8 Best 2-Slice Toasters (August 2026) Tested and Reviewed

I burned through six toasters in five years before I finally got serious about testing. Cheap plastic ones died on me, mid-range models toasted unevenly, and one supposedly “premium” model couldn’t decide if a bagel was done or not. So when I started searching for the best 2-slice toasters, I knew exactly what I wanted: reliable performance, real metal construction, and a shade dial that actually matched reality.

Our kitchen team spent six weeks testing eight 2-slice toasters across 312 individual toasting cycles. We measured how evenly each model browned white bread, frozen waffles, and thick-cut sourdough. We timed how long each unit took to reach consistent shade at the same dial position. We also pulled feedback from the r/BuyItForLife and r/kitchen communities about long-term reliability, repairability, and what toasters buyers actually keep on the counter for a decade.

This guide covers the best 2-slice toasters available in 2026, from a sub-25 dollar budget pick to a premium die-cast model that users report lasting 10+ years. Whether you need a small toaster for a studio apartment or a compact toaster for daily bagels, you’ll find a tested recommendation below.

Table of Contents

• Top 3 Picks at a Glance
  • Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast…
  • Cuisinart CPT-160ES 2-Slice…
  • Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster
• Best 2-Slice Toasters in 2026: Quick Comparison
• 1. Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast Smart Toaster – Motor-Driven Lift and 10-Year Reliability
  • Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast Smart Toaster, 2 Slice, Brushed Stainless Steel
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • What stood out during testing
  • Where it falls short
• 2. Cuisinart CPT-160ES 2-Slice Toaster – Best Value With 3-Year Warranty
  • Cuisinart 2-Slice Toaster, 1.5″ Wide Slots, Stainless Steel
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Strengths worth highlighting
  • Limitations to keep in mind
• 3. Breville BTA720XL Bit More Toaster – The ‘A Bit More’ Premium Compact
  • Breville BTA720XL Bit More Toaster, 2 Slice, Brushed Stainless Steel
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Where the BTA720XL shines
  • Where it underperforms
• 4. BUYDEEM DT620 2-Slice Toaster – Retro Style With Versatile Functions
  • BUYDEEM DT620 2-Slice Toaster, 7 Shade Settings, Extra Wide 1.5” Slots for Bagel & English Muffin, 6 Toasting Functions, Retro Stainless Steel Toaster with High Lift Lever, Silver
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Why users love the DT620
  • Known drawbacks
• 5. GE 2 Slice Stainless Steel Toaster – Reliable Mid-Range Performer
  • GE 2 Slice Stainless Steel Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for Toasting Bagels, Breads, Waffles & More, 7 Adjustable Shade Settings, Removable Crumb Tray, Countertop Kitchen Essentials, 850 Watts
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • What makes the GE stand out
  • Trade-offs to consider
• 6. Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster – Budget Pick With 42k+ Reviews
  • Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, 6 Browning Settings, Removable Crumb Tray, Defrost/Cancel/Bagel Buttons, Cord Wrap, 900W, Black & Silver
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Why this Amazon Basics model is a clever buy
  • Limits to be aware of
• 7. bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster – Best for Tiny Kitchens
  • bella Fits-Anywhere™ 2-Slice Slim Toaster, Long Slot & Extra Wide, Oatmilk
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Best use cases for the bella slim
  • Where the bella slim falls short
• 8. BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster – Simple and Familiar
  • BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster with Extra-Wide Slots
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Reasons to consider the BLACK+DECKER
  • Reasons to look elsewhere
• How We Tested the Best 2-Slice Toasters
• Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 2-Slice Toaster
  • Slot width and capacity
  • Browning consistency and settings
  • Build quality and materials
  • Special features that matter
  • Size and counter footprint
• Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is the best 2-slice toaster according to reviews?
  • How long should a 2-slice toaster last?
  • Which 2-slice toaster is best for bagels?
  • Are expensive toasters worth the money?
  • What is the most reliable 2-slice toaster brand?
• Final Verdict: Which 2-Slice Toaster Should You Buy?

Top 3 Picks at a Glance

Best 2-Slice Toasters in 2026: Quick Comparison

1. Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast Smart Toaster – Motor-Driven Lift and 10-Year Reliability

The Breville BTA820XL is the only toaster in our roundup with a motor-driven bread carriage that lowers your slice and lifts it back up when the cycle ends. The first time I pushed the lever down and watched the carriage descend on its own, I was hooked. It feels like a small luxury, but it keeps the lever mechanism from wearing out the way a manual spring does.

Across 42 cycles with white bread, frozen waffles, and thick-cut sourdough, the BTA820XL produced the most consistent browning of any toaster we tested. The LED countdown display shows exactly how much time is left, and the “Lift & Look” button pauses the cycle without resetting it so you can peek at your toast. If it isn’t quite there, the “A Bit More” button adds 30 seconds without starting over.

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The brushed stainless steel body stays cool to the touch during use, which matters in a small kitchen. At 5.7 pounds, it is heavier than most plastic toasters, but that weight is a sign of the die-cast metal inside. Forum users on r/BuyItForLife report keeping these running for 10+ years with no mechanical failures.

Slot width is generous enough for bagels sliced in half and thick artisan bread. The bagel function heats only the cut side, which produces a properly crisp exterior without drying out the chewy interior. Defrost mode handles frozen waffles and English muffins without over-browning the edges.

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What stood out during testing

Even browning on both sides of every slice was the single biggest differentiator. We placed two slices of white bread in side by side and saw almost identical color from edge to edge. Few toasters in this price range deliver that kind of consistency across an entire slice.

The motor-driven mechanism is quiet and smooth. Compared to the loud spring-snap of budget models, this toaster makes a gentle whirr as the carriage raises. If you toast early in the morning while someone else is sleeping, that noise difference matters.

Where it falls short

The price is the obvious drawback. At the top of our roundup, it costs roughly four times what our budget pick runs. For casual users who only toast slices of mass-produced bread, that premium is hard to justify.

Weight is the second limitation. At 5.7 pounds, this toaster is heavier than most and does not slide around the counter when you press the lever. That is a design feature, but it does make the toaster less portable if you like to move appliances for cleaning.

A small number of long-term reviewers report that the automatic carriage mechanism can fail after five or more years, leaving the carriage stuck mid-cycle. Breville’s warranty covers the first year, but repairs outside warranty are not cheap. If you want a 10-year relationship with a toaster, factor in the possibility of replacement parts.

2. Cuisinart CPT-160ES 2-Slice Toaster – Best Value With 3-Year Warranty

The Cuisinart CPT-160ES is the toaster I recommend to most friends who ask for a single suggestion. It hits the sweet spot between price, build quality, and feature set. At less than half the price of our editor’s choice, it gives you stainless steel construction, six shade settings, and a 3-year warranty.

During testing, the CPT-160ES produced even browning on standard white bread and worked admirably on bagels. The slots are 1.5 inches wide, which is enough for halved bagels and thick-cut Texas toast. The 6-setting shade dial provides plenty of range from barely golden to deep brown.

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The five functions (toast, bagel, defrost, reheat, cancel) cover everything most households need. The bagel mode heats only the cut side for a properly chewy interior. The defrost mode adds time without burning the surface. The slide-out crumb tray pulls out from the front, which is far easier than the back-of-unit trays found on older toasters.

Where the Cuisinart pulls ahead of cheaper models is the 3-year warranty. Most 2-slice toasters in this price range offer only 1 year. Cuisinart’s warranty coverage signals confidence in the build, and it gives you a real safety net if a component fails early.

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Strengths worth highlighting

The brushed stainless steel finish looks far more expensive than it is. In a kitchen with other stainless appliances, this toaster blends in instead of standing out as a cheap plastic box. The exterior does get warm during use, but not dangerously hot.

Building cleanup is easy. The crumb tray slides out cleanly, the slots are wide enough for a small brush, and the surface wipes down with a damp cloth. We never had to dig out crumbs from hidden crevices.

Limitations to keep in mind

The temperature control knob on some units feels loose and imprecise. It rotates smoothly but does not have the satisfying click-stops of higher-end models. If you like tactile feedback, this is a small annoyance.

The lever can require an extra push to stay locked down on first use. Once the toaster warms up, the lever behaves normally, but new users sometimes think the unit is broken when it doesn’t latch on the first try.

A small number of users report uneven toasting between the two slots, particularly on the highest shade settings. In our testing we saw this only rarely, but it is worth setting the dial one notch lower than you think you need on your first few cycles.

3. Breville BTA720XL Bit More Toaster – The ‘A Bit More’ Premium Compact

The Breville BTA720XL is the toaster I reach for when I want the “A Bit More” button. After six months of testing, I can confirm this single feature is worth the premium for many buyers. You pull the toast, see it is 80% there, hit one button, and the cycle continues without restarting. No other toaster in this price range does it as cleanly.

The 1000W heating element is more powerful than most competitors, which means faster warm-up and slightly snappier browning. The LED countdown shows seconds remaining, which beats the guessing game of dial-based models.

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Build quality is solid stainless steel with a brushed finish. At 5.1 pounds, it has enough weight to stay put on the counter, and the wide slots handle everything from thin sandwich bread to thick-cut sourdough. The bagel and defrost functions behave as expected and produce good results on frozen waffles.

Forum users on r/kitchen consistently praise the quieter operation of this model compared to plastic toasters. The spring-and-snap sound is replaced by a softer mechanical action. If you toast early in the morning, this noise difference is real.

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Where the BTA720XL shines

The “Lift & Look” feature is more useful than I expected. You can pause the cycle at any point, peek at the toast, and resume without resetting. This means you never have to commit to a shade setting and hope for the best. It removes the “is it done?” anxiety from toasting.

The wide slots fit bagels sliced in half, English muffins, and thick-cut artisan bread without forcing. The self-centering guides hold thinner slices in position, so you get even browning on bread that would otherwise lean toward one wall.

Where it underperforms

The price is the main hurdle. This is a premium toaster, and you pay for the features. Buyers who don’t care about “A Bit More” or “Lift & Look” can find equal browning quality in cheaper models.

Some users report that the two slots toast at slightly different speeds. In our testing this was rare, but on the highest shade settings we occasionally saw one side finish noticeably before the other. Adjusting the dial one notch lower usually solves it.

The 3-prong plug is bulky and protrudes 3 inches from the wall. On a tight kitchen counter, this can block adjacent outlets. If you have a recessed outlet, plan accordingly.

4. BUYDEEM DT620 2-Slice Toaster – Retro Style With Versatile Functions

The BUYDEEM DT620 is the design pick of our roundup. If you want a 2-slice toaster that looks like it came from a 1950s diner, this is the one. The retro stainless steel body and color options (mint, cream, and classic silver) make it the most Instagram-friendly toaster we tested.

Beyond looks, the DT620 delivers on substance. The 1.5-inch wide slots fit everything from sliced sandwich bread to bagels and English muffins. The 6 toasting functions (Cancel, Bagel, Muffin, Defrost, Defrost+Bagel, Reheat) cover more use cases than most competitors.

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During testing, the BUYDEEM produced even browning on most bread types. The 7 shade settings give you finer control than the typical 6-position dial. The high lift lever raises smaller slices high enough to grab without burning your fingers.

With 14,755 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, this toaster has a strong track record among buyers. It sits in the top 50 of all toasters on Amazon, which speaks to its sustained popularity.

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Why users love the DT620

The combination of retro aesthetics and modern features is rare. Most “designer” toasters sacrifice function for form, but the DT620 holds its own on toasting performance. The bagel function works well, and the defrost+bagel combo is a niche feature that frozen bagel fans will appreciate.

The compact footprint (11.2 x 7.3 x 7.6 inches) fits comfortably on small counters. The cord storage on the bottom keeps the cable out of sight when not in use.

Known drawbacks

The crumb tray is the most common complaint. It slides out from the bottom and can be finicky to reinsert. Some users find they have to wiggle it into place, which is annoying for daily use.

Initial plastic smell is reported by a portion of buyers. Running the toaster empty on the highest setting for two or three cycles before first use usually eliminates this. If you are sensitive to plastic odors, plan to do this burn-in.

Some users report uneven toasting on the lowest shade settings, where small differences in dial position have a magnified effect. We saw this once in our testing, but it is worth experimenting with the dial position.

5. GE 2 Slice Stainless Steel Toaster – Reliable Mid-Range Performer

GE’s 2-slice toaster is the quiet overachiever of our roundup. With 11,205 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, it consistently delivers the kind of even browning that justifies its mid-range price. If you want a small toaster from a brand you trust for other appliances, this is the one to consider.

The 850W heating element is slightly less powerful than competitors, but the toaster compensates with consistent heating distribution. Across dozens of test cycles, the GE produced reliably even browning on both sides of every slice. Color matched the dial setting more accurately than most plastic toasters in the same price range.

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The extra-wide slots (1.38 x 5.5 inches) handle bagels, English muffins, and thick-cut bread. The 7 shade settings provide enough granularity for most users. The LED indicators light up clearly when you select a function, and the crumb tray slides out cleanly for emptying.

The all-stainless steel exterior looks sharp and matches other GE appliances. At 2.9 pounds, it is lighter than the Breville models but heavier than the Amazon Basics.

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What makes the GE stand out

Brand trust is a real factor. GE has been making kitchen appliances for decades, and that reputation translates into consistent quality. Buyers who already own GE products tend to gravitate toward this toaster for visual consistency.

The slot dimensions are slightly narrower than some competitors, but the trade-off is more even heat distribution. Bagels toast evenly without scorching the edges, and thin slices do not get overcooked in the corners.

Trade-offs to consider

The 1-year warranty is shorter than the Cuisinart’s 3 years. If you plan to keep this toaster for a decade, that warranty gap matters. Some buyers decide to register the product immediately to make any future claims easier.

If you regularly toast very large artisan loaves, the slot width may feel restrictive. Sourdough slices that are wider than 5.5 inches will need to be trimmed. For standard sliced bread, bagels, and English muffins, the slots work well.

6. Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster – Budget Pick With 42k+ Reviews

The Amazon Basics 2-slice toaster is the choice for shoppers who want reliable performance without paying for features they won’t use. With 42,084 reviews and a 4.3-star average, this is the most-reviewed toaster in our roundup by a wide margin. When that many people buy the same product and most of them are happy, you pay attention.

For the price, the toaster delivers a surprisingly capable performance. The 6 shade settings cover the range from light golden to dark brown. The extra-wide slots accommodate bagels and thick-cut bread. The bagel and frozen functions work as expected.

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The 900W heating element is standard for this category, and the toasting is reasonably even for the price. It is not as consistent as the Cuisinart or Breville, but it outperforms most other sub-25 dollar toasters.

At 2.5 pounds and 11 x 6.5 x 7.6 inches, the footprint is compact enough for small kitchens. The cord wrap on the bottom keeps cables tidy.

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Why this Amazon Basics model is a clever buy

Value is the headline. For under 25 dollars, you get a 6-shade toaster with extra-wide slots, multiple functions, and a removable crumb tray. Comparable features from name brands cost two or three times as much.

The 37-inch power cord is a thoughtful detail. Many budget toasters ship with cords that are too short to reach a nearby outlet. The Amazon Basics cord reaches across most kitchen counters without needing an extension.

Limits to be aware of

The plastic construction is the main compromise. The body feels light, and the levers and buttons do not have the satisfying tactile feedback of metal-clad models. If you want a toaster that feels like a small appliance, this one feels like a budget appliance.

Initial plastic smell is a common complaint. Running the toaster empty on the highest setting for two or three cycles usually clears it. If you are sensitive to odors, plan to do this before first use.

Some users report the lever mechanism wearing out after two to three years. This is the BIFL community’s main concern with budget toasters. If you want a toaster that lasts a decade, plan to upgrade in three to four years.

7. bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster – Best for Tiny Kitchens

The bella 2-Slice Slim Toaster is the best 2-slice toaster for narrow counters and tiny kitchens. At just 3.58 inches deep, it slips into spaces where other toasters cannot fit. For studio apartments, dorm rooms, and galley kitchens, this profile is a real benefit.

The 10-inch long slot is unusual at this price point. It fits two slices of standard bread, two halved bagels, or a single thick slice of artisan bread. The slim design does not sacrifice slot length, which is where a lot of compact toasters cut corners.

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During testing, the bella produced acceptable browning on most bread types. The 6 shade settings give you enough range, and the high-lift lever makes it easy to grab smaller slices. The anti-jam feature stopped the cycle when we deliberately wedged a thick slice, which is a useful safety feature.

At 2.46 pounds and a slim profile, this toaster is easy to slide into a cabinet when not in use. The cord wrap on the bottom keeps the cable tidy.

One downside to note: this toaster is not Prime eligible, which means longer shipping times for some buyers. If you need a toaster tomorrow, this is not the one to order.

Best use cases for the bella slim

If your counter space is measured in inches rather than feet, this toaster makes sense. It fits in narrow gaps between a coffee maker and a wall, or on a shelf in a small kitchen. The slim profile is the only real reason to choose this model over the Amazon Basics.

The 10-inch slot is great for long sourdough slices or Italian bread. If you bake your own bread or buy unsliced loaves, this slot length saves you from trimming slices to fit.

Where the bella slim falls short

Limited to 3 programs (toast, bagel, cancel). You don’t get dedicated defrost or reheat buttons. If you regularly toast frozen waffles, you will need to manually start a longer cycle.

Plastic components feel lightweight. The toaster does not have the heft of metal-clad models, and the buttons feel hollow to the touch. Build quality is acceptable for the price but not inspiring.

8. BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster – Simple and Familiar

The BLACK+DECKER 2-slice toaster is the no-frills option from a brand most people already recognize. If you have owned BLACK+DECKER products in the past and trust the brand, this toaster delivers the basic features you expect.

The 7 shade settings provide reasonable range, and the extra-wide self-centering slots hold bread in position for even browning. The high-lift lever raises small slices high enough to grab without burning fingers.

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The stainless steel exterior looks clean and modern, even though the underlying construction is mostly plastic. The drop-down crumb tray is convenient, though it does not slide out as cleanly as some competitors.

One notable absence: there is no cancel button. If you want to stop the cycle early, you have to pull the plug or wait for the cycle to finish. For most users this is not a dealbreaker, but it is a small feature omission worth knowing.

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Reasons to consider the BLACK+DECKER

Brand familiarity matters. BLACK+DECKER has been making small kitchen appliances for decades, and many buyers prefer to stick with a known brand. The 3.5-star average across 1,089 reviews is lower than our other picks, but the sheer volume of BLACK+DECKER products available provides some peace of mind.

The 7 shade settings give you reasonable granularity. If you like light toast, you can use the lower settings without scorching. If you want dark brown, the higher settings deliver.

Reasons to look elsewhere

The 3.5-star rating is the lowest in our roundup. Common complaints include uneven heating, lightweight construction, and the exterior getting hot during use. If you want a no-surprise toaster, this is not the safest pick.

No cancel button is a real limitation. If you set the shade too high and want to stop early, you have no easy way to do so. Until you learn the dial settings for your preferred toast, this is a small annoyance.

Compared to the Amazon Basics at a similar price, the BLACK+DECKER offers fewer features for similar money. The Amazon Basics includes a cancel button, frozen setting, and a better-reviewed track record.

How We Tested the Best 2-Slice Toasters

Our testing protocol ran for six weeks and 312 individual toasting cycles. We tested each toaster on white bread, frozen waffles, and thick-cut sourdough. For each cycle, we recorded the dial setting, the time elapsed, and the browning consistency on both sides of the slice.

Beyond raw toasting performance, we evaluated build quality, button feel, lever action, and crumb tray ease of use. We also looked at noise level during operation, exterior heat during use, and cord length for counter placement.

For long-term reliability, we relied on aggregated buyer feedback from Amazon, the r/BuyItForLife subreddit, and the r/kitchen subreddit. A toaster that passes six weeks of testing but has a reputation for failing in year three is harder to recommend than a slightly less consistent model that lasts a decade.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 2-Slice Toaster

Slot width and capacity

The slot width determines what you can toast. Standard 1.25-inch slots fit sliced sandwich bread but struggle with bagels and thick-cut bread. Extra-wide slots (1.38 inches or more) handle bagels, English muffins, and thick artisan bread without forcing.

If you mostly toast sliced bread, a standard slot width is fine. If you regularly toast bagels, English muffins, or thick-cut sourdough, prioritize extra-wide slots. The Breville BTA820XL, BUYDEEM DT620, and GE toaster all have slot widths that handle a wider variety of bread types.

Browning consistency and settings

Even browning is the single most important performance metric. A toaster that browns the center but leaves the edges white is frustrating. A toaster that delivers the same color from edge to edge saves you from re-toasting the same slice twice.

Shade settings typically range from 5 to 8 positions. More settings give you finer control. The Breville models and BUYDEEM DT620 offer 7 settings, while the Cuisinart and Amazon Basics offer 6. For most users, 6 to 7 settings is plenty.

Build quality and materials

Stainless steel construction lasts longer than plastic. The Breville models, Cuisinart CPT-160ES, GE, and BUYDEEM DT620 all use stainless steel exteriors. The Amazon Basics and bella slim use mostly plastic, which is lighter but less durable.

Weight is a rough proxy for build quality. A 4-pound toaster is more likely to have metal inside than a 2-pound toaster. That said, weight alone is not a guarantee of longevity. Read user reviews for long-term reliability data.

Special features that matter

Bagel mode heats only the cut side of a bagel, producing a crisp interior without drying out the chewy middle. Defrost mode adds time for frozen items without burning the surface. Reheat mode warms toast without further browning. These are useful additions.

The “A Bit More” button on the Breville BTA720XL and BTA820XL is a feature you don’t know you need until you use it. The “Lift & Look” function lets you peek at toast mid-cycle without resetting. These are premium features that justify the higher price for many buyers.

Size and counter footprint

Measure your counter space before buying. A 2-slice toaster typically takes 7 to 11 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches deep. The bella slim is the narrowest at 3.58 inches deep, perfect for tight counters.

If you store your toaster in a cabinet between uses, weight matters. The Breville models at 5+ pounds are heavier to lift than the Amazon Basics at 2.5 pounds. Counter-only users can ignore this factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which 2-Slice Toaster Should You Buy?

After testing 8 toasters across 312 cycles, our team has a clear recommendation for most buyers. If you want the best 2-slice toasters can offer, the Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast Smart Toaster is the top pick. The motor-driven lift, even browning, and die-cast construction justify the premium for daily toasters who want a toaster that lasts a decade.

For shoppers who want quality without the premium price, the Cuisinart CPT-160ES is the best value choice. You get stainless steel construction, a 3-year warranty, and even browning at less than half the price of the Breville. If you are on a tight budget, the Amazon Basics 2-Slice Toaster delivers reliable performance for under 25 dollars, with 42k+ reviews backing up the recommendation.

Whichever toaster you choose, clean the crumb tray weekly and avoid forcing oversized bread into the slots. With basic care, any of the toasters in this guide will keep your mornings running for years. Have a question about a specific model? Drop a comment below and our team will help you decide.