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In this report

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Toasters: Ratings of Sources

Total of 15 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. Cook's Illustrated Magazine
Dec. 2010
Two-Slot Toasters
by Editors of Cook's Illustrated
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEditors of Cook's Illustrated magazine test seven two-slot toasters between $30 and $70 by toasting bagels, pastries, waffles and bread in each. Editors time each toaster with 26 repetitive single-slice cycles and a subsequent 26 two-slice cycles. Overall, editors find that dials are more intuitive to read and set than digital controls. One toaster emerges as a clear winner in this roundup for its combined even toasting, speed and ability to stay cool to the touch during use.
2. Amazon.com
As of Dec. 2011
Toasters
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentProfessional reviews, like those conducted by ConsumerReports.org, don't tell the whole story with toasters. That's because pro review sources can't evaluate durability and performance with a wide range of bread types like owners can. Most toasters receive mixed reviews on Amazon.com, with the majority earning an average rating of 3.5 stars (out of a possible 5). Almost all receive at least some knocks for uneven toasting, durability or both. To help identify better-performing toasters, we read beyond the average ratings to find common likes and dislikes for individual models.
3. ConsumerReports.org
Not Dated
Toasters
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org provides the most recent and comprehensive toaster reviews. In a recent report update, editors test 38 toasters in all -- 30 two-slice and eight four-slice models -- and rate them according to features and performance, including toasting range, ease of use and multiple batch performance. The report also offers advice on choosing toasters and highlights important features. One toaster in each category is named a Best Buy, while numerous other toasters earn a Recommended status.
4. The Washington Post
Feb. 24, 2011
A Good Toaster: The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread
by Jura Koncius
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis informative buyer's guide covers everything you ever wanted to know about toasters. A customer service manager from Bed Bath & Beyond offers recommendations at low, middle and high price points, including the Black & Decker TS2707S, Cuisinart CPT-180 and KitchenAid KMT423.
5. Good Housekeeping
Not Dated
Top Pop-Up Toasters
by Editors of the Good Housekeeping Research Institute
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThe Good Housekeeping Research Institute tests 26 toasters, looking at toasting speed, evenness, consistency of results and surface temperatures. They evaluate special features such as settings for bagels and frozen foods and assess overall ease of use, style, appearance and customer service. Not surprisingly, many of the top picks have been discontinued because of the age of this report. Among available toasters, the Breville Die-Cast BTA820XL and Kenmore 2-Slice Toaster earn recommendations.
6. Walmart.com
As of Dec. 2011
Toasters and Ovens Reviews
by Contributors to Walmart.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentNumerous toasters have accumulated dozens of owner-written reviews at Walmart.com. A few models maintain an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 or better in more than 100 owner-written reviews each, including the Back to Basics TEM4500 and TEM500 and the West Bend Quik Serve Toaster 78224. Walmart.com isn't as user-friendly as some other consumer review sites; it requires users to scroll through several pages to view a product's details.
7. Target.com
As of Dec. 2011
Toasters
by Contributors to Target.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentTarget.com offers consumers the opportunity to rate and review products they've purchased on the site. Dozens of toasters are available here, and although not all have been reviewed, a few have accumulated impressive ratings. The Back to Basics Egg and Muffin 2-Slice Toaster is the only model with more than 100 reviews; it maintains a 4-star rating (out of a possible 5). The Hello Kitty Toaster, a novelty item, also earns 4 out of 5 stars in more than 80 owner-written reviews. The Hamilton Beach 2-Slice Toaster has a perfect 5-star average rating in about 15 owner-written reviews.
8. Viewpoints.com
As of Dec. 2011
Toasters
by Contributors to Viewpoints.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentDozens of toasters are reviewed on Viewpoints.com, the vast majority earning just a handful of reviews. However, numerous toasters have accumulated several dozen reviews. The KitchenAid KTT340, Cuisinart CPT-180 and Back to Basics 2-Slice Egg and Muffin Toaster TEM500 each maintain an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 or better in 40 or more owner-written reviews. Viewpoints.com offers a useful review snapshot, listing common pros and cons as well as a breakdown of the ratings distributions.
9. Cooking.com
As of Dec. 2011
Toasters
by Contributors to Cooking.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentCooking.com allows you to see ratings and number of reviews of all toasters without clicking on them, and you can sort the listings in a number of ways, including rating or number of reviews. Ratings of products on Cooking.com tend to be higher than Amazon.com ratings. Most toasters do well, although there are a few models that get poor reviews.
10. CoolHunting.com
March 14, 2008
Toaster Challenge
by Doug Black
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEditors at CoolHunting.com, which covers products "at the intersection of art, design, culture and technology," test four sleek toasters using two types of bread. One of the toasters, the Breville Smart Toaster, was a prototype at the time the tests were conducted but is now on the market. Editors loved using the Breville toaster, which earns the highest overall rating. The Alessi SG68 toaster delivered the best-tasting toast and took second place overall.
11. About.com
Not Dated
Egg and Muffin Toaster
by Mariette Mifflin
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAbout.com's guide to housewares and appliances provides a thorough review of the Back to Basics Egg & Muffin Toaster based on personal experience. Overall, this toaster is awarded a 4.5-star rating (out of a possible 5), but a handful of owners contribute to an average rating of just 2 stars out of 5. A number of owners report short life spans and malfunctioning units. Mifflin also notes that the finish of the egg portion has begun to wear off over time. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
12. InternetHomeAlliance.org
Not Dated
6 Totally Cool Toasters
by "Charlotte"
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentSix toasters are named in this roundup, not for their functionality and durability, but for innovation. Among the winners in this brief write-up is the Scan Toaster, which connects to your computer via a USB port, allowing users to print documents and images on toast. The Back to Basics Egg and Muffin Toaster TEM4500 also earns a spot on this list.
13. TasteOfHome.com
As of Dec. 2011
Your Help Please…Looking for a New Toaster
by Contributors to TasteOfHome.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentIn reply to a contributor's request for toaster recommendations, another contributor to TasteOfHome.com posts, in its entirety, a 2006 article from Cook's Country that is no longer available online. Several models, including the Farberware FST200 and the Oster 2-Slice 6325, are recommended; some of the suggested models are discontinued. The Cuisinart CPT-120 is not recommended because of uneven toasting. Several users commenting on the thread recommend Cuisinart and KitchenAid toasters in general.
14. SeriousEats.com
As of Dec. 2011
Toaster Recommendations?
by Contributors to SeriousEats.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAt this food forum, a request for toaster-buying tips has garnered more than a dozen responses. Recommendations vary widely, from super-cheap to an unidentified Cuisinart to any KitchenAid model. There's one recommendation for the T-Fal Avante Deluxe. A few contributors suggest buying a toaster oven for its versatility.
15. HomeAndGardenIdeas.com
May 13, 2011
The Best Toasters of 2011
by Joseph Boyle
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis brief review names five toasters as the best toasters of 2011. It's not clear whether the author conducts individual testing or has used each recommended model personally. Winners in this roundup include the Back to Basics TEM500 and TEM4500, Cuisinart CPT-120, T-Fal 4-Slice Digital Toaster and Black & Decker T4569B.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

Read more about our Ratings Criteria by clicking the link at the top of the page.
 
 
 
  
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