Best Toaster for Artisan Bread: My Kitchen Test Results

There’s something sacred about a thick slice of artisanal bread, still fresh from the market or bakery. But anyone who’s tried to squeeze one into a regular toaster knows — it’s a nightmare. Too tall, too wide, too uneven. If you’ve been through this, you’re not alone. I decided to test out five top-rated toasters in my own kitchen to find out once and for all: What’s the best toaster for artisan bread?

Whether you prefer sourdough, ciabatta, or tiger bread, your toaster needs to handle it with care — and consistency. I tested these toasters with real-life kitchen chaos: breakfast rushes, lazy weekend brunches, and even late-night toast cravings. Here are my genuine results, broken down with both heart and hardware in mind.

 Why Choosing the Right Toaster for Artisan Bread Matters

Toasting artisan bread isn’t just about heat — it’s about balance. The uneven thickness, irregular shape, and dense texture of these loaves demand deeper slots, even browning, and smart heating. A regular budget toaster might leave the middle pale and the crust burnt.

Here’s what I looked for during testing:

• Slot Length & Depth – Can it handle large, rustic slices?

• Even Toasting – No more half-burnt breakfasts

• Controls & Precision – Easy to adjust, even when half-asleep

• Durability – Built to last, not to landfill

My Top Picks At a Glance

Before diving in, here’s a quick comparison of the five toasters I tested based on artisan bread performance.

Sage ‘A Bit More’ Toaster 4 Slice – The Undisputed Champion

If you love artisan bread, this is the one. I tested the Sage ‘A Bit More’ Toaster on everything from rustic sourdough to tiger bread and it breezed through them all. At first glance, it looks like a shiny piece of industrial kitchen gear — very brushed steel, very premium.

It’s called ‘A Bit More’ because of a clever button that gives your toast 30 extra seconds without restarting the cycle. It sounds gimmicky, but I found it surprisingly handy, especially when I needed just a little extra crunch. The deep and long slots were perfect for my oversized seeded sourdough — no more playing Tetris with my breakfast.

The 12 browning settings are controlled by a slick LED slider. I loved this feature. It’s intuitive, responsive, and let me fine-tune the toast exactly how I like it. Setting 2 gave me a beautiful golden hue in just over a minute.

Other thoughtful extras:

• Crumpet/Fruit loaf setting: Toasts the inside, not just the crust

• Frozen button: Perfect for thawing bakery bread

• Adjustable beep: No more jump scares when toast pops

The only con? It’s a bit boxy. But honestly, I’ll take the shape if it means every slice is toasted like a dream. In my opinion, this is the best 4-slice toaster for artisan bread, hands down.

Morphy Richards Motive 4 Slice – Best Bang for the Buck

I didn’t expect much from a sub-£50 toaster, but the Morphy Richards Motive surprised me. It’s basic, yes. But it’s reliable, affordable, and actually really good for family-size artisan loaves.

What I loved most was the independent dual controls. You can toast two slices without powering up all four slots — great for energy saving. The lever doesn’t glide as smoothly as premium toasters, but it still gets the job done.

I tested a slice of homemade rye and two thick pieces of focaccia on setting 3. After 2 minutes, I had even, rich browning, edge to edge. It’s not the fastest toaster, but the slow toasting actually improved the flavor and crunch.

Pros:

• Independent dual controls

• Easy-clean crumb trays

• Seven browning settings

It lacks a high-lift feature, which can make grabbing smaller bits tricky. And there’s no fancy fruit loaf setting. But if you want a toaster that doesn’t burn your wallet — or your bread — this is your pick.

KitchenAid 2 Slice – Small but Mighty

If your kitchen is tight on space, or you live solo (hello, fellow night-toasters), the KitchenAid 2 Slice Toaster is an excellent choice. Yes, it’s pricey. But it’s also beautiful, compact, and built like a tank.

One thing that stood out during testing was how quiet this toaster is. No clunky springs or metal rattles — just smooth, gentle toasting. It even has a keep warm function that holds toast for 3 minutes after popping up. That feature alone saved my breakfast when I got distracted by boiling eggs.

Other highlights:

• Extra-wide slots for focaccia, muffins, or chunky sourdough

• Bagel mode for crisp insides and soft exteriors

• High-lift lever that helps retrieve smaller slices easily

My only gripe? The icons on the controls aren’t super clear. I had to peek at the manual (which I rarely do). Still, once you get the hang of it, the results are consistently great. Definitely one of the best 2-slice toasters I’ve tested.

 Features to Look for in the Best Toaster for Large Slices

If you’re an artisan bread lover, your toaster needs more than just heat. Look for:

• Long & deep slots: Fit those bakery-sized slices without trimming

• Adjustable browning levels: Dial in the perfect crisp

• Lift and Look levers: Check progress without interrupting

• Independent slot control: Great for households with different toast preferences

• Frozen and reheat functions: Ideal for freezer-stored bread

These features turn your toaster into a tool — not a toy. Don’t settle for something that can’t handle your favorite loaf.