Toasters are a staple appliance in many households around the world. They provide an easy and quick way to enjoy crispy and golden toast in the morning or any time of the day. However, not all toasters are created equal. Some may lack in toasting efficiency, leaving you with unevenly toasted bread or even worse, burnt toast. Thankfully, there are toasters on the market that actually work and deliver the perfect toast every time. In this article, we will explore the best toasters available, their features, and discuss what makes them stand out from the rest.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Toaster
1. Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of a toaster are important factors to consider, especially if you have a large family or often entertain guests. Look for a toaster with multiple slots and wide openings, allowing you to toast more slices of bread or even bagels, muffins, or pastries.
2. Toasting Functions
Modern toasters come with various toasting functions to accommodate different types of bread and personal preferences. These functions may include bagel toasting, defrosting, reheat, and cancel. Bagel toasting is especially handy when you want the cut side of your bagel to be toasted while keeping the outside soft.
3. Browning Control
The ability to control the browning level of your toast is crucial. Some toasters offer multiple browning settings, allowing you to adjust the toasting time and customize the darkness of your toast according to your liking. This feature ensures that you can enjoy your toast exactly the way you prefer, whether it’s lightly toasted or deeply golden.
4. Even Toasting
One of the most frustrating aspects of a toaster that doesn’t work well is uneven toasting. A good toaster should be able to evenly toast each slice of bread, ensuring that every bite is perfectly crisp and golden. Look for toasters with features like dual-sided toasting or specially designed heating elements that promote even heat distribution.
5. Durability and Ease of Cleaning
Nobody wants a toaster that breaks down after a few uses. When choosing a toaster that actually works, opt for models made from high-quality materials and solid construction. Stainless steel toasters are a popular choice due to their durability and sleek appearance. Additionally, easy cleaning features such as removable crumb trays should not be overlooked, as they make maintaining the toaster hassle-free.
The Best Toasters on the Market
1. Breville BTA830XL Die-Cast 4-Slice Smart Toaster
This Breville toaster is renowned for its exceptional performance and sleek design. It comes with four extra-wide slots, allowing you to toast multiple slices of bread or thicker items simultaneously. Equipped with a motorized lowering and lifting mechanism, this toaster ensures that your toast is gently lowered and raised without any forceful pops. The Breville BTA830XL also features a smart technology that automatically lowers and lifts your toast, keeping it warm for up to 3 minutes without over-toasting. Its LED panel displays the toasting progress and allows you to choose from five browning settings. With its premium build quality, this toaster is built to last.
2. Cuisinart CPT-440 Touch to Toast Leverless 4-Slice Toaster
If you want a toaster that combines style with functionality, the Cuisinart CPT-440 is an excellent choice. This toaster offers a unique leverless design, utilizing motorized technology for smooth toast lowering and raising. Its touch to toast feature allows you to simply touch the button, and the toaster will automatically lower your bread and begin toasting. It also features seven browning settings, defrost, reheat, and bagel options. The CPT-440 has a stainless steel housing with blue LED indicators, giving it a modern and sleek look that will complement any kitchen countertop.
3. KitchenAid KMT422ER 4-Slice Toaster with Manual High-Lift Lever
KitchenAid is a trusted name in kitchen appliances, and their KMT422ER toaster is no exception. This four-slice toaster combines functionality and style effortlessly. The manual high-lift lever allows you to easily and safely retrieve smaller items without burning your fingers. It also features seven shade settings, ensuring your toast is perfectly browned to your preference. With its durable all-metal construction and convenient removable crumb tray, this toaster is built to withstand the test of time.
4. Hamilton Beach 2-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster
If you’re looking for a reliable toaster that won’t break the bank, the Hamilton Beach 2-Slice Toaster is a great option. This toaster features extra-wide slots to accommodate a variety of bread sizes and a convenient toast boost function for easy bread removal. With its cool-touch exterior and automatic shutoff feature, safety is prioritized without compromising performance. The Hamilton Beach toaster also offers multiple shade settings and a removable crumb tray for easy cleaning.
5. Smeg 4-Slice Toaster
For those who value aesthetics as much as performance, the Smeg 4-Slice Toaster is a delightful choice. This retro-style toaster adds a pop of color and a vintage vibe to any kitchen. Beyond its stunning appearance, the Smeg toaster delivers reliable and consistent toasting results. It features extra-wide slots, six toasting levels, reheat, and defrost functions. With its polished chrome base, powder-coated steel body, and beautiful color options, the Smeg toaster brings a touch of nostalgia to your breakfast routine.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding a toaster that actually works, considering factors such as size and capacity, toasting functions, browning control, even toasting, durability, and ease of cleaning is essential. The Breville BTA830XL, Cuisinart CPT-440, KitchenAid KMT422ER, Hamilton Beach, and Smeg toasters are all excellent options that provide efficient toasting capabilities and additional features to enhance your toasting experience. Remember, the best toaster for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. So, go ahead and choose the toaster that suits your style and enjoy perfectly toasted bread every time.