If counter width is your main constraint, consider a single-long-slot toaster such as the bella 2-Slice Slim. It is notably narrow, but its long body takes up depth, and independent testing found some compromises in consistency and crumb handling. If you need a shallower appliance or bagel controls, compare it with a conventional compact model such as the Hamilton Beach Compact 22998.
Measure your counter in both directions before choosing: “slim” can mean narrow without meaning small overall. The figures and test observations below are attributed to RTINGS or the manufacturers; no toaster was physically tested for this article.
Two compact formats to compare
| Model | Layout and listed dimensions | Features or findings | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| bella 2-Slice Slim | One long slot; bella lists 3.58 inches wide, 6.85 inches high and 14.88 inches deep. RTINGS measured 3.4 inches wide, 7.1 inches high and 14.8 inches deep. | RTINGS reports quick, even plain toast, but results varied by slice position. It also notes weak crumb containment and no dedicated bagel or frozen mode. | Very narrow counters and bread that benefits from a long slot, provided you have enough counter depth. |
| Hamilton Beach Compact 22998 | Two slots; manufacturer lists 10.5 inches wide, 5.5 inches deep and 6.5 inches high. | Hamilton Beach lists wide slots, a bagel function, Toast Boost, a drop-down crumb tray and auto shutoff. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent test findings in this research. | People who prefer two conventional slots, bagel controls or a shallower listed depth. |
These are different layouts, not equivalent test results. The bella measurements come from RTINGS and bella; Hamilton Beach’s dimensions and features come from its product listing. Prices, current availability and long-term durability were not established in the research, so check current listings before buying.
What “slim” means in practice
The bella 2-Slice Slim has one long slot that can hold two slices side by side or a longer slice; it is not a four-slice toaster. RTINGS measures its slot at 9.9 inches long, 1.2 inches wide and 4.7 inches deep while toasting. Taller bread may protrude, so check the fit against the bread you actually use.
#1 Best Overall
- SLIM DESIGN, BIG IMPACT: With a sleek 3.58" profile, the bella 2-Slice Slim Toaster fits comfortably on any countertop without taking up much space. Part of our Fits-anywhere kitchenware collection, it’s the perfect blend of style and practicality
- One Long Slot for Versatile Toasting: The extra-wide, 10-inch long slot accommodates two slices of bread side by side or thick artisan breads like bagels, baguettes, and Texas-style toasts. No more squeezing or cutting—just perfect toast, every time
- TOASTED PERFECTION: Six shade settings with a convenient cancel function allow you to customize your bread to your exact preference, from lightly golden to dark and crispy. Achieve your ideal toast with just a simple turn of the dial
- EASY CLEANUP & CLUTTER-FREE COUNTERTOP: The removable crumb tray slides out for quick cleaning, ensuring your toaster stays tidy and operates efficiently. Plus, the cord wrap feature keeps your countertop neat and free from tangled cords
- EFFORTLESS ACCESS: Retrieving smaller slices like English muffins is a breeze with the high-lift lever, giving you easy access without burning your fingers. It’s thoughtful details like these that make this appliance a must-have for every kitchen
Its footprint illustrates why width alone is not enough: RTINGS reports a 3.4-inch width and 14.8-inch depth, while bella lists 3.58 by 14.88 inches. Those figures may differ because of measurement or rounding. Confirm the current model’s specifications and leave operating clearance around it.
RTINGS reports that the bella produced 87% evenly browned area and took 155 seconds to reach golden brown in its test. Those are model- and method-specific results, not a guarantee for every slice or a general measure of toaster performance. Its review also found results varied by slice position and that crumbs escape its narrow tray.
Rank #2
- EXTRA-WIDE LONG SLOT, FITS ANY BREAD: The 10-inch slot (1.5" wide) fits two standard slices or one long artisan loaf side-by-side, no cutting, no two cycles. Bagels, waffles, English muffins, and sourdough all drop in freely. Dimensions: 15.67"L × 3.94"W × 7.28"H.
- 6 BROWNING SHADES + SELF-CENTERING GUIDES: Dial from lightly golden to deep dark. Automatic self-centering guides hold each slice in position for even heat across the full surface, no pale patches, no burnt edges.
- SLIM 3.94" PROFILE, 3 COLORS: Narrower than a standard 2-slice toaster, push it to the backsplash and reclaim counter space. Available in Grey, Cremello, and Ocean Blue. See all three colors in the carousel images before choosing.
- INSTANT CANCEL/EJECT, COOL-TOUCH BODY: Press Eject any time to stop toasting and release bread immediately. The cool-touch exterior stays safe to handle throughout. Every unit has a QC-inspected lever and heating element before shipment.
- EASY CLEAN + 1-YEAR WARRANTY + US SUPPORT: Slide-out crumb tray empties in seconds. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty and a US-based support team by phone, email, or live chat. Note: A faint odor on first use is normal, run two empty cycles at the highest setting to clear it.
How to choose for your counter
- Measure width and depth. Mark the appliance’s full footprint on the counter, including space for its plug and cord. A narrow toaster can still occupy a long stretch of counter.
- Match the slot to your bread. Check slot length, width and depth against your usual slices. Do not assume a long slot means thick or tall bread will fit completely inside.
- Choose the layout and controls you use. A long slot suits longer slices; two slots may be preferable if you want a conventional layout. If bagel controls matter, the Hamilton Beach listing includes a bagel function; the RTINGS-reviewed bella does not have a dedicated bagel or frozen mode.
- Consider cleanup and access. Check where the crumb tray opens and whether you can reach it in the intended spot. RTINGS specifically reports weak crumb containment for the bella.
- Check the exact listing before purchase. Specifications and availability can change, and the research does not establish current prices or stock.
Which one should you consider?
For the narrowest counter, the bella 2-Slice Slim is a credible space-first option, not a universal best toaster. Its long slot and narrow body may suit a tight counter, but allow for its roughly 15-inch depth and weigh RTINGS’ reported position-dependent results and crumb escape against the space benefit.
If a shallow footprint, two-slot layout or bagel function matters more than minimum width, the Hamilton Beach Compact 22998 is a useful comparison. Its listed depth is 5.5 inches, but it is 10.5 inches wide. Those measurements describe different trade-offs; choose based on the actual counter space available rather than the word “compact.”
Rank #3
- Slim Design, Big Impact: With a sleek 3.58" profile, the bella 2-Slice Slim Toaster fits comfortably on any countertop without taking up much space. Part of our Fits-anywhere kitchenware collection, it’s the perfect blend of style and practicality
- One Long Slot for Versatile Toasting: The extra-wide, 10-inch long slot accommodates two slices of bread side by side or thick artisan breads like bagels, baguettes, and Texas-style toasts. No more squeezing or cutting—just perfect toast, every time
- Toasted Perfection: Six shade settings with a convenient cancel function allow you to customize your bread to your exact preference, from lightly golden to dark and crispy. Achieve your ideal toast with just a simple turn of the dial
- Easy Cleanup & Clutter-Free Countertop: The removable crumb tray slides out for quick cleaning, ensuring your smart toaster stays tidy and operates efficiently. Plus, the cord wrap feature keeps your countertop neat and free from tangled cords
- Effortless Access: Retrieving smaller slices like English muffins is a breeze with the high-lift lever, giving you easy access without burning your fingers. It’s thoughtful details like these that make this appliance a must-have for every kitchen
FAQ
Is the bella 2-Slice Slim actually slim?
It is narrow: bella lists it at 3.58 inches wide, and RTINGS measured 3.4 inches. It is also about 14.8 to 14.88 inches deep, so measure counter depth as well as width.
Can the bella 2-Slice Slim toast two slices at once?
Yes. The manufacturer says its single long slot fits two slices side by side, and it can also accommodate a longer slice. It is a two-slice toaster, not a four-slice model. Check the slot dimensions if you use unusually thick or tall bread.
Rank #4
- Slim Design, Big Impact: With a sleek 3.58" profile, the bella 2-Slice Slim Toaster fits comfortably on any countertop without taking up much space. Part of our Fits-anywhere kitchenware collection, it’s the perfect blend of style and practicality
- One Long Slot for Versatile Toasting: The extra-wide, 10-inch long slot accommodates two slices of bread side by side or thick artisan breads like bagels, baguettes, and Texas-style toasts. No more squeezing or cutting—just perfect toast, every time
- Toasted Perfection: Six shade settings with a convenient cancel function allow you to customize your bread to your exact preference, from lightly golden to dark and crispy. Achieve your ideal toast with just a simple turn of the dial
- Easy Cleanup & Clutter-Free Countertop: The removable crumb tray slides out for quick cleaning, ensuring your smart toaster stays tidy and operates efficiently. Plus, the cord wrap feature keeps your countertop neat and free from tangled cords
- Effortless Access: Retrieving smaller slices like English muffins is a breeze with the high-lift lever, giving you easy access without burning your fingers. It’s thoughtful details like these that make this appliance a must-have for every kitchen
Does the bella have a bagel setting?
RTINGS reports that the tested bella 2-Slice Slim has no dedicated bagel or frozen mode. Hamilton Beach lists a bagel function on its Compact 22998.
How did the bella perform in independent testing?
RTINGS reported quick, even results on plain toast, but also found that results varied by slice position and crumbs escaped the narrow tray. Its reported 87% evenly browned area and 155 seconds to golden brown apply to RTINGS’ specific test, not all toasting conditions.
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No. Hamilton Beach lists the 22998 at 10.5 inches wide and 5.5 inches deep; bella and RTINGS list the bella at about 3.4 to 3.58 inches wide and about 14.8 inches deep. The Hamilton Beach is wider but shallower, so compare both counter dimensions.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
