6 Best Bagel Toasters to Buy in 2026

For the dedicated bagel enthusiast, the KitchenAid KMT2115 presents a purpose-built solution engineered to deliver that perfect chew-crisp balance. Its standout feature is the specialized bagel setting, which intelligently reduces power to the outer heating element by 50%, ensuring the cut side is expertly toasted while the outer crust remains gently warmed. This focus addresses a key pain point for bagel lovers: achieving ideal texture without over-drying the exterior.

Beyond its bagel prowess, this 2-slice unit handles a variety of bread types thanks to its extra-wide slots, accommodating everything from thick-cut loaves to English muffins. The adjustable shade control with five settings allows for precise browning preference, from lightly golden to deeply toasted. A high-lift lever is a thoughtful addition, making it effortless to retrieve smaller items without resorting to kitchen utensils.

Compared to a more versatile option like the GE 2-Slice Toaster, the KitchenAid KMT2115’s strength lies specifically in its dedicated bagel function rather than just relying on wide slots. While the GE offers 7 shade settings for broader flexibility, the KitchenAid’s targeted bagel mode provides a potentially superior result for its namesake. It positions itself as a premium choice for those who prioritize optimal bagel toasting over maximum shade adjustability or general versatility.

The GE 2-Slice Stainless Steel Toaster is a versatile workhorse designed for everyday kitchen needs, particularly excelling with its extra-wide 1.38″ slots that confidently handle bagels, thick breads, and waffles. With 7 adjustable shade settings, it offers more granular control over browning compared to models with fewer options, catering to a wider range of preferences from a light crisp to a dark, robust toast. This adaptability makes it a solid foundation for diverse breakfast routines.

Performance-wise, this 850-watt unit aims for even and consistent toasting across the surface of the bread or bagel half. The wide slots ensure thicker items aren’t compressed, allowing heat to circulate effectively. While it lacks a dedicated bagel-specific heating mode like the KitchenAid KMT2115, its generous slot size and multiple shade settings still allow for effective bagel preparation. The removable crumb tray simplifies cleanup, a practical feature for busy households.

Positioned as a highly flexible 2-slice option, the GE toaster competes well against models like the Hamilton Beach 22794, offering a similar suite of features including wide slots and multiple shade settings. Its 7 shade levels provide slightly more customization than the Hamilton Beach’s 7 shades which might feel similar, though the GE lacks the Hamilton Beach’s ‘Toast Boost’ lever. It serves as a reliable, feature-rich choice for users who need broad toasting capability without specializing in one bread type.

The Mueller UltraToast 4-Slice Toaster stands out as a robust, high-capacity solution ideal for busy households and those who enjoy artisan or longer breads alongside bagels. Its extra-wide 1.6-inch and long slots are a major advantage, effortlessly accommodating thick bagel halves or lengthy slices that standard toasters struggle with. The inclusion of Cancel, Defrost, and Reheat functions, alongside intelligent heating technology, aims to provide consistent, reliable results across various bread types.

This model offers precise control with six browning levels managed via sleek touch buttons and an informative LED display. The self-centering slot guides ensure even heat distribution, critical for uniform toasting on bagels and other items. Its 4-slice capacity makes it significantly more efficient for families compared to 2-slice units like the GE or KitchenAid models. The brushed stainless steel finish adds a touch of durability and modern aesthetic to the kitchen.

Compared to the Elite Gourmet ECT4123, another long-slot 4-slice option, the Mueller boasts slightly wider slots (1.6″ vs 1.5″) and features like memory recall and an LED display, offering a more feature-rich user experience. While both handle large items well, the Mueller positions itself as the more technologically advanced and user-friendly option for families needing capacity and precision. It’s a strong contender for those seeking a blend of size, features, and reliable performance for diverse toasting needs.

The Elite Gourmet ECT1027B positions itself as an exceptionally budget-friendly 2-slice toaster, offering core functionality without the hefty price tag. Despite its affordability, it features extra-wide 1.25″ slots, making it capable of handling thicker items like bagels, waffles, and specialty breads that wouldn’t fit in standard slots. This wide slot design directly addresses the need for versatility, crucial for users who toast more than just sliced bread.

With 6 browning levels, this compact unit provides adequate control over toast shade, though fewer options than some pricier models like the GE (7 shades). Its cool-touch exterior enhances safety, a valuable feature especially in smaller living spaces. The self-centering guides are a welcome addition, promoting more even toasting results on bagel halves or bread slices. Cleanup is simplified with a swing-out crumb tray.

In direct comparison to other 2-slice toasters like the Hamilton Beach 22794 or GE B08NWGNQPS, the Elite Gourmet ECT1027B offers a significantly lower barrier to entry in terms of cost. While it lacks advanced features like dedicated bagel settings (KitchenAid) or toast boost (Hamilton Beach), its fundamental ability to toast bagels and other thick items via wide slots, combined with basic shade control and safety features, makes it a practical and accessible choice for students, small apartments, or anyone prioritizing value.

The Hamilton Beach 22794 is a feature-packed 2-slice toaster designed to make toasting various bread types, including bagels, incredibly convenient. Its extra-wide slots easily accommodate thicker items, while the dedicated bagel setting provides a specific function for toasting the cut side while warming the crust. This combination of wide slots and a targeted mode offers a balanced approach to bagel preparation.

A particularly useful feature is the Toast Boost lever, which lifts smaller items like English muffins higher for easier retrieval, preventing burnt fingertips. With 7 toast shades, it offers a good range of browning options, comparable to the GE 2-Slice Toaster. The inclusion of Defrost and Cancel functions adds further operational flexibility, making it suitable for more than just basic toasting tasks.

Positioned as a solid mid-range option, the Hamilton Beach 22794 offers a compelling blend of features compared to both simpler models and more specialized ones. While the KitchenAid KMT2115 focuses solely on the bagel setting, the Hamilton Beach provides that plus the convenience of Toast Boost and defrost. It stands out against the GE B08NWGNQPS by adding the dedicated bagel button and Toast Boost, making it a potentially more convenient choice for users who frequently toast bagels and smaller items alike.

The Elite Gourmet ECT4123 is built for volume and variety, featuring two extra-long and wide slots that can accommodate up to four standard slices or large, uncut bagel halves and artisan breads that simply won’t fit in conventional toasters. The impressive 10″ length and 1.5″ width of the slots make this unit a game-changer for toasting larger items. It includes dedicated Bagel, Defrost, and Reheat functions for tailored toasting cycles.

With 6 adjustable toasting levels, users can select their preferred shade, though it offers slightly fewer options than the GE or Hamilton Beach 2-slice models. The true bagel function aims to toast the inside while warming the outside, similar in concept to the KitchenAid’s specialized mode, but applied across a much larger toasting area. This capacity and slot design make it highly efficient for families or individuals who regularly toast multiple items or large bread types.

When compared to the Mueller UltraToast, another long-slot 4-slice competitor, the Elite Gourmet ECT4123 offers slightly narrower slots (1.5″ vs 1.6″) and lacks features like an LED display or memory recall. However, its deep 5.1″ slots are notable for fitting extra-long slices. It presents a more straightforward, high-capacity option for those whose primary need is fitting large quantities and dimensions of bread and bagels, prioritizing size and core functions over advanced digital interfaces.