10 Best Toaster For Artisan Bread 2025 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 GE 2 Slice Stainless Steel Toaster is designed to meet a variety of toasting needs with some clear strengths. Its extra-wide slots (1.38 inches by 5.50 inches) make it a good fit for toasting artisan bread, bagels, waffles, and other thicker products. With 7 adjustable shade settings, you have flexibility to achieve your preferred level of browning, whether you like your toast light or dark.

The even toasting feature ensures consistent results, which is important for achieving that perfect slice every time. The removable crumb tray is a practical addition, making it easy to keep the toaster clean. Additionally, the illuminated buttons add a touch of convenience by clearly showing which setting is selected.

However, the toaster does have a few limitations. While it includes the essential functions such as toasting, it lacks specific features like a bagel setting or a defrost function, which some users might find useful for more versatile toasting options. At 850 watts, it may be slightly less powerful compared to some other models on the market, which could affect toasting speed. The compact size is great for saving counter space but might be a downside if you need to toast larger quantities frequently. Despite these drawbacks, the toaster's performance and user-friendly design make it a popular choice. If you’re looking for a reliable, straightforward appliance to toast artisan bread and other bakery products, this GE toaster is a solid option.