Bagels and thick sliced bread
Best Toasters for Bagels and Thick Toast
Pop-up toasters for bagels with extra-wide slots and true bagel modes that crisp the cut side while warming the crust, plus defrost for frozen bagels.
Our top picks at a glance
Breville A Bit More 2 Slice Toaster BTA720
Households that want precise, repeatable toast shade without guesswork.
Wolf Gourmet 2 Slice Toaster WGTR152S
Serious home cooks who want even browning, a keep warm option, and even results on a single slice.
Smeg 50s Retro Style 2 Slice Toaster TSF01
Design led kitchens that want a toaster that looks as good as it toasts.
The short answer
For bagels, pick the Breville A Bit More for control or the Wolf Gourmet for the most even cut side browning.
The picks, ranked
| Pick | Slots | Power | Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Breville A Bit More 2 Slice Toaster BTA720Best for Bagels Overall | 2 slice, extra wide | 1000 watts | 11.25 x 7 x 7.75 inches | Check price |
| 2Wolf Gourmet 2 Slice Toaster WGTR152SBest Bagel Browning | 2 slice, extra wide | 900 watts | 12 x 7 x 8.5 inches | Check price |
| 3Smeg 50s Retro Style 2 Slice Toaster TSF01Best Bagel Style Pick | 2 slice, self centering | 950 watts | 12.2 x 7.7 x 7.6 inches | Check price |
| 4Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster 22794Best Budget Bagels | 2 slice, extra wide | 850 watts | 11.1 x 7.3 x 7.8 inches | Check price |
| 5Cuisinart Metal Classic 4 Slice Toaster CPT-180Best for Bagel Brunch | 4 slice, 1.5 inch wide | 1650 watts | 11.75 x 10.63 x 7.5 inches | Check price |
Best for Bagels Overall
Breville A Bit More 2 Slice Toaster BTA720
2 slice stainless toaster with A Bit More and Lift and Look controls.
Extra wide self adjusting slots and a dedicated bagel setting handle thick bagels without burning.
Strengths
- A Bit More button adds a short extra cycle without restarting
- Lift and Look lever checks progress without cancelling
- Extra wide slots fit bagels and artisan bread
- LED progress indicator shows browning stage
Limitations
- 2 slice capacity only
- Premium cost for a toaster
- Stainless finish shows fingerprints
| Slots | 2 slice, extra wide |
|---|---|
| Power | 1000 watts |
| Dimensions | 11.25 x 7 x 7.75 inches |
| Weight | 4.4 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Same shade setting gives repeatable results
- A Bit More rescues underdone toast perfectly
- Bagels toast evenly without burning the cut side
- Feels solid and well finished
Common complaints
- Wish it came in a matching 4 slice footprint for families
- Exterior needs wiping to stay mark free
- Cord is shorter than some expect
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Breville official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Households that want precise, repeatable toast shade without guesswork.
Skip if: Skip if you regularly toast for three or more people at once.
Best Bagel Browning
Wolf Gourmet 2 Slice Toaster WGTR152S
Heavy gauge 2 slice toaster with 1-slice toasting, shade selector, and keep warm mode.
Self centering slots and even elements give uniform cut side color, and the one-slice setting handles a single bagel half evenly while coffee brews.
Strengths
- Extra wide slots self center thick and thin slices
- One-slice setting balances heating so a single slice browns evenly on both sides
- Seven shade settings plus bagel, frozen, and keep warm
- Heavy stainless and die cast construction stays planted
Limitations
- Large footprint for a 2 slice model
- Premium tier cost
- No long slot for artisan loaves end to end
| Slots | 2 slice, extra wide |
|---|---|
| Power | 900 watts |
| Dimensions | 12 x 7 x 8.5 inches |
| Weight | 6.5 lb |
| Warranty | 5 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Very even browning across the slice
- Single slices brown evenly on both sides with the one-slice setting
- Keep warm prevents cold toast at busy breakfasts
- Build quality feels like larger Wolf appliances
Common complaints
- Bulky for small counters
- Early batches can show hot spots until the elements settle
- Exterior gets warm during back to back cycles
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Wolf Gourmet official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Serious home cooks who want even browning, a keep warm option, and even results on a single slice.
Skip if: Skip if you need four slices or a compact footprint.
Best Bagel Style Pick
Smeg 50s Retro Style 2 Slice Toaster TSF01
Rounded retro toaster with six browning levels and a ball lever knob.
A proper bagel function and self centering racks in the most distinctive body here.
Strengths
- Distinctive 50s styling in many colors
- Six browning levels with reheat, defrost, and bagel
- Self centering racks hold slices straight
- Anti slip feet and a stainless crumb tray
Limitations
- Slots are shorter than long slice rivals
- Style drives much of the cost
- Gloss finish marks with daily handling
| Slots | 2 slice, self centering |
|---|---|
| Power | 950 watts |
| Dimensions | 12.2 x 7.7 x 7.6 inches |
| Weight | 5.4 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Looks excellent on open counters
- Toasts evenly for standard bread
- Bagel mode is effective
- Lever knob is satisfying to use
Common complaints
- Thick artisan loaves may need trimming
- Premium cost for 2 slices
- Colors vary slightly from kettle shades for some owners
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Smeg official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Design led kitchens that want a toaster that looks as good as it toasts.
Skip if: Skip if you judge a toaster only on features per cost.
Best Budget Bagels
Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Toaster 22794
Simple extra wide 2 slice toaster with bagel and cancel functions.
Wide slots and a bagel setting at a budget tier, with Toast Boost for small halves.
Strengths
- Extra wide slots fit bagels and thick bread
- Seven shade settings with bagel and defrost
- Toast Boost lifts small slices higher
- Auto shutoff and cord wrap for storage
Limitations
- Plastic housing feels light
- Shade consistency trails premium models
- Shorter service life expectations
| Slots | 2 slice, extra wide |
|---|---|
| Power | 850 watts |
| Dimensions | 11.1 x 7.3 x 7.8 inches |
| Weight | 3.2 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Does the basics reliably for the tier
- Bagels fit without forcing
- Easy for guests to figure out
- Light and easy to store
Common complaints
- One side can toast darker
- Lever feels flimsy
- Exterior scuffs over time
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Hamilton Beach official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Everyday toast and bagels on a tight budget.
Skip if: Skip if you want metal construction and fine shade repeatability.
Best for Bagel Brunch
Cuisinart Metal Classic 4 Slice Toaster CPT-180
Brushed stainless 4 slice toaster with dual controls for two pairs.
Four 1.5 inch slots handle bagels for a group with two shade zones.
Strengths
- Dual control panels run two shades independently
- Six shade settings with bagel, defrost, and reheat
- Extra wide 1.5 inch slots for thick bread
- Stainless housing wipes clean
Limitations
- Larger footprint than 2 slice models
- Lever feel is lighter than premium rivals
- Shade can vary slightly between left and right pairs
| Slots | 4 slice, 1.5 inch wide |
|---|---|
| Power | 1650 watts |
| Dimensions | 11.75 x 10.63 x 7.5 inches |
| Weight | 6.1 lb |
| Warranty | 3 year limited |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Two shades at once suits couples and families
- Bagel setting works as expected
- Good value for metal 4 slice build
- High lift helps with small slices
Common complaints
- First batches help you learn the dial
- Crumb trays are on the rear
- Finish differs slightly from photos for some buyers
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Cuisinart official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Families that toast two different shades at the same time.
Skip if: Skip if counter space is tight or you only ever toast two slices.
FAQ
Questions, answered straight
How wide should slots be for bagels?
Look for 1.5 inch or extra wide slots. Standard 1 inch slots squeeze bagels and cause uneven contact.
Cut side in or out for bagels?
Most makers advise cut sides facing each other in a 2 slice toaster. Check your manual, as element layouts differ.
Can I toast frozen bagels?
Yes, use the defrost or frozen setting, which adds time at lower initial power so the center thaws before the surface browns.