Compact toasters are a must-have for people who live in small apartments, have limited counter space, or want to save space in their kitchen. These toasters are designed to be smaller than traditional toasters, making them perfect for those who need a toaster that doesn't take up too much room.
With so many compact toasters on the market, knowing which one to choose can be hard. That's why we've put together this blog post to help you find the best compact toaster for your needs.
Whether you're looking for a toaster with multiple functions, a wide slot toaster, or an easy-to-clean one, we've got you covered.
Read on to learn more about what to look for when choosing a compact toaster and which ones are the best.
How We've Made Our Selection
With all of the different options on the market, it's hard to know which one will work best for you. You want a product that will last, but you don't want to spend a fortune.
We've researched for you. Our editors have taken the time to learn about each product and its company so that we can recommend only the best options. We know that what works for one person may not work for everyone, so we've selected a variety of quality compact toasters that will meet your needs.
Top 5 Best Compact Toasters
1. Cuisinart Compact Toaster
The Cuisinart toaster is a well-designed and reliable compact toaster that is perfect for small kitchens or apartments. Its sleek and modern stainless steel design looks great on any countertop.
The toaster has a range of settings to help you achieve the perfect toasting level, including seven different shade options, a reheat, defrost, and a bagel setting. It also has a high lift lever that makes it easy to remove even small slices of bread or other items from the toaster.
The toaster has two extra-wide slots that can accommodate a variety of bread and baked goods, including thick bagels and English muffins. The slots are also self-centering, which ensures that your bread will be evenly toasted every time.
The toaster's compact size will only take up a little space on your countertop. However, it still has all the features to enjoy perfectly toasted bread and other breakfast items.
One thing to note is that the toaster's removable crumb tray is located at the bottom of the unit, which can be inconvenient when cleaning it. However, this is a minor issue that doesn't detract from the overall performance of the toaster.
What We Like
- Sleek and modern stainless steel design.
- Seven different shade options, reheat, defrost, and bagel settings.
- High lift lever for easy removal of small slices.
- Two extra-wide, self-centering slots.
- Compact size that won't take up too much space on your countertop.
2. Black + Decker toaster
The Black + Decker 2-Slice Toaster is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise performance. With its sleek and modern design, this compact toaster looks great on any countertop.
The toaster has a range of settings to help you achieve the perfect toasting level, including six different shade options and bagel, frozen, and reheat settings.
The toaster has two extra-wide slots that can accommodate a variety of bread and baked goods, including thick bagels and Texas toast. The slots are also self-centering, ensuring bread will be evenly toasted.
One potential downside is that the toaster's cord is shorter, which can be a little inconvenient if you don't have an outlet close to your countertop.
Overall, the Black + Decker toaster is a great choice for anyone on a budget who still wants a reliable and efficient compact toaster. It has a sleek and modern design, a range of settings to achieve the perfect level of toasting, and extra-wide slots to accommodate a variety of bread and baked goods.
What We Like
- Sleek and modern design.
- There are six different shade options and bagel, frozen, and reheat settings.
- Two extra-wide, self-centering slots.
- Compact size that won't take up too much space on your countertop.
3. KRUPS Toaster
The KRUPS Toaster is a stylish and efficient compact toaster that is perfect for small kitchens or apartments. This toaster's brushed stainless steel exterior looks great on any countertop. It has a range of settings to help you achieve the perfect toasting level, including six different shade options, bagel, defrost, and reheat settings.
The toaster has two extra-wide slots that can accommodate a variety of bread and baked goods, including thick bagels and English muffins.
One potential downside is that the toaster can be a bit slow to toast, which may not be ideal if you're in a hurry in the morning.
Overall, the KRUPS toaster is a great choice for a stylish and efficient compact toaster. It has a brushed stainless steel exterior, a range of settings to achieve the perfect toasting level, and extra-wide slots to accommodate a variety of bread and baked goods.
What We Like
- Stylish and modern brushed stainless steel design.
- Six different shade options, as well as a bagel, defrost and reheat settings.
- Two extra-wide, self-centering slots.
- Compact size that won't take up too much space on your countertop.
4. Hamilton Beach Toaster
This Hamilton Beach toaster is a versatile and efficient compact toaster that is perfect for small kitchens or apartments. With its modern stainless steel design and high-lift feature, this toaster looks great on any countertop and is able to accommodate a range of different slices of bread and baked goods.
The toaster has a range of settings to help you achieve the perfect toasting level, including seven different shade options and bagel, defrost, and cancel settings. The extra-wide slots can accommodate a range of bread, including thick slices of artisan bread, Texas toast, and bagels.
One downside is that the toaster's crumb tray is a bit shallow and can fill up quickly, which can be a little inconvenient when cleaning it.
What We Like
- Versatile settings include seven shade options, bagel, defrost, and cancel.
- Extra-wide slots that can accommodate a range of bread and baked goods.
- Modern stainless steel toaster with a high-lift feature.
- Compact size that won't take up too much space on your countertop.
5. Oster Toaster
This Oster toaster is a reliable and stylish compact toaster with many features to help you achieve the perfect toasting level. The metallic grey or purple finish will look great on any kitchen countertop. It is easy to operate, making it a great choice for busy mornings.
The toaster has a range of settings to help you achieve the perfect toasting level, including seven different shade options and buttons for bagel, frozen, warm, and cancel functions. The toaster also has extra-wide slots that accommodate various pieces of bread, including thick bread and bagels. The toaster's high-lift lever also makes retrieving smaller items like English muffins easy without burning your fingers.
One potential downside is that the toaster's slide-out crumb tray is located at the back, making it a bit difficult to clean.
What We Like
- Extra-wide slots that can accommodate a range of different slices of bread and baked goods.
- The high-lift lever makes it easy to retrieve smaller items.
- Seven different shade options to achieve the perfect level of toasting.
- Buttons for a bagel, frozen, warm, and cancel functions.
Criteria for Choosing a Compact Toaster
When choosing a compact toaster, there are several factors that you should consider to make sure you get the best one for your needs. These factors include size, capacity, features, and price.
Size:
The size of the toaster is an important consideration, especially if you have limited counter space. Compact toasters are generally smaller than traditional toasters. However, you still need to ensure the toaster will fit in your kitchen. Measure the space where you plan to keep the toaster to ensure it will fit.
Capacity:
The capacity of the toaster refers to how many slices of bread or other items it can toast at one time. If you have a large family or frequently host breakfasts, you may want to choose a toaster with a higher capacity. On the other hand, if you're the only one using the toaster or you have limited counter space, a smaller-capacity toaster may be a better choice.
Features:
A compact toaster can include many different features, such as defrosting, reheating, and toasting bagels. When choosing a toaster, consider which features are important to you and your family. For example, if you like toasting frozen bread or waffles, you may want to choose a toaster with a defrost function.
Price:
Compact toasters come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly models to high-end toasters with advanced features. Consider your budget when choosing a toaster, but also think about the features that are important to you. You may be able to find a toaster with the features you need at a lower price point.
Toasting quality:
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a toaster is how well it toasts bread. Look for a toaster that will be toasting bread evenly and consistently without leaving some areas burnt and others undercooked.
Material and build quality:
A toaster's build quality and material can affect its durability and longevity. Look for a toaster made with high-quality materials and sturdy construction to ensure it lasts for years.
Ease of use:
Consider how easy the toaster is to use, including features like the settings and controls, the toaster's slot size, and how easy it is to clean.
Style and design:
Compact toasters come in many different styles and designs, so think about how well the toaster will fit in with your kitchen décor. Some toasters come in a range of colors or finishes, while others have a sleek and modern design.
Brand reputation:
Consider the reputation of the toaster brand you are considering. Look for brands with a good reputation for quality, reliability, and customer support.
Types of Compact Toasters
Several types of compact toasters are available on the market, each with its features and benefits. Here are some of the most common types of compact toasters:
Two-Slice Toasters:
Two-slice toasters are the most common type of compact toaster. They are perfect for small households or individuals who only need to toast one or two slices of bread at a time. Two-slice toasters are available in a wide range of styles, designs, and colors, and many come with additional features such as defrosting and reheating.
Four-Slice Toasters:
Four-slice toasters are slightly larger than two-slice toasters and can toast four slices of bread at once. These toasters are great for larger families or individuals who regularly entertain guests. Four-slice toasters can be more expensive than two, but they offer greater convenience and versatility.
Long Slot Toasters:
Long slot toasters are designed to accommodate longer slices of bread, such as artisan bread, sourdough, or bagels. These toasters are perfect for individuals who prefer thick slices of bread or bagels for their breakfast.
Combination Toaster Oven:
Combination toaster ovens are designed to be more versatile than standard toasters. They can be used to toast bread and bake, broil, and roast. These toasters are great for individuals who have limited counter space but still want to be able to cook a variety of foods.
Conveyor Toasters:
Conveyor toasters are designed for commercial use in restaurants, cafes, and other food service establishments. They are able to toast multiple slices of bread at once, making them ideal for high-volume kitchens.
Benefits Of Using A Small Toaster
Space-saving:
One of the main benefits of a small toaster is that it takes up less counter space than a full-size toaster. This can particularly benefit people with smaller kitchens or limited counter space. A compact toaster can fit easily in a small kitchen or apartment, allowing you to maximize your counter space for other appliances.
Energy-efficient:
Small toasters are often more energy-efficient than larger models. They use less energy to heat up, and because they are smaller, they can toast bread faster, saving energy and reducing your electricity bill.
Faster toasting:
Because compact toasters are smaller, they heat up more quickly than larger models. This means you can enjoy your toast faster, which can be particularly helpful if you're in a hurry in the morning.
Affordable:
Small toasters are often more affordable than larger models, making them a great choice for people on a budget. You can find a wide range of compact toasters at various prices, so you can choose the one that best fits your budget and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you recommend a compact toaster oven?
Check out the Ninja Foodi Toaster on Amazon. It's a great option for those looking for a toaster oven and toaster combo.
How many slices of bread can a compact toaster toast at once?
Compact toasters come in various sizes, but most can toast one or two slices of bread at a time. There are also larger compact toasters that can toast up to four slices of bread at once.
Can a compact toaster toast other items besides bread?
Some compact toasters are designed to toast bagels, English muffins, or frozen waffles. A compact toaster oven can bake, broil, and roast, making them more versatile than a standard toaster.
Are compact toasters more energy-efficient than full-sized toasters?
Yes, compact toasters are often more energy-efficient than full-sized toasters because they use less energy to heat up and can toast bread more quickly, saving energy and reducing your electricity bill.
How much does a compact toaster cost?
The price of a compact toaster can vary depending on the brand, size, and features. You can find a basic two-slice compact toaster for as little as $20, while a more advanced four-slice toaster with additional features can cost up to $100 or more.
How do I clean a compact toaster?
To clean a compact toaster, unplug it and wait for it to cool down. Many toasters have removable crumb trays; check your toaster, remove the crumb tray, and empty it into the trash. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior and the interior of the toaster. If there is any sticky residue, you can gently scrub it away with a small brush or toothbrush. Allow the toaster to dry completely before plugging it back in.
Conclusion
A compact toaster can be a great addition to any kitchen, particularly for those with limited counter space or living in small apartments. When choosing the best compact toaster for your needs, there are several factors to consider, including size, capacity, features, and price. The ideal compact toaster will ultimately depend on your individual needs and preferences.
With so many options available on the market, you will surely find a compact toaster that will meet your needs and help you enjoy delicious, perfectly toasted bread and other breakfast items.
Thanks for reading!
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