The Cuisinart Classic CPT-180 toaster is good overall. It toasted bagels particularly well compared to the best toasters. The Smeg 2 is another toaster that makes bagels well but doesn't have a specific bagel setting. The Cuisinart Classic CPT-180 toaster impressed us by creating evenly toasted bagels and bread. Its classic stainless steel design will fit well into any kitchen, and for a model with space for four slices, it's reasonably priced, too.
Cuisinart CPT-180: Setup
The Cuisinart Classic CPT-180 toaster is easy to set up. I just unboxed it and placed it on a flat surface in my kitchen, leaving plenty of room around it for easy access to the controls. I plugged it into a standard outlet and was ready to go. There are two six-setting browning dials, so adjusting my toasting preferences is easy.
The setup process was quick and hassle-free, allowing me to enjoy perfectly toasted bread quickly after the first cycle.
Cuisinart CPT-180: Design & features
I love the sleek stainless steel design of the Cuisinart Classic CPT-180 toaster; it adds a touch of elegance to my kitchen. The glossy finish makes it easy to clean and durable. With a four-slice capacity and slots designed to accommodate bread up to 1.4 inches thick, I can toast different breads, bagels, and even thick artisanal slices.
Dual browning dials with six settings let me adjust the toasting level. It's user-friendly and efficient with features like an LED indicator, defrost, reheat, and bagel settings. While the crumb tray is convenient for cleaning, it's in the back, so you'll have to move the toaster to get to it.
Cuisinart Classic CPT-180: Performance
I like how the Cuisinart Classic CPT-180 works, especially how even and fast it toasts. Thanks to its dual six-setting browning dials, which enable me to customize it for individual preferences, it consistently toasts bread and bagels perfectly. The settings let me control the toasting process, whether aiming for a light golden color or a deeper, crunchier toast.
During testing, the Cuisinart Classic performed particularly well with bagels, toasting them evenly without any burnt edges, which can be a problem in lesser models. On a medium setting, it toasted bread in just 1:27, much faster than many competitors, who can take up to 2:44. The toaster also comes with defrost and reheat functions, so it's great for all kinds of breakfasts.
With its low lifting height, it's hard to handle smaller or oddly shaped slices without burning your fingers. Despite this minor drawback, the Cuisinart Classic toaster demonstrates solid reliability and speed, making it an excellent pick for a high-performance kitchen staple.
Should you buy the Cuisinart Classic CPT-180?
The Cuisinart Classic brings a timeless design and solid performance. It has a few downsides, such as the crumb tray, which can be difficult to access, and the potential difficulty in reaching smaller slices of bread. However, the Cuisinart Classic CPT-180 toaster has useful and versatile features and toasts fast and well, making it one of the best toasters available on the market.
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | quick and hassle-free | 9/10 |
| Design & features | sleek stainless steel design; four-slice capacity; low lifting height | 8/10 |
| Performance | ability to toast bagels without burning; significantly faster than many competitors; precise control | 9/10 |
