Toasters

When it comes to purchasing a toaster , ask yourself what you want to toast. If you are a person who just likes toasted items, such as a bagel or a pop tart, a standard pop-up toaster  is for you. One important to remember when making a toaster purchase is that the slots are wide enough to toast a bagel (you don't want it to get stuck and burn do you?).   If you want your toaster to be more functional, you may want to look for a toaster oven as it can do many of the same things your oven does just for smaller quantities of food.  If you are looking for a space saving appliance or the most stylish piece of equipment, many toasters are designed to have a retro feel and are small enough that they don't take up all of your counter space.

If you are looking for a toaster oven, check this buying guide.

Toaster Types

Standard	Professional Toaster	Toaster Oven
Usually these come in plastic or metal and they can fit from 2 to 6 slices. Available in basic finishes like white and chrome, or in more colorful options. (Above: Hamilton Beach  toaster in green.)	Heavy-duty die-cast aluminum pro toasters can weigh a lot and cost a lot, but they will make beautiful toast.	The alternative to the standard toaster for baking, cooking and toasting.

Features to Look For

• Slots: 2 slots saves space, but 4 slots saves time, especially in a large household.
• Deep slots up to 5.5" deep for toasting all types of bread, even baguettes.
• A bread lift is essential and usually standard. It's what pushes the toast up out of the toaster.
• Bagel setting allows you to toast only one side of the bagel.
• Adjustable Temperature: Temperature settings should range from defrost to high to get a variety of toasting speeds and intensities.
• Cleaning: A sliding crumb tray is an easy way to keep the countertop crumb free.
• Extras: A cord wrap will keep an unruly cord under wraps.
• Automatic shut-off is a UL standard required safety feature.

If you are absolutely incapable of making up your mind, Hamilton Beach  makes a toaster/toaster oven, which satisfies all toasting and small oven needs. Keep in mind though, if one part breaks, then you are left with a bulky machine that only does half the job.

One word of advice, always unplug the toaster before attempting to pry anything out.

Related Products

Toaster Ovens	Waffle Makers	Indoor Grills	Sandwich Makers	Microwaves