Achieve perfect toast, backed by rigorous expert testing. That’s the promise behind the americas test kitchen toaster. You know the struggle: burnt edges, a pale middle, or that one weird slice that just doesn’t match. It’s frustrating, right? But what if a toaster was actually designed to solve all that, born from thousands of tests to find the ultimate model.
Well, that’s exactly what this review is about. We’re diving into the toaster that earned the top spot in their famous kitchen labs. Let’s see if it’s hype or if it truly delivers that elusive, perfectly golden slice every single morning. Your breakfast is about to get a major upgrade.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Americas Test Kitchen Toaster
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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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Proctor Silex 2-Slice Toaster with Extra Wide Slots for…
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8.7 |
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BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots, 7 Shade Settings,…
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8.5 |
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Toaster 2 Slice Wide Slot Toaster Best Rated Prime…
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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 kitchens where space is at a premium but you don’t want to compromise on performance. Its standout feature is the incredibly slim profile, measuring just over three and a half inches wide. This means it tucks neatly against a backsplash or fits on even the smallest countertop ledge, earning its place in the Fits-anywhere collection.
You get a full-featured appliance without the usual bulk.
What really sets this toaster apart is its single, extra-long 10-inch slot. This design gives you remarkable flexibility. You can toast two standard slices of bread side-by-side, which is perfect for getting them done in one go. More importantly, it easily handles thicker, artisanal breads that often get stuck in conventional toasters. Think thick-cut sourdough, bagels, or a hearty piece of Texas toast.
You won’t need to awkwardly cram or pre-cut your bread to make it fit, which is a common frustration solved here.
Controling your toast is straightforward. The six-setting shade dial lets you choose from a very light warm-up to a dark, crispy finish. A dedicated reheat button is handy for warming toast that’s gone cold without making it darker, and the cancel button stops the cycle instantly if you change your mind. With 900 watts of power, it works quickly to get your breakfast ready.
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 kitchens where space is precious but you don’t want to compromise on performance. Its standout feature is the remarkably slim profile, measuring just over three and a half inches deep. This means it tucks neatly against the backsplash or fits on even the most crowded countertop, part of the clever Fits-anywhere collection that prioritizes smart use of space.
You get a full-featured appliance without the bulk, leaving more room for meal prep.
Versatility is key with this toaster. Instead of two narrow slots, it features one extra-long 10-inch slot. This smart design lets you toast two regular slices of bread side-by-side. More importantly, it easily handles thicker, artisanal breads like sourdough, bagels, or wide Texas toast without you having to cut them down to size or jam them in. It understands that good bread comes in all shapes.
Getting your toast just right is simple with the six-setting shade control dial. Whether you prefer a light warm-up or a dark, crispy finish, you can set it precisely. The dedicated reheat button is handy for warming toast without further browning, and the cancel button stops the cycle instantly if you change your mind—a feature you’ll appreciate on busy mornings.
Safety and convenience are built in.
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 kitchens where space and style matter. Its standout feature is the incredibly slim profile, measuring just over three and a half inches wide. This means it tucks neatly into the smallest of countertop gaps or fits comfortably under cabinets, making it a true Fits-anywhere™ appliance. You get full toasting functionality without the bulky footprint, so it won’t dominate your kitchen workspace.
Versatility is key with this toaster.
It forsakes the traditional two narrow slots for one extra-wide, 10-inch long slot. This smart design lets you toast two regular slices side-by-side, but it really shines with thicker, artisanal breads. You can easily fit a full slice of sourdough, a bagel, or a piece of Texas toast without having to cram it in or precut it. It handles all your favorite breads, ensuring even heating and consistent results.
Getting your toast just right is straightforward.
The six-setting shade dial gives you precise control, from a gentle warm to a deep, crispy brown. If you change your mind mid-cycle or need to stop early, the dedicated cancel button is right there. There’s also a handy reheat function, perfect for when your toast has gone cold but you don’t want to over-crisp it.
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 and reliable appliance designed to handle your daily toasting needs without any fuss. It’s built for functionality, offering a clean black and silver design that fits easily on most countertops. With its 900 watts of power, it provides consistent and quick toasting, so you can get on with your morning. You have full control over how your toast turns out.
The six browning settings let you choose from a very light crisp to a much darker toast, catering to everyones preference in the household. The buttons for these functions, along with the special settings, are clearly marked and illuminate when selected, making it simple to use even in a sleepy morning haze. If you need to stop the cycle for any reason, the cancel function is right there. This toaster really shines with its versatility.
The slots are extra-wide, measuring about 1.25 inches across, so you can easily toast bagels, thick artisanal bread, or even some pastries. The dedicated bagel setting is a smart feature—it toasts only the cut side of your bagel while gently warming the outside, which is perfect for getting that ideal texture. For frozen bread or waffles, just pop them in and hit the frozen button; it automatically adjusts the time to both defrost and toast. Practical details make daily use easier.
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 designed to be a versatile and reliable countertop companion for your kitchen. Its standout feature are the extra-wide 1.25-inch slots, which go far beyond standard bread. You can easily toast thick, frozen bagels, waffles, artisanal breads, and even puff pastry snacks without them getting stuck.
This flexibility is supported by six precise browning levels, giving you complete control from a light crisp to a deep golden finish for whatever you’re making. We know safety and convenience are important. The cool-touch exterior means you can move the toaster immediately after use without worrying about burnt fingers. The simple push-down lever starts the toasting cycle, and non-slip feet keep the unit steady on your counter.
Cleanup is straightforward thanks to the swing-out crumb tray; just slide it out and give it a quick wipe. An other helpful feature is the cancel function. If you need to stop toasting early, just turn the knob to cancel. You don’t have to force the lever up, which helps protect the mechanism from accidental damage. This toaster is built for even results. The automatic self-centering guides gently position your bread or bagel in the middle of the slot.
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 Long Slot 4 Slice Toaster is designed for households that need versatility and consistency from their morning appliance. Its core feature are the extra wide toasting slots, which are a game-changer if you regularly enjoy bagels, thick-cut artisanal bread, Texas toast, or even frozen waffles. No more squishing your bread or having to manually defrost items first just to get them to fit.
The generous space accomodates a wide variety of breakfast staples without compromise.
Getting your toast just right is straightforward with six adjustable toasting levels. Whether you prefer a light golden hue or a dark, crispy finish, you have precise control over the outcome. This range ensures everyone’s preference can be met, from a soft warm-up to a crunchy bite.
If you change your mind mid-cycle, the convenient cancel button instantly stops the toasting and raises the bread, preventing any accidental burns and saving energy.
Beyond basic toasting, this model includes thoughtful functions that extend its usefulness. The reheat warming function is perfect for refreshing toast that’s gone cold without subjecting it to another full browning cycle, which often leads to overdoing it.
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 designed to handle your morning routine with a focus on versatility and simple cleanup. Its standout feature are the extra-wide slots, which easily accommodate thicker breads like artisanal slices, bagels, or Texas toast without getting stuck. This means you don’t have to force your bread in or worry about it not fitting properly.
You get precise control over your toast with an easy-to-grip shade selector offering seven browning levels, from light to dark. Specific buttons for Bagel and Defrost functions tailor the toasting process. The Bagel setting toasts the cut side while gently warming the outside, and Defrost ensures frozen bread toasts evenly all the way through. If you need to stop toasting early, a dedicated Cancel button is right there. A particularly handy feature is Toast Boost.
When toasting smaller items like English muffins or thin waffles, this function lifts them higher out of the slot, making them much easier and safer to retreive without needing to reach in with your fingers or a utensil. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in everyday use. Cleanup is straightforward thanks to the slide-out crumb tray at the bottom of the toaster.
Proctor Silex 2-Slice Toaster with Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, Cool-Touch Walls, Shade Selector, Toast Boost, Auto Shut-off and Cancel Button, Black (22305)
The Proctor Silex 2-Slice Toaster (22305) in Black is designed to handle your everyday toasting with practical features that adress common frustrations. Its core advantage are the extra-wide slots, which are wider than many standard toasters. This means you can effortlessly toast thicker breads, artisan slices, and full bagels without them getting stuck or needing to be forced down. No more mangled breakfast items. Getting your toast out is just as considered.
The Toast Boost feature gently lifts smaller items like English muffins or thin slices higher out of the slots, making them much easier and safer to retreive. You won’t burn your fingers fishing around. For control, the shade selector offers seven browning levels, from very light to quite dark, so everyone gets their toast just the way they like it. If you change your mind mid-cycle, simply press the cancel button to stop immediately—no need to wait for the full timer. Cleanup is kept simple.
A pull-out crumb tray at the bottom of the toaster allows you to conveniently collect and discard crumbs. This helps keep your countertop cleaner by containing the mess directly within the appliance. When you’re done, the toaster’s built-in cord wrap lets you neatly manage the power cord for tidy storage in a cabinet or on a shelf. Safety and peace of mind are built in. The toaster features an auto shut-off function that turns the unit off at the end of every cycle.
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots, 7 Shade Settings, 1400 Watts, Frozen and Bagel Buttons, Toast Shade Selector, Extra Lift
The BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots, is designed to handle your morning routine’s variety without any fuss. Its core strength lies in its flexibility, starting with those extra-wide toasting slots. They’re built to accomodate more than just standard bread. You can easily fit bagels, thick artisanal slices, or even waffles. The slots self-center to hold different sizes securely, which helps ensure the toasting is even from edge to edge.
A handy tip: if you have a particularly tall piece of bread, try placing it vertically in the slot for the best fit.
Getting the specific toast you want is straightforward with the custom shade selector. The dial offers seven distinct browning levels, giving you precise control over whether you prefer a light golden color or a much darker, crispier finish. If your not sure where to start, a good baseline is setting 4 on your first use.
You can then adjust lighter or darker on subsequent uses to find your perfect match. For specialized items, the dedicated buttons are there to help. The Bagel function is key—it toasts the cut side of your bagel while gently warming the outside. Remember to always press the lever down first before selecting either the Bagel or Frozen mode for it to work correctly.
Convenience and safety are considered in the design. The extra lift lever is a small feature that makes a big difference.
Toaster 2 Slice Wide Slot Toaster Best Rated Prime Displav Smart Toasters with LCD Digital Countdown Timer and Bagel/Defrost/Cancel/Reheat Function
The Prime Display Smart Toaster 2-Slice Wide Slot is designed to give you precise control and consistent results every morning. It’s a highly-rated toaster that moves beyond the basics with its clear digital interface and versatile functions, making it a practical centerpiece for any kitchen counter.
Its core advantage is the smart LCD digital countdown timer. Unlike traditional toasters with dials, this display shows you the exact remaining seconds for your toast.
This visual feedback takes the guesswork out, so you know precisely when your bread will be ready. It works alongside four dedicated function buttons. The Defrost setting handles frozen breads perfectly, warming them through without burning the edges. If you enjoy bagels, the Bagel function concentrates heat on the cut side for a crisp finish while gently warming the outer crust.
The Reheat button is perfect for refreshing toast that’s gone cold without over-toasting it, and the Cancel button gives you instant control to stop the cycle anytime.
Fitting your favorite breads is easy thanks to the extra-wide 1.5-inch slots. They comfortably accommodate thicker artisanal slices, bagels, pastries, and even waffles. The slots are designed to center your bread for even heating from both sides. You have significant customization with nine adjustable browning levels.
Americas Test Kitchen Toaster Buying Guide
America’s Test Kitchen’s endorsement points to specific toaster performance benchmarks. It’s not just about a brand name; it’s about finding a toaster that consistently delivers perfect results. Their rigorous testing highlights key factors that make a real difference in your kitchen. Let’s break down what to look for so you can choose a model that truly earns its counter space.
Consistent Browning and Even Heating
Ever have one slice burnt and teh other pale? A top-performing toaster eliminates this. Look for models with wide, deep slots and long heating elements. This ensures even exposure to heat from top to bottom, giving you uniform color and crunch on both sides of your bread, bagel, or pastry. It’s the difference between a guess and a guarantee.
Build Quality and Durability
A toaster is a daily-use appliance. It needs to feel solid, not flimsy. A sturdy chassis, a smooth lever action, and durable knobs or buttons are all good signs. Plastic that feels cheap or a body that wobbles are red flags. A well-built toaster resists wear and will be a reliable partner for years, not just months.
Intuitive Controls and Special Settings
You shouldn’t need a manual to make toast. Clear dials or digital displays with a good range of settings are crucial. Beyond basic darkness, consider if you need a dedicated bagel function (which toasts the cut side only), a frozen setting, or a reheat option without further browning. These smart features add real convienience to your routine.
Ease of Cleaning
This is often overlooked until crumbs are everywhere. A removable crumb tray is non-negotiable—it should slide out easily for quick disposal. Also, check how accessible the interior is. Smooth surfaces and wide slots make it simpler to wipe out any stubborn bits, keeping your appliance hygienic with minimal fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions About Americas Test Kitchen Toaster
What is an Americas Test Kitchen toaster?
It’s a toaster that earned teh top recommendation from the experts at Americas Test Kitchen. They test kitchen gear very thoroughly, so their pick is a model that performed best in their real-world tests for even toasting, ease of use, and durability.
Which specific toaster do thay recommend?
Their top pick can change as new models are tested. You should check their website or latest reviews for the current winner. They usually name the specific brand and model, so you know exactly what to look for.
Why should I trust this recommendation?
Their testing is famously rigorous. They toast hundreds of slices, checking for color and consistency. They also test features like bagel settings and how easy it is to clean. It’s not just a quick look; they find the toaster that works best day after day.
Is it worth the price?
Often, their top toaster isn’t the most expensive one. They focus on value and performance. While it might cost more than a basic model, your paying for reliability and perfect toast, which can save you money from not replacing a cheaper toaster that breaks.
What features should I look for?
Based on their tests, look for even browning, consistent results, and good controls. A wide slot for thicker bread is helpful. A high-lift lever to grab small items and a removable crumb tray for cleaning are also key features they value.
Where can I buy it?
You can find it at most major retailers, both online and in stores. Once you know the recommended model name, you can shop around to find the best price and availability for you.
Does it come with a warranty?
Yes, the manufacturer’s warranty applies. The length and terms depend on the specific brand that makes the toaster. Always check the warranty details on the product box or the seller’s website before you buy.
In Summary
Choosing the right toaster makes your morning easier. It gives you consistent, reliable results without any guesswork. You can start your day with perfectly toasted bread, bagels, or pastries every single time. It’s a simple upgrade that brings real value to your daily routine.
For a tool that delivers on its promises, the americas test kitchen toaster is a top choice. It’s built to perform well and last for years. Secure a winner for your breakfast routine now and enjoy better toast from tomorrow onward. You won’t regret making the switch.