# 4 slice toasters **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 29, 2026, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240 "2026-10-29T14:17:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lushka1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/97f17d/32.png) [@Lushka1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lushka1953)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/1 "2026-10-29T14:17:16Z")
We toast English muffins (specifically Wolferman’s) a lot, and our long loved toaster died. We have recently purchased a new toaster and then another. The problem seems to be that new toasters don’t actually toast very well. Despite the numbers designating dark/light toasting, the outcome seems to be the same. Even at the darkest setting, we often have to toast it twice. Online reviews don’t typically help. Most reviews seem to focus on how the appliance sits on their counter, or the color. We prefer function over aesthetics. What are your favorite toasters? ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/2 "2026-10-29T14:22:31Z")
My experience. All of them are iffy. However, toaster ovens may or may not be better, I’ve never owned one. Still, options. ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/3 "2026-10-29T14:24:05Z")
Was recently at the counter of a VERY busy Waffle House and they had a row of toasters getting heavy use. I made a mental note of the brand. They were all Waring. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/4 "2026-10-29T14:25:41Z")
I use a big air fryer to toast bread and pastries and it seems to work pretty well. Cooks evenly since the giant fans blow heat around. > **[Ninja® Foodi® Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer with Built in...](https://www.sharkninja.com/ninja-foodi-smart-xl-6-in-1-indoor-grill-air-fryer-with-built-in-thermometer/DG551.html)** > > The Ninja® Foodi® Smart XL Grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. 2nd generation with a new sleek design. With Smart Cook System and XL capacity, achieve the perfect doneness, from rare to well-done, on large family meals at the touch of a... ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/5 "2026-10-29T14:43:34Z")
I’ve had a cuisinart long slot slim design for decades. It doesn’t take up much space on the counter or in a cupboard where it lives when not in use. Toasts 4 typical slices plus adjusts for thicker bagels. Defrosts, reheats, with a lift up lever and crumb tray. It will darken your toast at mark 4, goes up to six iirc. It’s been discontinued! I’ve been looking everywhere. Closest in style is a Breville. Most toaster I see now are big chunky retro style statement toasters. I hates them. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/6 "2026-10-29T14:48:34Z")
Are you looking for a pop-up style toaster or a toaster oven style unit? I have a Breville toaster oven and I am quite happy with its utility. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/7 "2026-10-29T14:53:59Z")
After nearly 15 years, we have never regretted our purchase of a (admittedly pricey) Magimix Vision. [![](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTV7e8qjNQZHwFpjEmxFg8xC9WgwBHNFrFboegiPTF-sg&s=10) ](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTV7e8qjNQZHwFpjEmxFg8xC9WgwBHNFrFboegiPTF-sg&s=10) ---
**Author:** ![dolphinboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dolphinboy/32/330_2.png) [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/8 "2026-10-29T14:56:20Z")
I’ve been using a four-slice Cuisinart toaster for quite a while. It works fine with almost any kind of bread, but isn’t great for bagels. Depending on the type and thickness of bread, I may have to crank it up to 7 (the max) to get the darkness I want, but for most breads, a 5 or 6 is plenty dark enough. I just checked, and I don’t see my model available, but I know it’s at least 7 or 8 years old. I have found Cuisinart products pricey compared to others, but usually worth the extra money in the long run. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/9 "2026-10-29T15:01:17Z")
The Wirecutter section of the New York Times recommended the Cuisinart CPT-142 4-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster as the best four-slice toaster. (But I also like the idea of one with a clear window on the side, like the Magimix Vision, though there are other, cheaper ones with that feature.) ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/10 "2026-10-29T15:13:28Z")
I bought a vintage Sunbeam T-20 toaster on Ebay. Make sure the Seller states that it works and offers returns. There’s currently several T-20’s listed. Other brands like GE and Hamilton Beach from the 1970’s are also pretty good. Vintage is pricey. But old toasters brown the bread and should last many years. ---
**Author:** ![crazyjoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f14d63/32.png) [@crazyjoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crazyjoe)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/11 "2026-10-29T15:14:25Z")
I’ve used a couple of air fryers as toasters. A proper toaster leaves the outside crispy while the inside is somewhat moist and chewy. An air fryer – at least the ones I have used – tends to make the bread much drier and tougher than bread toasted without air circulating around it. ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/12 "2026-10-29T15:17:23Z")
I found it! > **[Cuisinart Premium Total Touch Electronic CPT-65C 4-Slice Toaster](https://poshmark.com/listing/Cuisinart-Premium-Total-Touch-Electronic-CPT65C-4Slice-Toaster-6abc41f7b94eb890ea2cfc18)** > > Shop sellerhacs's closet or find the perfect look from millions of stylists. Fast shipping and buyer protection. Cuisinart Premium Total Touch Electronic CPT-65C 4-Slice Toaster > > Electronic touch controls (no mechanical knobs) > > Digital shade selector... ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/13 "2026-10-29T16:22:56Z")
I do muffins in a fry pan. Nooks and crannies down. If just butter, I butter first. Jam or preserve side down doesn’t work​😁 ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/14 "2026-10-29T16:47:22Z")
I got this toaster oven due to a Wirecutter recommendation. It’s the Panasonic FlashXpress. > **[Amazon.com: Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven Countertop, 4-Slice Small Toaster...](https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-NB-G110P-FlashXpress-Infrared-Removable/dp/B008C9UFDI)** > > Panasonic FlashXpress 4 slice toaster oven technology featuring a double infrared heater for instant heat that eliminates the need for preheating. Six cooking menus with illustrated preset buttons automatically calculate the cooking time for a... ETA: I like bagels, bread, English muffins really dark, so with this toaster I usually use the pizza setting. If I want to toast a few sliced or slivered almonds I put them on a little tray and use the lightest toast setting for 1 minute. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/15 "2026-10-29T17:09:43Z")
I used to have that too before the air fryer. It’s very good at what it does. (the flashxpress) ---
**Author:** ![teelabrown](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/teelabrown/32/8412_2.png) [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/16 "2026-10-29T17:13:53Z")
> [@chela](#): > > I found it! Hey, that’s our toaster! We’ve had it for years and it’s a workhorse. Discontinued, you say? Isn’t everything that works well and that we like? ---
**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/17 "2026-10-29T17:26:49Z")
My wife bought a Breville 4 slot toaster several years ago and it’s great. She likes her toast at 1 to 1.5 and I prefer mine at 3. I’m pretty sure that 5 would pop up a charcoal briquet. ---
**Author:** ![Jegpeg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jegpeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jegpeg)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/18 "2026-10-29T17:40:29Z")
I don’t know how dark you want them (and I only toast bread not muffins) but it could be due to Acrylamide. This forms when something is toasted for too long and is toxic, it is quite possible that the darkest setting on new toasters is set at a very cautious level to reduce this risk. ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/19 "2026-10-29T18:03:16Z")
Indeed! The long slot is great for oversized sourdough slices. I also wish I still had a DeLonghi toaster oven like i used in the 80/90’s. That thing could cook! ---
**Author:** ![Lushka1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/97f17d/32.png) [@Lushka1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lushka1953)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240/20 "2026-10-29T19:28:11Z")
Do you know which style? Thanks [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/4-slice-toasters/1034240.md?page=2)