Toasters are probably the best invention since sliced bread, right? Toasters have been available at home for generations, but today’s models offer features that were innovative at one time, like timed toasting, crumb trays, and the ability to choose different toasting levels.
In addition to making crumb trays more efficient, some toasters offer one-sided toasting for bagels, and some include special features to defrost bread or keep it warm.
Although basic toasters are still available, for those who need only a simple toast, high-end toasters offer attractive designs, multiple cooking options, and even some new features that you may not know you need.
Smeg Retro Style Aesthetic 2-Slice Toaster
Italian company Smeg, founded in the 1940s, has brought its unique designs and quality workmanship to the US market, including this attractive toaster that will stand out on any counter. Its retro style and unique color aren’t the only features you’ll love. The solid build, ease of use, and even toasting were praised by users; they also loved the design.
You can adjust the toasting level halfway between each setting to match the toasting to the bread type, it also has one-sided toasting for bagels and english muffins, and it has reheat and defrost features. With the wide slots, bagels fit easily and thin bread centers itself for easy toasting. The crumb tray is made of sturdy stainless steel, and the non-slip feet keep it stable on the counter. This pops the toast up automatically, but there is no lift feature to raise it higher, so you may need to use wooden tongs to retrieve particularly short bread.
Krups 2 Slice Stainless Steel Toaster KH732D50
Aesthetics and quality performance combine in this toaster. The stainless steel exterior of this toaster is brushed and chromed so it will blend in with other stainless steel appliances. It has extra-wide slots that can hold bagels, English muffins, waffles, and even thick buns. You can lift smaller pieces of bread out of the toaster without burning your fingers with the high-lift lever.
There is a dial for selecting six levels of browning, plus buttons for defrosting, heating, baking, and cancelling. So you won’t accidentally select the wrong function, the push buttons have blue LED lights. This toaster is praised for its modern design and even browning.
Hamilton Beach 2-Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster
Despite its budget price, this toaster has a few features that set it apart from the competition. Toaster’s sides are designed to stay cool to the touch, so there’s no worry about accidental burns, and the chrome exterior and colorful accents look great on any counter. The slots are wide enough for bagels, and operation is easy, which is great for families with children. Turn the knob to set the toasting level, push the lever down, and wait for the toast to appear. It has a cancel button that allows you to stop the toasting if it’s browning too fast. With the level, you can raise the toast a bit higher, so it’s easier to pick up when it’s done.
KitchenAid Pro Line Series 2-Slice Automatic Toaster
The frosted pearl color is elegant and attractive, and it resembles the nose section of a classic KitchenAid stand mixer. However, it’s not all about looks. With this toaster, you can keep your toast warm without further browning if you don’t retrieve it immediately. You have plenty of time to finish the eggs since it can hold toast for up to three minutes.
Bread lowers automatically when bread is detected, and lifts automatically when toast is done. The front controls look cleaner and more attractive without a lever. There are seven toasting shades and one-sided toasting options for bagels as well as settings for frozen bread. When the toast isn’t quite done, you can toast it for a little longer. It makes toast a little slower, but it toasts evenly, so users don’t mind the slight delay.
If you would like more options of KitchenAid toaster, you can find them in a guide we have compiled.
Cuisinart Touch-to-Toast Leverless 2-Slice Toaster
The new lever-free design automatically lowers and lifts toast, and an audible alert lets you know when the toast is done. You can see at a glance how soon you will be able to butter toast on the LCD screen.
It has a clean, attractive front without a lever. Choose from one-sided toasting for bagels and English muffins, a defrost setting that thaws your baked good before toasting, and a reheat option that warms the bread without further toasting.
Your toast will always be the perfect shade, whether you like a light golden brown or a darker brown. Toast is saved if your new style of bread browns too quickly by pressing the cancel button.
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