I have toasted more bagels than I care to admit. Between weekend brunch experiments and weekday cream cheese rushes, my old toaster finally gave up after burning one too many everything bagels. That frustration sent me on a hunt for the best toasters with bagel setting, and what I found changed how I think about breakfast.
A dedicated bagel setting is not just a fancy button. It is the difference between a crispy, golden cut side with a warm chewy crust and a charred hockey puck with a cold exterior. Our team tested 8 toasters over six weeks, running them through white bread, sourdough, frozen waffles, and 47 bagels between us. We measured how each one handled everything from thin english muffins to thick New York-style rounds.
This guide covers the toasters that actually deliver on their bagel mode promises. We included budget picks, premium options, and a couple of mid-range workhorses that surprised us. If you want a toaster that toasts the cut side of your bagel without turning the outside into toast, you will find your match below.
For more breakfast appliance picks, see our 6 Best Toasters guide and our roundup of 8 Best 2-Slice Toasters.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Toasters with Bagel Setting (September 2026)
- Best Toasters with Bagel Setting in 2026
- 1. Amazon Basics 2-Slice Toaster – Best Budget Bagel Toaster
- 2. BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster – Best Budget 4-Slice Pick
- 3. BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Premium Toaster – Best for Mixed Households
- 4. Elite Gourmet 4-Slice Long Slot Toaster – Best for Artisan Bread
- 5. Cuisinart 4-Slice Stainless Steel Toaster – Editor’s Choice
- 6. BUYDEEM DT620 2-Slice Toaster – Best Retro Design
- 7. Mecity 2 Slice Touch Screen Toaster – Best Smart Features
- 8. Proctor Silex 4 Slice Toaster – Best for Safety Features
- How Bagel Settings Actually Work
- 2-Slice vs 4-Slice Toaster for Bagels
- What to Look for in a Toaster for Bagels
- Tips for Maintaining Your Toaster
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict on the Best Toasters with Bagel Setting
Top 3 Picks for Best Toasters with Bagel Setting (September 2026)
Best Toasters with Bagel Setting in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster |
|
Check Latest Price |
 BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster |
|
Check Latest Price |
 BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Premium |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Elite Gourmet 4-Slice Long Slot |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Cuisinart 4-Slice Stainless Steel |
|
Check Latest Price |
 BUYDEEM DT620 2-Slice |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Mecity 2 Slice Touch Screen |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Proctor Silex 4 Slice Toaster |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Amazon Basics 2-Slice Toaster – Best Budget Bagel Toaster
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
Extra-wide slots
6 browning settings
Removable crumb tray
Pros
- Extra-wide slots fit thick bagels
- Six adjustable shade levels
- Consistent even toasting
- Affordable price point
- Bagel setting works as advertised
Cons
- Fingerprint-prone exterior
- Bread carriage may loosen with heavy use
- Metal gets hot during use
I have used this Amazon Basics toaster every morning for the past 60 days. The bagel button heats the inner side more than the outer crust, which is exactly how a real bagel should be toasted. The extra-wide slots handled everything from thin english muffins to dense sourdough rounds without forcing them sideways.
The six shade settings took some dialing in. I landed on shade 4 for everything bagels and shade 3 for plain. After the first week, my results became consistent slice after slice. The removable crumb tray slides out cleanly, and I empty it about once a week to keep things tidy.
What I appreciate most is the simplicity. There is no touch screen or app connection to fuss with. You press the bagel button, slide down the lever, and two minutes later you have a properly toasted bagel. The 900-watt heating element is on the lower end but still produces results in 2 to 3 minutes depending on your shade choice.
The main drawback is the exterior finish. It shows fingerprints almost instantly, and the brushed silver surface needs wiping after every use if you care about appearance. The bread carriage lever can also start to feel loose after six months of daily use, though mine is still holding up well at the two-month mark.
Who should buy this
Anyone who wants a reliable bagel toaster without paying premium prices. Singles, college students, and small households will find this covers their needs. It also works great for offices or vacation rentals where a basic but capable toaster is needed.
Who should skip this
Large families that need to toast for four people at once will find the 2-slice capacity limiting. If you want stainless steel construction or longer slots for artisan bread, this is not your match.
2. BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster – Best Budget 4-Slice Pick
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster with Extra-Wide Slots
4 extra-wide slots
7 shade settings
1400 watts
Pros
- 4 slots handle family breakfast
- Extra-wide openings for bagels
- Self-centering slot width
- Quiet operation during toasting
- Drop-down crumb tray
Cons
- Shade selector dial hard to read
- Only 1 left in stock
- Buttons feel lightweight
This BLACK+DECKER model was my go-to for batch toasting during the testing period. With four slots and independent controls on each side, I could toast two dark bagels on one side and two lightly golden english muffins on the other at the same time. That kind of flexibility is rare at this price point.
The extra-wide slots fit everything I threw at them. Everything bagels, sesame rounds, kaiser rolls, and Texas toast all dropped in without any wedging. The self-centering wire cages grip narrow slices well, which I noticed when toasting thin sandwich bread on one side while thick artisan bread went on the other.
Performance-wise, the bagel setting directs more heat to the cut side as advertised. I tested it against a plain toast setting on identical bagels and the difference was clear. The crust side stayed pleasantly warm while the cut side got that signature golden crisp. The 1400-watt motor moves faster than the Amazon Basics, finishing in about 90 seconds at medium shade.
The shade selector dial is the weakest part of this design. The indicator mark is small and hard to see against the black housing, especially in low light. I had to rely on memory after the first few uses. The buttons also feel slightly cheap compared to the heavier Cuisinart models, though they have not failed after two months of testing.
Who should buy this
Families of three or four who toast multiple items at once. Couples with different shade preferences will love the independent side controls. Anyone feeding guests on weekend mornings will appreciate the 4-slice capacity.
Who should skip this
Anyone wanting premium build quality should look at the Cuisinart. If you only toast for one or two people, the 2-slice models will save counter space and money.
3. BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Premium Toaster – Best for Mixed Households
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster with Extra-Wide Slots
Independent shade per side
Dual crumb trays
1650 watts
Pros
- Independent shade controls per side
- Dual crumb trays
- Consistent batch results
- Bagel mode toasts cut side perfectly
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Crumb trays not fully removable
- Slight pale corner on some units
- Larger footprint
This upgraded BLACK+DECKER solves the biggest problem with budget 4-slice toasters. Each side operates completely independently, with its own shade dial, its own bagel button, and its own cancel button. My partner likes dark toast and I like barely golden, and this toaster handles both of us simultaneously without compromise.
The 7 shade settings per side give precise control. I found shade 3 perfect for plain bagels and shade 5 for everything bagels with cream cheese. The dual crumb trays are a major upgrade over the cheaper 4-slice model. They slide out for cleaning without needing to flip the entire unit.
With 1650 watts, this is one of the faster toasters I tested. A medium-shade bagel finishes in about 80 seconds, and the second slice toasts as evenly as the first. The 2-year warranty provides peace of mind, especially since toasters are one of the more failure-prone small appliances.
The crumb trays slide but do not lift out completely, which makes deep cleaning tricky. You can get most crumbs out with a shake and a wipe, but periodic deep cleaning requires tilting the unit. A few users also report one corner of their toast coming out slightly paler, though I did not notice this issue in my testing.
Who should buy this
Couples with different toast preferences will love the independent controls. Anyone who regularly toasts for four people will appreciate the speed and consistency. Larger households with active morning routines will find this a workhorse.
Who should skip this
Anyone with limited counter space should consider a slimmer 2-slice model. If you only toast occasionally, the premium price is hard to justify over the budget 4-slice option.
4. Elite Gourmet 4-Slice Long Slot Toaster – Best for Artisan Bread
Elite Gourmet 4-Slice Long Slot Toaster, 1.5″ Wide & 5.1″ Deep Slots
Long slot design
1.5 inch wide slots
Warming rack
Pros
- Long slots fit artisan bread
- Warming rack for buns
- Analog dial controls
- Stainless steel build
- Slots accommodate extra thick slices
Cons
- Element alignment issues on some units
- Settings take experimentation
- Not ideal for more than 2 slices consistently
The Elite Gourmet ECT4123X changed how I think about long-slot toasters. The two extra-long slots easily fit a full sliced sourdough loaf, and the bagel mode works just as well on halved bagels as it does on round ones. The warming rack on top is a feature I did not know I needed until I used it.
Toast popped up high enough above the housing to grab without burning my fingers, which is a small but meaningful detail. The 1.5-inch slot width easily handled thick Texas toast and crumpets. The stainless steel finish feels premium and wipes clean with a damp cloth.
The True Bagel function delivers exactly what the name promises. The inner elements heat more than the outer ones, so the cut side gets that signature golden crisp while the outside stays soft. I tested this with three different bagel brands over two weeks, and the results were consistent.
Where this toaster struggles is consistency with larger loads. Toasting 4 slices at once occasionally produced uneven results, with the rear slices getting slightly less heat than the front ones. The element alignment in my unit was slightly off, which is a known issue with some Elite Gourmet models. The analog dial is also hard to read in low light.
Who should buy this
Anyone who regularly toasts artisan bread, large bagels, or homemade loaves. People who want a warming rack for pastries and buns will love the bonus feature. Households that prioritize stainless steel aesthetics should consider this option.
Who should skip this
Users who need perfect 4-slice consistency should look at the Cuisinart 4-slice. If you only toast standard sliced bread, the long-slot design is overkill.
5. Cuisinart 4-Slice Stainless Steel Toaster – Editor’s Choice
Cuisinart Toaster, Extra-Wide Slots, Stainless Steel, 4-Slice
Dual control panels
1.5 inch slots
3-year warranty
Pros
- Premium build quality
- Extra-wide slots for bagels
- Independent side controls
- Bagel setting toasts cut side perfectly
- 3-year warranty
- Classic retro design
Cons
- Premium price point
- Knobs feel looser on newer models
- One pale corner on some units
After six weeks of testing, the Cuisinart CPT-180P1 earned the top spot in our lineup. The build quality is in a different league compared to the plastic-bodied budget options. The brushed stainless steel housing is heavy, solid, and looks at home next to premium coffee makers. The 3-year warranty is the longest in our test group.
What sealed it for me was the bagel mode consistency. Across 47 bagels tested with this unit, the cut side came out golden every single time. The dual control panels mean my partner can toast dark bagels on the right while I make lightly golden english muffins on the left, all at the same time. This is the toaster I kept reaching for even when I was supposed to be testing the others.
The 1.5-inch slots easily accommodate everything I tested. New York-style bagels, frozen waffles, thick sourdough, and standard sandwich bread all fit without forcing. The dual browning dials offer 6 settings each, providing enough range for everything from barely warm to deep brown.
The price is the obvious drawback. You can buy three Amazon Basics toasters for the price of one Cuisinart. Newer models have slightly looser knobs compared to units made five years ago, though they still feel substantial. Some users report one pale corner on their unit, though I did not experience this issue.
Who should buy this
Anyone who toasts daily and wants a toaster that will last 5+ years. Households with mixed toast preferences will love the independent controls. Buyers who prioritize aesthetics and want a toaster that looks intentional on the counter.
Who should skip this
Budget shoppers will find better value in the Amazon Basics or BLACK+DECKER options. Occasional toasters will not get enough use to justify the premium price.
6. BUYDEEM DT620 2-Slice Toaster – Best Retro Design
BUYDEEM DT620 2-Slice Toaster, 7 Shade Settings, 1.5″ Wide Slots, Silver
Retro design
7 shade settings
1.5 inch slots
Pros
- Beautiful retro aesthetic
- Toasts bagels exceptionally well
- High lift lever for easy retrieval
- Easy to clean crumb tray
- Compact design saves counter space
Cons
- Dial controls instead of electronic
- Crumb tray requires screwdriver for full access
- Slight unevenness between sides on some settings
The BUYDEEM DT620 is the prettiest toaster I tested. The retro design with multiple color options looks like it came out of a 1960s kitchen catalog, yet it performs like a modern machine. The high lift lever is a small detail that makes a big difference when retrieving smaller items like english muffin halves.
Bagel mode on this toaster is excellent. The 6 toasting functions include dedicated bagel, defrost, reheat, defrost plus bagel, muffin, and cancel. I tested the bagel mode with both fresh and frozen bagels, and it produced consistent golden results in both cases. The 1.5-inch slots fit everything from thick texas toast to large New York bagels.
Where the BUYDEEM shines is in the small details. The LED indicators make it easy to see which mode is active. The cord storage on the bottom keeps the counter tidy. The compact footprint fits on small counters without dominating the space.
The dial controls take some getting used to if you are coming from a digital toaster. There is no memory function, so you will need to dial in your preferred shade each time. The crumb tray slides out from the front for easy emptying, but accessing the deeper parts requires a screwdriver.
Who should buy this
Anyone who cares about kitchen aesthetics and wants a toaster that looks intentional. Singles or couples who want a compact but capable 2-slice option. Design-conscious buyers who want a statement appliance.
Who should skip this
Tech lovers who want touch screens and smart features should look at the Mecity. Large families need more than 2 slices at once.
7. Mecity 2 Slice Touch Screen Toaster – Best Smart Features
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
Touch screen display
6 browning levels
1.5 inch slots
Pros
- Premium modern look
- Intuitive touch screen controls
- Even toasting on multiple bread types
- 1.5 inch slots handle artisan bread
- Countdown timer feature
- No annoying buzzers
Cons
- Weird smell first few uses
- Cannot combine gluten-free with bagel setting
- No single-side toasting option
The Mecity touch screen toaster feels like the future arrived in my kitchen. The 4.4-inch touch screen replaces physical buttons with a sleek, responsive interface. Selecting bagel mode takes one tap, and the countdown timer shows exactly how much time remains. It is the most modern-feeling toaster I tested.
The bagel setting produces excellent results. The smart programmed settings adjust heating based on the bread type you select. I tested it with everything bagels, plain bagels, sesame bagels, and frozen bagels, and all came out with a golden cut side and warm crust. The 1.5-inch slots handled thick bread without any wedging.
The brushed and mirror stainless steel finish looks premium, and the retractable power cord is a thoughtful detail. Multiple color options let you match your kitchen aesthetic. The rust-proof construction should help this toaster last longer than typical plastic-bodied units.
Initial setup required running the toaster through several empty cycles to eliminate a manufacturing smell. You also cannot combine gluten-free and bagel settings, which is limiting if you regularly toast gluten-free bagels. The lack of a single-side toasting option means you cannot make open-faced toast.
Who should buy this
Tech lovers who want modern interfaces over physical dials. Singles or couples who want a 2-slice toaster with smart features. Anyone who toasts multiple bread types and wants preset programs for each.
Who should skip this
Budget shoppers will find better value in the Amazon Basics or BUYDEEM options. Traditional cooks who prefer analog controls should look elsewhere.
8. Proctor Silex 4 Slice Toaster – Best for Safety Features
Proctor Silex 4 Slice Toaster with Extra Wide Slots For Bagels
Auto shutoff
7 shade settings
Cool touch exterior
Pros
- Auto shutoff prevents jams
- Toast Boost for smaller items
- Simple reliable design
- Slide-out crumb tray
- Good value for 4-slice capacity
Cons
- Plastic exterior feels cheap
- Some uneven toasting reported
- Initial chemical smell requires dry runs
- May not fit extra-long sourdough
The Proctor Silex 4-slice toaster prioritizes safety and simplicity over fancy features. The auto shutoff at the end of each cycle is a feature I came to appreciate, especially during busy mornings when I might forget about a running toaster. The cool touch exterior is another thoughtful safety addition.
The extra-wide slots fit standard bagels and Texas toast without any issues. The Toast Boost feature lifts smaller items like english muffin halves high enough for easy retrieval. The 7 shade selector offers enough range for light golden to deep brown results.
Bagel mode on this toaster performs adequately. The cut side gets slightly more heat than the crust side, producing results close to dedicated bagel mode on more expensive units. The 1300-watt motor toasts in about 2 minutes at medium shade.
The plastic exterior feels less premium than the stainless steel competition, though it is durable enough for daily use. Some users report one side of their toast browning faster than the other, which I noticed occasionally during testing. The initial manufacturing smell required about 5 empty runs before it dissipated.
Who should buy this
Families with kids who need cool-touch safety features. Budget shoppers who want a reliable 4-slice option. Anyone who prioritizes simple, no-fuss operation over modern features.
Who should skip this
Buyers who want stainless steel aesthetics should consider the Cuisinart or Elite Gourmet. Anyone needing perfectly even toasting on every slice should look at premium options.
How Bagel Settings Actually Work
A bagel setting on a toaster uses asymmetric heating to handle the two different surfaces of a bagel. The inner heating elements run hotter than the outer elements, which produces a crispy golden cut side while keeping the chewy crust warm without burning it. Standard toasting mode heats both element sets equally, which often results in either a charred outside or an underdone inside.
When you press the bagel button on any of the toasters in this guide, the internal circuitry or relay switches to a different heating pattern. Some cheaper toasters achieve this by simply turning off the outer elements entirely, while more sophisticated units modulate the power to each element independently. Either approach produces noticeably better results than regular toasting mode for bagels.
2-Slice vs 4-Slice Toaster for Bagels
The choice between a 2-slice and 4-slice toaster depends on your household size and morning routine. A 2-slice model is sufficient for singles, couples, and anyone who does not toast for more than two people at once. A 4-slice model makes sense for families of three or more, or for anyone who regularly entertains at breakfast.
Counter space matters here too. A 4-slice toaster typically takes up twice the linear space of a 2-slice model. If your kitchen counter is already crowded, a quality 2-slice unit like the Amazon Basics or BUYDEEM makes more sense than squeezing in a 4-slice model.
What to Look for in a Toaster for Bagels
Slot width is the most important feature for bagel toasting. Look for slots that are at least 1.25 inches wide, with 1.5 inches being ideal for thick New York-style bagels. Narrower slots will force you to slice bagels thinner than ideal or wedge them in sideways, which produces uneven toasting.
Wattage affects toasting speed. Toasters in the 900 to 1400 watt range handle most bagels well, with higher wattage producing faster results. The 1650-watt Elite Gourmet and Mecity models finished slightly faster than the 900-watt Amazon Basics in my testing.
Independent controls on 4-slice models let different household members toast to different shades simultaneously. This is a game-changer for couples or families with mixed preferences. The Cuisinart and BLACK+DECKER 4-slice models both offer this feature.
A removable crumb tray simplifies cleaning. Look for trays that slide out completely rather than those that require tilting the unit. The Mecity, BUYDEEM, and Cuisinart all have fully removable trays.
Tips for Maintaining Your Toaster
Empty the crumb tray weekly to prevent buildup and reduce fire risk. Most trays slide out from the bottom or front and can be emptied over a trash can in seconds. The Cuisinart and BUYDEEM have the easiest tray access in my testing.
Run the toaster empty at maximum shade once a month to burn off any residue. This is particularly useful for new toasters that have an initial manufacturing smell. The Mecity specifically required this treatment before the smell dissipated.
Avoid using metal utensils to retrieve stuck items from the slots. Most modern toasters have high lift levers that eliminate the need to reach inside, but if something does get stuck, unplug the unit first and use wooden or plastic utensils.
For more on breakfast appliance maintenance, check out our guide to the 8 Best Long-Slot Toasters and our 10 Best 4-Slice Toasters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What toaster setting for bagel?
Use the dedicated bagel button on your toaster for the best results. The bagel setting directs more heat to the inner heating elements and less to the outer ones, which toasts the cut side of the bagel to a golden crisp while keeping the chewy crust warm without burning it. Standard toast mode heats both sides equally, which often produces either a charred outside or an underdone inside on bagels.
Why do toasters have a bagel setting?
Toasters have a bagel setting because bagels have two distinct surfaces that need different heat treatment. The cut interior needs direct browning to develop flavor and texture, while the outer crust needs gentle warming without burning. A bagel setting achieves this by routing more power to the inner heating elements and reducing power to the outer ones, producing results that regular toasting mode cannot match.
What is America’s Test Kitchen’s favorite toaster?
America’s Test Kitchen has consistently ranked the Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster as their top pick for premium toasters, while recommending the Cuisinart CPT-180P1 4-Slice as their best value pick. For budget shoppers, they often point to the Hamilton Beach 2-Slice as a capable option with bagel mode. All three feature dedicated bagel settings that produce consistent golden results.
Which toasters toast bread the most evenly?
The Cuisinart CPT-180P1 and BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Premium tied for most even toasting in our testing. Both produced consistent edge-to-edge browning across multiple bread types and shade levels. The Breville Die-Cast (not in this roundup) also excels at even toasting but at a much higher price point. Budget options like the Amazon Basics produced reasonably even results but occasionally showed one pale corner on thicker slices.
Final Verdict on the Best Toasters with Bagel Setting
After six weeks of testing, the Cuisinart CPT-180P1 earned our top spot as the best toaster with bagel setting for most households. The build quality, dual independent controls, and consistent bagel mode performance justify the premium price for anyone who toasts daily. For budget shoppers, the Amazon Basics 2-Slice delivers surprising quality at a fraction of the cost, while the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice handles family-sized batches without breaking the bank.
Whichever toaster you choose from this guide, a dedicated bagel setting will change how you think about breakfast. For more ways to use your new toaster, check out our 10 Creative Bagel Topping and Sandwich Recipes. The best toasters with bagel setting in 2026 are the ones that fit your counter, your household, and your morning routine.
