When it comes to breakfast, the stores are overflowing with cereal brands, but sometimes, going the simple route is best. Few would deny that when it comes to preparing breakfast, a perfectly browned slice of toast is the best way to start the day. But, you can only get to enjoy that perfect texture and flavor if you make a smart choice when it comes to choosing a toaster. Since you can get the same results from large and small toasters alike, here, we are going to focus on the compact variety. So, without further ado, here’s a list of the best small toasters that we have reviewed for you.
Table of Contents
What to Look For When Getting a Small Toaster
Before we dive into our list of the best small toasters on the market, there are several factors that you should consider before purchasing one.
Size
Since the main purpose of this review guide is to compare most compact and small toasters, the overall dimensions of a toaster is a major factor to consider. Every toaster in our article comes with mentioned dimensions, so you can check if it fits on your countertop, or if it’s portable enough for you.
What is considered a small toaster? While there is no generic size guide, a rule of thumb says that the length shouldn’t exceed 13 inches. Actually, most toasters mentioned in our guide don’t go over 12 inches in length.
Weight
If you plan to move your new toaster from one place to another often, then weight might be worth considering. Keep in mind that weight differs a lot with kitchen appliances. For example, the Smeg model on our list weighs twice as much as the Breville model.
People usually don’t care much about weight of the devices, since kitchen appliances are not moved around a lot, but for some it still might be an important factor.
Number of Settings
You might find the most suitable toaster for you, only to realize that it comes with just two settings, and neither of which is good for you. Bummer, right?
Look for at least four settings (browning or shade levels). This way, you will have several choices and a higher chance that your new toaster will have a setting which will be perfect for you.
Bread-slot Size
This particular factor is definitely worth checking, because while you might save space with a smallest toaster, you will be disappointed if it only works with the smallest bread type. Luckily, most compact toasters come with wide slots to accommodate various bread types, but just in case, make sure you check this out before your purchase.
Materials
Most toasters are made either fully from stainless steel and other metals, or a combination of plastic (cover – exterior) and metal (interior). If you don’t care for one of these options, make sure to double check that.
In general, toasters made fully from metals tend to last longer, although there are some exceptions. If you are not sure about this, it’s best to contact the manufacturer.
Customizable Time
Most models come with customizable time, or at least several pre-set programs, each with specific time.
Why is this important? Well, for example, bagels take different amount of time to heat up than other pastries, right? So, it makes sense to have the customizable time option at the ready.
Wattage & Voltage
Electricity might be a factor worth considering for some. Most (if not all) brands provide information regarding wattage and voltage of their products, so make sure to check this particular factor (even if you don’t care about it, no harm in checking, right?).
Budget
“Great, I found the winner, it has everything I wanted from a toaster! Wait… why does it cost 300 bucks?!”…
This is something you don’t want to find out when you choose your new toaster. I suggest to check the price right from the start, so you won’t be disappointed later on.
Warranty
Manufacturers often provide various warranty types. Make sure you know exactly what the offered warranty stands for, as occasionally people tend to burn on this overlook.
How Does a Toaster Work?
If you are interested in the electro-magnet toaster question, check out the video below (by Technology Connections):
Comparison Table
Which Small Toaster is the Best?
There are hundreds of different types of small toasters that are available in the market today, which can make finding the right one a tough nut to crack for many folks. Here’s the list of the best small toasters that you can invest in to get the most bang for your buck every time you’re looking for the perfectly browned slice of bread.
1) Smeg TSF01RDUS Retro 2-Slice Toaster
For those who are looking for a little something extra than just investing in a plain compact toaster that fits nicely in the kitchen, then the Smeg 2-Slice Toaster is exactly what you are looking for. It’s easy to see why this toaster is one of the best smallest toasters available in the market today.
With the Smeg Toaster, not only do you get a toaster that sports a compact design that can fit nicely in any kitchen, but you also get one that works as a great conversation piece as well. The first thing you are going to notice with the Smeg 2-Slice Toaster is its premium quality build and attractive design. It is easy to see that the designers of this compact toaster wanted to give their customers more than just a compact toaster that delivers. With the Smeg 2-Slice Toaster, you get a product that not only comes with all the bells and whistles you would expect from a premium quality brand, but you also get to have a toaster that can easily spruce up any kitchen.
The Smeg Toaster comes with an automatic slice pop up feature. You also get 2 self-centering racks that allow you to get perfectly toasted bread or bagels. With 6 browning levels and 3-pre-set programs, you can rest assured that you’re going to enjoy your toast or bagels just the way you like them with the Smeg 2-Slice Toaster.
Dimensions: 12.69 (L) x 7.6 (W) x 7.72 (H) inches
Pros and Cons
- Sturdy build quality
- Compact design
- Beautifully constructed
- 6 browning settings
- 3 pre-set programs
- Removable crumb tray
- Anti-slip feet
- Pricey
- Most high temperature settings will burn basically all kinds of bread types
Our rating: 
4.7 / 5
2) Oster 2-Slice Toaster
Oster is a relative newcomer in the world of compact toasters, but it easily makes the cut for our “best small toasters” list because of its exceptional design and build quality.
The Oster 2-Slice Toaster gives you perfectly toasted slices every time, and its user-friendly controls make toasting bread a real treat. Like many other compact toasters that are available in the market, the Oster 2-Slice Toaster also offers multiple options, such as toasting, defrosting, bagel, and warmup settings. These multiple settings make it easier to use this toaster and ensure that you get the perfect results every time.
The entire top section of this compact toaster is made from sturdy plastic. But, the toaster offers a cool-touch design, which means you are not going to burn your hand when using this toaster. The smart combination of easy to use settings and a sturdy build that comes in a compact and attractive package makes the Oster 2-Slice Toaster a must-have for all those who are searching for the best small toasters.
Dimensions: 11.7 (L) x 6.9 (W) x 7.3 (H) inches
Pros and Cons
- Sturdy plastic build
- Multiple settings
- Cool-touch keeps you safe
- Affordable
- Several users mentioned that the bagel setting doesn’t not toast evenly
Our rating: 
4.6 / 5
3) Breville Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster
If top-shelf toasting capabilities are what you are looking for in a toaster, then the Breville Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster is just what you need.
The first thing that you are going to notice with this amazing compact toaster is its build quality. Featuring premium quality stainless-steel, this toaster has been built to go the distance. The only downside of this being a solid, stainless-steel toaster is that it is a bit heavier as compared to usual toasters available in the market. But, if weight isn’t a factor you use to gauge the quality of a product, then you will be spot on in the case of the Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster.
This incredible toaster has quite a few things going on for it that easily makes it one of the best compact toasters available in the market today. For instance, this toaster sports features such as a dedicated start button that starts the toasting process. This is a great upgrade from the traditional pushing down of the lever to begin the toasting process.
To make things as easy and as convenient as possible for the users, the manufacturers have decided to make the start button on this toaster the cancel button as well. This dual functioning capability of the button allows for more convenient use and also saves space on the toaster. You can cancel the toasting process if you feel that your bread has been toasting for too long. Apart from that, this toaster also includes an easy-to-use sliding mechanism for setting the toaster. The LED-backlight control panel on this toaster not only makes it easy to see the options but is also attractive to look at.
Unfortunately, it does not have a customizable time, only a “Bit More” specific setting.
Overall, the 900-watt Breville Die-Cast Toaster is one of the best compact toasters available in the market today because of its smart features and compact design, which gives you the best of both worlds.
Dimensions: 11.25 (L) x 7 (W) x 7.75 (H) inches
Pros and Cons
- Premium quality build
- Sturdy stainless-steel design
- LED lit control panel
- Easy-to-use controls
- Some might find it expensive for a compact toaster
- Several users reported that it didn’t last more than 18 months
Our rating: 
4.5 / 5
4) Cuisinart 2-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster
Another product that just had to be included in our list of best small toasters is the Cuisinart 2-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster.
This toaster might not be the smallest toaster on this list, but it does offer all of the advantages of having a premium toaster on a budget. One thing to remember is that just because this compact plastic toaster by Cuisinart comes with a lighter price tag does not mean that the company has compromised on quality. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
The Cuisinart 2-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster offers a surprisingly solid design that is able to take quite a few licks and still keep on working. The best part of investing in this particular compact toaster is that you get a beautifully designed product that is able to perform exceptionally well despite its modest price tag, which is more than you can say for many other compact toasters available in the market today. This toaster sports an attractive design that can easily spruce up any kitchen.
The easy to use controls have been well placed on the toaster for convenient use. Also, another reason why this toaster shines is its fast-toasting capabilities. Despite its compact build, this toaster will only take under three minutes on average to prepare a perfectly toasted slice of bread. This feature also makes it one of the more efficient compact toasters in the best small toasters niche. The toaster also comes with a nifty bagel setting. Other settings on this toaster include defrost, reheat, and a 7-setting dial to help you get your toast just the way you like it.
Dimensions: 6.5 (L) x 11 (W) x 7.2 (H) inches
Pros and Cons
- Sturdy plastic build with stainless steel accents
- Multiple options
- 7-setting control dial
- Sliding crumb tray
- BPA-free plastic construction
- Comes with a short power cord
- A few users reported that it doesn’t toast evenly
Our rating: 
4.4 / 5
5) KitchenAid 2-Slice Toaster
The KitchenAid 2-Slice toaster is just what you need if you’re looking to have one of the best compact toasters.
Apart from its sturdy design, a major selling point of this toaster is its small size, which makes it easy to place this toaster just about anywhere in the kitchen. This premium quality toasters also comes in various colors such as black, silver, and red, which makes it easy for you to get one that suits the decor of your kitchen.
But, the main reason to get the KitchenAid 2-Slice Toaster is because of its features. This toaster has been designed keeping the user in mind. This means that you are able to prepare toast on the fly when needed without wasting any time. This toaster comes with all of the bells and whistles one would expect from one of the best small toasters available in the market today, such as easy-to-use settings and 7 setting options, including, bagel, reheat, defrost and “keep warm” options. You also get a high lift lever and an easy-to-clean design with a removable crumb tray.
Dimensions: 7.7 (L) x 12 (W) x 8 (H) inches
Pros and Cons
- Features a sturdy build
- Beautiful design
- Sports a high lift lever
- Medium and dark settings could get you the same results
Our rating: 4.4 / 5
6) Hamilton Beach 22811 Keep Warm 2-Slice Toaster
If you are looking for a two-slice compact toaster that delivers an exceptional level of quality, then it doesn’t get any better than the Hamilton Beach 22811 Keep Warm 2-Slice Toaster.
It’s easy to see that this toaster has been constructed, keeping the user in mind. The compact toaster offers perfect, crispy toast whenever needed in its compact, yet efficient design.
The high level of quality that this toaster is able to provide, despite being compact is one of the main reasons this is a best-selling product. In fact, the Hamilton Beach 22811 Keep Warm Toaster has become the standard-bearer for compact toasters used in households. Apart from its handsome looks, this toaster is also easy to operate. Some of the options that are available on this toaster include a bagel setting, defrosting setting, and the usual regular toasting option. You also get to customize the toasting capabilities of this nifty little toaster, thanks to a numbered dial that has been integrated into the design. This allows the users to set the toaster according to their specific requirements.
This toaster also features a ‘Keep Warm’ button, which is considered to be one of its main selling points, and it is easy to see why. The button offers a unique function, as in, if you feel the need for some more time to scramble a few eggs or make your coffee, the ‘Keep Warm’ button makes the toaster maintain a specific temperature to keep the toast warm for up to three minutes. Talk about having a smart toaster!
Dimensions: 11.3 (L) x 7.48 (W) x 7. (H) inches
Pros and Cons
- Sturdy build quality
- Stainless steel sides
- Cool-wall design
- Keep Warm feature keeps toast warm for up to three minutes
- Easy-push button design
- Dedicated buttons
- LED-lit control panel
- Tends to burn the toast if set on a higher setting
Our rating: 
4.3 / 5
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best small toasters, there will be a lot to choose from, whether you’re buying online or offline. While some of the small toasters that are available in the market today offer you all the bells and whistles one would expect in a toaster, others are more attractive for their price tag.
It is important to note here that a higher price tag does not necessarily mean getting a better product. This is why you need to do your research, and don’t forget to read the fine print before you buy a small toaster. If you fail to do that, you could end up with an underperforming toaster that does not get you that perfect texture and crispiness of the best small toasters.
For those of you who are searching for the best compact toasters in town to make every breakfast delicious, the aforementioned options should get you off to a great start.
