Toasters come in two basic types — with slots or shelves. Toasters are handy not just for toasting bread but also muffins, crumpets, toasties, and bagels.
Slot toasters are the most common variety. They’re cheap, small, and easy to use, and no kitchen would be complete without one. But their slot size can quickly become a limiting factor if you want to toast anything more than square slice of bread. You can buy versions with wider slots to allow you to fit in thicker slices of bread or bagels, and some models even have a wire construction that pops up above the slots to allow you to toast rolls.
The larger toaster-oven style models are meant for anything that wouldn’t fit into a normal toaster — muffins, sandwiches, or even pizzas. Look out for removable crumb trays, a thermostat to keep the toasting temperature constant, and a broiling feature for hamburgers. Some models even have a self-cleaning function.
Price varies widely in the toaster market, and it all comes down to what you need, A 10-dollar two-slot toaster can last years and do everything you need it to; but if you’re more adventurous with your toasting, consider investing in a more-sophisticated machine. A good toaster oven can easily cost several hundred dollars.