Which toaster is best?

Toast is a wonderful thing — white or whole wheat, store-bought or homemade, slathered in butter or topped with avocado — and the right toaster makes it easier to get your fix at any time. You deserve better than toasters that don’t fit a standard slice of bread or give shockingly uneven results.

Finding the right one is easier than you might think once you know what to look for. If you want a reliable four-slice toaster, the Cuisinart Metal Classic 4-Slice Toaster is an excellent choice.

What to know before you buy a toaster

Two-slice toaster vs. four-slice toaster

You can divide toasters into two broad categories: two-slice and four-slice. As you might guess, two-slice toasters can toast up to two slices of bread simultaneously, while four-slice toasters can toast up to four slices of bread simultaneously. Which is best for you depends on the toast needs of your household. If several people eat breakfast together, you’ll probably need a four-slice toaster, while a two-slice model will suffice for those who usually eat alone.

The great thing about toasters is that they’re far more compact than toaster ovens, so even a four-slice model will have a smaller footprint. If you opt for a four-slice toaster, consider buying one with two sets of controls so you can easily toast one or two slices without wasting energy.

Slot size

Consider both the length and width of the slots. Extra-long slots can fit two standard slices of bread next to each other or one oversized slice of bread. If you bake your own bread regularly or buy artisan loaves, extra-long slots are the way to go. You may also want extra-wide slots as they can more easily fit bagels, English muffins, burger buns and other thick baked goods.

Toast shade selection

Most toasters have a simple dial that lets you select the desired shade of your toast, from barely warmed at one end of the scale to blackened at the other. These settings differ between toasters, so err on the side of caution until you’ve mastered your new toaster. Four-slice toasters may have two shade selection dials, so you can make one pair of slices more well-toasted than the other. This is ideal when different household members have different shade preferences.

What to look for in a quality toaster

Defrost

The defrost setting adds some extra toasting time so you can toast bread directly from frozen. This is useful to have if you often freeze loaves.

Bagel setting

The bagel setting is designed for any breads that are thicker than average, such as bagels and English muffins. It extends the toasting time while lowering the temperature, so bagels and other thick breads are warmed through without getting burned on the outside.

Cool-touch exterior

Toasters with a cool-touch exterior don’t get hot on the outside during use. This keeps users from accidentally scalding themselves and is great if you have kids in your household who use the toaster.

How much you can expect to spend on a toaster

Basic two-slice toasters start at around $10, while high-end four-slice toasters can cost up to $75.

Toaster FAQ

What are the best toasters for large slices of bread?

A. It’s frustrating when large slices of bread won’t fit in the toaster. You’re forced to either cut part of the slice off or turn the slice during toasting which results in the center of the slice being more toasted than the top and bottom. The best toasters for oversized slices are four-slice toasters with two extra long slots rather than four standard side-by-side slots. These can fit wider or taller slices of bread than other types of toaster. You might only be able to fit two slices in a four-slice toaster, but at least they’ll be evenly toasted.

Why doesn’t my toaster toast evenly on both sides?

A. If your toaster toasts extremely unevenly, it might be old and needs replacing. However, uneven toasting is a common complaint with toasters. If you buy a quality toaster, you shouldn’t have any notable unevenness. That said, a little unevenness is expected due to heat fluctuations and bread shape. If this bothers you, rotate the bread during toasting.

What’s the best toaster to buy?

Top toaster

Cuisinart Metal Classic 4-Slice Toaster

What you need to know: This roomy toaster toasts four slices at once, making it perfect for families and serious toast lovers.

What you’ll love: Each pair of slots has independent controls, which is great when making toast for two people with different shade preferences. It has bagel, defrost and reheat settings and an attractive brushed stainless steel finish.

What you should consider: It has trouble fitting taller-than-average, rectangular slices of bread.

Top toaster for the money

Hamilton Beach Extra-Wide Slot Toaster

What you need to know: An affordable two-slice toaster with extra wide slots perfect for bagels and English muffins.

What you’ll love: It’s simple to use with a shade selection dial and auto-shutoff when your toast has reached the desired shade. You can choose either red or black versions, and both colors feature stainless steel sides.

What you should consider: It’s a solid toaster for the price, but it doesn’t have any extra settings, such as bagel and defrost settings.

Worth checking out

Elite Cuisine Long Slot Cool Touch Toaster

What you need to know: The long slots make it ideal for toasting homemade bread and other oversized slices.

What you’ll love: It can toast four standard slices or two extra-large slices. The slots are extra wide to easily fit bagels and similar items. You can choose from black, white or stainless steel finishes, and the reheat and defrost settings are handy.

What you should consider: It toasts darker than you might expect, so be conservative with your shade settings.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Which Moroccan oil is best?

Moroccan oil is a hot commodity for hair and skin care. Hailing from Morocco, the nutrient-rich oil is deeply nourishing and packed with vitamin E, antioxidants and essential fatty acids.

The oil is thick and ideal for taming and conditioning frizzy, curly or thick hair. Its fatty acid content hydrates the driest of skin and helps with oil control. Despite being a heavy oil, Moroccan oil won’t make your skin break out. For hair care, Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil is the top choice from the very brand that popularized the oil globally.

What to know before you buy a Moroccan oil

Ingredients

The main ingredient in Moroccan oil is argan oil, which comes from the nut of the argan tree. The oil is considered a luxury product in its native Morocco and is processed by grinding the nuts. Outside the country, argan oil has been incorporated into cosmetic oils and mixed with other ingredients such as linseed extract (from flaxseed), fragrance and other chemical additives and renamed Moroccan oil.

Hair care uses

The most popular use for Moroccan oil is on the hair. You can apply a few drops onto your scalp thirty minutes before you wash your hair as a nourishing, anti-inflammatory scalp treatment. For styling, add a few drops to wet hair to detangle it before you blow dry. You can also use the oil as a finishing product to smooth flyaways and frizz, especially after straightening your hair. The oil adds shine to damaged, coarse or dry hair but may be too heavy for fine or thin hair types.

Skin care uses

For hydrating the skin, use Moroccan oil that’s pure argan oil. You don’t want to use a Moroccan oil formulated for the hair on the skin. Apply a thin layer to your body after getting out of the bath or shower while your skin is still damp. You can also use noncomedogenic oil on your face instead of a moisturizer. Before bedtime, rub a few drops into your skin to gently and moisturize dry or acne-prone skin.

What to look for in a quality Moroccan oil

Weight

Moroccan oil is a heavy oil and offers deep hydration. It’s ideal for coarse, thick, color-treated, dry and curly hair. However, if you have thin or fine hair, you don’t have to miss out on the benefits of this oil. Select manufacturers make a lighter version of the oil that will add shine to your hair without weighing it down or making it greasy.

Color and texture

Moroccan oil is typically light to deep gold in color. If you’re using pure argan oil, often labeled Moroccan argan oil, it may be pale in color if it’s refined. Unrefined pure argan oil is dark gold and may contain some sediment. You want a Moroccan oil that’s smooth in texture, even if it contains other ingredients.

Organic

Even though most Moroccan oils are not formulated for consumption, you still want to pay attention to what you’re putting on your body and scalp. Organic Moroccan oils come from argan trees grown without using agrochemicals, which can be toxic to your health when absorbed through your skin.

Scent

Pure argan oil has a nutty scent, which isn’t what most users want to smell like. This is why most Moroccan oils are mixed with essential oils or added fragrances for a pleasant or sweet-smelling scent. However, the added fragrance is often chemical and can cause allergic reactions in sensitive users. If this is you, find a Moroccan oil that’s fragrance-free or pure argan oil.

How much you can expect to spend on Moroccan oil

A bottle of Moroccan oil that holds around 3 ounces can cost anywhere between $6 to $48.

Moroccan oil FAQ

Can I cook with Moroccan oil?

A. We don’t recommend cooking with Moroccan oil unless it’s pure argan oil. Moroccan oil may contain cosmetic additives that are not safe for consumption. To be on the safe side, purchase culinary argan oil instead of a cosmetic-grade oil for cooking.

How should I store my Moroccan oil?

A. Moroccan oil generally comes in a brown or amber-colored bottle. Light exposure compromises its nutrients and can turn it rancid. It’s always best to store your Moroccan oil in a clear or dark-colored bottle in a cool, dry, dark place, such as a medicine cabinet or drawer, with the bottle tightly closed.

What’s the best Moroccan oil to buy?

Top Moroccan oil

Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil

What you need to know: Combining argan oil with linseed extract, this wildly popular Moroccan oil is worth the price.

What you’ll love: This hair oil boasts superior performance and is a game changer for people looking to smooth challenging frizz or coarse texture. It leaves hair soft and shiny. The scent is pleasant and much loved by Moroccanoil’s loyal fan base.

What you should consider: The formula contains silicone, which can build up on the hair over time.

Top Moroccan oil for the money

OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Oil

What you need to know: This low-cost, high-performance oil is lightweight and instantly increases hair shine.

What you’ll love: This is a great leave-in oil that you can use both as a styling primer and after using heat tools. A little goes a long way. It doesn’t make hair look greasy or weigh it down, and the scent is nice.

What you should consider: There are more fillers in the product than in argan oil.

Worth checking out

US Organic Moroccan Argan Oil

What you need to know: This multipurpose oil is pure argan oil without added ingredients or fragrance.

What you’ll love: The oil only contains one ingredient, organic argan oil, and is nontoxic. You can use this thick oil on the hair and body. The glass dropper makes it easy to dispense. It’s fantastic for use on cuticles.

What you should consider: The authentic oil is not fragranced and the natural smell is not for everyone.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Which artificial flowers are the best?

Using artificial flowers in your floral arrangements is an excellent way to create a long-lasting display. Realistic materials and colors in today’s artificial flowers make for stunning arrangements. Whether you’re planning a large event or looking for elegant home decor, artificial flowers can breathe new life into any space while helping you stay on budget.

Finding the best artificial flowers takes a keen eye for detail and a sense of their real-world counterparts to craft an eye-catching faux flower arrangement.

What to know before you buy artificial flowers

When buying artificial flowers, all the elements of real flowers, like how many and what type, are important to consider. However, to create a standout artificial arrangement, it’s also important to consider what materials were used in making the flowers.

Materials

Most artificial flowers are made of plastic, polyurethane or other manufactured materials, while more traditional artificial flowers may be made from silk, velvet or other textiles. The material determines how realistic the flowers look, how easy they are to clean and their cost.

Number of flowers

The number of flowers you need depends on the size of the vase or vessel you plan on using, how much space the petals need and how full you want your arrangement to look. Before you decide on flowers, choose a vessel so you know how many flowers will fit inside.

Flower type

Common types of artificial flowers include roses, peonies, carnations and hydrangeas, though you can find many others. Depending on the materials, different types of artificial flowers lend themselves to looking more or less realistic. For example, artificial peonies made of silk often appear natural since real peony petals are soft and delicate like silk.

Length of flower stems

Artificial flower stems are generally long enough to fit most vessels or to bend and shape as you please. If you plan to hold them as a bouquet, you may want shorter stems. If you’re going to place the flowers in a vessel, you may need to adjust the length of the stems to fit neatly inside. Many artificial stems are made from wire or plastic, so you can cut them to your desired length.

Additional decor elements

Some artificial flowers come with accent pieces, such as extra greenery, LED twinkle lights or even a matching vessel. Consider how you plan to use your flower arrangement and whether you need additional decorative elements to help bring the display to life.

What to look for in quality artificial flowers

When shopping for artificial flowers, consider the size, shape and color of the real flowers you would display and find their artificial counterparts. Also consider where you’ll place these faux flowers so you know how durable they need to be.

Size and shape

The size and shape of artificial flowers won’t necessarily match perfectly with their natural counterparts. If the real size and shape of your flowers are important to you, search for artificial flowers that are made on a 1:1 scale with the real thing. Otherwise, be mindful of the potential mismatch if your arrangement combines real and faux flowers. Also, keep in mind that you’ll likely need to fluff out your artificial flowers once you bring them home, so they may appear smaller when they arrive before you complete your arrangement.

Color

Today, artificial flowers are available in many realistic colors. Most arrangements come in variety packs with slight variances in color to create a convincing bouquet. Some artificial flowers are even hand-painted to give a more natural appearance. Just like picking fresh flowers, consider what color palette you want and shop accordingly. Be mindful that if the artificial blooms are not UV-treated, they may fade if placed in direct sunlight for long periods.

Durability

Generally speaking, artificial flowers are built to last. After all, they are artificial and meant to hold up during long events and through high-traffic areas, temperature changes and multiple arrangements. However, some materials hold up better than others. Silk or textile flowers are more delicate than plastic or polyurethane ones. Keep in mind that all artificial flowers can get dirty. Regular dusting and spot cleaning will keep your faux flowers looking bright all year round.

How much you can expect to spend on artificial flowers

Small artificial flowers usually run between $5 and $25. Mid-range flowers can cost between $25 and $50, and more expensive options can cost between $50 and $100, depending on the number and size of flowers, vessels or accessories.

Artificial flowers FAQ

What are artificial flowers made from?

A. Originally, artificial flowers were made from hand-crafted silk. Once artificial flowers became more commercially available worldwide, materials such as velvet, gauze and crepe grew in popularity. Now, most artificial flowers are made from commonly manufactured materials like plastic and polyester.

Can you clean artificial flowers?

A. Yes. To keep your flowers looking lively and fresh, dust and clean your artificial flower arrangements regularly with a feather duster or microfiber cloth. If you need to access small crevices, use a fine soft-bristle paintbrush. To clean off dirt on your artificial flowers, try a 2:1 mixture of water and rubbing alcohol to gently dab away the grime. Test a small patch first to make sure the color doesn’t fade.

Can you mix artificial flowers and real flowers?

A. Yes. Combining artificial flowers with real ones in your floral arrangements is an excellent way to liven up the fake flowers and make your display stand out. Most artificial flowers can handle a bit of water, but make sure the stems can be submerged safely without staining or warping.

What are the best artificial flowers to buy?

Fule Large Artificial Peony Silk Flower Bouquets

Two bouquets include 13 stems, six full-bloomed peonies, two buds, a few accent flowers and water grass for custom arranging. The silk construction gives a realistic appearance, and the stems are iron-wrapped in wire for easy shaping or cutting.

Dream of Flowers Galaxy Rose

This unique light-up flower encased in glass lends an air of romance to any room.The polyvinyl chloride Galaxy Rose is enclosed in a glass jar, sitting atop a wooden base, and surrounded by LED lights. The fairy lights impart a warm glow around the flower, creating a magical look. The lights have two settings: on and blinking. A luxury gift box makes it a natural gift for special occasions.

Mandy’s Artificial Red Poppies

These bright, artificial poppies give a high-impact look with little upkeep. They are made from 90% polyurethane and 10% plastic, making the petals easy to clean and durable. Each bundle includes 30 individual flowers. The poppies are manufactured on a 1:1 scale to the real flower and have hand-painted details for a more natural look. They’re available in three color varieties as well as with an optional vase.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.