Kitchen appliances aren't made like they used to be. Manufacturers tend to cut corners to provide you with a flashy, mediocre product. It's especially disappointing when companies can't seem to perfect the simplest kitchen technology. How hard is it to make a toaster?
Thankfully, there are some noteworthy companies that still take quality seriously. You may just have to sift through the rubble a little longer than you're used to. That's why we create these thorough reviews, to expedite the process so you can get back to the important things in life.
Here is an extensive guide to the 11 best long slot toasters on the market. We've also provided a thorough guide to finding, buying, and caring for your long slot toaster.
Enjoy!
Related Article: R180 Revolution Toaster Review
Top 3 Compared
Top Rated Products |
|---|
1) Elite Gourmet ECT4400B Long Slot Toaster - Best All Around |
2) Elite Gourmet ECT-4829 LongSlot Toaster - Best on a Budget |
3) Sacvon Retro LongSlot Toaster - Best Retro Toaster |
4) Dash Clear View LongSlot Toaster - Best Windowed Toaster |
5) Oster LongSlot 4 Slice Toaster - Best Stainless Steel LongSlot Toaster |
6) Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 Countertop Oven/Toaster - Best LongSlot Toaster/Toaster Oven Combo |
7) Breville BTA730XL Bit More 4 Slice Toaster - Best Lift n Look Function Toaster |
8) Hamilton Beach 4 Slice LongSlot Toaster - Best Basic 4-Slice LongSlot Toaster |
9) Cuisinaid Dual LongSlot Toaster - Another great Budget toaster |
10) Russell Hobbs 2-slice Glass Accent Long Toaster - Best Looking 2-Slice LongSlot Toaster |
11) Cuisinart 2 Slice Longslot Toaster - Best Chrome LongSlot Toaster |
Best Long Slot Toasters
The Elite Gourmet ECT4400B has racked up over 18,000 5-star ratings on Amazon. It’s one of the best-reviewed kitchen appliances we’ve ever seen. Customers rave about how evenly it toasts bread, and the 6 different lightness settings are precise and accurate.
Design preferences vary, but the brushed-steel, round-edged look of the ECT4400B will fit well with lots of decor styles. It’s also got lots of helpful convenience features. For example, there’s a space underneath to wrap and stow the power cord, and a drawer-style crumb tray to reduce messes. You can press a lever on the side to raise a warming rack that sits over the top, letting you heat pastries or warm your toast back up after you’ve stepped away.
As good as this toaster is, it won’t be perfect for everyone. Some customers found the indicator on the control knob hard to see. A few people suggested adding a dot of white paint or nail polish to make it more visible.
Also, the toast springs up very forcefully when it’s done. A few reviewers complained that it launched their slices onto the floor! Luckily, this should only happen with fairly lightweight bread. And if you’re really concerned, you can use the warming rack to block the ejection.
Despite these minor quibbles, the Elite Gourmet ECT4400B is a standout when it comes to even, reliable toasting.
Our rating:
5 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
2) Elite Gourmet ECT-4829 Long Slot Toaster
Just about every toaster we've ever had in the family we bought for under $30, and for the most part, these toasters all got the job done just fine. But we also didn't have very high standards for what constitutes toast. We just wanted a little "crunch" to our favorite breads.
If you're looking for a long-slot toaster that gets the job done without squeezing every last cent out of your bank account, we recommend the Elite Cuisine Long-Slot toaster.
Here are some things we liked:
1) Remains Cold While Running: While most toasters get piping hot when running, this toaster stays cold to the touch. This can help lower the likelihood of burning yourself on the toaster you didn't know was on...
2) The Price: You can't beat $30 for a long-slot toaster. Even though I still think $30 is too expensive to be the cheapest model, the Elite Cuisine toaster is the best of its kind...
Cheap but effective.
There were a few factors that made us second guess this toaster, but it seems the company has fixed these bugs.
- The lever mechanism can shoot the toast out of the toaster when done (send back if this happens).
- The lowest setting is the only one that doesn't burn the bread (again, send it back if this happens).
Update***(12/13/19) After asking several verified customers on amazon, I've been reassured these bugs have been fixed.
Our rating:
4.5 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
3) Sacvon Retro Long Slot Toaster
The name promises a retro toaster, but this Sacvon model is actually a fun combination of vintage and modern. The shape and appearance are reminiscent of an old-school crock pot. But the bright LED display and backlit dials add visibility without spoiling the look. And it’s available in three different color options.
The large numerals and indicators on this toaster make it easy to see what setting you’re choosing. Amazon reviewers had very few complaints about the toast quality, with most reporting that both sides cook evenly. There’s also a reheat function for when you just want to warm something up without toasting it. The Sacvon isn’t the fastest toaster out there, but it’s reliable and convenient.
Our rating:
4.5 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
4) Dash DVTS501WH Clear View Extra Wide Slot Toaster
Some of us have some pretty crazy expectations. After reading tons of customer reviews, I can tell you that if 100 people bought the same toaster, 50% would tell you it's the greatest piece of technology they're ever had. The other half would start a riot over the inadequacy of today's kitchen appliances.
The point is if you have high expectations, you either have to cough up the dough or find a product that allows you some control. Well, a window on your toaster offers you just that...
Control.
If you're picky about the color of your toast, and the quality of your morning depends on it, the Dash Clear View Toaster may be the perfect fit for you.
Equipped with a window in the front, you can literally stare at your toast/bagel/muffin until it is to your exact specification. It offers a nice alternative to the unpredictable nature of regular toasters.
This is another toaster that tends to eject your toast into the air after it's done. It also has a safety mechanism that keeps the lever from lowering completely. Some people complained about this because they didn't read the instructions thoroughly. If the lever does not remain down, the crumb catcher needs to be adjusted.
Our rating:
4.5 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
5) Oster LongSlot 4-Slice Toaster
Following the trend of nostalgic toasters, Oster’s design looks like it could have fallen through a time warp from the 50s. However, its performance is definitely modern, with 7 different toast settings to help you get the crispiness right.
Many reviewers have noted that it can take the Oster Long Slot a little while to “break in” before you get truly even toasting. This might be related to the fact that you have to run it a few times to burn off the oils from the factory. But once it gets settled, this machine works well and makes great toast. And lots of users mentioned how fast it runs.
Just keep in mind that it will smell quite a bit during those first few cycles. Keep your windows open while you’re cooking off the gunk.
Our rating:
4.5 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
6) Hamilton Beach 2-In-1 Countertop Oven And Long Slot Toaster
Let's rekindle the half century old debate of which is better; the toaster oven or the toaster?
Or...let's disregard the debate altogether and get them both!
Both toaster ovens and toasters have earned their place in the kitchen. It would be hard to say one is 100% better than the other, so why not consolidate the two?
Hamilton has created one of the weirdest, and yet most highly regarded toaster oven/toasters on the market. How this bizarre appliance has attracted more than 4000 amazon reviews while still maintaining a 4 star rating (as of 12/13/19) is beyond me. Our conclusion here at Robust Kitchen...
It's a kitchen unicorn!
Once in a while the kitchen industry smashes two concepts together and it ACTUALLY works! The toaster and toaster oven may be a surprisingly compatible duet. So if you were in the market for a toaster but now realize how awesome it would be to have a toaster oven, you've met your match.
Do keep in mind the oven is relatively small and the picture can be a little deceiving. So if you're looking to serve the whole family, it may behoove you to invest in a full fledged countertop oven. If you decide to go the this route, check out our article on the 9 Best Countertop Ovens.
Our rating:
4.5 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
Breville has a great reputation as an appliance brand, and this toaster makes it easy to see why. It’s got ample room for toast and offers very reliable performances. It also has a few innovative features that are hard to find anywhere else.
First of all, there’s the “Bit More” setting that gives this model its name. This is a handy button that lets you add a little extra toasting time with a single press. This pairs well with the “Lift & Look” feature that allows you to check how dark your toast is getting without interrupting the timer. You can take a peek when it’s nearly done, then add some extra crispiness if you need it.
There’s also an LED timer so you can see at a glance how soon your toast will be ready. And the plug has a round finger hole so it’s easy to pop in and out of the outlet.
The main drawback is the cost. You’re definitely not getting all those cool features for free. Bargain hunters will want to look for another toaster.
Our rating:
4 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
8) Hamilton Beach 4-Slice Long Slot Keep Warm Toaster
The Hamilton Beach Long-Slot toaster is simple yet effective. If you're looking for a cheaper model that has all the basic functions of an ordinary toaster, this is the unit for you.
Hamilton has long been prized for making kitchen equipment that simply "gets the job done." Many of us don't need all the bells and whistles of newer models. So if a simple long-slot toaster is what you need, this one functions, and it functions just fine.
Our rating:
4 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
Cuisinaid’s toaster is pretty inexpensive and gets the job done well. It’s not particularly flashy or feature-rich, but it’s a good basic option. The controls are responsive and it’s easy to clean. Several reviewers specifically mentioned how good it is at toasting frozen bread and waffles.
The one disappointment is that this toaster isn’t good for bagels. The slots are a bit narrower than most of the machines on our list, so thicker bread items may not fit. And there’s no dedicated bagel setting for those who like to warm one side without toasting it. Other than those small issues, the Cuisinaid Dual is a solid budget pick.
Our rating:
4.5 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
This model from Russell Hobbs doesn’t add any extra features or gimmicks compared to other long slot toasters. What it does offer is a distinctive, sleek, and elegant look, with rounded edges and glass accent panels. No two customers will have the exact same taste. Still, it’s hard to deny that this appliance makes an eye-catching addition to your countertop.
It has a slim profile that makes it easy to fit in most kitchens. The trade-off is that it only sports one slot. That slot is long, so you can still toast slices from large artisan loaves, but you’ll have to do them one at a time.
Aside from that shortcoming, the Russell Hobbs offers great performance. The outer edges toast slightly more than the center, but the difference is minor. Most people will get a fairly even browning on their toast. And the warming rack is wide and sturdy as well as stylish. There’s also a “Lift & Look” feature that lets you check on your toast’s progress without turning off the heat.
Our rating:
4 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
11) Cuisinart CPT-2400 Long-Slot Toaster
This shiny looking robot is reminiscent of the toasters I grew up with. Equipped with all the basic functions of a proper toaster (toast, bagel, warm functions), the Cuisinart Long-Slot toaster is simply a proficient toaster at a reasonable price.
The only question you have to ask yourself is if the bright chrome exterior will find a visually appealing place in your kitchen. I think we can all agree that chrome can either make, or break, the aesthetics of a kitchen. Envision this toaster in your kitchen and see if it works with the environment.
Our rating:
4 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
Why a Long Slot Toaster?
You're currently reading an article titled, "the Best Long Slot Toasters." So it begs the question,
Why a long-slot toaster?
Well, let's clarify each toaster's limitations.
Regular Slot Toasters: English muffins, regular size bagels, regular sized slices of bread (4.5"X4.5"), Eggo waffles.
Long Slot Toasters: Full slices of sourdough, Varying sizes of artisanal bread, bakery breads/pastries, Texas style bread, homemade waffles, abnormally large bagels.
So the perfect toaster for you is the one that toasts your favorite foods. If you want to keep your options open, go with the long-slot toaster. You'll never complain about having too much room.
But if you find yourself sticking to smaller food items, regular-slot toasters tend to be on the cheaper side of the spectrum.
Consider Before You Buy
While it may seem straightforward, dedicating some time to research long-slot toasters will save you some headache in the end. Let's look at the characteristics that define a high-quality long-slot toaster.
Length and Width of Slots
Not all manufacturers adhere to the same definition of "long." It's important to check the dimensions before committing to any one product.
So, what are the proper dimensions for a slot?
Length: A regular piece of bread is roughly 4.5" X 4.5" so to allow enough room for two slices of bread, (with a little wiggle room) a good baseline toaster slot length is 10".
Width: A regular piece of bread is about 3/4" thick. But to accommodate thicker pieces of bread, (which tend to be the more delicious varieties) 1.25" is a good baseline width.
Well Insulated
Insulation isn't usually a critical variable in choosing a toaster, but it is something to consider. Well-insulated toasters put off less heat, which can:
1) Help you save on your energy bill
and
2) Keep you from burning yourself
The Elite Cuisine Long Slot Toaster is an example of a well-insulated unit.
How Many Slots?
I have yet to see a four-slot, long-slot toaster. I assume because it would take up the entire kitchen counter.
Two toaster slots seem to get the job done without using up too much space. But if it is space you're looking for, there are some popular 1 slot, long-slot toasters available.
Toast Shade Presets
If you're picky about the amount of crunch, color or texture your toast imparts, it's imperative to have as much control as possible. A higher number of presets allows you to have more influence over the shade of your toast.
If you're less concerned about the shade of your toast, five shade settings will suffice. I have found myself perfectly happy in this category (this includes the majority of the toasters detailed below).
If you have high standards for your toasting endeavors, look for something closer to 7-9 shade settings (the Kenmore Elite Long-Slot Toaster has 9).
Ease of Cleaning (Crumb Tray)
If you've ever cleaned a toaster without a crumb tray, you know how much of a pain it is. I'll keep this section short.
MAKE SURE THERE'S A CRUM TRAY!
Neglecting to clean your toaster is a massive fire hazard, and it's very easy to forget about cleaning when the cleaning is a serious chore. Just ask my mom, I almost burned the house down. Moral of the story...
A crumb tray makes cleaning easy and practical.
Cord Location
Surely I'm not the only one who gets anxiety from loose wires. Having a retractable cord, or at least a cord wrap underneath, helps to organize the kitchen when the toaster isn't being used.
Functions to Look For
-Defrost/Frost
A defrost function allows you to put items in the toaster straight from your freezer. It merely adds time to the toasting time to account for extra thawing time.
-"A Bit More"
The "a bit more" function allows you to give your toast an extra minute or two. This is perfect for those times when toasting something you're unfamiliar with. Start the timer low and then use the "a bit more" function until it's to your desired consistency.
-Bagel
The bagel function turns one burner on for each slot. This allows the face of your bagels to toast without toasting the portion you hold in your hands.
-Warm/Reheat
The warm setting will enable you to warm up food without toasting it. This is especially useful for items that have already been toasted. It's also great for delicate bread.
-One Slot Toast Option
Sometimes using two slots is a waste of energy, especially when you're only serving for one. A one slot warming setting consolidates the heat to one slot, reducing energy waste.
How to Properly Use a Long-Slot Toaster
If you know how to use a regular toaster than you know how to use a long-slot toaster. Sure, some of the more high tech toasters will require a more thorough reading of the instructional pamphlet, but overall we're talking about the most casual kitchen appliance on the market.
The first thing you should do is read the instructions!
Getting rid of the Chemical Smell
MANY of the toasters available have a process to get rid of the initial chemical smell. Make sure and read the "setting up you toaster" section in the instructions to find out how.
Many customers complained about the initial chemical smell but failed to read the instructions to know that it's completely normal.
Precautions When Using a Toaster
Using a toaster correctly ensures a safe kitchen environment. I'm sure you're aware of most of these precautions but just to make sure...
1) Do not stick metal in the toaster while the toaster is plugged in. This can electrocute you and cause serious bodily harm.
2) When using the toaster, refrain from using anything else plugged into the same socket. This can overwhelm the circuit.
3) Clean your toaster often to avoid the chance of a fire. Food debris can build up at the bottom of the toaster and potentially catch fire.
Conclusion
I hope this article was helpful. My goal is always to supply you with a one-stop-shop and address any questions that may come up. If I missed something or you have any questions, don't hesitate to use the comment box below. I always do my best to get back to responses within 24 hours.
Cheers guys!
Michael
Founder of Robust Kitchen
The outside dimensions of the toasters really aren’t a useful indication.
In a toaster what really matters is what you can fit in the toasting slots.
Both the length and the depth are important. The width is important too for things like Bagels for toasters that support single side toasting.
While these are all good toasters, your methodology skewed the results and the recommendations.
Hey Kassandra,
Appreciate the feedback. I half agree.
I think the outside dimensions could be the difference between the toaster fitting, and not fitting, where you need it to.
However, I do agree that the dimensions of the slots are probably more relevant since many are looking to buy a long slot toaster due to their need to toast larger items. How large? Obviously it depends on what the user plans to use it for. We used to have this article in a different format that included features for each toaster. This included the slot dimensions (as long as they were included on their website/product manual).
Somehow this information was discarded when we transitioned and I missed it. Thank you for letting us know and I’m going to have our formatter add the dimensional information where needed.
Cheers!
Michael
I've been itching to buy a toaster for so long, but I always worry about how to clean it. The ODA KITCHEN Side-Loading Toaster looks perfect for the job. Now, I wonder if it's available in our local stores.
Does the Elite Gourmet ECT 4829 have any chord storage capability?
Hey Steve,
There was a comment from a woman who said the there is a cord “wrap around” post underneath the unit. But unfortunately there are two common complaints from customers regarding the toaster’s cord.
1) The cord is too small (roughly 3 feet in length)
2) The cord starts at the base of the unit just underneath the slider (if you have the slider positioned farthest away from the outlet, this will leave you with roughly 22″ of cord length to plug it in from the rear)
Surely a design flaw, but usually not a deal breaker.
Hope this helps. If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask 🙂
Michael
Hey Michael! This is a very nice and informative post. Personally I love using my toaster. Though I did not know how to clean it well, after use, after reading this post, I have all the info I need. I am also a foodie fan! Thanks!