice toaster, with touch controls and see-through glass windows that let you see the slices inside. Its extra-wide slots let you toast even the thickest bagels/slices and the Quartz technology make sure your bread will get toasted evenly.
As its name suggests it, the Breville BTA720XL toaster stands out through its special ‘A Bit More’ function which allows you to crisp your bread for an extra half a minute, regardless of the setting that you are using. The Bit More 2-slice model has a high-end design, very simple controls and a durable construction. It comes at a decent price and it toasts your items evenly every time.
The Krups Savoy KH3110 is another well-made toaster in which the German standard can easily be seen and felt. The toaster has a 2 slice capacity, looks tasteful yet solid, and toasts your bread evenly, although a bit slower than some competitors. It is really affordable and overall, a great value for the money.
The Bonsaii T866 is a 4-slice toaster with a nice stainless steel housing and simple controls. It won’t sweep you off your feet but it will perform well for the money. It toasts evenly and fast, it is easy to use and to clean. It does leave room for improvement when it comes to those details that make the difference, but at this price, it is definitely a bargain.
The Krups KH734D50 is a German toaster suited for family use. It is a generous 4-slice model with two separate toasting zones and independent control panels. It is sturdy, quite large, good looking and durable. It is a bit slower than other toasters, but it compensates in features and quality.
Last updated September 2, 2024
Your toaster is that kitchen appliance you don’t really think about too much, but if a kitchen isn’t equipped with one, you immediately feel something’s missing. Toasters are reliable helpers whether you want to prepare a quick sandwich or simply to give a special flavor to your slice of bread, no matter what you serve it with.
They are essential appliances, especially for that on the clock breakfast when you need to eat something fast but healthy, before work.
Although toasters are not new in our lifestyles, as they have been invented two centuries ago, in 1893, they are still very popular. While they were initially developed in Scotland, today you can find them on nearly every shelf throughout the world.
How do pop-out toasters work?
The pop-out toasters have a pretty simple mechanism. Inside there’s a heating element made of nickel-chromium alloy. This is what radiates heat on the slice of bread and toasts it. In order to obtain a gold, medium toast, the heat must reach around 310 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature rises too much, a carbonization effect occurs and the slice becomes burnt.
The most common way to classify toasters is based on their functionality and capacity.
Based on their capacity, or how many slices of bread you can fit in them (how many slots they have), there are 2 slices toasters, 4 slices, 6 slices, 8 slices toasters and even above.
Based on their use, there are three basic types of toasters:
There are also specialized toasters out there: bagel toasters, egg and muffin toasters, hot dog toasters and others.
Toasters also come in a plethora of designs, shapes, colors and materials. They can have a brushed metal, chrome, copper finish and more.
In terms of power, most 2-slices toasters have a power of 850 watts, while 4-slices toasters between 1400W and 2300W.
The market is flooded with toasters, in different shapes, sizes, colors, models, brands and price ranges. It is the kind of kitchen appliance you find in every store and it can be exhausting to figure out which one works best for you. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the best decision when in the market for a new pop-up toaster.
Establish your budget. Toasters vary widely in price. You can buy a toaster for under $30, or you can pay hundreds of dollars on it, depending on the brand, quality, size and features. Decide whether you want just a simple, basic 2-slices toaster, or you are willing to pay extra and get all the bells and whistles.
Capacity. Do you need a toaster just for you and maybe your spouse, or do you have a large family of toast eaters you have to take care of all at once? If you know you’re making a lot of toast, you should opt for at least a 4-slices pop-up toaster, if not for an even bigger one (6-slices, 8-slices). Of course, you have to also consider your available space, as a 4 or 6-slices toaster will definitely take-up more space than a 2-slices one.
Look for a model that has a slide-out/removable crumb tray. Over time, your toaster will get filled with crumbs that need to be emptied, so you don’t risk a fire hazard. If the toaster has a hinged crumb tray, you’ll have to hold the entire toaster above the sink/bin to shake the crumbs out, so look for a model with a removable tray.
Materials. Aside from the effect it has on its looks, the material of the body is also an important aspect in terms of durability. Cheaper, less durable toasters usually come in a plastic body, whereas the more solid, premium pop-up toasters have a metallic or chrome finish. Also, as a side note, plastic toasters tend to heat up faster.
Features. This is probably among the most important aspects to consider when choosing a toaster. Toasters come loaded with a plethora of features, some more essential than others. Here are the most important features to have in a toaster:
There are a lot of choices when it comes to toasters. Some of the most appreciated and renowned toaster brands out there are Cuisinart, Krups, KitchenAid, DeLonghi, Black+Decker, Hamilton Beach, Oster, Breville, Philips, Brevo, Gourmia, Sunbeam.
