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Toasters & Microwaves

7 Best Toasters for English Muffins and Bagels (2026)

I compared 7 best toasters for English muffins from THOMAS', Hamilton Beach, Nostalgia and more in November 2026, weighing slot width, dedicated muffin settings, and how easily the crumb tray comes out. The picks that matter range from a four-slot commercial build to a dual sandwich maker that handles the whole muffin at once.

Published 4 min read

An English muffin is an awkward thing to ask a toaster to do. The split face is uneven by design, all peaks and pockets, so the corners catch before the middle crisps, and a muffin that looked modest in the pack can wedge itself into a slot that seemed wide enough on the box.

I went through the best toasters for English muffins listings looking for the details that actually decide this: stated slot width, whether there is a dedicated bagel or muffin function, how far the lever lifts, and whether the crumb tray slides out without a fight. Ratings helped, and so did the BHK Score, the site’s rating system that weighs build quality, controls, and cleaning against the rest of the category. This is listing research across materials, stated capacities, and care instructions, not a kitchen test, so anything the manufacturer does not spell out stays unsaid here.

My overall pick for best toasters for English muffins is the Hamilton Beach Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker. It sidesteps the toasting problem by building the whole sandwich in one unit, with a countdown timer that beeps when the muffin, egg, and cheese are done together. My top picks are just below.

Our Top Picks

Full Reviews

1 Best Overall

Hamilton Beach Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker

Hamilton Beach
Hamilton Beach Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker with Dual Capacity
9.9 BHK Score
Excellent

Hamilton Beach sandwich maker cooks one or two sandwiches simultaneously with a countdown timer and PFAS-free nonstick surfaces.

Key Facts

Size
7.83 x 10.39 x 5.91 Inches
Weight
4.8 Pounds
Rating
PFAS-Free Nonstick
Care
Dishwasher-Safe Removable Parts

Pros

  • +Dual cooking rings allow making two sandwiches at once
  • +Countdown timer with audible beep for precise cooking
  • +PFAS-free nonstick coating on cooking surfaces
  • +Dishwasher-safe removable parts for easier cleanup

Cons

  • −Requires precooked meat as it does not cook raw meat
  • −Weight of 4.8 pounds may affect portability
  • −Limited to silver color with no alternatives

Detailed Review

This Hamilton Beach Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker accommodates making one or two sandwiches at the same time, which is practical for couples or small households. It features a countdown timer with an audible beep to alert when cooking is complete, helping avoid overcooking. All removable parts are dishwasher safe, and the cooking surfaces use a PFAS-free nonstick coating, which simplifies cleanup while avoiding certain chemical treatments.

I'd consider this model for kitchens where space is moderate since its 7.83 by 10.39 inch footprint fits comfortably on most counters. Worth knowing before you buy is that the unit requires precooked meat to be added, as it doesn't cook raw meat, which limits its all-in-one cooking capability. The weight of nearly 5 pounds could be a factor if you plan to move it frequently.

Overall, I see this sandwich maker working best for people wanting quick, customizable breakfast sandwiches with control over ingredients and straightforward cleanup.

2 Best for Commercial Use

Tanxinxin 1800W Commercial 4-Slice Toaster

Tanxinxin
Tanxinxin 1800W Commercial 4-Slice Toaster with Dual Controls
9.9 BHK Score
Excellent

This stainless steel 4-slice toaster offers 1800W power and dual controls for varied toasting needs.

Key Facts

Power
1800W
Size
12 x 10 x 4 inches
Material
Stainless Steel
Slots
4 self-centering slots, 1.25 inches wide

Pros

  • +Dual control pairs for varied toasting times
  • +Stainless steel body resists corrosion
  • +Anti-jam function prevents stuck bread
  • +High lift feature eases removal of small items

Cons

  • −Higher price may deter casual home users
  • −No dishwasher-safe parts, crumb trays require manual cleaning
  • −Limited to 120V use, restricting some power settings

Detailed Review

The Tanxinxin 1800W commercial toaster stands out with its dual control pairs, letting users toast different breads simultaneously to distinct browning levels. Its stainless steel construction offers durability and corrosion resistance, which suits commercial or busy home settings where longevity matters. I see this working best for kitchens needing high throughput since it can handle up to 225 slices per hour on the highest setting.

The slots are 1.25 inches wide and self-centering, so it fits bagels and thicker breads like Texas toast without issue. Worth knowing before you buy is the manual crumb tray cleaning, which requires more effort than dishwasher-safe parts provide. The footprint is relatively compact at 12 by 10 inches, but the unit is designed for 120V power, limiting voltage flexibility.

I'd consider this a reasonable pick for small commercial kitchens or homeowners who want precise control over multiple slices at once and appreciate stainless steel durability.

3 Best for Moderate Use

THOMAS' Original English Muffins with 12 Count

THOMAS'
THOMAS' Original English Muffins with 12 Count Tray Packaging
9.8 BHK Score
Excellent

THOMAS' Original English Muffins come in a 12-count tray to maintain freshness and ease of access.

Key Facts

Included
12 Count
Dimensions
11 x 8 x 2 inches
Weight
0.125 Pounds

Pros

  • +Tray packaging for freshness and convenience
  • +Moderate 12 count quantity for regular household use
  • +Compact footprint for limited kitchen or pantry space

Cons

  • −Limited flavor option with only plain English muffins
  • −No specific storage or shelf life details provided

Detailed Review

This product features 12 original plain English muffins packed in a tray designed to help maintain freshness and ease access. The tray packaging also supports convenient storage and handling compared to loose packaging. The muffins come in a compact 11 x 8 x 2 inch package, which should fit well in most household pantries or refrigerators without taking excessive space. The plain flavor offers flexibility to pair with various toppings, sweet or savory, which suits different meal preferences. Worth knowing before you buy is the limited flavor variety as only plain muffins are included. I see this product working best for someone who prefers a moderate quantity of English muffins with straightforward packaging that helps maintain freshness.

4 Best for Compact Kitchens

BUYDEEM DT640 4-Slice Toaster with 7 Shade

BUYDEEM
BUYDEEM DT640 4-Slice Toaster with 7 Shade Settings
9.8 BHK Score
Excellent

BUYDEEM DT640 is a 4-slice toaster featuring 1800W fast heating and 7 browning levels for precise toasting control.

Key Facts

Size
4-Slice
Power
1800W
Color
Green

Pros

  • +High wattage speeds up toasting process
  • +Wide slots accommodate various bread types
  • +Separate controls for versatile simultaneous use
  • +Compact retro design minimizes counter space use

Cons

  • −Limited color option with only green available
  • −Depth of slots may not fit very large artisan bread
  • −No indication of dishwasher-safe parts for cleaning

Detailed Review

This toaster stands out for its 1800W fast heating system that delivers consistent toasting results quickly. It offers four extra-wide 1.5-inch slots with a 4.3-inch depth, designed to fit thicker slices like bagels and English muffins without needing a larger footprint. The dual independent controls allow two different toasting settings simultaneously, which I see working well for households with varied bread preferences.

The compact size measuring 12 by 9.2 inches conserves valuable counter space while adding a retro aesthetic. Worth knowing before you buy is the limited color choice, as it comes only in green. I rate this a reasonable pick for those prioritizing versatility and space-saving in their toaster.

5 Best for Thick Bread

Nostalgia Wide 2-Slice Toaster with Extra-Wide

Nostalgia
Nostalgia Wide 2-Slice Toaster with Extra-Wide Slots
9.5 BHK Score
Very good

Nostalgia 2-slice toaster features extra-wide slots for thick bread and bagels with five browning levels and a removable crumb tray.

Key Facts

Size
7.4 x 6.5 x 11 inches
Slots
Extra-wide for bagels and thick bread
Browning Levels
5
Color
Aqua

Pros

  • +Large slots accommodate various bread types
  • +Removable crumb tray simplifies cleaning
  • +Cord storage keeps countertop tidy
  • +Lighted controls enhance usability

Cons

  • −Bulky height relative to width and depth
  • −Limited to two slices at once
  • −Only one color option available

Detailed Review

This Nostalgia toaster stands out with its extra-wide slots designed for bagel halves, thick bread, and English muffins. Its five browning levels provide control over toast doneness, which suits varied preferences. The toaster measures 7.4 by 6.5 by 11 inches, so its height could be a consideration for kitchens with limited vertical space. I see this working best for users who prioritize slot width over batch capacity since it handles two slices at a time. The removable crumb tray allows for easier cleanup, while cord storage under the base helps keep counters neat. Worth knowing before purchase is the limited color choice, which may not blend with all kitchen styles.

6 Best for Small Kitchens

Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker with Egg

Hamilton Beach
Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker with Egg Cooker Ring
9.4 BHK Score
Very good

Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker cooks customizable sandwiches quickly with PFAS-free nonstick surfaces and dishwasher-safe removable parts.

Key Facts

Size
7 x 7 x 8.79 Inches
Material
PFAS-free nonstick coating
Care
Dishwasher-safe removable parts

Pros

  • +PFAS-free nonstick coating on cooking surfaces
  • +Dishwasher-safe removable components for quick cleaning
  • +Compact dimensions minimize countertop space usage

Cons

  • −Single sandwich capacity limits use for larger households
  • −Requires precooked meat to ensure food safety
  • −Limited to black color without alternative options

Detailed Review

This Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker features PFAS-free nonstick surfaces that reduce concerns about chemical coatings. Its compact size of 7 by 7 inches keeps it manageable on most kitchen counters, which is important for smaller spaces. The unit includes an egg cooker ring that works with various breads such as English muffins, croissants, and mini waffles, offering customization options for breakfast sandwiches.

I'd consider this model a reasonable pick for someone preparing individual sandwiches quickly, as it cooks a single sandwich at a time. The dishwasher-safe removable parts simplify cleanup, which is handy for daily use. Worth knowing before you buy is that meat must be precooked separately, which adds a step to the process.

This maker suits kitchens needing a small footprint and users who prioritize customization with fresh ingredients rather than bulk sandwich making.

BUYDEEM DT640 4-Slice Toaster with 1.5-Inch Wide Slots
9.4 BHK Score
Very good

BUYDEEM DT640 is a 4-slice toaster featuring 1.5-inch wide slots and 1800W power for fast heating.

Key Facts

Capacity
4-Slice
Power
1800W
Size
11 x 14 x 14 inches
Color
Retro Silver

Pros

  • +High wattage delivers rapid heating
  • +Wide slots suit thick bread and English muffins
  • +Separate controls for two different toast types
  • +Multiple toasting functions including defrost and reheat

Cons

  • −Relatively large 14-inch depth impacts small counters
  • −Limited color option with only retro silver available
  • −No dishwasher-safe parts mentioned for easy cleaning

Detailed Review

This BUYDEEM DT640 toaster stands out with its four 1.5-inch wide slots, designed to handle thicker breads like bagels and English muffins. Its 1800W heating system aims for fast, consistent toasting, supported by seven adjustable shade settings to suit different preferences. I see the dual independent controls as a useful feature for households needing to toast different items at once without compromise.

Worth knowing before you buy is its size footprint of 11 by 14 by 14 inches, which might be bulky for kitchens with limited counter space. Also, the toaster currently comes only in retro silver, limiting style options. For my money, this suits users who value slot width and control flexibility more than compactness or color variety.

FAQs

How wide do toaster slots need to be for English muffins?

Slots in the 1.25 to 1.5 inch range take a split muffin without forcing it, and that measurement matters more than any browning dial. Narrow slots pinch the edges, so the middle steams while the rim scorches. If a muffin fights the slot, split it thinner rather than pushing it down.

Can you toast English muffins without a bagel or muffin setting?

Any slot toaster with adjustable browning will toast a muffin, though the bagel and muffin modes simply push more heat to one side. Without them, set the dial a level or two below your bread setting and check early. Unplug the unit and let it cool before emptying the crumb tray.

Is a toaster or a sandwich maker better for English muffins?

A sandwich maker wins when you want egg and cheese between the halves, since it cooks the whole stack with a timer, while a slot toaster is quicker for a plain buttered muffin. The sandwich maker adds setup and a few more parts to wash. For plain halves with jam, keep the toaster.

How do you keep English muffins from burning at the edges?

Start one shade lighter than your usual bread setting and use the high-lift lever so you can check the face without digging at it. An uneven split creates hot spots, so separate the halves with a fork around the equator. Follow the manufacturer’s manual for cleaning and care.

Final Thoughts

Two things decide whether an English muffin comes out right: a slot wide enough to hold the split half without squeezing it, and a control that lets you run the muffin gentler than you would run sandwich bread. Everything else, from crumb tray design to cord storage, is convenience layered on top of those two.

The best overall choice is the Hamilton Beach Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker. It fits households that want the muffin as part of a hot sandwich rather than a buttered half, and the countdown timer is the practical strength: it beeps when the sandwich is done, so nobody is guessing at the lid. Cooking two at once covers couples and small families, and the removable parts being listed as dishwasher safe keeps the cleanup short on a weekday morning.

For the budget side, the Thomas’ Original English Muffins, 12 count is the pick that makes the most sense for most kitchens. Twelve muffins in two sleeves with the coarse crumb that crisps properly in any slot toaster means you spend less on the appliance and more on what actually goes in it. Pair a sleeve from the freezer with whichever toaster suits your counter, and the guesswork about which machine browns a muffin evenly stops being a question at all.

Evan Carmichael
Written by Evan Carmichael Founder & Lead Appliance Analyst

Evan Carmichael is the founder and lead appliance analyst at Best Home Kitchen. He covers countertop appliances, coffee and espresso machines, cookware, and kitchen knives, comparing each product's specs, materials, and wattage against verified owner feedback so home cooks can choose reliable kitchen gear with confidence.

Contents
  1. Our Top Picks
  2. Full Reviews
  3. FAQs
  4. Final Thoughts