By Sage McHugh on October 4, 2010 in
Experts warn that if you spend more than $60 on a toaster, you’ll likely be paying for looks -- not performance. Truth is, not much has changed in the way of toaster technology over the last 100 years: Toasters deliver infrared radiation through wires and mica sheets to heat up bread. Period. Although some toasters come with special features like LED readouts and various food settings, if you simply want to brown bread, a budget model is your best bet. In this category, the two-slice Proctor-Silex 22605 and the Michael Graves 4-Slice 24301 get the best reviews. Our latest full report has other picks, plus some important considerations to keep in mind when it's time to buy a new toaster.
Toaster shopping? Here are some things to think about:
- Choose a design based on the food you want to toast. Are you a bagel maven? For those, as well as thicker artisan breads, look at toasters with long, wide slots. If you often toast smaller items like mini bagels and English muffins, you'll want a toaster with a high bread lift so you don’t have to fish things out and risk getting burned or shocked.
- Consider your kitchen space. Retro-styled and four-slice toasters tend to be much bulkier than the average toaster. Remember to measure the width and depth of your designated "toaster space" and focus on models sized right for it.
- Look for safety features. Have kids? Make sure the toaster you choose has a stay-cool exterior to protect against burns. Cord storage (which allows you to wrap extra cord underneath the machine) is important, too.
- A removable crumb tray is much more convenient to use and easier to clean than a hinged tray. For reasons that should be obvious...
- A bagel setting allows you to toast on only one side. Another must-have if you're a regular bagel eater. This feature heats just one side of the slot, so only the cut side will brown.
For more facts and tips, as well as the full rundown on the best-reviewed toasters, check out our recently updated full report.