I "test drove" several brands of toasters before settling on this Cuisinart.  Toasting should not be difficult, really, but I found many poor toasters on the market. I have been pleased with this toaster. It is consistent in its toasting (not suddenly burning the toast even though the darkness level had not changed) and does bagels nicely/  I would have given it the 5th star if the slots were a bit wider to fit bagels better.