Best Toasters for Crispy Crust and Fluffy Bread in 2025

Best Toasters in 2025: Complete Buying Guide

Looking for the best toasters in 2025? This updated buyer’s guide covers the latest toaster trends, top features to prioritize, and curated model examples to help you choose the ideal toaster for your kitchen and budget.

Best Budget: Extra-Wide Slots

Ideal for bagel lovers and artisan-bread enthusiasts, this selection highlights roomy-opening 4-slice toasters with precise browning control and stainless-steel durability.

BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster, Stainless Steel, TR4900SSD

The BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster (TR4900SSD) combines a sleek stainless-steel exterior with family-friendly capacity to deliver consistent, evenly browned toast. Wide openings accommodate bagels, thick-cut bread and English muffins, while dual 7-position browning dials let two users choose different crispness levels at once. Extended lift levers make it easy to retrieve hot items safely, and pull-out crumb trays speed cleanup. Priced at $56.99, this countertop appliance balances performance, convenience and value for everyday use.

  • Price: 56.99
  • Manufacturer: BLACK+DECKER
  • Seller: Amazon
  • Greatest Appliance's Score: 4.6 ⭐
    How we rate products

Key Features:

  • Stainless-steel housing for durability and contemporary style
  • Four-slice capacity to serve families and small groups
  • Extra-wide toasting openings to fit bagels and thick bread
  • Dual 7-position shade controls for independent browning
  • Extended lift levers for safer retrieval
  • Pull-out crumb trays for easy cleaning

Pros

  • Toast up to four slices at once—great time-saver on busy mornings
  • Independent controls deliver consistent results tailored to each user

Cons

  • Larger footprint than compact two-slice models, uses more counter space
  • No dedicated reheat/defrost cycles found on some higher-end toasters

What Customers Say:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Just bought this again. We have had the identical toaster in our house for 14 years and a couple days ago half the unit stopped toasting. (2 slices would work). Used just about daily in a house of 5. Would buy again considering the price and the quality of toast. Since the household is getting smaller I am sure this one will last 2 decades.... — DNoll⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easily, my most favorite toaster I've ever owned. — August⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ beautiful toaster! Does a good job with the toast also but takes a while longer than my old one. But that's alright the looks makes up for it. — Miss Soapy

Where to Buy:

Most Reviewed: Compact Toasting Versatility

Space-saving 4-slice countertop toaster with adjustable browning, bagel and defrost functions ideal for efficient breakfast prep in small kitchens.

Cuisinart CPT-142P1 4-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster, White

The Cuisinart CPT-142P1 4-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster in white combines reliable performance with versatile cooking modes—Toast, Bagel, Defrost, Reheat and Cancel—for consistent results every morning. A seven-setting shade dial and dual independent controls let you customize two separate batches at once, while 1.5-inch-wide slots and a high-lift lever make loading and removal simple. Cleanup is fast with a removable crumb tray and under-base cord wrap; the BPA-free housing and limited 3-year warranty give added peace of mind.

  • Price: 59.95
  • Manufacturer: Cuisinart
  • Seller: Amazon
  • Greatest Appliance's Score: 4.4 ⭐
    How we rate products

Key Features:

  • Four-slice capacity with dual independent controls for simultaneous, customized toasting
  • Seven-position shade control dial for precise browning
  • Toast, Bagel, Defrost, Reheat and Cancel functions for versatile use
  • 1.5-inch-wide slots to fit a wide variety of breads and bagels
  • High-lift lever for safe removal of smaller items
  • Removable crumb tray and under-base cord wrap for easy cleanup and storage
  • BPA-free plastic housing in white
  • Limited 3-year warranty (refer to user manual for terms and troubleshooting)

Pros

  • Speeds up breakfast by toasting two different items at once
  • Accurate browning controls deliver consistent results across breads and bagels

Cons

  • Slots may not accommodate very thick artisan slices or oversized bagels
  • Plastic exterior can show wear or discoloration faster than metal finishes

What Customers Say:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Working good so far. It's light weight, easy to use, and toasts bread, muffins, bagels good to what lightness or darkness you want. The white looks nice. Seems to be a good quality toaster that does the job. — S C⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I read a review on CNN, and this was voted the best toaster. I was skeptical because I've had about a thousand toasters, half of which worked properly. This toaster is everything the review said! It's easy to adjust and toasts everything just perfectly on whatever setting you choose. Amazing! I immediately donated the toaster I had. You can't go wrong with this toaster. — Kathy L.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Works very well! It took a couple of tries to find my preferred setting for toast, but it came out well. Nice, even toasting. Can't say that about my last toaster. The mechanics of the toaster seem to be very good. I've used it a numner of times in the 2 weeks I've had it. No negative issues at all so far. I may see if I can find a toaster cozy to cover it when not in use. — PM

Where to Buy:

Buyer's Favorite: Fast Wide Slot Toaster

Stainless steel 4-slice countertop appliance with extra-large openings to fit bagels, artisan breads and waffles, offering precise browning control and powerful 1500W heating.

GE Stainless Steel 4 Slice Toaster | Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, Breads, Waffles & More | 7 Shade Options | Countertop Kitchen Essentials | 1500 watt

Upgrade your morning routine with the GE Stainless Steel 4-Slice Toaster — a stylish countertop kitchen essential that combines fast, even toasting with versatile capacity. Engineered with extra-wide openings (1.38 in x 5.50 in) to handle bagels, thick artisan slices and waffles, this 1500-watt model delivers quick results and consistent browning. Seven shade options let every family member enjoy their preferred doneness, while split controls and a compact 4-slice design provide the functionality of two toasters in one. Cleanup is simple thanks to the removable crumb tray, and the durable stainless finish complements modern kitchens. Affordable performance at $59.99, perfect for busy households and small kitchens.

Key Features:

  • 7 shade settings for customizable browning from light to dark
  • Extra-wide openings measuring 1.38 in x 5.50 in to accommodate bagels, breads and waffles
  • 4-slice capacity with independent controls — functions like two toasters in one
  • 1500 watts for fast, even toasting
  • Removable crumb tray for easy cleaning
  • Durable stainless steel exterior with compact countertop footprint

Pros

  • Speeds up breakfast for families with four-slice capacity and rapid 1500W heating
  • Delivers consistent, personalized results for bagels and thick slices using seven browning levels

Cons

  • Larger footprint than typical 2-slice models, requiring more counter space
  • Stainless steel finish shows fingerprints and needs frequent wiping to stay spotless

What Customers Say:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ FINALLY, a toaster that actually evenly toasts BOTH sides of the bread!! Read reviews on many toasters before deciding on this one, and so glad I did. Sturdy, doesn't move when you push down the toaster lever, evenly toasts even very thick homemade bread without drying it out, pops it up where you can easily remove it from toaster. And it looks nice too! — R Buckley⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love this toaster. Toasts evenly and the appliance doesn't overheat. Easy to use ... no fancy electronics. Just simple knobs and push buttons. No a high tech lover and this fills the bill. Worth every penny. — Wayward kward⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The biggest differentiator is the sturdiness of the toaster. It does not tip over when pushing down the lever like other mid-range toasters do. The buttons and heat-level-knob make it easy to really know what is going on. Quality clicking with the buttons and knob, and a light up “cancel” button! Toasts bread evenly and makes the perfect soft, yet crunchy toast; even with frozen toast. I can’t believe it was only about $40. Its the perfect size slots as well, not too big/ not too small. — Michelle Saenz

Where to Buy:

Best High-End: Premier Bagel Toasting Precision

Consistent browning and targeted heat control for specialty breakfast items and thicker bread slices using selective heating and shade adjustment.

KitchenAid 4-Slice Toaster with Manual High-Lift Lever - KMT4115

The KitchenAid 4-Slice Toaster with Manual High-Lift Lever (KMT4115) brings professional-level results to everyday breakfasts. Four extra-wide slots handle bagels, English muffins and thick artisan slices without squishing, while dual independent controls let two users toast different items and shade preferences at the same time. A dedicated bagel function reduces heat on the outer side by 50% for a perfectly browned exterior and tender interior, and a five-position adjustable shade control delivers reliable results from light to dark. The manual high-lift lever makes it easy to remove small pieces, and robust construction ensures long-lasting performance for busy kitchens.

  • Price:
  • Manufacturer: KitchenAid
  • Seller: Amazon
  • Greatest Appliance's Score: 4.6 ⭐
    How we rate products

Key Features:

  • Four extra-wide slots to fit a variety of breads and thicknesses
  • Dual independent controls for simultaneous, different toasting cycles
  • Bagel function that reduces outer-side heat by 50% for balanced results
  • Five-position adjustable shade control (1 light – 5 dark)
  • Manual high-lift lever for safe, easy access to smaller items

Pros

  • Versatile: handles a wide range of bread sizes and textures without trimming
  • Efficient: dual controls save time by toasting two different items simultaneously
  • Consistent results: bagel function and adjustable shade deliver repeatable browning
  • Safer removal: high-lift lever reduces risk of burns when retrieving small pieces

Cons

  • Larger footprint than a 2-slice model, requiring more counter space
  • No digital display or smart sensing features found on premium models

What Customers Say:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Previously purchased a 2 slice toaster and wasn't pleased with the make or how it performed. So this time, I ordered one to match my other KtchenAid appliances..loving it! — mary⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ First of all, it is a toaster, so it should toast and this is what it does. The design is nice and it looks and feels sturdy. Since the old one had to go, we replaced it with the same brand and have not been disappointed by KitchenAid. — Christian Schwenk⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My wife wanted this toaster. After reading some reviews there seemed to be an issue with toaster burning toast on number one setting. Told wife we may not be happy with toaster. Being toaster was already ordered, I said we'll test it out. Couldn't be happier with the toaster. The cleaning of this toaster is so nice with the pull out cleaning pans. So happy and pleased with this toaster. Nice looks and works nicely for our family. Give it a try! — MBC

Where to Buy:

Try Something New: Outstanding Even Toasting Control

Consistent browning across every slice through smart heat distribution and an auto-centering guide that delivers uniform results for breads and bagels.

bella 4 Slice Toaster, 6 Setting Shade Control with Reheat & Cancel Buttons, Removable Crumb Tray, Anti Jam & Auto Shutoff, 900 Watt, Surf

The bella 4-Slice Toaster in Surf brings customizable breakfast performance to your countertop with six shade settings and simple one-touch presets for reheat, bagel, gluten-free and cancel. Its extra-wide slots and auto-centering guide handle everything from artisan slices to thick Texas toast and frozen items, while anti-jam protection and auto shutoff add peace of mind. Cleanups are quick with the removable crumb tray and built-in cord wrap, and the compact 900-watt design balances power and efficiency for everyday use.

  • Price: 59.99
  • Manufacturer: BELLA
  • Seller: Amazon
  • Greatest Appliance's Score: 4.5 ⭐
    How we rate products

Key Features:

  • Six-position shade selector for precise browning of light to dark preferences
  • Extra-wide slots plus auto-centering guide to accommodate bagels, thick slices and frozen breads

Pros

  • Produces reliably uniform results so every slice matches your preferred doneness
  • Fits larger breads and bagels easily, reducing the need for trimming or forcing slices

Cons

  • No dedicated defrost/low-temperature setting for specialized frozen-toasting needs
  • 900-watt power may require slightly longer cycles when toasting four slices at once

What Customers Say:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The toaster works as described. I love the "defrost" button for frozen bagels. Looks great on my countertop and I don't have any complaints. I have only had it a couple months so I'm not sure if my opinion will change over time but so far seems great. — Sarah⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great, reliable and solid toaster. Good options and consistent. — Andrew Preece⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I am astounded and so excited about the design and look of this toaster. I have never felt like a toaster is beautiful before, but this one is. The powder coat is fantastic and makes it feel super high quality. The slot width is good for bread through bagels. There are multiple settings that make it easy to toast different temperatures, different types of bread, and different levels of toasted. I absolutely love it. — Shawnee

Where to Buy:

What’s New in Toasters for 2025

In 2025 the toaster category has evolved beyond basic 2-slice units: expect smart connectivity, wider slots for artisan breads, improved heating elements for even browning, energy-efficient designs, and multifunction models that handle bagels, waffles, and small pastries. This section explains why newer features matter and how they improve everyday use.

Key Features and Benefits to Look For

  • Even, consistent toasting with precise browning controls and improved heating elements—reduces uneven spots and reheating cycles while offering dedicated bagel and defrost settings.
  • Practical design and convenience: wide slots for thick slices, removable crumb trays for easy cleaning, energy-efficient operation, and optional smart or preset functions for better control and time savings.

Who Should Buy Which Toaster

  • Singles or small households: compact 2-slice toasters or single-slice smart models that save counter space while offering quick, consistent results for daily use.
  • Families and frequent entertainers: 4-slice or long-slot toasters with multiple browning settings, high-capacity crumb trays, and robust build quality to handle frequent, varied toasting needs.

Top Models and Example Picks for 2025

  • Budget pick — Hamilton Beach 2-Slice Wide-Slot (2025): reliable, affordable, wide slots and easy-clean features for everyday use.
  • Premium pick — Breville Smart Toast Pro (2025): advanced heating technology, multiple presets, precise browning, and smart connectivity for schedule and remote control.

Conclusion and Final Recommendations

Choosing the right toaster in 2025 means balancing size, features, and price: prioritize consistent heating, practical features like wide slots and crumb trays, and any smart capabilities you’ll actually use.
For most buyers pick a trusted mid-range model with wide slots and multiple settings; upgrade to a premium smart toaster only if you need advanced presets, greater precision, or connected features. Test browning settings in-store or review sample images to confirm the finish before buying.