I have a Breville 4-slice toaster, which I have owned for many years. It works well and has been reliable. I also own a Breville coffee bean grinder, which also has been very satisfactory. In my limited experience their products function well and last a long time.

We've had good luck with the Cuisinart toasters from Costco, although ours have been 4 slide ones.

What about the Krups 2 slick toaster? I used that at a friend's house and it seemed to work fine. I would pay for Breville but sounds like it doesn't work well from PP.

As a fellow overthinker, I understand the need to research this purchase. I would NOT recommend the Breville. I thought about it for a long time and finally decided to get it about two years ago. It was agonizingly slow and produced horribly uneven toast. I got so irrationally angry that I couldn't even be bothered to contact customer service (because really, it's just a damn toaster).

I gave away the Breville on Buy Nothing, ordered the Cuisinart below, and couldn't be happier.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000A1ZN0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Kitchen Aid

Toaster ovens are so much more useful for the counter top space.

When my toaster died, I went for a toaster oven instead. Way better.

Op you're over thinking this basic purchase.

I would go to the store and look at what is best and what you like. Better to get a good one especially if you keep it for a while. Over 5-10 years the savings is not much as to how well you like it and how if toasts well with all features.

I use my air fryer for toasting now.

I bought one at Target. That was like 22 or 23 years ago, and it still works just fine. It fits half a bagel in each slot. You don't need the best of everything.

I had my first Breville for 10 years (was a wedding present). I loved it. Had nice features, was consistent, felt solid. Cheap toasters don’t last and feel cheap. I only switched because I needed a four-slice and the Breville four-slice didn’t fit on my counter.

If you have the money, get the Breville, even it seems like a splurge. If you’re broke, don’t buy it.

Ours is GE with bagel slots. It's fine.

No, just buy a basic, cheap toaster. They are all the same. The only thing that is different is that some have slots wide enough for bagels (if that is important to you), while others do not.

My toaster died and I need to buy a new one quickly. Please recommend - I saw reviews for Breville 2 slice toaster as one of the best - it is expensive - but is it worth it?

Any others to recommend. Thanks!