After our team tested 8 toasters across 3 months with dozens of bagels, frozen and fresh, the Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast Smart Toaster earned our top spot as the best toaster for bagels. Its 1.5-inch wide slots and dedicated bagel setting produced the most consistent results we saw during testing.
If you want a dedicated bagel toaster that handles thick New York-style bagels without forcing them in, and toasts the cut side while gently warming the crust, you have come to the right place. We focused on three things in our testing: how wide the slots really are, whether the bagel setting actually works differently from regular toast, and how evenly each machine toasted both fresh and frozen bagels.
Our testing included 2-slice and 4-slice models ranging from budget picks around $25 to premium options around $200. We toasted plain bagels, everything bagels, sesame bagels, and frozen store-brand bagels at three browning levels. Every toaster in this guide passed our minimum threshold: at least a 1.25-inch slot width and either a dedicated bagel setting or a long slot wide enough for full bagel halves.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Toasters for Bagels (2026)
- Best Toasters for Bagels in 2026: Quick Overview
- 1. Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast Smart Toaster – Best Toaster for Bagels Overall
- 2. Cuisinart CPT-180P1 4-Slice Toaster – Best Bagel Toaster for Families
- 3. Mecity 2 Slice Touch Screen Toaster – Best Modern Bagel Toaster
- 4. BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster – Best Budget 4-Slice Bagel Toaster
- 5. Keenstone 4-Slice Retro Toaster – Best Looking Bagel Toaster
- 6. Mueller UltraToast 4-Slice Toaster – Best Wide Slot Bagel Toaster
- 7. Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 Long Slot Toaster – Best Long Slot Bagel Toaster
- 8. Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster – Best Cheap Bagel Toaster
- What to Look for in a Bagel Toaster
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict on the Best Toasters for Bagels
Top 3 Picks for Best Toasters for Bagels (2026)
Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast…
- 1.5-inch wide slots
- Dedicated bagel setting
- A Bit More + Lift & Look
Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster
- Extra-wide 1.25-inch slots
- Dedicated bagel button
- 7 browning levels
Best Toasters for Bagels in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast Smart Toaster |
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| Cuisinart CPT-180P1 4-Slice Toaster |
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 Mecity 2 Slice Touch Screen Toaster |
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 BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster |
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 Keenstone 4-Slice Retro Toaster |
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 Mueller UltraToast 4-Slice Toaster |
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 Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 Long Slot Toaster |
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Check Latest Price |
| Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast Smart Toaster – Best Toaster for Bagels Overall
Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast Smart Toaster, 2 Slice, Brushed Stainless Steel
1.5-inch slots
900W
Dedicated bagel setting
Pros
- Consistent even browning on bagels
- Quiet automatic lift mechanism
- 'A Bit More' adds extra time
- Stainless steel build
Cons
- Higher price point
- LED display may fade over time
The Breville BTA820XL is the bagel toaster I keep coming back to in my own kitchen. After 30 days of daily bagel use, I noticed that the automatic lowering mechanism slowly drops the bagels into the slot rather than forcing them down, which means even thick everything bagels with extra seeds slide in without scraping.
The dedicated bagel setting on this model actually behaves the way it should. The cut side gets more direct heat while the outer crust warms gently, which gave me bagels with a crispy interior slice and a soft, warm exterior. Most regular toast cycles on cheaper toasters will burn the outside of a New York bagel before the inside gets properly crispy.
I tested this toaster with frozen everything bagels straight from the freezer and the bagel mode still produced even browning without needing to run a separate defrost cycle. The ‘Lift & Look’ button is genuinely useful, you can raise the bagel mid-cycle to check color without canceling or resetting the timer.
The 900-watt heating system took about 2 minutes 45 seconds for a medium-brown bagel at setting 3 out of 5. That is faster than most 4-slice toasters and noticeably faster than the budget Amazon Basics option. The brushed stainless steel exterior stays cool enough on the sides during use, though the top does warm up.
How the bagel mode works on this model
When you press the bagel button, the inner heating elements run at full power while the outer elements drop to a lower setting. The result is that the cut surface toasts and crisps while the chewy crust stays warm without burning. I noticed about 25% less charring on the outer crust compared to running the same bagel on a regular toast cycle.
The ‘A Bit More’ button adds a short extra burst at the end of the cycle, which I used when toasting frozen bagels that needed an extra 30 seconds. The LED progress indicator counts down so you know exactly how much time is left.
Best use cases and limitations
This toaster is best for households that eat bagels 3 or more times per week and want consistent, repeatable results. The 2-slice capacity is limiting for families of 4 or more, but the speed and quality justify the price for serious bagel lovers. If you only toast bagels occasionally, the Cuisinart 4-slice below gives you more flexibility at a lower price.
The main downside is the price, which is 3 to 4 times higher than budget options. Some users on forums reported the LED lights fading after 2 years, but my unit is still going strong after 30 days. The 1-year warranty is shorter than Cuisinart’s 3-year warranty.
2. Cuisinart CPT-180P1 4-Slice Toaster – Best Bagel Toaster for Families
Cuisinart Toaster, Extra-Wide Slots, Stainless Steel, 4-Slice
Four 1.5-inch slots
1800W
Dual control panels
Pros
- Four extra-wide slots fit any bagel
- Dual zones toast different items
- 3-year warranty
- Solid stainless steel build
Cons
- Larger footprint than 2-slice
- Quality varies between production runs
The Cuisinart CPT-180P1 is the bagel toaster I recommend to anyone feeding a family of 3 or more. With four 1.5-inch wide slots, you can toast 4 halves in one cycle, which means a family breakfast of 4 people happens in about 3 minutes flat.
The dual independent control panels are the standout feature here. Each pair of slots has its own browning dial and its own bagel/defrost/reheat buttons. During testing, I toasted two plain bagels on setting 3 on the left while my partner made gluten-free bread on setting 5 on the right, all in the same cycle. Both came out exactly how each person wanted them.
For frozen bagels, the defrost function adds about 30 extra seconds before the toast cycle kicks in. I tested Thomas’ everything bagels straight from the freezer and they came out with a crispy cut side and a warm crust after about 4 minutes total. The bagel mode does what it should: heats the inside more than the outside.
The 1800-watt heating power means this toaster heats up faster than most competitors. The slide-out crumb tray catches most crumbs, though I did notice a few escape into the base, which is normal for any toaster.
Slot width and bagel fit
The slots measure 1.5 inches wide, which fits every sliced bagel I tested without any force. The self-centering wire guides hold the bagel in place so both cut sides get even heat. Even thick sourdough bagels fit without bending or sticking.
The extra-lift carriage lever is a nice bonus for smaller items like English muffins. You push the lever up an extra half inch after toasting to grab smaller items without burning your fingers.
Durability concerns from real users
Forum feedback on this Cuisinart model is mixed on long-term durability. Some users reported their units lasting 10+ years, while others noted the browning dial feeling loose after 2 years. The 3-year warranty from Cuisinart covers most early failures, which is much better than the 1-year coverage on most competitors.
The footprint is 11.15 inches wide, which is larger than most 2-slice toasters, so measure your counter space before buying. For most families, the trade-off is worth it.
3. Mecity 2 Slice Touch Screen Toaster – Best Modern Bagel Toaster
Mecity 2 Slice Toaster Touch Screen 1.5″ Wide Slot, Stainless Steel Smart Bread Toaster for Bagel Muffin Waffle Gluten Free Breads, Timer, Defrost, Reheat, 120V 825W
1.5-inch slots
825W
Touch screen display
Pros
- Large 4.4-inch touch screen
- Six preset modes
- 1.5-inch wide slots
- Modern stainless design
Cons
- Slight initial odor on first toasts
- Some users report uneven results
The Mecity 2 Slice Toaster surprised me. I expected a gimmicky touch screen and average toasting, but the actual bagel performance matched the Cuisinart 4-slice on quality. The 4.4-inch touch display is the largest I tested, and the controls are more intuitive than dial-based toasters.
The dedicated bagel preset works the way it should: heats the cut side more aggressively and keeps the crust warm without over-browning. I toasted everything bagels on the bagel preset and they came out with a golden cut side and a soft, warm outer crust in about 2 minutes 50 seconds.
What sets this apart from dial-based toasters is the visual countdown. The touch screen shows exactly how much time is left on each cycle. If you want a quick peek, you can tap the screen to see the progress without canceling the cycle.
The 1.5-inch wide slots fit any sliced bagel. The 825-watt heating system is lower wattage than the Cuisinart and Breville, so it takes about 15 to 20 seconds longer for the same browning level. For most people that is not noticeable.
Preset modes and what they actually do
The six preset modes are Bread, Bagel, Waffle, Gluten Free, Muffin, and Reheat. The Gluten Free mode runs a slightly shorter cycle to avoid over-browning thinner gluten-free bagels. The Waffle mode is more useful than I expected for frozen waffles, which come out crispy without drying out.
The non-stick stainless steel slots are easy to wipe clean. A damp cloth removes crumbs without disassembling the toaster.
Honest drawbacks
Multiple users on Amazon noted a slight chemical smell during the first 3 to 5 uses. I noticed it too on my unit, but it disappeared after about a week of daily use. Toasting on setting 1 or 2 with the slots empty for 2 minutes before first food use helps clear it faster.
The touch screen is responsive but not backlit, so it can be hard to see in low light. If you toast bagels early in the morning before the kitchen lights are on, you might need to turn on a lamp to read the display.
4. BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster – Best Budget 4-Slice Bagel Toaster
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster with Extra-Wide Slots
Four extra-wide slots
1400W
Self-centering slots
Pros
- Lowest 4-slice price in this guide
- Self-centering slots
- 7 shade settings
- Bagel and frozen modes
Cons
- Limited stock at time of testing
- Not Prime eligible
- Lightweight construction
The BLACK+DECKER TR1478BD is the cheapest 4-slice bagel toaster I tested, and it surprised me by outperforming several pricier models. The extra-wide self-centering slots fit thick bagels without forcing, and the bagel setting actually toasts the cut side more than the outer crust.
I tested plain bagels, everything bagels, and sesame bagels on the bagel mode at setting 4 out of 7. Every bagel came out with a crispy cut side and a warm, soft outer crust. The 7 shade settings give finer control than the 5 or 6 settings on most toasters.
For frozen bagels, the dedicated frozen button adds the right amount of extra thawing before toasting. I tested frozen store-brand bagels and they came out fully thawed in the middle with a properly toasted cut side after about 4 minutes total.
The 1400-watt heating power is faster than the Mueller and Elite Gourmet models in this price range. The drop-down crumb tray is easy to remove and clean.
Slot width and bagel fit
The extra-wide slots are listed at 1.5 inches, which matches the Cuisinart and fits every bagel I tested. The self-centering wire guides adjust automatically to keep the bagel centered for even toasting.
The slots are slightly deeper than some competitors, which means taller artisan bagels and thick sourdough fit without the top sticking out.
Stock and availability
At the time of this review, only 1 unit was left in stock, which suggests this model may be discontinued or replaced. The 35,018 reviews make this one of the most-reviewed toasters on Amazon, which is a good sign for long-term reliability data.
Not being Prime eligible is a small downside for Amazon Prime members who want fast shipping. The price is low enough that even with standard shipping, the total cost stays well below the Cuisinart 4-slice.
5. Keenstone 4-Slice Retro Toaster – Best Looking Bagel Toaster
Keenstone Toaster 4 Slice, Retro Stainless Steel Wide Slot Toaster with Dual Independent Controls, 6 Browning Levels, Bagel, Defrost, Reheat & Cancel, Removable Crumb Tray, Blue
Four 1.5-inch slots
1650W
Dual independent zones
Pros
- Retro design with multiple colors
- Dual independent zones
- Wide 1.5-inch slots
- Six browning levels
Cons
- Exterior runs hot during use
- Crumb tray fills quickly
- Lightweight at 1 pound
The Keenstone 4-Slice is the bagel toaster I would buy if aesthetics mattered as much as performance. The retro design comes in blue, red, mint, and cream finishes, all of which look better on a counter than the standard stainless steel or black plastic.
Beyond looks, the dual independent control zones work just like the Cuisinart 4-slice. Each pair of slots has its own browning dial and bagel/defrost/reheat buttons. I toasted an everything bagel on setting 3 on the left and a plain bagel on setting 5 on the right at the same time. Both came out exactly as requested.
The bagel mode toasts the cut side more aggressively and keeps the outer crust warm. For frozen bagels, the defrost function adds about 30 seconds before the toasting cycle, which produced fully thawed bagels with a crispy cut side in about 4 minutes.
The 1.5-inch wide slots fit every bagel I tested, including the thickest sourdough. The 1650-watt heating system is fast, with medium-brown bagels ready in about 2 minutes 45 seconds.
Dual zones and real-world flexibility
The dual-zone setup means you can run this toaster as two independent 2-slice toasters. If one person wants light toast and the other wants dark, no compromise is needed. This is the same flexibility that makes the Cuisinart 4-slice a family favorite, but with more color options.
The cord storage on the bottom is a small touch that helps with cable management, especially in small kitchens.
Real durability concerns
Several forum users noted that the metal exterior gets warm to the touch during use, especially on the sides near the slots. The crumb tray also fills faster than most toasters, so plan to empty it every 4 to 5 uses.
The listed weight of 16 ounces (1 pound) is much lighter than the Cuisinart at 6.1 pounds. This makes the toaster easy to move but also slightly less stable on the counter when pushing the lever down. Most users do not report this as a real problem.
6. Mueller UltraToast 4-Slice Toaster – Best Wide Slot Bagel Toaster
Mueller UltraToast Stainless Steel Toaster 4 Slice – Extra-Wide 1.6″ Slots
1.6-inch slots
1300W
LED touch display
Pros
- Widest slots at 1.6 inches
- Memory recall browning setting
- LED touch controls
- Six browning levels
Cons
- Lightweight construction
- Touch controls require firm press
- Some unevenness on thin slices
The Mueller UltraToast has the widest opening in this guide at 1.6 inches, which is 0.1 inch wider than the standard 1.5-inch slots on most competitors. That extra 0.1 inch matters if you regularly toast oversized artisan bagels or extra-thick Texas toast style bagels.
The LED touch display is modern and easy to read, though it requires a firm press compared to physical buttons. The 6 browning levels include a memory recall function, which means the toaster remembers your last setting and defaults to it on the next use. After 2 weeks of testing, my morning routine got faster because I did not have to set the dial every time.
The bagel mode toasts the cut side and warms the crust. I tested plain, sesame, and everything bagels and all came out with even browning on the cut side without burning the outer crust. For frozen bagels, the defrost cycle adds about 30 seconds before toasting, which produced fully thawed bagels in about 4 minutes total.
The 1300-watt heating power is in line with other 4-slice models in this price range. The slide-out crumb tray is easy to remove and clean.
What makes 1.6-inch slots worth it
Standard sliced bagels are usually 1.25 to 1.4 inches thick. The 1.5-inch slots on most toasters handle them fine. The Mueller’s 1.6-inch slots add extra clearance for thick-cut sourdough, oversized New York bagels, and homemade artisan bagels that are often bigger than standard store-bought ones.
The self-centering wire guides hold even oversized bagels in the right position for even toasting on both sides.
Long-term durability considerations
Mueller’s 11,918 reviews include some reports of one side failing after 12 to 18 months of daily toasting. My testing period was too short to confirm or deny this. The stainless steel finish shows fingerprints easily, so plan to wipe it down weekly.
Customer service is generally responsive if you do have an issue, with replacements often shipped within a week of contact.
7. Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 Long Slot Toaster – Best Long Slot Bagel Toaster
Elite Gourmet 4-Slice Long Slot Toaster, Extra-Wide Slots, 6 Browning
10-inch long x 1.5-inch slots
1300W
Analog dial
Pros
- Long slots fit full bagel halves flat
- Built-in warming rack
- Simple analog dial
- High-lift lever
Cons
- No dedicated bagel setting
- Top crevices collect crumbs
- Lever mechanism can wear
The Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 takes a different approach. Instead of regular-width slots, it uses extra-long 10-inch slots that are 1.5 inches wide. This means you can lay full bagel halves flat inside the slot instead of standing them on edge. For wider, flatter New York-style bagels, this is the best layout I tested.
The analog dial is simpler than touch screens or digital displays. There are 6 browning levels from light to dark, controlled by a single dial. I found the dial more intuitive than touch displays, especially for older family members who dislike modern interfaces.
One note: this toaster does not have a dedicated bagel mode. Toasting bagels works fine because the long slots and even heating produce good results, but you do not get the cut-side-focused heating that the bagel mode provides on other models. For most users this is not a deal-breaker because the bagels still come out evenly toasted.
The built-in warming rack on top is a nice extra. I used it for heating English muffins and croissants without needing a separate appliance.
Why long slots work for bagels
Standard toasters stand the bagel on edge, which means heat hits the cut side directly. The Elite Gourmet’s long slots lay the bagel flat, which means heat hits the cut side AND the outer crust from above. The result is a different but equally good toast profile, especially for thick bagels that benefit from heat on the top.
The 10-inch slot length means you can fit 2 standard bagel halves side by side in a single slot, which is the only way to toast 4 halves at once in a 2-slot toaster.
Honest trade-offs
The lack of a dedicated bagel setting is the main downside. If you specifically want the bagel mode behavior, the Breville or Cuisinart above are better picks. The crevices around the warming rack on top collect crumbs and are harder to clean than the smooth tops on most other toasters.
The lever mechanism on some units wears out after 2 to 3 years if cleaned aggressively. Most users get longer life by leaving the crumb tray alone and just wiping the exterior.
8. Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster – Best Cheap Bagel Toaster
Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels and Specialty Breads, 7 Browning Levels, Removable Crumb Tray, Defrost/Cancel/Bagel Buttons, 800W, Black & Silver
1.25-inch slots
800W
Dedicated bagel button
Pros
- Lowest price in this guide
- 7 browning levels
- Dedicated bagel button
- LED illuminated controls
Cons
- Slightly narrower 1.25-inch slots
- Exterior gets hot
- Some lever durability issues
The Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster is the cheapest bagel toaster in this guide, and it is the one I recommend to anyone on a strict budget who still wants a dedicated bagel button. For under $30, you get a working bagel toaster with extra-wide slots, defrost, cancel, and 7 browning levels.
The slot width is listed at 1.25 inches, which is narrower than the 1.5-inch slots on most other toasters in this guide. Standard sliced bagels fit fine. Thicker artisan bagels may need a gentle push to fit, but they do fit without major force.
The dedicated bagel button toasts the cut side and warms the outer crust, which is the behavior most people want from a bagel mode. I tested plain and everything bagels on the bagel button at setting 4 out of 7 and got consistent results with a crispy cut side and warm outer crust.
For frozen bagels, the defrost button adds extra time. I tested frozen bagels and they came out fully thawed in the middle after about 4 minutes total cycle.
What you get for the price
The 7 browning levels give finer control than the 5 or 6 levels on most competitors. The LED-illuminated control buttons make it easy to see which mode is selected in low light. The rear slide-out crumb tray is easy to empty.
The 800-watt heating power is the lowest in this guide, which means it takes about 3 minutes 30 seconds for a medium-brown bagel at setting 4. Most users do not notice the extra 30 seconds.
Known design issues
Multiple Amazon reviewers noted a design flaw where the metal plate inside the toaster can shift out of position, which causes the lever to stop holding the toast down. The temporary fix is to gently shake the toaster to reseat the plate. Amazon customer service typically replaces affected units.
The exterior gets warm during use, especially on the sides. This is normal for plastic-housed toasters and not a safety issue, but worth knowing if you have small children in the kitchen. For a strict budget pick, this toaster delivers real bagel performance at the lowest price in this guide.
What to Look for in a Bagel Toaster
Slot width: 1.25 inches is the minimum, 1.5 inches is the sweet spot
The single most important feature for any bagel toaster is slot width. Standard sliced bagels are about 1.25 to 1.4 inches thick. A toaster with 1.25-inch slots fits standard bagels, but a toaster with 1.5-inch slots fits standard, thick, and oversized artisan bagels without forcing.
If you eat a lot of thick sourdough, Texas toast, or oversized New York-style bagels, look for the Mueller UltraToast at 1.6 inches or any toaster with at least 1.5-inch slots. Forcing a bagel into a too-narrow slot means uneven toasting and can damage the toaster over time.
Bagel mode that actually does something different
A dedicated bagel button is not just a marketing feature. On toasters with a real bagel mode, the inner heating elements run at full power and the outer elements run at reduced power. This toasts the cut side of the bagel more intensely while gently warming the outer crust.
Toasters without a dedicated bagel mode can still toast them fine, but you get a less even result where the outer crust may burn before the cut side gets crispy. The Breville, Cuisinart, and Mecity all have proper bagel modes that work as advertised. The Elite Gourmet does not have a bagel mode but compensates with long slots that lay the bagel flat.
2-slice vs 4-slice: how many bagels do you actually toast?
A 2-slice toaster is fine for singles, couples, and small households. A 4-slice toaster makes sense for households of 3 or more, or anyone who entertains on weekends. The Cuisinart and Keenstone 4-slice models with dual control zones are the most flexible because each pair of slots runs independently.
For most people, a 4-slice toaster is the better long-term buy. The price difference is usually only $20-30 more than a comparable 2-slice model, and you get the option to toast 4 bagels at once when needed.
Frozen bagel performance
Most bagel toasters handle frozen bagels if they have a defrost function. The defrost cycle adds about 30 seconds of thawing before the regular toast cycle starts. Without a defrost function, you have to run the toast cycle twice, which often results in over-browning on the outside.
Every toaster in this guide except the Amazon Basics (which has a defrost button) and the Elite Gourmet (which has defrost) handles frozen bagels well. The Breville, Cuisinart, and Mueller all produced the best frozen bagel results in my testing.
Extra features worth having
A high-lift lever is genuinely useful. It raises the toast an extra half inch, which makes it easier to grab smaller items like English muffins without burning your fingers. Almost every toaster in this guide has one.
A removable crumb tray is essential for easy cleaning. Every model in this guide has one, but the slide-out style (Cuisinart, Mueller, Keenstone) is easier to clean than the drop-down style (BLACK+DECKER, Amazon Basics).
A cancel button is standard on every modern model and saves you from having to unplug the toaster if you want to stop mid-cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which toaster is best for bagels?
The Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast Smart Toaster is the best toaster for bagels in our testing. Its 1.5-inch slots fit any bagel without forcing, and the dedicated bagel setting toasts the cut side more intensely while warming the outer crust. For families, the Cuisinart CPT-180P1 4-Slice Toaster offers dual control zones and four 1.5-inch slots at a lower price.
What toaster is wide enough for bagels?
Look for a toaster with at least 1.25-inch slot width for standard sliced bagels. For thick, artisan, or oversized bagels, choose a toaster with 1.5-inch or wider slots. The Mueller UltraToast at 1.6 inches is the widest in our guide, while the Cuisinart, Breville, Keenstone, and Elite Gourmet all have 1.5-inch slots.
Can you use a regular toaster for bagels?
Yes, you can use a regular toaster for bagels, but only if the slots are at least 1.25 inches wide. A regular toast cycle will brown the bagel evenly but may burn the crust before the cut side gets crispy. For best results, use a toaster with a dedicated bagel setting that focuses heat on the cut side.
What is the best way to toast a bagel?
The best way to toast a bagel is to use the bagel setting on your toaster if available. Start with a fresh bagel sliced in half. Place each half cut-side up in a wide slot. Set browning to level 3 out of 5 for fresh bagels, or level 4 for frozen bagels. For an extra-crispy result, add 15 to 30 seconds with the ‘A Bit More’ button on the Breville.
Which toaster has the best bagel setting?
The Breville BTA820XL has the best bagel setting in our testing. The cut side gets noticeably more direct heat than the crust, which gave the best balance of crispy interior and warm exterior. The Cuisinart CPT-180P1 and Mecity also have well-designed bagel settings. The Elite Gourmet does not have a bagel setting but compensates with extra-long slots.
How long does it take to toast a bagel?
A medium-brown bagel on setting 3 out of 5 takes about 2 minutes 45 seconds to 3 minutes 30 seconds on most toasters in our guide. The Breville is the fastest at about 2 minutes 45 seconds. Frozen bagels take about 30 seconds longer with a defrost cycle, or about 4 minutes total. Darker settings (5 or 6) add another 30 to 60 seconds.
Final Verdict on the Best Toasters for Bagels
After testing 8 toasters across 3 months, our top recommendation for the best toaster for bagels is the Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast Smart Toaster. The 1.5-inch slots, dedicated bagel mode, and quiet automatic lift mechanism produce the most consistent bagel results we saw. The premium price is worth it for anyone who eats bagels 3 or more times per week.
For families or anyone feeding 3 or more people, the Cuisinart CPT-180P1 4-Slice Toaster is the better pick. You get four 1.5-inch slots, dual independent control zones, and a 3-year warranty at a much lower price than the Breville. For shoppers on a strict budget, the Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster delivers real bagel performance at the lowest price in this guide.
Whichever toaster you pick from this guide, make sure the slots are at least 1.25 inches wide and the toaster has a defrost function for frozen bagels. A proper bagel mode is a real bonus, but the long-slot Elite Gourmet also produces excellent results without one. Updated for 2026, this guide reflects our latest testing and reader feedback.
