A 4-slice toaster isn’t just a kitchen convenience—it’s a breakfast game-changer. Whether you’re making toast for the whole family or juggling bagels and frozen waffles on a busy morning, these multitasking machines can save time and streamline your routine. In 2025, toaster technology has evolved far beyond the basics. Today’s top models offer smart features like digital timers, bagel modes, defrost settings, and wide slots that accommodate everything from Texas toast to thick artisanal bread.
Choosing the best one, however, comes down to more than just popping in bread. You’ll want to look for even browning, durable materials, dual controls, and thoughtful design touches like high-lift levers or self-centering guides. Stainless steel models often offer better longevity, while newer designs combine compact size with surprising performance. Based on testing and user feedback across the web, we’ve ranked the top 4-slice toasters available today to help you find the right fit for your kitchen and lifestyle.
🏆 Best 4-Slice Toasters of 2025 – Ranked
| Rank | Toaster Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cuisinart CPT-180 Metal Classic 4-Slice Toaster | Check Price |
| 2 | Breville Die-Cast 4-Slice Smart Toaster | N/A |
| 3 | Mueller UltraToast 4-Slice Toaster | Check Price |
| 4 | KitchenAid KMT4115 4-Slice Toaster | Check Price |
| 5 | Amazon Basics 4-Slice Toaster | Check Price |
| 6 | Hamilton Beach 4-Slice Long Slot Toaster | N/A |
| 7 | Oster 4-Slice Digital Toaster | Check Price |
| 8 | Elite Gourmet Long Slot Toaster | Check Price |
| 9 | Cuisinart Compact 4-Slice Toaster | Check Price |
| 10 | LAINSTEN Retro Toaster | Check Price |
| 11 | Proctor Silex 4 Slice Toaster | Check Price |
| 12 | BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster | Check Price |
These rankings reflect a mix of expert tests, consumer reviews, reliability ratings, and real-world usability. Whether you’re after sleek stainless steel or retro charm, a smart digital interface or good old-fashioned dial controls, there’s a model on this list to match your needs and budget. Keep scrolling through the rest of the article for hands-on reviews, standout features, and buying advice to guide your decision.
Best 4-Slice Toasters
We’ve tested and compared the top 4-slice toasters on the market to help you find the perfect addition to your kitchen. These models offer efficiency for busy families and anyone who needs to toast multiple pieces of bread at once. Our picks balance even browning, durability, and helpful features like independent slot controls and wide openings for bagels.
Amazon Basics 4-Slice Toaster
The Amazon Basics 4-Slice Toaster offers exceptional value with its versatile features, consistent performance, and budget-friendly price point.
Pros
- Even toasting results across all six browning settings
- Wide slots easily accommodate bagels and thicker breads
- User-friendly controls with handy defrost and cancel functions
Cons
- May require a second cycle for darker toast preferences
- Takes up significant counter space compared to 2-slice models
- Exterior can get warm during extended use
We’ve been using this Amazon Basics toaster for several weeks now, and it’s quickly become a kitchen essential. The matte black finish looks sleek on our countertop, and the build quality feels surprisingly sturdy for the price point. Each morning, we can toast four slices at once, which saves valuable time during busy breakfasts.
The six browning settings work well, though we found setting 3 delivers perfect golden-brown toast for our taste. When toasting bagels, the dedicated bagel function really makes a difference – crispy on the cut side while keeping the rounded side warm but soft. The defrost mode has also been handy for frozen waffles and bread straight from the freezer.
Cleanup couldn’t be easier thanks to the removable crumb trays. We simply slide them out, empty into the trash, and slide back in. The cord wrap underneath keeps everything tidy when not in use. After testing various breakfast items, we’re impressed with how consistent this toaster performs. For anyone needing a reliable 4-slice toaster without breaking the bank, this Amazon Basics model delivers excellent value.
Cuisinart Classic 4-Slice Toaster
The Cuisinart 4-Slice Toaster combines sleek stainless steel design with practical features that make it a worthwhile addition to any kitchen counter.
Pros
- Dual control panels let you toast different items at the same time
- Six browning levels offer precise toast control
- Extra-wide slots fit bagels and thick bread slices easily
Cons
- Bagel setting doesn’t always toast one side less than the other
- Takes up significant counter space
- Some uneven browning on larger bread pieces
We’ve been testing this Cuisinart toaster for the past few weeks, and it’s quickly become a morning essential. The brushed stainless steel looks great in our kitchen and doesn’t show fingerprints like many similar appliances. What really stands out is how it handles family breakfast. With four slots and two separate control panels, we can make light toast for the kids while making darker toast for adults.
The extra-lift lever is a thoughtful touch. We no longer need to fish out smaller items with utensils, which is both safer and more convenient. The slots are wide enough to fit thick bagels and artisan bread without jamming. When toasting frozen items, the defrost button adds just the right amount of time to ensure everything cooks properly.
Cleaning is straightforward with the slide-out crumb tray. We empty it about once a week, and it keeps things tidy. The toaster heats up quickly and produces consistent results after you learn your preferred settings. While it’s not the cheapest option, the build quality feels solid. The cord wrap on the bottom helps keep our counter tidy when the toaster isn’t in use.
Mueller UltraToast 4-Slice Toaster
We found the Mueller UltraToast to be an excellent family-sized toaster with impressive versatility and modern features that make morning breakfast routines much smoother.
Pros
- Extra-wide 1.6-inch slots fit artisan bread and bagels perfectly
- Sleek stainless steel design with intuitive LED display
- Six browning levels with memory function for consistent results
Cons
- Short power cord limits placement options
- No dedicated bagel setting
- Slightly larger footprint than some competitors
The Mueller UltraToast caught our eye with its sleek stainless steel finish. This 4-slice toaster has quickly become a morning essential in our kitchen. We love how it handles different bread types – from store-bought sandwich slices to thick-cut artisan loaves. The extra-wide 1.6-inch slots make it possible to toast bagels, thick Texas toast, and even homemade bread without jamming.
During our testing, the toaster delivered even browning across all slices. The six different browning settings work as advertised, giving us perfect control over how light or dark we want our toast. The LED display is bright and easy to read, while the touch buttons respond quickly. We found the memory function particularly helpful – it remembers your last setting so you don’t have to readjust every morning.
The defrost setting worked great for frozen bread and bagels. We did miss having a dedicated bagel setting, which would have been nice for toasting just one side. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the removable crumb tray that slides out easily. The cord storage underneath helps keep our countertop tidy, though we wish the cord itself was a bit longer for more flexible placement. Overall, this Mueller toaster balances function, style, and value in a way that makes it a smart addition to any kitchen.
Cuisinart Compact 4-Slice Toaster
This space-saving Cuisinart toaster delivers reliable performance with versatile functions at a reasonable price point.
Pros
- Compact design fits in small kitchens
- Seven shade settings for perfect browning
- Dual controls let you toast different items simultaneously
Cons
- Plastic exterior feels less premium
- Slots could be wider for artisan bread
- Takes longer to toast at higher settings
We’ve been using the Cuisinart CPT-142P1 in our test kitchen for several weeks now, and it’s proven to be a solid performer. The clever square design is a game-changer for small countertops. Unlike traditional long 4-slice models, this compact unit can be placed facing forward or sideways to fit your space.
The toaster handles everyday breakfast duties with ease. Each morning, we’ve toasted everything from thin white bread to thick bagel halves. The 1.5-inch slots accommodate most items, though very thick artisan bread sometimes needs a bit of squishing. The high-lift lever is helpful for retrieving smaller items without burning fingers.
Dual control panels make this toaster extra versatile. We can toast bagels on one side while warming frozen waffles on the other. The seven shade settings provide good range from light to dark. The reheat function works well for warming toast without extra browning. Clean-up is simple thanks to the removable crumb tray, and the cord wrap underneath keeps things tidy when not in use.
For the price, this toaster delivers excellent value. It doesn’t have the heft of pricier stainless steel models, but the white plastic exterior with stainless accents looks clean and modern. After weeks of daily use, all functions continue to work perfectly. We particularly appreciate the bagel setting, which toasts the cut side more than the outside.
LAINSTEN Retro Toaster
This sleek stainless steel 4-slice toaster combines style and function with multiple settings that make it perfect for busy households.
Pros
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Wide 1.5″ slots fit bagels and thick bread
- Seven different shade settings for perfect toast
Cons
- Lightweight construction feels slightly flimsy
- New units may have an odd smell initially
- Toast occasionally pops out too forcefully
We recently tried the LAINSTEN 4-slice toaster in our kitchen, and it’s quickly become a morning essential. The retro stainless steel design looks fantastic on our countertop. It doesn’t take up too much space either, which is great for smaller kitchens.
The wide 1.5-inch slots easily handled everything we threw at it. From thin-sliced bread to thick bagels and waffles, everything toasted evenly. The seven shade settings gave us precise control over how light or dark we wanted our toast. We found setting 4 was perfect for golden brown results.
The special bagel function works well, toasting the cut side more than the outside. The defrost setting came in handy for frozen waffles too. Clean-up is simple with the removable crumb tray, and we appreciate the cord storage that keeps our counter tidy. For a reasonable price, this toaster delivers both style and functionality that many households will enjoy.
Proctor Silex 4 Slice Toaster
We recommend this affordable and practical 4-slice toaster for families who need a reliable, no-fuss morning essential with versatile toasting options.
Pros
- Extra wide slots fit bagels and thick bread easily
- Seven shade settings for customized toasting
- Convenient crumb tray keeps counters clean
Cons
- Plastic construction feels lightweight
- Inconsistent browning on some settings
- Standard design lacks premium features
We tried the Proctor Silex 4 Slice Toaster in our kitchen for a few weeks, and it handled our family breakfast rush with ease. The extra-wide slots were perfect for everything from regular sandwich bread to thick-cut artisan loaves. When we toasted bagels, they fit perfectly without having to force them in, which is a common problem with standard toasters.
The toast boost feature is quite handy for lifting smaller items like English muffins. We no longer had to dig around with utensils trying to fish out smaller breads. The seven different shade settings gave everyone in our household options to get their perfect level of toasting, from lightly browned to extra crispy.
Clean-up is a breeze with the pull-out crumb tray. The toaster has a thoughtful cord wrap on the bottom, which kept our counter looking tidy when not in use. We appreciated the automatic shut-off feature for safety, especially when our rushed teenager occasionally left toast unattended. While it’s not the fanciest model on the market, this Proctor Silex delivers reliable performance at a reasonable price point.
KitchenAid 4-Slice Toaster
This KitchenAid 4-slice toaster offers excellent versatility with dual controls and extra-wide slots, making it a smart choice for families who want perfectly toasted bread every morning.
Pros
- Extra-wide slots fit bagels and thick breads easily
- Dual independent controls let different people toast simultaneously
- High-lift lever makes removing smaller items safe and simple
Cons
- Heating can be inconsistent between first and second uses
- Setting 2 may toast darker than expected
- Somewhat bulky on smaller countertops
We recently tested the KitchenAid 4-Slice Toaster in our kitchen, and it quickly became a morning essential. The contour silver finish looks sleek and modern on our counter. Its stainless steel body feels solid and well-built compared to cheaper plastic models we’ve used in the past.
The extra-wide slots are a game-changer for our household. We toasted everything from regular sandwich bread to thick homemade sourdough without any issues. The special bagel function works as advertised, toasting the cut side perfectly while just warming the outside. This feature alone makes the toaster worth considering if you’re a bagel lover.
What sets this model apart is the dual independent controls. My husband likes his toast barely brown (setting 1), while I prefer mine darker (setting 3). With this toaster, we make breakfast simultaneously without compromise. The high-lift lever is another thoughtful touch, especially when toasting English muffins that might otherwise be difficult to retrieve safely.
Cleaning is straightforward with removable crumb trays that slide out easily. After multiple uses, we found the toaster maintains consistent performance. While it takes up more counter space than some models, the functionality and reliability make it worth the room it occupies.
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster
This affordable family-sized toaster delivers consistent results with thoughtful features that make breakfast easier for everyone.
Pros
- Extra-wide slots handle bagels and thick breads easily
- Simple controls with dedicated bagel and frozen buttons
- Drop-down crumb tray makes cleanup quick
Cons
- Toasting can be uneven on higher settings
- Bagel button function takes practice to use correctly
- Exterior gets warm during extended use
We recently tested the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster in our kitchen for a week, and it proved to be a reliable workhorse. The black and stainless steel design looks sleek on our countertop without dominating the space. At just 3 pounds, it’s surprisingly lightweight for a four-slice model but still feels sturdy.
The extra-wide slots are a standout feature. We tried everything from regular sandwich bread to thick artisan loaves and bagels. No more squeezing in thick breads or having half a bagel stick out the top! The self-adjusting guides center the bread nicely, and the high-lift lever makes grabbing smaller items safe and easy.
The controls are straightforward with seven shade settings. We found setting 3-4 works best for everyday toast. The dedicated buttons for bagels and frozen items are helpful time-savers. When we tried frozen waffles, we used the frozen button and got perfect results without having to adjust the shade dial. The bagel function nicely toasts the cut side while warming the outside. Clean-up is a breeze with the drop-down crumb tray – much better than having to turn the whole toaster upside down. For families needing to make multiple pieces of toast quickly, this BLACK+DECKER model is hard to beat at this price point.
Elite Gourmet Long Slot Toaster
This sleek stainless steel 4-slice toaster delivers consistent results with versatile features that make it worth every penny for busy households.
Pros
- Extra wide slots fit artisanal breads and bagels perfectly
- Space-saving design with long slots doesn’t clutter countertops
- Built-in warming rack for pastries and buns adds versatility
Cons
- Takes up more counter length than traditional toasters
- Crumb tray could be designed better for easier cleaning
- Controls can be confusing at first for new users
We tested the Elite Gourmet 4-slice toaster in our kitchen for several weeks, and it quickly became a morning essential. The long slot design is genius for fitting those awkward artisanal bread slices that never fit in standard toasters. No more cutting bread in half or having untoasted edges!
The toasting performance impressed us with its consistency. We tried everything from thin sandwich bread to thick bagels, and the six different browning settings delivered reliable results each time. The reheat function works great when you get distracted and your toast goes cold – it warms without additional browning.
That built-in warming rack is more useful than we expected. It pops up easily when needed for warming croissants or buns without making them too crispy. The black and stainless steel design looks modern on our counter, and the slim profile saves space compared to bulkier 4-slice models. Clean-up is simple with the drop-down crumb tray, though it could be designed a bit better for reaching corner crumbs.
Oster 4-Slice Digital Toaster
The Oster 4-Slice Digital Touchscreen Toaster is worth every penny with its modern features, even browning, and user-friendly design that makes breakfast preparation simpler.
Pros
- Intuitive touchscreen controls with digital countdown timer
- Even toasting across all slices and settings
- Multiple functions for bagels, frozen items, and reheating
Cons
- Display could be brighter in well-lit kitchens
- Takes up significant counter space
- Higher price point than basic toasters
We’ve been using this Oster toaster for several weeks now, and the touchscreen technology is a game-changer. No more guessing when your toast will pop up—the digital countdown timer shows exactly how much time remains. The sleek stainless steel design looks fantastic on our counter and resists fingerprints surprisingly well.
The six shade settings actually produce noticeable differences, unlike some toasters we’ve tried before. When we made bagels, the special bagel setting toasted them perfectly—crispy on the cut side while keeping the rounded side warm but soft. The deep slots accommodate even thick artisan bread slices without having the tops stick out.
Cleaning is a breeze with the removable crumb tray. We appreciate the quick-check lever that lets us peek at our toast without interrupting the cycle. For households with different toast preferences, the four-slice design with independent controls is perfect. Our family members can make light and dark toast simultaneously without compromise.
The frozen setting has saved us time when toasting items straight from the freezer. It adjusts the toasting cycle automatically so frozen waffles come out just right. Though it’s a bit larger than our previous toaster, the functionality more than makes up for the extra counter space it requires.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a 4-slice toaster, several key features can make a big difference in your daily breakfast routine. We’ve put together this guide to help you choose the right one for your kitchen.
Size and Space
Consider your counter space before buying. 4-slice toasters are larger than standard 2-slice models. Measure your available space to ensure a good fit.
Typical dimensions range from:
- Length: 10-16 inches
- Width: 10-13 inches
- Height: 7-9 inches
Important Features to Consider
Shade Settings: Look for multiple browning levels to match everyone’s preferences.
Slot Width: Wide slots accommodate bagels and thick bread slices.
Controls: Separate controls for each pair of slots let family members toast at different settings simultaneously.
Special Functions: These make toasting easier:
- Bagel setting
- Defrost option
- Reheat function
- Cancel button
Material and Design
The outer material affects both durability and appearance:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Durable, easy to clean, modern look | Shows fingerprints |
| Plastic | Lightweight, affordable, many colors | Less durable, can look cheap |
| Chrome | Sleek appearance, durable | Requires regular cleaning |
Crumb Tray
A removable crumb tray makes cleaning much easier. Check if it slides out smoothly for quick emptying.
Price Range
Budget affects your options. Basic models start around $30, while premium toasters with advanced features can cost $100+.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shopping for a 4-slice toaster can be confusing with so many options available. Here are answers to the most common questions buyers have when looking for the perfect model for their kitchen.
What features to look for in the best 4-slice toasters on the market?
When shopping for a 4-slice toaster, we recommend looking for independent slot controls. This lets you toast different items at different settings at the same time.
A bagel function is essential for toasting just the cut side. Look for models with wide slots that can fit thick bread slices and bagels without squishing them.
Defrost and reheat settings are handy features that expand your toaster’s usefulness. A removable crumb tray makes cleaning much easier and should be standard on any model you consider.
How do different 4-slice toasters compare in terms of evenness of browning?
Higher-end models generally provide more even browning across the entire bread slice. Brands like Breville and Cuisinart typically score well in this category due to their advanced heating elements.
Budget toasters might brown unevenly, with darker edges or lighter centers. This happens because of less sophisticated heating technology and temperature control.
We’ve found that toasters with quartz elements tend to provide more consistent results than those with traditional wire elements. Models with self-centering bread slots also help ensure even browning by keeping bread at the optimal distance from heating elements.
What are the top-rated 4-slice toasters according to consumer reports?
The Breville Die-Cast 4-Slice Smart Toaster consistently ranks at the top for its performance and durability. Its “Lift and Look” feature lets you check progress without interrupting the cycle.
Cuisinart’s CPT-440 Touch to Toast receives high marks for its digital controls and consistent results. Users particularly appreciate its countdown timer that shows exactly when toast will be done.
The KitchenAid KMT4115 earns praise for its solid construction and reliability. The Hamilton Beach 24444 offers excellent value for budget-conscious shoppers while still delivering good performance.
What are the benefits of investing in a higher-end 4-slice toaster?
Higher-end toasters offer more precise browning controls, often with LED displays and digital timers. This means more consistent results every time you use the appliance.
Better materials translate to longer lifespan – premium models often use die-cast metal bodies instead of plastic. These toasters typically offer more specialized functions like bagel, defrost, and reheat settings.
We’ve found that expensive models usually heat up faster and maintain more consistent temperatures. This means less waiting time in the morning and more evenly toasted bread.
Which 4-slice toasters have the best toasting speed and consistency?
The Cuisinart CPT-440 stands out for both speed and consistency. It can toast a full load in under 3 minutes while maintaining even browning across all slices.
Breville models, particularly the BTA840XL, offer excellent speed without sacrificing quality. Their ProHeat system distributes heat evenly for consistent results.
The Smeg 4-Slice Toaster combines style with performance, providing quick toasting and reliability. For budget options, the Black+Decker TR4900SSD delivers surprisingly fast and consistent results at a lower price point.
What are the most recommended 4-slice toasters by professional kitchen testers?
America’s Test Kitchen highly recommends the Breville BTA840XL for its intuitive controls and consistent performance. Their testers particularly praise its motorized lift feature.
Consumer Reports consistently rates the Cuisinart CPT-440 among their top picks. The testers highlight its ease of use and excellent browning consistency.
Good Housekeeping gave high marks to the KitchenAid KMT4115 for its sturdy construction and reliable performance. Wirecutter named the Cuisinart CPT-180 as their top pick, praising its versatility and value for money.
