Ever stare at your breakfast toast and wonder if it could be… better? Maybe it’s too dark, too light, or just not quite right. Choosing a toaster can feel surprisingly complicated. There are so many brands and features out there! You want a toaster that makes perfect toast every time, but wading through all the choices can leave you feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.
That’s where America’s Test Kitchen comes in. They’re known for their thorough testing and honest reviews. If you’re tired of burnt edges or pale centers, and you’re ready to invest in a toaster that truly delivers, you’re in the right place. Keep reading, and we’ll show you what America’s Test Kitchen has discovered about the best toasters, so you can finally enjoy consistently delicious toast.
Our Top 5 Toaster America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Toaster America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. Toaster Oven Perfection: A Smarter Way to Cook on a Smaller Scale
Rating: 8.5/10
The Toaster Oven Perfection: A Smarter Way to Cook on a Smaller Scale is a game-changer for anyone looking for a better way to cook in smaller spaces. It’s a smart appliance that makes cooking easier and more efficient. This toaster oven is designed for convenience and versatility, offering a wide range of cooking options without taking up too much counter space. It’s perfect for quick meals, snacks, or even baking small batches of goodies. You’ll find yourself reaching for it for more than just toast!
What We Like:
- It cooks food evenly and quickly.
- It’s super easy to clean.
- It has a simple, user-friendly design.
- It doesn’t take up a lot of room in the kitchen.
- It’s great for toasting, baking, and broiling.
What Could Be Improved:
- The capacity is a bit small for larger meals.
- It could offer more advanced cooking presets.
This toaster oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially for those who need a compact and efficient cooking solution. It truly delivers on its promise of smarter, smaller-scale cooking.
2. Ultimate Air Fryer Perfection: 185 Remarkable Recipes That Make the Most of Your Air Fryer
Rating: 9.2/10
Unlock the full potential of your air fryer with “Ultimate Air Fryer Perfection: 185 Remarkable Recipes That Make the Most of Your Air Fryer.” This cookbook is your new best friend for creating delicious meals with your favorite kitchen gadget. You’ll find easy-to-follow instructions for everything from crispy snacks to healthy dinners.
What We Like:
- A huge variety of recipes: 185 options mean you’ll never run out of ideas.
- Simple instructions: Perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
- Covers many food types: From appetizers to desserts, it has it all.
- Makes air frying fun: You’ll discover new ways to use your air fryer.
What Could Be Improved:
- No specific dietary tags: It would be helpful to know if recipes are gluten-free or vegan without reading through them.
- Visuals are limited: More pictures would make the recipes even more appealing.
This cookbook is an excellent resource for anyone looking to expand their air fryer culinary horizons. It’s packed with tasty ideas that are sure to become family favorites.
3. Waring (WCT708) Four-Compartment Pop-Up Toaster
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your breakfast routine with the Waring (WCT708) Four-Compartment Pop-Up Toaster in sleek silver. This toaster is built tough with brushed steel, so it will last a long time. It’s designed to handle all your toasting needs, from thin slices to thick bagels.
What We Like:
- The extra-wide slots are a game-changer for bagels and thicker breads, measuring a generous 1-3/8 inches.
- Self-centering bread racks ensure even toasting on both sides of your bread.
- Electronic browning control gives you precise control over how light or dark you like your toast.
- The removable crumb tray makes cleanup super easy.
- It can toast a lot of bread quickly, up to 225 slices per hour, making it great for busy mornings or when you have guests.
- The durable brushed steel construction looks good and is built to last.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the brushed steel is durable, it can show fingerprints easily, requiring frequent wiping.
- The electronic controls, while precise, might have a slight learning curve for some users compared to simpler dial controls.
This Waring toaster is a powerful and convenient addition to any kitchen. It handles a variety of breads with ease and makes cleanup a breeze.
4. Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Toaster with Extra-Wide Slots
Rating: 9.5/10
The Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Toaster (22794) is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, making breakfast prep a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great on your counter, and it’s built to handle all your toasting needs, from thin slices to thick bagels.
What We Like:
- It toasts all kinds of bread easily, including bagels, English muffins, and frozen waffles.
- The extra-wide slots fit even thick slices of Texas toast and bagels perfectly.
- Toast Boost lifts smaller items like English muffins so you can grab them easily.
- You have seven different shade settings to get your toast just right.
- It has helpful functions like Bagel, Defrost, and Cancel for customized toasting.
- The slide-out crumb tray makes cleaning up a snap.
- An auto-shutoff feature adds an extra layer of safety.
- Hamilton Beach is a trusted, best-selling toaster brand in the U.S.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it handles a variety of breads, some users might prefer more advanced browning controls for very specific preferences.
- The cord length might be a bit short for some kitchen layouts, limiting placement options.
This toaster offers a great balance of features and ease of use for everyday toasting tasks. It’s a reliable choice that simplifies your morning routine.
5. Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven Cookbook for Beginners: 1000-Day Quick and Easy Recipes to Bake
Rating: 8.7/10
Unlock the full potential of your Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven with this beginner-friendly cookbook. It’s packed with 1000 days of quick and easy recipes. You can bake, broil, toast, and use the convection setting to create delicious meals. Impress your family with crispy, healthy dishes without the fuss.
What We Like:
- Offers a huge variety of recipes, covering 1000 days of cooking.
- Recipes are designed for beginners, making them easy to follow.
- Focuses on quick and simple meal preparation.
- Promotes healthy and crispy cooking methods.
- Helps you make the most of your Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven.
What Could Be Improved:
- The title is quite long and could be more concise.
- Specific details on recipe difficulty or preparation time per recipe are not mentioned.
- No information is provided about the types of Cuisinart models this cookbook is best suited for.
This cookbook is a fantastic resource for anyone new to using a convection toaster oven. It empowers you to cook a wide range of tasty and healthy meals with confidence.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Perfect Toaster from America’s Test Kitchen
Choosing the Right Toaster: What to Look For
Finding the best toaster can make your mornings smoother and your breakfast tastier. America’s Test Kitchen has tested many toasters, and they know what makes a good one. Let’s explore the key features that will help you make a great choice.
Key Features to Consider
- Even Browning: This is super important. You want toast that is golden brown all over, not burnt on one side and pale on the other. Look for toasters that promise even heating.
- Consistent Results: A good toaster should toast slices of bread the same way every time. You shouldn’t have to guess what setting to use.
- Adjustable Browning Control: Most toasters have a dial or buttons to choose how light or dark you want your toast. A wider range of settings gives you more control.
- Defrost and Reheat Functions: These are handy extras. Defrost helps toast frozen bread perfectly. Reheat warms up already toasted bread without making it darker.
- Bagel Setting: This setting toasts the cut side of a bagel more than the rounded side, so you get a nicely toasted inside and a warm outside.
- Wide Slots: If you like to toast bagels, thicker bread slices, or even pastries, wide slots are a must. They prevent things from getting stuck.
- Crumb Tray: A removable crumb tray makes cleaning up much easier. Nobody likes crumbs all over their kitchen counter!
Important Materials
The materials used in a toaster can affect how well it works and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: Many good toasters have a stainless steel exterior. It looks nice, is durable, and is easy to wipe clean.
- High-Quality Plastics: The internal parts and some exterior accents are often made of plastic. Look for sturdy, heat-resistant plastics.
- Non-Stick Coatings (inside): Some toasters might have non-stick elements to help prevent food from sticking, although this is less common for the heating elements themselves.
Factors That Affect Toaster Quality
Not all toasters are created equal. Here are things that make a toaster great or not so great.
- Heating Element Design: The way the heating elements are arranged inside the toaster really matters. Good design leads to even toasting. America’s Test Kitchen often focuses on this.
- Insulation: Better insulation keeps the heat inside the toaster, leading to more consistent results and making the outside of the toaster less hot.
- Build Quality: A well-built toaster feels solid. The levers should move smoothly, and the buttons should feel responsive. Cheaply made toasters can break easily.
- Ease of Cleaning: As mentioned, a good crumb tray and an exterior that wipes clean easily are big pluses.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your toaster and how easy it is to use every day are very important.
- Simple Operation: The best toasters are easy to figure out. You shouldn’t need a manual to toast a slice of bread.
- Quick Toasting: While you want good results, you also don’t want to wait forever for your toast. A good toaster toasts efficiently.
- Versatility: Can it handle different types of bread? Can it toast thick slices or just thin ones? A versatile toaster fits more needs.
- Safety Features: Features like auto-shutoff if the toaster overheats add peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes a toaster from America’s Test Kitchen stand out?
A: America’s Test Kitchen tests toasters thoroughly. They focus on features like even browning, consistent results, and durability. They recommend toasters that perform best in their tests.
Q: How important is the defrost setting?
A: The defrost setting is very helpful if you often toast bread straight from the freezer. It thaws the bread gently before toasting it to perfection.
Q: Can I toast artisan bread in most toasters?
A: It depends on the toaster’s slot width. Many toasters now have wide slots that can accommodate thicker slices of artisan bread, bagels, and even pastries.
Q: How often should I clean the crumb tray?
A: You should empty and clean the crumb tray regularly, ideally after every few uses, to prevent burnt crumbs and potential fire hazards.
Q: Does a higher price always mean a better toaster?
A: Not necessarily. While some expensive toasters are excellent, America’s Test Kitchen often finds great value in mid-range models that perform exceptionally well.
Q: What is the “bagel” setting for?
A: The bagel setting toasts the cut side of the bagel more intensely than the rounded outer side. This gives you a perfectly toasted interior and a warm, soft exterior.
Q: Can I toast pop-tarts or toaster pastries?
A: Yes, most toasters with standard or wide slots can handle toaster pastries. Just be sure to check the toaster’s instructions.
Q: How do I know if my toaster is toasting evenly?
A: Look for toast that is golden brown across the entire surface of the bread, with no dark burnt spots or pale areas. America’s Test Kitchen ratings often highlight even browning.
Q: Are there any safety concerns with toasters?
A: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid inserting metal objects into the toaster slots. Ensure the toaster is unplugged when cleaning.
Q: Where can I find recommendations from America’s Test Kitchen?
A: You can find their toaster reviews and recommendations on the America’s Test Kitchen website, in their publications, and often in articles on reputable cooking and consumer review sites.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!