To pick a good toaster, you need to consider the size, features, design, performance, and price of the toaster. A good toaster should be able to toast bread evenly, have multiple settings for different preferences, and be easy to use and clean. In this article, we will guide you through the factors that you should look for when buying a toaster, and provide some tips and recommendations for the best toasters on the market.
The size of the toaster depends on how many slices of bread you want to toast at once, and how much counter space you have. If you only need to toast one or two slices of bread, a two-slice toaster will suffice. However, if you have a large family or often host guests, you may want to opt for a four-slice toaster, which can toast more bread in less time. You should also measure the dimensions of the toaster and compare it with the available space on your countertop, to make sure it fits well and does not take up too much room.
Features
The features of the toaster determine how versatile and convenient it is. Some of the common features that you should look for are:
Browning control: This feature allows you to adjust the level of doneness of your toast, from light to dark, according to your preference. Some toasters have numbered dials, while others have LED indicators or digital displays to show the browning level.
Bagel setting: This feature is designed for toasting bagels, which are thicker and denser than regular bread. It toasts the cut side of the bagel while warming the other side, giving you a crispy and chewy bagel.
Defrost setting: This feature is useful for toasting frozen bread, waffles, or pastries. It defrosts the food before toasting it, saving you time and hassle.
Reheat setting: This feature is handy for reheating toast that has gone cold, without burning it or making it dry.
Cancel button: This feature lets you stop the toasting cycle at any time, in case you change your mind or notice that your toast is done earlier than expected.
High-lift lever: This feature helps you to remove smaller items, such as English muffins or crumpets, from the toaster without burning your fingers or using a fork.
Removable crumb tray: This feature makes it easy to clean the toaster, by collecting the crumbs that fall from the bread and allowing you to slide out the tray and empty it.
The design of the toaster affects its appearance and durability. You should choose a toaster that matches your kitchen decor and personal style. Some of the factors that influence the design of the toaster are:
Color: The color of the toaster can range from classic black or white, to vibrant red or blue, to metallic silver or chrome. You can choose a color that complements your other appliances and accessories, or adds a pop of color to your kitchen.
Shape: The shape of the toaster can be either rectangular or oval, depending on the number and size of the slots. A rectangular toaster tends to have wider and longer slots, which can accommodate different types of bread, while an oval toaster tends to have narrower and shorter slots, which can save space on your countertop.
Material: The material of the toaster can be either plastic or metal, depending on the quality and price of the toaster. A plastic toaster is usually cheaper and lighter, but it may not last as long or withstand high temperatures as well as a metal toaster. A metal toaster is usually more expensive and heavier, but it may be more durable and resistant to scratches and dents.
Performance
The performance of the toaster reflects how well it toasts the bread and how fast it does it. You should choose a toaster that delivers consistent and even results, without burning or undercooking the bread. You should also choose a toaster that has a short toasting time, without compromising the quality of the toast. Some of the factors that affect the performance of the toaster are:
Power: The power of the toaster is measured in watts, and it indicates how much electricity the toaster uses and how fast it heats up. A higher wattage means a faster toasting time, but it also means a higher energy consumption and a higher risk of overheating. A lower wattage means a slower toasting time, but it also means a lower energy consumption and a lower risk of overheating. The average power of a toaster is between 800 and 1500 watts, depending on the size and features of the toaster.
Slots: The slots of the toaster are the openings where you insert the bread. The number, size, and shape of the slots affect the capacity and versatility of the toaster. A toaster with more slots can toast more bread at once, but it may also take up more space and use more power. A toaster with larger and wider slots can toast thicker and bigger slices of bread, such as artisan bread or sourdough bread, but it may also leave gaps and uneven toasting on smaller and thinner slices of bread, such as sandwich bread or sliced bread. A toaster with longer and deeper slots can toast longer and taller slices of bread, such as French bread or Texas toast, but it may also make it harder to remove the bread without a high-lift lever or a fork.
Heating elements: The heating elements of the toaster are the wires or coils that generate heat and toast the bread. The number, type, and placement of the heating elements affect the quality and consistency of the toast. A toaster with more heating elements can toast the bread more evenly and quickly, but it may also use more power and generate more heat. A toaster with quartz or ceramic heating elements can toast the bread more precisely and gently, but it may also be more expensive and fragile. A toaster with metal or nichrome heating elements can toast the bread more robustly and durably, but it may also be less accurate and more prone to burning. A toaster with heating elements on both sides of the slots can toast the bread on both sides simultaneously, but it may also cause uneven browning if the bread is not centered or aligned. A toaster with heating elements on one side of the slots can toast the bread on one side at a time, but it may also require flipping the bread halfway through the cycle or using a bagel setting.
The price of the toaster depends on the size, features, design, and performance of the toaster. A good toaster should offer a balance between quality and affordability, without compromising on the essential functions and safety standards. You should choose a toaster that fits your budget and meets your needs and expectations. The average price of a toaster ranges from $20 to $200, depending on the brand and model of the toaster.
Tips and Recommendations
Here are some tips and recommendations for picking a good toaster:
Read the reviews and ratings of the toaster online or in magazines, to get an idea of the pros and cons of the toaster, and the feedback from other customers who have used the toaster.
Check the warranty and customer service of the toaster, to see how long and how well the toaster is covered and supported by the manufacturer or seller, in case of any defects or issues with the toaster.
Compare the features and prices of different toasters, to see which one offers the best value and performance for your money and needs.
Test the toaster before buying it, if possible, to see how it works and how it toasts the bread, and to check for any flaws or damages with the toaster.
Clean and maintain the toaster regularly, to keep it in good condition and to prevent any problems or hazards with the toaster.
Some of the best toasters on the market are:
Cuisinart CPT-180P1 Metal Classic 4-Slice toaster: This toaster has a sleek and sturdy stainless steel design, with four wide and long slots, and six browning settings. It also has bagel, defrost, and reheat functions, and a high-lift lever and a removable crumb tray. It has a power of 1800 watts, and a price of $69.95.
Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster: This toaster has a smart and elegant die-cast metal design, with two extra-wide and deep slots, and five browning settings. It also has a bagel setting, a defrost setting, a lift and look feature, and a bit more feature. It has a power of 900 watts, and a price of $129.95.
Hamilton Beach 24810 4-Slice Long Slot Keep Warm Toaster: This toaster has a simple and practical plastic design, with four long and narrow slots, and seven browning settings. It also has a keep warm setting, a bagel setting, a defrost setting, and a cancel button. It has a power of 1500 watts, and a price of $49.99.
