5 Best Toaster Brands to Buy in 2026

For families facing the morning rush, the Mueller UltraToast 4 Slice arrives as a clever kitchen solution, tackling the common pain point of waiting in line for toast. Its extra-wide, long slots are a game-changer, easily accommodating everything from thick Texas toast to oversized bagels, ensuring everyone gets their breakfast quickly and evenly browned thanks to intelligent heating technology. The sleek stainless steel finish adds a touch of sophistication, making it a welcome addition to any countertop.

This Mueller UltraToast performs admirably in real-world scenarios, particularly when dealing with diverse bread types and busy mornings. The 6 browning levels offer precise control, while the LED display provides clear feedback. We found the self-centering guides effective at ensuring uniform toasting across different slice thicknesses. While its larger footprint is ideal for feeding a crowd, it’s worth noting it occupies more counter space compared to compact 2-slice models.

Positioned as a powerhouse for larger households, the Mueller UltraToast 4 Slice stands out from smaller units like the Cuisinart CPT-122 or Oster B08FBLRGNS by doubling capacity and offering specialized long slots. While it doesn’t have the multi-functionality of the BLACK+DECKER Toaster Oven B00GGFHH4U, it excels at its primary task: high-volume, consistent toasting. It offers significantly more capacity and specialized features than most standard 2-slice toasters at a competitive point.

The Cuisinart CPT-122 presents itself as an uncomplicated, budget-friendly option for those seeking a reliable basic toaster without the fuss. Its compact design is a major plus for smaller kitchens or limited counter space, directly addressing clutter concerns. With 1.5-inch wide slots and a 7-setting shade dial, it provides the core functionality needed for everyday toasting and bagels, making simple mornings easy.

In practical use, the Cuisinart CPT-122 handles standard toast and bagels competently. The high-lift carriage is a useful feature for safely retrieving smaller items like English muffins. While the 7 shade settings offer decent control, results can sometimes vary slightly compared to models with more advanced sensors. Its primary strength lies in its straightforward operation and minimal footprint, perfect for essential toasting tasks.

Compared to feature-rich models like the Oster B08FBLRGNS or the higher-capacity Mueller UltraToast 4 Slice, the Cuisinart CPT-122 is intentionally simpler and more affordable. It lacks specialized functions like frozen or reheat buttons found on other units but compensates with its unbeatable value and space-saving design. For users who need a reliable toaster for basic needs without extra bells and whistles, this Cuisinart delivers essential performance efficiently.

The Oster B08FBLRGNS aims to deliver consistent, high-quality results with its Advanced Toast Technology, promising uniform browning every time. Wrapped in a stylish stainless-steel finish, it adds a modern touch to your kitchen while handling everyday toast needs. Its versatile extra-wide slots are designed to tackle everything from thin bread slices to thicker bagels, solving the frustration of unevenly toasted or stuck items.

Testing the Oster B08FBLRGNS reveals its focus on reliable performance. The Bagel and Frozen settings automatically adjust toasting times, providing tailored results for these specific items. The convenient lift lever is helpful for extracting smaller pieces without hassle. While the “Advanced Toast Technology” contributes to consistent results, it doesn’t offer the same level of granular control as models with more browning levels or digital displays.

Positioned in the mid-range segment, the Oster B08FBLRGNS offers a step up in features and build quality compared to basic models like the Cuisinart CPT-122. It directly competes with the BLACK+DECKER T2569B by offering similar extra-wide slots and specialized settings. The Oster’s emphasis on consistent results and durable stainless steel construction provides a solid balance of performance and aesthetics, offering more features than entry-level options without the complexity of higher-end units.

The BLACK+DECKER T2569B is a straightforward, compact toaster designed to fit easily into smaller kitchens while offering more versatility than basic models. Its extra-wide toasting slots are a key feature, accommodating thicker breads and bagels that narrower slots can’t handle, resolving the common issue of squashed or partially toasted items. With 850 watts of power and essential functions, it promises quick, precise results for daily use.

In practical testing, the BLACK+DECKER T2569B performs reliably for standard toasting tasks. The Frozen and Bagel buttons automatically adjust the cycle, simplifying operation for these specific needs. The slide-out crumb tray makes cleaning maintenance easy. While its 6 shade settings provide adequate control, performance is comparable to other 2-slice models in its class, offering dependable if not exceptional speed.

As a compact and functional 2-slice option, the BLACK+DECKER T2569B competes directly with models like the Cuisinart CPT-122 and Oster B08FBLRGNS. It offers similar extra-wide slot capability to the Oster but with slightly fewer shade settings than the Cuisinart. Its combination of compact size, extra-wide slots, and specialized functions provides a solid balance of features for its category, standing out as a capable option for those prioritizing space and versatility in a 2-slice unit.

The BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven isn’t just a toaster; it’s a compact multi-functional appliance designed to maximize utility in limited kitchen space. It uniquely offers four versatile cooking functions—Bake, Broil, Toast, and Keep Warm—going far beyond the capabilities of standard slot toasters. This makes it an ideal solution for users who need more than just toast, tackling small baking or broiling tasks efficiently.

This BLACK+DECKER Toaster Oven excels in scenarios where flexibility is key. While it can toast up to four slices of bread, its strength lies in handling small batches of cookies, heating leftovers, or broiling open-faced sandwiches, easily accommodating a 9-inch pizza. The 30-minute timer with stay-on option offers precise control, though toasting results for standard slices can sometimes be less uniform compared to dedicated slot toasters designed specifically for that task.

Unlike the slot toasters in this lineup, such as the Mueller UltraToast 4 Slice or the Oster B08FBLRGNS, the BLACK+DECKER Toaster Oven is a different class of appliance, offering broader utility over specialized toasting perfection. While the Mueller UltraToast focuses on high-volume, consistent slot toasting, this oven provides baking and broiling capabilities the others lack. It offers significantly more cooking versatility than any standard slot toaster, positioning it as a value-packed mini-oven for diverse cooking needs.