Toaster

Toaster buying guide

Toaster or toaster oven? If all you do is pop in a couple of slices in the morning, a straight-up toaster is probably your best choice. But if you cook small portions or meals and want to avoid firing up your oven, choose a toaster oven. No matter which you choose, you'll find more available features and styling than ever before.
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Getting started

Your first decision will be whether to buy a basic pop-up toaster or a countertop toaster oven that can do more. Think about your cooking habits and your budget. If counter space is a concern, a two-slice toaster is the most compact choice. But if you often cook for a crowd and need extra oven capacity, a toaster oven can assist. Use this toaster and toaster oven guide to make your decision.

Consider versatility

Toasters and toaster ovens will brown a piece of bread. If that’s all you want, go with a basic toaster. Most toaster ovens, on the other hand, will melt a cheese sandwich, broil a hamburger, or roast a 4-pound chicken. But toaster ovens generally don’t toast bread as well as toasters do. They leave stripes on one side and take longer—4 to 6 minutes, versus 2 to 3 minutes for a toaster on a medium setting.

Decide what you’re willing to spend

Toaster ovens are generally more expensive than toasters because they’re bigger and can do more. If you want to economize, you’ll find top-performing toasters for as little as $15. Low-priced toaster ovens that did well in our tests cost about $70 to $80.