Most of us care about our toast – and that’s a fact. 52% of Brits say they’re fussy about it, according to a recent Premier Inn survey. We’re surprised it’s not even more. Toast works for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night snack before bed. And if you’re careful about crumbs, it also works a quick snack in bed.
So, what are the best toasters in 2026? In this guide, we’ll help you find the right toaster for your kitchen, with our top picks for four-slice, two-slice, long-slot, budget and smart toasters. Then to round things off, we’ve answered a few of the most burning toast questions.
How to find the best toaster for your kitchen
The best toaster for you comes down to how much space you have, what you like to toast, and how many people you’re toasting for. Here are a few things to consider:
Size. Two-slice toasters are great for smaller kitchens, while four-slice models make sense for families or bigger households.
Slots. Wide slots are handy for thick bread, bagels and crumpets. Long slots are better for larger homemade slices.
Independent controls. On a four-slice toaster, separate controls let two people choose different browning levels at the same time.
Useful functions. Defrost, reheat, high-lift and bagel settings can all earn their keep.
Cleaning. Removable crumb trays make it much easier to keep your worktop free from toast debris.
Looks and space. Your toaster will probably live on the worktop, so think about its footprint and how it fits with your kitchen style.
If you've ever wondered what those numbers on the dial actually mean, here's our guide to the numbers on a toaster.
Top recommended toasters at a glance
| Toaster | Best for | Size | Material/style | Top feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| De'Longhi Micalite CTOM4003 | Family kitchens | 4-slice | Gloss black | Independent controls |
| Kenwood Ripple TCP06.000WH | Small countertops | 2-slice | Matte white | Compact design |
| De'Longhi Diadema CTV3003.M | Large slices | Long-slot | Brushed steel | Long, wide slots |
| Morphy Richards Equip 222065 | Smaller budgets | 2-slice | Cream | Seven browning levels |
| KitchenAid Artisan 5KMT2204BIB | Precision toasting | 2-slice | Ink blue | LED countdown and sensor |
Best 4-slice toaster for family kitchens
Model: De'Longhi Micalite CTOM4003 4-Slice Toaster
Pros:
Independent controls for each pair of slots
Extra-wide slots
High-lift eject
Con:
- Takes up more worktop space than a two-slice model
When four slices are going in at once, independent controls are really useful. The De'Longhi Micalite CTOM4003 is a 4-slice toaster that lets two people choose different browning levels, so everyone can have their toast their way. Its extra-wide slots also accommodate thicker slices, and the high-lift function makes smaller pieces easier to get out.
Best 2-slice toaster for small countertops
Model: Kenwood Ripple TCP06.000WH 2-Slice Toaster
Pros:
Compact two-slice design
Seven browning levels
Removable crumb tray and cord storage
Con:
- Only makes two slices at a time
The Kenwood Ripple TCP06.000WH is a 2-slice toaster that’s compact enough for smaller countertops and kitchens. It gives you seven browning levels, plus defrost and reheat. The removable crumb tray also makes cleaning easy.
Best long-slot toaster for large slices
Model: De'Longhi Diadema CTV3003.M 4-Slice Long Toaster
Pros
Long slots suit larger slices
Extra-wide slots
Bagel, defrost and reheat settings
Con:
- Its longer shape needs more worktop space
If you bake your own bread, buy chunky farmhouse loaves or just prefer bigger slices, long-slot toasters can make a real difference. The De'Longhi Diadema CTV3003.M 4-slice long toaster gives larger pieces more room to sit properly in the toaster, helping avoid those annoying untoasted edges. Extra-wide slots give thicker bread more room, and the bagel setting is handy for toasting one side while warming the other.
Best budget toaster
Model: Morphy Richards Equip 222065 2-Slice Toaster
Pros:
Affordable price
Defrost and reheat functions
Removable crumb tray
Con:
- Fewer features than more expensive models
You don’t need to spend a lot of bread to get good toast. The Morphy Richards Equip 222065 2-slice toaster gives you the basics you’ll use most, including defrost and reheat, with a removable crumb tray for easier cleaning. At its current £23.99 price, it’s a particularly easy pick for students, first homes or anyone who’d rather keep more money in their pocket.
Best smart toaster
Model: KitchenAid Artisan 5KMT2204BIB 2-Slice Toaster
Pros:
LED countdown timer
Automatic lowering and raising
Seven shade settings
Con:
- Quite pricey if you don’t use the smart features
Here’s a toasters that takes the guesswork out of getting your slices right. The KitchenAid Artisan 5KMT2204BIB 2-Slice Toaster uses a sensor to lower and raise the bread automatically, while its LED countdown shows how much time is left. It also has seven shade settings, a keep-warm function and a sandwich rack. It’s a toaster for people who take their toast seriously.
Best kettle and toaster sets for matching kitchen decor
Buying a kettle and toaster together means you can give two everyday appliances a matching look in one go. The Salter Retro kettle & 2-Slice toaster bundle comes in a choice of colours including blue and pink. It has six browning levels, wide slots and a 1.7-litre kettle. It’s a really neat choice for smaller kitchens.
Need more help?
Our small kitchen appliance buying guide has more advice on choosing the toaster that’s right for you. You can also browse our full range of toasters, or pop into your local Currys store and ask one of our expert colleagues for advice. Want to keep your new toaster looking its best? Here’s how to clean a toaster.
FAQs
What is the best toaster?
The best toaster is the one that suits your kitchen, bread and breakfast habits. Four-slice models work well for busy households, while two-slice toasters suit smaller kitchens. Long-slot models are useful for larger slices, and smart toasters add features like sensors and countdown displays.
Are De'Longhi toasters good?
Yes, De'Longhi makes good toasters with handy features across different sizes. The Micalite has independent controls and extra-wide slots, while the Diadema has long, wide slots for larger slices.
How long do toasters last?
Toasters can last for several years. It depends on the model, how often you use it and how well you look after it. Emptying the crumb tray regularly helps prevent crumbs building up, and keeping the toaster clean can help it stay in good working order for longer.
What does a smart toaster do?
A smart toaster uses features such as sensors and countdown displays to make toasting the perfect slice easier and more precise. Some models automatically lower and raise your bread, show the remaining time and keep toast warm.
