If you're in the market for a new toaster, you'll notice right away there's a wide variety of options to choose from. With 2- and 4- slice toasters, plastic and metal picks, as well as long slot, it's understandable if selecting the right model can feel overwhelming. The good news is most aren't designed to just toast a plain slice of bread anymore (remember when sweet potato toast was a thing?). In addition to toasting bread to your favorite shade of golden brown, look a toaster with the right settings for your lifestyle.

For example, the bagel setting usually just toasts the inside of a bagel and warms the outside so you don't have to worry about an overly dry or crunchy bite. A defrost setting is great for frozen waffles or bread; it typically adds more time to the toasting process so you get the same results if the waffles or bread were fresh. Reheat typically toasts bread or other ingredients for a short amount of time, perfect for a toaster pastry or adding a touch more color.

On our quest to make the perfect toast and find the best toaster on the market, the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Technology Lab left no crumb behind: We tested over 58 toasters to determine how quickly and evenly they brown white bread. We lined up toasts side by side from light to dark to evaluate the range. After we toasted consecutive batches we compared them for consistency. We reviewed the owner’s manual, and evaluated the ease of using the controls, surface temperatures, and cleanability — we love a removable crumb tray. We checked whether or not the slots can accommodate thick bagels, long slices of bread, and small English muffins, and if they go high enough for easy grabbing. Here are our top picks for the best toasters you can buy in 2020, including a combination of toasters we’ve tested, tried at home, and recommend based on specially unique features and top reviews:

How to choose the right toaster

2-slice toasters vs. 4-slice toasters: When choosing a toaster, consider how many slices of toast you and your family will be making at one time. If there's more than two of you racing to make breakfast at the same time, a 4-slice toaster is probably your best bet. If counter space is a concern, however, you may want to opt for a 2-slice toaster.

Long slot toasters are gaining popularity now due to the rise in more rustic forms of bread. Opt for long slots if you love sourdough or other artisanal breads. You'll never be able to fit a whole slice in a traditional toaster without cutting it in half. We like the Cuisinart Bakery Artisan Toaster. Another detail to keep an eye out for is toasters with wide slots. They make toasting bagels and thicker slices of bread easier and fuss-free.

Plastic toasters vs. metal toasters: Generally, plastic toasters tend to be less expensive than metal. There's also the aesthetic to consider. In our tests, we found that toast quality wasn't compromised either way.

Looking for an appliance to toast and bake? Check out the best toaster ovens for cooking basically everything.