Intro
A bagel is not just thick toast, and a regular toaster treats it like one — which is why so many bagels come out either burnt on the cut side and pale on the crust, or squashed into a slot that was never meant for them. The best toaster for bagels solves both problems: extra-wide, self-centering slots that fit a halved bagel without squeezing it, and a bagel setting that toasts only the cut side while gently warming the crust side.
We researched the best-selling and best-reviewed toasters for bagels available right now, comparing slot width, bagel modes, browning control, and everyday usability, so you can stop wrestling your breakfast and start enjoying it.
Our Top Picks
Breville BTA720XL Bit More 2-Slice Toaster
The Breville Bit More is the toaster most reviewers reach for when bagels are the priority. Its extra-wide, self-centering slots swallow thick bagel halves and artisan sourdough without squashing them, and the dedicated bagel setting toasts the cut side while warming the crust. The LED progress bar shows exactly where you are in the cycle, Lift & Look lets you peek mid-toast without cancelling, and the A Bit More button adds a touch more browning when a dense bagel needs it.
Pros:
- Extra-wide, deep slots fit thick bagels and artisan bread with room to spare
- Bagel setting toasts the cut side only and warms the crust side
- Lift & Look and A Bit More give real control over the final result
- LED progress indicator and high-lift lever for easy retrieval
Cons:
- Premium price for a 2-slice toaster
- Takes up more counter space than a basic budget model
- Only two slices per cycle, so it is slow for a big family breakfast
Breville BTA830XL Die-Cast Smart Toaster 4-Slice
If you toast bagels for a household, the 4-slice Die-Cast Smart Toaster is the upgrade. Four fully independent slots each have their own controls, so one side can toast bagels while the other defrosts waffles at a different shade. It has the same Lift & Look, A Bit More, bagel, and defrost functions as its 2-slice sibling, wrapped in a heavy die-cast body that stays put on the counter and stays cool on the outside.
Pros:
- Four independent slots with separate controls — bagels and toast at once
- Motorized Lift & Look raises and lowers bread smoothly
- Die-cast construction feels built to last and stays stable
- Wide slots handle bagels, waffles, and thick artisan slices
Cons:
- Luxury price point, the most expensive pick here
- Large, heavy footprint needs dedicated counter space
- Some testers note slightly stronger browning in the inner slots
Mueller UltraToast 4-Slice Toaster
The Mueller UltraToast is the value pick for bagel lovers who need four slices. Its 1.6-inch extra-wide slots are among the widest in this price range, and six browning levels with memory recall mean you dial in your bagel setting once and it remembers it. A defrost function handles frozen bagels straight from the freezer, the LED display keeps settings visible, and the slide-out crumb tray makes cleanup painless.
Pros:
- 1.6-inch extra-wide slots fit oversized bagels and Texas toast
- Four slices at a budget-friendly price, with memory recall for your setting
- Defrost and reheat functions cover frozen bagels and cold toast
- Brushed stainless finish looks far more expensive than it is
Cons:
- Toasts most evenly when fully loaded; single slices can brown less evenly
- Stainless surface shows fingerprints and needs regular wiping
- Larger than a compact 2-slice model
Cuisinart CPT-122 Compact Plastic 2-Slice Toaster
The Cuisinart CPT-122 is the best budget route to proper bagel toasting, and with tens of thousands of owner ratings it is one of the most proven toasters on the market. You still get 1.5-inch slots that fit bagels, a 7-setting shade dial, and bagel, defrost, and reheat functions, plus a high-lift lever and slide-out crumb tray. The plastic housing is what keeps the price down, and Cuisinart backs it with a limited 3-year warranty.
Pros:
- Lowest price in this roundup, with bagel and defrost functions included
- 1.5-inch slots fit standard bagels comfortably
- 7 shade settings plus a high-lift lever for small items
- Limited 3-year warranty, longer than most budget rivals
Cons:
- Plastic housing feels less premium than stainless models
- Independent lab testing rated its bagel toasting as middling rather than excellent
- Only two slots, so it is slow for families
Hamilton Beach Gourmet Sure-Toast 2-Slice Toaster
The Hamilton Beach Gourmet Sure-Toast is built around a clever idea: self-adjusting guides that adapt to the thickness of whatever you put in, so a fat bagel half and a thin slice of sandwich bread both sit centered between the elements. Its extra-wide slots and Toast Boost feature lift smaller items high enough to grab safely, and it is a strong mid-priced pick for anyone who toasts a mix of breads.
Pros:
- Sure-Toast self-adjusting guides center thick bagels for even browning
- Extra-wide slots handle bagels and long bakery slices
- Toast Boost lifts small items clear of the slot
- Solid mid-range price with a well-known brand behind it
Cons:
- No dedicated bagel setting on some versions — check the model before buying
- Lacks the LED progress and lift-and-look refinements of the Breville picks
- Plastic-and-steel build is practical rather than premium
Hamilton Beach 22794 2-Slice Stainless Toaster
The Hamilton Beach 22794 is the no-fuss stainless option: a straightforward 2-slice toaster with wide slots, a bagel function, and a clean stainless look, at a price that leaves room in the budget for better bagels. It is the pick for anyone who wants a durable, good-looking toaster without paying for touchscreens or motorized lifts.
Pros:
- Stainless steel build at a genuinely budget-friendly price
- Wide slots and a bagel function cover the essentials
- Simple dial controls with nothing to learn
- Compact enough for smaller kitchens
Cons:
- Fewer shade settings and features than the Cuisinart or Breville picks
- No LED progress display or lift-and-look function
- Two slices only, so batch toasting takes a few rounds
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Toaster for Bagels
Slot width matters most. A standard slot is around 1 to 1.25 inches wide; a halved bagel needs at least 1.5 inches, and 1.6 inches or more gives thick bakery bagels real breathing room. Look for self-centering guides, which hold the bagel equidistant from both elements for even browning.
Get a real bagel setting. A proper bagel mode reduces or switches off the outer heating elements so the cut side crisps while the crust side just warms. Without it, you will either burn the crust or under-toast the cut side — there is no middle ground.
Think about capacity honestly. Two slices is fine for one or two people, but a family that eats bagels together will want four slots, ideally with independent controls so different shades are possible in one cycle.
Browning control and extras. A wide shade range (6–7 settings) helps because dense bagels need more time than sandwich bread. Defrost is genuinely useful if you freeze bagels, and a high-lift lever saves your fingertips on smaller items.
Counter space and cleanup. Four-slice and die-cast models are heavy and wide — measure before ordering. A slide-out crumb tray is non-negotiable for bagels, which shed more crumbs than sliced bread.
FAQs
What is the best toaster for bagels? For most people, the Breville Bit More 2-Slice is the best toaster for bagels: extra-wide slots, a true bagel setting, and Lift & Look control. For families, step up to the 4-slice Breville Die-Cast or the budget-friendly Mueller UltraToast.
Do I need a special bagel setting? Yes, if you want the classic result — a crisp, golden cut side and a soft, warm crust. Without a bagel setting you can fake it by toasting cut-side-in at a lower shade, but the crust usually ends up overdone.
Can a regular toaster toast bagels? Only if the slots are wide enough. A standard narrow slot will squash a bagel half, browning the edges while the middle stays pale. If your toaster has 1.5-inch or wider slots and a bagel mode, it will do the job well.
Should I slice bagels before toasting? Yes — always toast bagel halves, cut side facing the heating elements. A whole bagel will not fit, will not toast evenly, and risks jamming in the slot.
How do I toast frozen bagels? Use the defrost function if your toaster has one; it thaws before toasting so the middle is not still cold. Without defrost, run a low-shade cycle first, then a normal bagel cycle.
