{
  "id": 11448642,
  "title": "I tested a $299 toaster so you don’t have to — here’s what happened",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/i-tested-a-299-toaster-so-you-dont-have-to-heres-what-happened",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-02T13:36:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/home/kitchen-dining/kitchenaid-pro-line-artisan-toaster"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "When it comes to toasters, the author has experienced multiple disappointments with cheap models, ultimately leading to a high regard for the KitchenAid Pro Line toaster. This premium toaster boasts a sophisticated design, promises even toasting, and includes several features such as hands-free lowering/rising and an automatic keep warm mode – features that justify its high price tag of $299 for the two-slot model.\n\nDespite its impressive features, the toaster does not excel in toasting bread better than cheaper alternatives; the author notes that it may not be superior in this aspect compared to toasters half the price. Additionally, the included toasted sandwich cage is considered subpar. Despite these shortcomings, the author believes that the KitchenAid Pro Line Toaster is one of the best toasters available, particularly for those who prioritize ease of use and have the budget for it.\n\nThe KitchenAid Pro Line is relatively expensive, priced at $299 in the United States for the two-slot model. In the UK, the two-slot model is called the Artisan and costs £269, while a four-slot version (unavailable in the US) is priced at £399. The Pro Line offers features found in other premium toasters such as the Dualit two-slice Classic ($299), but is superior overall. However, the Dualit Classic tends to toast more evenly and offers a four-slice model in the US, making it a preferable choice for those priorities.\n\nThe toaster is available in several colors, including white, black, red, and silver. The UK version, called the Artisan, is available in ten colors, including pistachio green and an 'empire' red. The author praises the Pro Line's timeless art deco design, describing it as stately yet understated, adding a touch of class to any counter. However, the four-slice model is quite large (12 x 13 x 9 inches and weighs 18.7lbs), making it unsuitable for small kitchens. The two-slice model is slightly more manageable (7 x 13 x 9 inches and 12lbs), but is still large for a two-slice toaster.\n\nOne of the author's favorite features of the Pro Line is its automatic features and cooking modes. The toaster has an automatic up/down mechanism that senses when food is in the slot and lowers/raises it accordingly, providing a satisfying ping when toast begins and ends. The 'keep warm' setting is particularly useful, ensuring toast stays warm without burning. There is also a bagel mode, a defrost mode, and a toasted sandwich setting, which the author found to be disappointing, as it burned the outside while leaving the inside cold. The toaster's slots are spacious, accommodating various bread styles and thicknesses, and the adjustable toast setting slider offers precise control over cooking time.",
  "summary": "The KitchenAid Pro Line toaster offers lots of bells and whistles, although it cooks a little unevenly.",
  "key_points": [
    "KitchenAid Pro Line toaster costs $299 for two-slot model",
    "Features include hands-free lowering/rising and keep warm mode",
    "Author praises design but notes subpar toasted sandwich cage"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}