Hamilton Beach makes straightforward appliances that work. The 22794 toaster stands out because its extra-wide slots actually fit thick-cut artisanal bread without forcing it in. This simple design choice solves the most common frustration with modern toasters.

At 850 watts, it delivers consistent heat for reliable browning across all seven shade settings. The dedicated bagel function toasts the cut side while gently warming the outside, and the defrost setting handles frozen waffles without a burnt exterior. The cancel button is instant, and the slide-out crumb tray makes cleanup a five-second task.

The stainless steel body stays cool to the touch and wipes clean easily. It’s a single-purpose tool executed well, with no complicated settings or digital displays to fail. You get predictable performance for everything from your morning sourdough to an afternoon frozen pastry.