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Best Electric Toasters for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: May 31st, 2024

Last Updated: June 21st, 2024

🍞A great toaster can really change your mornings—think perfect toast, bagels, and pastries every time. Whether you're after something high-tech or just a reliable toaster that won't break the bank, there's a perfect pick for you. From sleek designs to handy features, we've got a variety of options covered.

So, here are our top picks for the best electric toasters in 2024.

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Overall Best: Breville BTA840XL Die-Cast 4-Slice Toaster

Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster 4 Slice BTA840XL, Brushed Stainless Steel 4-Slice

The Breville BTA840XL Die-Cast 4-Slice Toaster stands out as our top pick for its outstanding design and performance. It features extra-wide slots that are perfect for bagels and artisanal bread. With intuitive controls and durable die-cast construction, this toaster ensures even and consistent toasting every time. The 'Lift & Look' feature lets you check your toast without interrupting the cycle, while the 'A Bit More' button allows for some extra toasting time if needed. According to our research, users love its reliable performance and sleek appearance.

Lowest at Amazon

$199.95 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$139.00 at eCrater

More Answers

Still curious about the Breville 4-Slice Smart Toaster? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How well does the Breville BTA840XL toast bread evenly?

The Breville BTA840XL toaster does something interesting with its toasting style. According to our research, it doesn't always toast bread evenly across both sides. One side turns out a bit softer, which can be nice if you like adding toppings, while the other side gets that crispiness many people enjoy. This approach is described by the manufacturer as a 'restaurant-style' toasting experience. This feature might be great if you're toasting bagels or like having that varied texture. It has a special bagel setting that seems to work well with this toasting style. Some folks really like this balance between crispy and soft, as per our data. But if you're looking for that perfect, uniform browning on both sides of your regular bread, this might not be the best fit for you. We've found some mixed reviews where people weren't thrilled with the uneven toasting, which can be a bit of a downside if you prefer your toast to be consistently browned. In short, if you often toast bagels or enjoy having different textures on each side of your bread, this toaster might be right up your alley. However, if you need that even toasting every time, you might want to consider other options.

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What are the key features of the Breville BTA840XL 4-Slice Smart Toaster?

The Breville BTA840XL 4-Slice Smart Toaster comes with some pretty interesting features that can make your morning routine a bit more special. One of its more unique tricks is the ability to toast just one side of the bread, which is great if you enjoy that 'restaurant style' experience—a crispy side for some butter or jam, with the other side staying soft. This feature is especially handy for bagels when you want just the cut side to get that perfect golden touch, as we've found in our research. Now, despite having this one-sided option, many folks have pointed out that it generally does a good job at toasting evenly. It’s also equipped with a 'Lift and Look' feature that lets you sneak a peek at your toast mid-cycle without stopping the process, which is really convenient. Plus, if your toast isn't quite done, the 'A Bit More' button adds a little more time, letting you fine-tune the toasting process. On the downside, there are a few who mention it doesn't always toast evenly on settings for regular bread—not the bagel one. So, if you're someone who wants consistently even browning without having to adjust or flip the bread around, you might want to keep this in mind. All in all, the Breville BTA840XL is quite popular for its practical and innovative features, and it also looks stylish on the countertop. The one-sided toasting is definitely a personal preference, though, so it's worth thinking about whether that's a feature you'll love or leave. According to our research, many people enjoy these features, but it’s all about what you want out of a toaster in the end.

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How long does the Breville BTA840XL 4-Slice Smart Toaster typically last?

From what we've found, the Breville BTA840XL 4-Slice Smart Toaster is pretty reliable when it comes to durability. Many folks mention that the toaster, with its sturdy die-cast construction, tends to last several years with proper care. While you're figuring out all the settings—this toaster has quite a few—it gets easier to appreciate its solid performance. The 'Lift and Look' and 'A Bit More' options are neat features that let you peek at your toast or add a little more time without stopping the cycle. Plus, the LED countdown timer is a handy touch. There might be some mixed experiences with how evenly it toasts. While many are happy with the precision, some have noticed that the bagel setting leaves the toast a bit uneven, kind of like how some places do it so one side is crispier. It might take some experimenting to get things just the way you like. Overall, if you take care of it and make use of its features, this toaster seems to hold up well over the years. Just keep in mind, as with any appliance, how you use it can make a big difference in how long it lasts.

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Runner-up: Cuisinart CPT-180P1 Metal Classic 4-Slice Toaster

Cuisinart 4 Slice Toaster Oven, Brushed Stainless, CPT-180P1

The Cuisinart CPT-180P1 Metal Classic 4-Slice Toaster is a great runner-up, offering excellent value and dependable performance. This toaster comes with dual control panels, enabling you to toast two different sets of items simultaneously with varied settings. Its combination of brushed stainless steel and black accents gives it a timeless look that fits well in any kitchen. Wide slots accommodate various bread types, and its versatile browning controls, along with a dedicated bagel setting, make it a popular choice among users.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$69.95 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Hamilton Beach 2-Slice Toaster

Perfect for those on a budget, the Hamilton Beach 2-Slice Toaster is a compact and affordable option that doesn’t compromise on performance. It sports a brushed stainless steel body with easy-to-use dial controls for adjusting toast shades from light to dark. Extra-wide slots can handle bagels, Texas Toast, and thick slices of bread. The toaster also features an auto-shutoff option and a cancel button to prevent over-toasting. According to our research, this model is especially favored by college students and those with limited kitchen space.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$39.99 at Amazon

Best for Large Families: Breville Die-Cast BTA830XL

Breville BTA830XL Die-Cast 4-Slice Long Slot Smart Toaster

For larger families, the Breville Die-Cast BTA830XL toaster is a fantastic long-slot option packed with advanced features. An LED screen indicates the time left in the toasting cycle, and the 'Lift & Look' function lets you check your toast without stopping the process. The 'A Bit More' button adds extra toasting time, perfect for those who want precise control over their toast levels. Its defrost function handles denser breads like English muffins effortlessly, and the motorized lowering and lifting mechanism adds a touch of convenience and style.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$199.95 at Amazon

Best Retro: Smeg Two-Slice '50s-Style Toaster

SMEG 50's Retro Style Aesthetic 2 Slice Toaster in Slate Gray

If you love retro style, the Smeg Two-Slice '50s-Style Toaster brings the charm of yesteryears to your kitchen while delivering consistent performance. This model features two extra-wide slots and six toasting levels, making it suitable for various bread types. The iconic pop-up chrome lever adds both vintage charm and functional elegance. According to the manufacturer, this product is a great fit for those who have ample counter space and want to inject a bit of nostalgia into their daily routine.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$199.95 at Amazon

Best for Bagels: Hamilton Beach 24810

Bagel enthusiasts will find the Hamilton Beach 24810 to be an ideal choice. Specifically designed to toast bagels perfectly every time, this toaster also features wide slots that accommodate different types of bread. Its compact size saves valuable counter space, and safety features like automatic shutoff offer peace of mind. The defrost and reheat options add versatility, making this toaster a valuable addition to any kitchen.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$39.99 at Amazon

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