KitchenAid KTT570BU 4-Slice Digital Toaster with Bagel, Warm, and Frozen Functions, Cobalt Blue

Breakfast is, after all, the most important meal of the day, so shouldn't it be treated with respect? Even in the dark of a mid-winter's morn you'll be able to see what you're doing thanks to the lighted control panel. Bagels? Frozen strudel? No problem, this toaster is designed to hold, toast, warm, and reheat.

This single-slot digital toaster from KitchenAid not only toasts most widths of bread to perfection but also warms pastries, gets bagels just right, and handles frozen items intelligently. A simple user-friendly display governs all these functions, with a dial for browning preference and three buttons for the "warm," "frozen," and "bagel" options. The "warm" function heats without toasting, while the "frozen" function gently thaws, then toasts. The "bagel" function toasts the cut side 100 percent and the crust 50 percent. Each function includes an indicator light, and the digital display shows the selected browning level. If you toast several servings in a row, KitchenAid's Even Heat system adjusts cooking time to ensure consistent results.

Structurally, the toaster is sound and accommodating, holding two slices at a time. The toasting rack automatically centers bread between the elements, and the Soft Rise feature raises finished toast high for easy removal. The toaster also features heavy-duty heating elements, a full-width dishwasher-safe crumb tray, a stainless-steel interior, and stain-resistant polycarbonate housing. The power cord has an especially tidy feature--it wraps out of sight underneath the toaster for storage or shortening. The unit measures 5-1/4 by 14-1/2 by 8 inches and wipes clean easily with a damp cloth. --Emily Bedard