10 Best Toaster For Artisan Bread 2026 in the United States

The Smeg 50's Style Retro Aesthetic 4 Slice Toaster stands out with its distinctive pastel blue color and retro design, making it an attractive choice for those who appreciate vintage style. The toaster features two extra wide slots, perfect for artisan bread, which is often thicker than standard bread. The self-centering racks ensure even toasting, while the automatic slice pop-up and anti-slip feet add to the convenience and safety of use.

The removable stainless steel crumb tray simplifies cleaning, which is a nice touch for maintaining the appliance. With six browning levels, you can customize the toast to your preference, and the three preset programs (reheat, defrost, bagel) offer versatility for various toasting needs. The lift and look feature is absent, which means you can't check the toast without interrupting the cycle. This could be a minor inconvenience for some users.

The appliance is relatively lightweight at 4.43 pounds and operates at 1400 watts, ensuring quick toasting. However, the toaster’s larger dimensions (8"D x 16"W x 9"H) might require more counter space. The toaster's durability is backed by its stainless steel construction, ensuring it can withstand daily use. This toaster is well-suited for anyone who enjoys artisan bread and wants a stylish appliance that offers essential toasting functions along with a touch of retro charm.

The SMEG 2 Slice Toaster in stainless steel is an attractive option for those who enjoy artisan bread. Its two extra-wide slots are perfect for accommodating various bread sizes, including bagels and larger slices. The six browning levels allow for precise control over how toasted you want your bread, ensuring you get the perfect shade every time.

The backlit chrome knob with four selectable functions (Reheat, Defrost, Cancel, Bagel) offers convenience and versatility, making it easy to use. The self-centering racks are a thoughtful addition, as they help ensure even browning on both sides of your toast. The removable stainless-steel crumb tray is a practical feature for easy and hassle-free cleanup, and its durable build with anti-slip feet ensures stability on your countertop.

Another advantage is the built-in cord wrap, which helps keep your kitchen tidy when the toaster is not in use. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Some users might find the retro design and powder-coated enamel finish appealing, but others may prefer a more modern look. Additionally, while the toaster is generally user-friendly, the absence of a 'Lift and Look' feature means you can't check on your toast without interrupting the cycle. The toaster's relatively high weight (5.4 pounds) might also be a consideration for those who need to move it frequently. Despite these minor drawbacks, the SMEG 2 Slice Toaster is a reliable and stylish choice for anyone looking to toast artisan bread with ease.

The Breville Bit More Toaster is a solid choice if you often toast artisan bread, thanks to its extra-wide 2-slice slots that easily fit thick slices, bagels, and dense pastries. It offers six browning settings, so you can pick exactly how toasted you want your bread, and the LED progress indicator helps you keep an eye on the toasting without guessing. Features like 'Lift & Look' let you check your toast without stopping the cycle, and 'A Bit More' lets you add extra time to get the perfect crispness. The bagel setting ensures even toasting on the cut side without overcooking the outside. You can also defrost frozen bread and reheat toast without burning it.

Its compact size is great for smaller kitchens, and the stainless steel design looks sleek while being easy to clean with a pull-out crumb tray. On the downside, it only toasts two slices at a time, which might be limiting for larger households, and the 1000-watt power is average, so toasting might take a bit longer compared to higher-powered toasters. Some users might find the manual lift and lowering lever less modern than automatic pop-up ones.

If you want a reliable, easy-to-use toaster that handles artisan bread well without a lot of extra bells and whistles, this Breville model fits the bill nicely.