(checked 2026-10-10)Listing is the CPT-640P1; 4,621 ratings.
Serious Eats' favorite four-slice toaster for its many bread-type settings, longer slots and quick recovery between batches. Wirecutter's unit had a faulty lever, and Amazon owners often report early breakdowns and levers that won't stay down.
Top complaints
- Lever won't stay down; early failures
Amazon's summary says multiple owners report it breaking within two months and the lever not staying down. Wirecutter's test unit had a faulty left lever that wouldn't hold the bread down.
- Uneven toast; burns above setting 3
Amazon's summary says toasting quality is mixed, with some owners reporting uneven toasting and others saying settings above 3 out of 7 burn the toast.
- More complex than needed for some
Serious Eats says it probably isn't for you if you want a dead-simple toaster.
Source: Serious Eats (four-slice)
What owners love
- Even, predictable browning
Serious Eats says it browned bread and bagels evenly, recovered quickly between batches, and produced distinct, appropriate shades at each setting.
Source: Serious Eats (four-slice) - Lots of settings
A dial for five bread types, 7 darkness levels, defrost, cancel and a single-side button, plus a printed guide showing which way to face bagels (Serious Eats).
Source: Serious Eats (four-slice) - Fits artisan slices
Serious Eats found the slots long and wide enough for artisan-style breads; Amazon owners like the settings for different bread types.
- You want a dead-simple toaster
- Lever reliability matters most
- You usually toast on dark settings
- Households toasting many bread types
- Artisan slices in a 4-slot toaster
- One-slot toasting
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Serious Eats (four-slice): Best four-slice toaster: even, predictable and versatile, with quick recovery between batches; not for people who want simplicity.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed because the left lever on its test unit was faulty and wouldn't keep bread down.