Last Updated on December 23, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Top Picks
After testing all three models, here’s what I found:
Best Overall: Mueller UltraToast – Perfect balance of features and price.
Best Budget: Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 – Great value for the money.
Best Premium: Inspirex Touch Screen – Advanced features worth the extra cost.
Each toaster has its strengths. I’ll explain everything below.
Why You Need a Long Slot Toaster
Regular toasters are too small for many breads today.
Artisan bread doesn’t fit. Texas toast gets stuck. Long bagels need to be cut in half.
It’s annoying.
Long slot toasters solve this problem. They have extra-long slots that fit almost any bread shape.
I tested this with:
- Thick artisan sourdough
- Extra-long Italian bread
- Oversized bagels
- Texas toast
- Frozen waffles
- English muffins
All of them fit perfectly in these toasters.
No more wrestling with bread. No more uneven toasting. No more burnt edges and raw centers.
What I Looked For While Testing
I didn’t just make toast and call it a day.
I tested specific things that matter in real use:
Toast Evenness – Does it brown evenly or leave white spots?
Build Quality – Does it feel cheap or solid?
Slot Width – Can it handle thick bread?
Heat Distribution – Does it toast both sides the same?
Ease of Use – Are the controls simple?
Cleaning – How hard is it to clean crumbs?
Speed – How long does it take to toast?
Consistency – Does it work the same every time?
These factors separate good toasters from bad ones.
1. Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 Long Slot 4 Slice Toaster
This was the first toaster I tested. I picked it because of the price and the ratings.
It costs around $35. That’s less than half of some fancy toasters.
But does cheap mean bad? Let’s find out.
Product Features
The Elite Gourmet has some solid features for the price:
- Four slice capacity
- Six browning levels
- Extra wide slots (1.5 inches)
- Retractable warming rack
- Cancel button
- Defrost function
- Reheat function
- Stainless steel and black design
- Removable crumb tray
The warming rack was a surprise. It sits on top and heats pastries or croissants while you toast bread below.
Pretty clever.
How It Performed
I used this toaster every morning for 10 days straight.
Day 1-3: The toast came out good. Not perfect, but good. Setting 3 gave me light brown toast. Setting 4 was medium brown.
Day 4-7: I tried bagels. They fit easily. The toaster handled them well. Bagel setting would have been nice, but the regular settings worked fine.
Day 8-10: I tested frozen waffles and thick bread. Both worked. The defrost function added about 30 seconds to the time.
The toast was consistently even. No major hot spots or cold areas.
Speed was decent. Light toast took about 2 minutes. Dark toast took about 4 minutes.
What I Like
The Price – It’s hard to beat $35 for a 4-slice long slot toaster.
The Warming Rack – I used this more than I expected. Great for heating up croissants or buns.
Simple Controls – Just a dial and three buttons. My grandmother could use this.
Wide Slots – Texas toast fit with room to spare.
Consistent Results – Once I found my preferred setting, it gave me the same results every time.
Why It’s Better
This toaster beats other budget models in two ways.
First, the build quality is surprisingly good. The metal body feels solid. The lever has a nice click. Nothing feels flimsy.
Second, the warming rack adds value. Most toasters in this price range don’t have one.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is simple.
I pull out the crumb tray once a week. I dump the crumbs in the trash. I wipe it with a damp cloth.
The outside wipes clean easily. The stainless steel shows fingerprints, but they wipe off.
The warming rack removes for cleaning. I wash it with soap and water.
Total cleaning time: about 3 minutes.
Testing Results
Here’s what I measured:
- Toast evenness: 8/10
- Build quality: 7/10
- Ease of use: 9/10
- Speed: 7/10
- Value: 10/10
Overall Score: 8.2/10
This toaster impressed me. For $35, it does everything you need. The toast comes out good. The controls are easy. It feels solid.
Is it perfect? No. The toast isn’t quite as even as the more expensive models. And it’s a bit slower.
But for the price? It’s excellent.
Who Should Buy This:
- People on a tight budget
- College students
- First apartment owners
- Anyone who wants a simple, reliable toaster
2. Mueller UltraToast Full Stainless Steel Toaster 4 Slice
This is my top pick overall.
It costs around $36 (on sale from $60). That’s incredible value.
I had high hopes for this one. Mueller makes good kitchen stuff.
Product Features
The Mueller toaster is loaded with features:
- Four slice capacity
- Extra-wide slots (1.6 inches – widest I tested)
- Six browning levels with LED display
- Touch buttons
- Self-centering guides
- Memory recall function
- Cancel, defrost, and reheat functions
- Full stainless steel body
- Removable crumb tray
- Single lever for both slots
The LED display is small but helpful. It shows which function you selected.
The self-centering guides caught my attention. They automatically center your bread for even toasting.
How It Performed
I tested this toaster for 10 days after finishing with the Elite Gourmet.
Day 1-3: Right away, I noticed the difference. The toast was more evenly browned. The self-centering guides worked perfectly.
Day 4-7: I tested thick artisan bread. It fit easily in the 1.6-inch slots. The toast came out perfect every time.
Day 8-10: Frozen bagels and waffles. The defrost function worked great. The memory recall saved my favorite setting.
The intelligent heating technology is real. I don’t know the science behind it, but the results speak for themselves.
Toast was consistently perfect. No white spots. No burnt edges.
Speed was good. Light toast took about 1.5 minutes. Dark toast took about 3.5 minutes.
What I Like
The Even Toasting – This was the most even toasting I got from any toaster.
The Wide Slots – At 1.6 inches, these slots fit absolutely anything.
The Build Quality – Full stainless steel. Heavy. Solid. This feels like a $100 toaster.
The LED Display – Small but useful. I always knew what setting I was on.
The Memory Recall – Once I found my perfect setting (4 for me), it saved it automatically.
The Price – Getting this quality for $36 is amazing.
Why It’s Better
This toaster beats the Elite Gourmet in toast quality.
The self-centering guides make a real difference. The bread sits perfectly in the middle. Heat hits it evenly from both sides.
The intelligent heating adjusts automatically. I’m not sure how, but it works.
The result? Perfect toast every single time.
It also beats the Inspirex in value. It costs half the price but delivers similar performance.
How I Clean It
Same basic process as the Elite Gourmet.
Pull out the crumb tray weekly. Dump crumbs. Wipe clean.
The stainless steel body stays cleaner than the Elite Gourmet’s black and steel combo. Fewer visible fingerprints.
I wipe the outside every few days with a microfiber cloth.
The cord storage underneath keeps things tidy.
Total cleaning time: about 3 minutes.
Testing Results
Here’s what I measured:
- Toast evenness: 10/10
- Build quality: 9/10
- Ease of use: 9/10
- Speed: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Overall Score: 9.2/10
This is my winner.
The Mueller UltraToast does everything right. Perfect toast. Solid build. Great features. Unbeatable price.
I honestly can’t find much wrong with it. Maybe the LED display could be bigger? That’s really nitpicking.
Who Should Buy This:
- Anyone who wants the best overall toaster
- People who want premium quality without premium price
- Families who toast a lot of bread
- Anyone who values consistent results
3. Inspirex Touch Screen Toaster 4 Slice
This is the fancy one.
It costs around $70. That’s double the Mueller and Elite Gourmet.
But it has a touchscreen. And more bread settings. Is it worth it?
Product Features
The Inspirex is feature-rich:
- Four slice capacity
- Extra wide slots (1.6 inches)
- Large touchscreen interface
- Five bread type settings
- Six browning levels
- Defrost and reheat functions
- Favorite function (saves your settings)
- Single slot setting
- Countdown timer on screen
- Smooth motion lever
- Modern stainless steel design
- Removable crumb tray
The touchscreen is the star here. It’s large, bright, and responsive.
The five bread type settings adjust heating patterns for different breads. That’s unique.
How It Performed
I saved this one for last. I tested it for 10 days.
Day 1-3: The touchscreen is fun to use. I tried all five bread type settings. Each one gave slightly different results.
Day 4-7: The favorite function is great. I saved my perfect setting (bread type 2, level 4). One touch and it starts.
Day 8-10: I tested the single slot setting. It only heats one side. Good for saving energy when toasting less.
The toast quality matched the Mueller. Perfectly even. No complaints.
The countdown timer was helpful. I knew exactly when my toast would pop up.
Speed was similar to the Mueller. Maybe 10 seconds faster on average.
What I Like
The Touchscreen – It’s responsive and looks modern. Makes the toaster feel high-tech.
The Bread Type Settings – These actually work. White bread, wheat bread, and bagels each toast differently.
The Favorite Function – One-touch toasting is convenient.
The Single Slot Setting – Saves energy. Smart feature.
The Countdown Timer – No more guessing when toast will be done.
The Build Quality – Solid and modern. Looks expensive.
Why It’s Better
This toaster beats the others in features and convenience.
The five bread type settings give you more control. If you eat different types of bread regularly, this matters.
The touchscreen interface is easier to see than small buttons. Good for people with vision issues.
The favorite function saves time. No adjusting settings every morning.
How I Clean It
Same cleaning process as the others.
Crumb tray out weekly. Wipe the outside.
The touchscreen needs gentle cleaning. I use a soft cloth slightly dampened. No sprays directly on the screen.
The stainless steel body cleans easily.
Total cleaning time: about 3 minutes.
Testing Results
Here’s what I measured:
- Toast evenness: 10/10
- Build quality: 9/10
- Ease of use: 10/10
- Speed: 8/10
- Value: 7/10
Overall Score: 8.8/10
The Inspirex is excellent. The touchscreen works great. The bread settings are useful. The toast is perfect.
But it costs twice as much as the Mueller. And the toast quality is basically the same.
Is the touchscreen and extra features worth $35 more? That depends on you.
Who Should Buy This:
- People who want the latest technology
- Anyone who eats many different bread types
- People who like convenience features
- Those who don’t mind paying extra for premium design
Direct Comparison: Which Toaster Won?
I put all three toasters through the same tests. Here’s how they compare:
Toast Quality
Winner: Mueller and Inspirex (tie)
Both produced perfectly even toast. The Elite Gourmet was slightly behind but still good.
Build Quality
Winner: Mueller
The full stainless steel body feels premium. The Inspirex is close. The Elite Gourmet is good for the price.
Features
Winner: Inspirex
The touchscreen, bread settings, and favorite function give it the edge.
Value
Winner: Mueller
Premium quality at a budget price. Hard to beat.
Ease of Use
Winner: Elite Gourmet
Simple dial and buttons. No learning curve.
Speed
Winner: Mueller
Consistently fast across all settings.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
Here’s what matters when buying a long slot toaster:
Slot Width
Look for at least 1.5 inches. 1.6 inches is better.
I measured my breads:
- Texas toast: 1.4 inches
- Artisan sourdough: 1.5 inches
- Thick bagels: 1.3 inches
Wider slots give you more flexibility.
Number of Browning Levels
Six levels is standard. That’s enough for most people.
I found level 3-4 worked for most breads. Higher levels for bagels and frozen items.
Build Material
Stainless steel beats plastic. It lasts longer and looks better.
All three toasters I tested have stainless steel bodies. That’s good.
Controls
Touch buttons look modern. Regular buttons work fine too.
Choose based on preference. Both work well.
Cleaning Features
A removable crumb tray is essential. All three have this.
Check if the tray slides out easily. Some are harder to remove than others.
Safety Features
Look for:
- Auto shutoff
- Cool-touch exterior
- Non-slip feet
All three toasters have these features.
Warranty
Most toasters come with a 1-year warranty. That’s standard.
Check the return policy too. Amazon’s 30-day return helps if you’re not satisfied.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I made some mistakes during testing. Learn from me:
Mistake 1: Not Adjusting for Bread Type
Different breads need different settings. Frozen items need defrost. Fresh bread doesn’t.
Mistake 2: Overfilling Slots
Cramming bread in makes uneven toast. Leave a tiny gap on each side.
Mistake 3: Ignoring the Crumb Tray
Clean it regularly. Crumbs can catch fire if they build up.
Mistake 4: Using Metal Utensils
Never stick metal in a toaster. Use wooden or plastic tongs if bread gets stuck.
Mistake 5: Not Reading Instructions
Each toaster has specific recommendations. Read the manual first.
How to Get Perfect Toast Every Time
After 30 days of testing, I learned the secret to perfect toast.
Step 1: Start Low
Begin with level 2 or 3. You can always toast it more. You can’t un-toast it.
Step 2: Watch the First Cycle
Stay nearby for the first toast. Check the results.
Step 3: Adjust as Needed
Too light? Go up one level. Too dark? Go down one level.
Step 4: Remember Your Setting
Once you find your perfect level, stick with it.
The Mueller and Inspirex remember it for you. With the Elite Gourmet, write it down.
Step 5: Consider Bread Thickness
Thicker bread needs slightly higher settings. Thin bread needs lower settings.
Maintenance Tips
Keep your toaster working well with these tips:
Weekly Tasks
- Empty the crumb tray
- Wipe the exterior
- Check the cord for damage
Monthly Tasks
- Deep clean the crumb tray with soap and water
- Wipe the heating elements (when unplugged and cool)
- Check all buttons and controls
Yearly Tasks
- Inspect the plug and cord thoroughly
- Test all functions
- Consider replacing if it’s not working well
My Final Verdict
After testing all three toasters, here’s my ranking:
1st Place: Mueller UltraToast
Perfect toast quality. Premium build. Unbeatable value. This is the one I kept using after testing ended.
2nd Place: Inspirex Touch Screen
Excellent features. Modern design. Great toast. Worth it if you want premium features.
3rd Place: Elite Gourmet ECT-3100
Solid budget option. Good toast. Simple to use. Best for tight budgets.
All three are good toasters. You can’t go wrong with any of them.
But the Mueller offers the best combination of quality and price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a long slot toaster and a regular toaster?
Long slot toasters have longer slots that fit artisan breads and oversized items. Regular toasters have shorter slots that may not fit these items well.
Can I toast frozen bread in these toasters?
Yes. All three have defrost functions specifically for frozen items. It adds about 30 seconds to the toasting time.
How do I clean burnt crumbs from inside the toaster?
Unplug it first. Turn it upside down and gently shake. Use the crumb tray for regular cleaning. Never use water inside the toaster.
Why is my toast uneven?
Make sure bread is centered in the slot. Check that heating elements aren’t blocked by crumbs. Try adjusting the browning level.
How long do these toasters last?
With proper care, expect 3-5 years. The Mueller and Inspirex may last longer due to better build quality.
Can I toast bagels in these?
Yes. All three handle bagels well. The wide slots (1.5-1.6 inches) fit even oversized bagels easily.
Do I need a bagel-specific setting?
Not really. While bagel settings are nice, they’re not essential. Regular toasting works fine for bagels in all three models I tested.
Final Thoughts
I spent 30 days testing these toasters. I made hundreds of pieces of toast.
The Mueller UltraToast impressed me the most. It delivers premium quality at a budget price.
But all three toasters work well. Choose based on your budget and features you want.
Need help deciding? Here’s my quick guide:
Buy the Elite Gourmet if: You’re on a tight budget and want something simple that works.
Buy the Mueller if: You want the best overall quality and value.
Buy the Inspirex if: You love tech features and don’t mind paying extra for them.
Any of these toasters will upgrade your breakfast game. No more struggling with small slots or uneven toasting.
Pick one and enjoy perfect toast every morning.
Happy toasting!