Toasters with a bagel function are designed to toast only the cut side of the bagel while warming the outer side. This gives the bagel a crispy and delicious texture without burning or drying it out. There are many toasters on the market that offer this feature, but not all of them are equally effective or reliable. In this article, we will review some of the best toasters for bagels and help you choose the right one for your needs.
Bagels are a popular breakfast food in America, especially in cities like New York and Chicago. They are typically made from a dense and chewy dough that is boiled and then baked, resulting in a round bread with a hole in the middle. Bagels come in various flavors and can be topped with cream cheese, butter, jam, or other spreads.
However, bagels are not meant to be eaten cold or soft. They are best enjoyed when they are toasted, which enhances their flavor and texture. Toasting a bagel also makes it easier to slice and spread, as well as more satisfying to bite into.
But not all toasters are suitable for toasting bagels. Regular toasters have narrow slots that may not fit thick bagels, or they may toast both sides of the bagel evenly, which can result in a dry and hard bagel. To avoid these problems, you need a toaster with a bagel function, which is specifically designed to handle bagels.
A toaster with a bagel function has extra-wide slots that can accommodate thick bagels, as well as a special setting that reduces the heat on the outer elements and increases the heat on the inner elements. This way, the toaster only toasts the cut side of the bagel while warming the outer side, creating a perfect balance of crispiness and softness.
A toaster with a bagel function can also be used for other types of bread, such as English muffins, buns, or sliced bread. You can simply switch to the normal or toast mode and adjust the browning level according to your preference. Some toasters also have other features, such as defrost, reheat, cancel, or lift and look, which add more convenience and versatility to your toasting experience.
How to Choose the Best Toaster for Bagels?
When shopping for a toaster with a bagel function, there are several factors to consider, such as:
Slot size and number: The slots should be wide enough to fit thick bagels, as well as long enough to fit different shapes and sizes of bread. The number of slots depends on how many bagels you want to toast at once. Most toasters have either two or four slots, but some models have more or less.
Browning settings: The browning settings allow you to control how light or dark you want your bagels to be toasted. The more settings you have, the more precise you can be. Some toasters have a digital display that shows the browning level, while others have a dial or a lever that you can turn or slide.
Ease of use and cleaning: The toaster should be easy to operate, with clear and intuitive buttons, dials, or levers. It should also have a removable crumb tray that collects the crumbs and makes cleaning easier. Some toasters have a high-lift feature that raises the bagels higher for easy removal, while others have a cool-touch exterior that prevents burns.
Design and durability: The toaster should have a sturdy and stable construction that can withstand frequent use and high temperatures. It should also have a sleek and stylish design that matches your kitchen decor and personal taste. Some toasters have a stainless steel or metal finish, while others have a plastic or colorful finish.
Price and warranty: The price of the toaster depends on the brand, quality, features, and design. You can find toasters with a bagel function for as low as $20 or as high as $200. You should choose a toaster that fits your budget and offers good value for money. You should also check the warranty of the toaster, which usually ranges from one to five years, and covers any defects or malfunctions.
Based on our research and analysis, here are some of the best toasters for bagels that you can buy in 2024:
Chefman 2-Slice Pop-Up Toaster: This toaster from Chefman is sleek and simple. It has extra-wide slots that can fit thick bagels, as well as a bagel setting that toasts only the cut side. It also has seven browning settings, a digital display, a cancel button, and a lift and look feature. It has a stainless steel finish and a removable crumb tray. It costs around $30 and has a one-year warranty.
Cuisinart Classic Metal Toaster: This toaster from Cuisinart is a budget-friendly option that offers reliable performance. It has four extra-wide slots that can fit large bagels, as well as a bagel setting that reduces the power on the outer elements. It also has six browning settings, a dial control, a defrost button, a reheat button, and a high-lift lever. It has a metal finish and a slide-out crumb tray. It costs around $50 and has a three-year warranty.
Keemo Retro Small Toaster: This toaster from Keemo is a cute and compact option that adds a touch of vintage charm to your kitchen. It has two extra-wide slots that can fit thick bagels, as well as a bagel setting that toasts only the inner side. It also has six browning settings, a lever control, a defrost button, a cancel button, and a high-lift feature. It has a plastic finish and a removable crumb tray. It costs around $40 and has a one-year warranty.
Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster: This toaster from Hamilton Beach is a popular and versatile option that can handle various types of bread. It has two extra-wide slots that can fit thick bagels, as well as a bagel setting that toasts only the cut side. It also has seven browning settings, a shade selector, a toast boost, a defrost button, a cancel button, and an auto shut-off feature. It has a black and stainless steel finish and a removable crumb tray. It costs around $30 and has a one-year warranty.
Bella 2 Slice Toaster with Auto Shut Off: This toaster from Bella is a colorful and fun option that brightens up your morning. It has two extra-wide slots that can fit large bagels, as well as a bagel setting that toasts only the cut side. It also has six browning settings, a dial control, a cancel button, a reheat button, and an auto shut-off feature. It has an aqua finish and a removable crumb tray. It costs around $25 and has a two-year warranty.
Toasters with a bagel function are a great way to enjoy your favorite breakfast food in a quick and easy way. They toast only the cut side of the bagel while warming the outer side, creating a perfect balance of crispiness and softness. They also have extra-wide slots that can fit thick bagels, as well as other features that add more convenience and versatility to your toasting experience.
We hope this article has helped you find the best toaster for bagels that suits your needs and preferences. Whether you choose the Chefman, the Cuisinart, the Keemo, the Hamilton Beach, or the Bella, you can be sure that you will get a high-quality and reliable toaster that will make your bagels taste amazing. Happy toasting!
