An essential appliance, the toaster makes breakfast prep easy, adds flair to lunch time sandwiches and takes care of the three billion Pop Tarts we consume each year in America. Let’s face it, few things in life are more delicious than a piece of hot buttered toast, well, apart from maybe toast with eggs, bacon, hash browns and a brew made with one of the best coffee makers. But not all toasters are made equally, which is why we’ve been carb loading in the name of research, so you can get the best for your bread, bagel, muffin or crumpet.

If perfect toast alone wasn’t a good enough reason to upgrade your toaster, it’s worth noting that toasted bread also comes with health benefits. Studies show that toasted bread has a lower glycemic index compared to bread, in fact. This can mean a slower release of sugar into the bloodstream, provided you go easy on the PB and J.

The latest toasters do well to accommodate a range of bread types and sizes. Gone are the days when a square loaf was all that was on offer. Tall artisan sourdoughs, soft ciabatta, delicate sprouted whole grains and perfectly formed English muffins can now all be toasted effortlessly. With long and wide toasting slots, good variable temperature ranges and tailored shortcut settings for various bread types, the best toasters will keep us content.

Check out more of WIRED’s top kitchen tech and accessory guides, including the Best Electric Kettles, Best Chef’s Knives, and the Best Gear for Small Kitchens.

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