Ever find yourself staring at a pile of pale, uneven bread wishing for a perfect slice? The quest for consistent toasting can feel endless, but the americas test kitchen toaster aims to solve that. It’s not just another appliance; it’s a tool backed by serious culinary research to deliver reliable results every single morning.
We put it through its paces, from bagels to artisanal sourdough, to see if it lives up to the hype. Let’s dive into whether this toaster is truly worth the counter space and if it’s hype is justified for your kitchen.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Americas Test Kitchen Toaster
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting…
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9.9 |
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bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting…
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9.7 |
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bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting…
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9.5 |
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Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, With 6 Browning Settings,…
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9.4 |
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Elite Gourmet ECT1027B Cool Touch Toaster with 6 Temperature…
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9.2 |
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Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 Long Slot 4 Slice Toaster, Reheat,…
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9.0 |
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Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Toaster with Extra-Wide Slots, Bagel…
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8.8 |
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Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster with…
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8.7 |
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Mueller UltraToast Full Stainless Steel Toaster 2 Slice, Long…
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8.5 |
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BLACK+DECKER® 2-Slice Toaster with 7 Toast Shade Settings, Extra-Wide…
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8.3 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Americas Test Kitchen Toaster
bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting Shade Control with Reheat & Cancel Buttons, Fits sourdough, 10” Long Slot, Anti Jam & Auto Shutoff, 900 Watt, Oatmilk
The Bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster is designed for compact kitchens. Its slim profile saves valuable countertop space, while the single 10-inch slot easily fits thick sourdough or two regular slices side-by-side. You get six browning settings for precise control, plus handy reheat and cancel buttons. The high-lift lever makes retreiving small items safe, and the removable crumb tray simplifies cleanup.
With anti-jam technology and auto shutoff, its a practical and reliable 900-watt appliance for your daily routine. It even includes a cord wrap to help keep your counters looking neat.
bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting Shade Control with Reheat & Cancel Buttons, Fits Sourdough, 10” Long Slot, Anti Jam & Auto Shutoff, 900 Watt, Surf
The Bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster is designed for compact kitchens. Its slim profile fits easily on crowded countertops, and the single 10-inch slot handles everything from regular bread to thick sourdough. You get six browning settings for perfect toast, plus handy reheat and cancel buttons.
Cleanup is simple with the removable crumb tray, and the high-lift lever makes grabbing smaller items safe. It includes a cord wrap to reduce clutter and has auto shutoff for peace of mind.
This toaster combines a space-saving design with versatile, user-friendly features for your morning routine.
bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting Shade Control with Reheat & Cancel Buttons, Fits Sourdough, 10” Long Slot, Anti Jam & Auto Shutoff, 900 Watt, Seaglass
The Bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster is designed for compact kitchens. Its sleek, 3.58-inch profile fits easily on crowded countertops. The single, extra-long 10-inch slot handles everything from regular bread to thick sourdough or bagels without forcing them in.
You get six browning settings for precise control, plus handy reheat and cancel buttons. The high-lift lever makes retreiving small items safe, and the removable crumb tray simplifies cleanup.
It includes an auto shutoff feature for safety and a cord wrap to reduce clutter. A practical choice for versatile, space-saving toasting in Seaglass color.
Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, With 6 Browning Settings, Extra Wide Slots For Bagels and Special Breads, Removable Easy-to-Clean Crumb Tray, Cancel/Defrost/Bagel Buttons, 900W, Black & Silver
The Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster is a straightforward appliance for your kitchen. It’s got six browning settings so you can get your toast just how you like it. The extra-wide slots easily fit bagels or thicker artisanal breads. Handy buttons let you defrost frozen bread or toast just the cut side of a bagel. A high-lift lever helps you safely retreive smaller items. Cleaning is simple thanks to the removable crumb tray in the back.
With a long cord that wraps up, it’s a practical and versitile choice for everyday use.
Elite Gourmet ECT1027B Cool Touch Toaster with 6 Temperature Settings & Extra Wide 1.25" Slots for Bagels, Waffles, Specialty Breads, Puff Pastry, Snacks, ETL Certified, 2 Slices, Black
The Elite Gourmet ECT1027B Cool Touch Toaster is versatile beyond just bread. Its extra-wide slots fit bagels, waffles, and pastries, with six settings for perfect browning. The exterior stays cool for safety, and it has a handy cancel function.
Its compact, lightweight design is great for small kitchens or dorm rooms. The self-centering guides ensure even toasting, and cleanup is simple with the removable crumb tray.
It’s a reliable, user-friendly appliance from a trusted brand thats been around for decades. A practical choice for everyday use or as a thoughtful gift for someone.
Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 Long Slot 4 Slice Toaster, Reheat, 6 Toast Settings, Defrost, Cancel Functions, Built-in Warming Rack, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels & Waffles, Stainless Steel & Black
The Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 toaster is built for versatility. Its extra wide slots easily handle bagels, thick Texas toast, and even waffles. You can choose your perfect shade with six browning settings, and the reheat function warms toast without making it tough or burnt.
Need to stop mid-cycle? Just hit the convienient cancel button. The built-in warming rack pulls out to heat pastries or buns, keeping everything warm untill your ready.
It’s a straightforward, reliable appliance with a stainless steel finish that fits most kitchen styles.
Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Toaster with Extra-Wide Slots, Bagel Setting, Toast Boost, Slide-Out Crumb Tray, Auto-Shutoff & Cancel Button, Defrost Function, Stainless Steel (22794)
The Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Toaster (22794) is built for variety. Its extra-wide slots easily handle thicker breads like bagels or Texas toast. You can choose from 7 shade settings and use the dedicated bagel or defrost functions for perfect results everytime. Smaller items like English muffins are lifted up for easy retrieval with the Toast Boost feature. The slide-out crumb tray helps keep your counter clean, and auto-shutoff adds safety.
Its a simple, reliable toaster from a trusted brand that handles all your breakfast favorites without any fuss.
Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster with Bagel & Defrost Settings, Shade Selector with 7 Browning Levels, Toast Boost, Auto Shutoff, Black & Stainless Steel (22633)
The Hamilton Beach 22633 toaster is designed for versatility. Its extra-wide slots easily handle bagels and thick artisian breads. The dedicated bagel setting toasts the cut side while just warming the outside, giving you that perfect texture contrast.
Smaller items like english muffins are a breeze to retrieve with the Toast Boost lever. You can customize your toast with seven browning levels, and the cancel button let’s you stop anytime.
Cleanup is simple thanks to the removable crumb tray that catches all the mess. It also includes defrost and auto shutoff functions for added convenience.
Mueller UltraToast Full Stainless Steel Toaster 2 Slice, Long Extra-Wide Slots with Removable Tray, Cancel/Defrost/Reheat Functions, 6 Browning Levels with LED Display, Housewarming Gifts New Home
The Mueller UltraToast 2-Slice Toaster is a versatile kitchen helper. It’s extra-wide 1.6-inch slots easily fit thick breads or bagels. You get full control with six browning levels and handy defrost and reheat functions, all shown on a clear LED display. It’s built for easy maintanence with a removable crumb tray and cord storage. The brushed stainless steel design is durable and looks great on any counter.
A practical choice for daily breakfasts, its also makes a reliable gift for someone setting up their new home. Cleaning is straightforward, keeping your kitchen tidy with minimal effort.
BLACK+DECKER® 2-Slice Toaster with 7 Toast Shade Settings, Extra-Wide Slots for Bagels, Stainless Steel Exterior Finish
The BLACK+DECKER® 2-Slice Toaster is built for everyday reliability. It’s extra-wide slots easily handle bagels and thick bread, with self-centering guides for even toasting. You can choose from 7 shade settings to get your perfect brownness, from light to dark.
Its made with a durable stainless steel finish thats easy to wipe clean. The high-lift lever helps you safely remove even small items, and the drop-down crumb tray makes cleanup really simple.
It’s a straightforward appliance that focuses on consistent results and easy maintenance for your kitchen.
Americas Test Kitchen Toaster Buying Guide
An Americas Test Kitchen toaster is a kitchen appliance thats been rigorously tested and recommended by their experts. They focus on models that toast evenly, are easy to use, and built to last. Here’s what to consider.
Toast Shade Consistency
Look for a toaster that browns bread evenly from edge to edge. No more pale spots or burnt centers—just a consistant slice every time. This is a top priority in their reviews.
Bread Slot Size and Shape
Will it fit your bagels, thick artisanal bread, or frozen waffles? Check teh slot dimensions. Some toasters have wider slots or a ‘bagel’ function that heats only one side.
Ease of Cleaning
Crumbs are inevitable. A removable crumb tray makes cleanup simple. Check how easy it is to access and wipe down the exterior, too, especialy if it gets greasy.
Extra Functions
Beyond basic toasting, some models offer reheating, defrosting, or a special setting for pastries. Consider if you’ll use these features or prefer a simpler, straightforward machine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Americas Test Kitchen Toaster
What makes this toaster special?
It’s teh top pick from America’s Test Kitchen’s rigorous testing. They check for even browning, consistent results, and overall reliability, so you get a toaster that just works well.
Does it have wide slots?
Yes, it does! The slots are extra wide. This means you can fit bagels, thick artisanal bread, and even pastries without them getting stuck.
How many settings does it have?
It offers a good range of settings for light to dark toasting. There’s also often a defrost and a reheat button, which are really handy for frozen waffles or warming a slice.
Is it easy to clean?
Very easy. The crumb tray pulls out smoothly for quick disposal. The exterior wipes clean without much fuss, which keeps maintenance simple.
Will it take up much counter space?
It’s designed to have a relatively compact footprint. It should fit nicely on most kitchen counters without feeling to bulky.
Is it worth the price?
If you want consistent, even toasting every day, many folks find it’s a great value. The durability and performance justify the cost for a daily appliance you’ll use alot.
What to Remember
Choosing teh right toaster is about your daily routine. Think about how much counter space you have and what you toast most often. A good one should be simple to use and easy to clean.
If you want a model backed by thorough testing, the americas test kitchen toaster is a solid choice to consider. It takes the guesswork out for you. You can feel confident it will work well for your morning toast or bagels. That’s really what your looking for.