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Verdict: BALMUDA The Toaster is an unusually good fit for someone who mainly wants excellent toast, reheated pastries, and small pizzas in a compact appliance. Its steam-assisted bread modes and stable temperature are appealing, but the small chamber, slow preheating, 15-minute timer, and lack of convection make it a poor substitute for a full-size toaster oven. This review covers the US K01M generation.
That market distinction matters. BALMUDA Japan announced redesigned Japanese models—KTT02JP for The Toaster and KTT03JP for The Toaster Pro—on September 29, 2026. The available US specifications and independent testing discussed here describe the earlier K01M generation, not those Japanese refreshes.
What BALMUDA The Toaster is—and is not
BALMUDA The Toaster is a compact toaster oven designed around bread rather than broad oven versatility. The US K01M line uses a small measured dose of water to create steam during selected modes, while separately controlled upper and lower heaters shape the heating profile. BALMUDA says the steam helps produce a crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist. That is the manufacturer’s explanation of the mechanism, not independent proof that every food will taste better.
The appliance is best understood as a premium bread toaster that can also reheat pastries, pizza and other small portions. It is not a high-capacity countertop oven: there is no convection fan, no air-fry function, only one rack position and a timer that tops out at 15 minutes, according to RTINGS’ testing of its reviewed unit.
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US K01M specifications at a glance
| Specification | US K01M value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior dimensions | 14.1 × 12.6 × 8.2 inches | Measure your counter and the space around the appliance before purchase. |
| Interior dimensions | 10.7 × 8.0 × 7.0 inches | Determines which pans, dishes and portions can fit. |
| Maximum bread height | 2.2 inches | Tall loaves and thick toppings may not clear the chamber. |
| Weight | Approximately 10.2 pounds | Portable enough to move, but substantial for a small toaster. |
| Rated power | 1,300 watts | Use a suitable household outlet and follow the manual’s electrical guidance. |
| US model numbers | K01M-KG (black), K01M-WS (white), K01M-GW (gray) | Check the model code on a listing or box so you do not confuse generations or markets. |
| Included items | 5cc water cup, toasting rack, baking pan, manual and guidebook | The original US model includes a baking pan for oven-mode use. |
The listed internal space is enough for a couple of bread slices, a sandwich or an 8-inch pizza. RTINGS reports that a standard 9 × 9-inch cake pan does not fit. Those dimensions make the oven’s intended use clear: small portions and bread, not family-size baking.
How the steam system and heaters work
Adding the measured water
For steam-enabled programs, you pour 5cc of water into the supplied cup and add it as directed by the guide. The small quantity is deliberate; this is not a water reservoir or a steam oven with continuous injection. The steam feature is part of the programmed cycle, so use the mode intended for the food rather than adding water indiscriminately.
Separate upper and lower heat
BALMUDA describes independently controlled upper and lower heaters that vary by mode. In practical terms, the appliance can emphasize top heat for browning or use a different balance for bread and reheating. The company presents this control as part of its toast texture, while RTINGS’ independent testing found stable temperature to be a strength. Neither point means the oven behaves like a large convection appliance.
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Modes and the foods they suit
Sandwich Bread
This is the straightforward choice for conventional sliced bread. The program is built around the product’s bread-first design and is the mode most likely to represent the reason to buy the appliance.
Artisan Bread
Use this setting for crustier, denser or irregular loaves. The mode naming signals that BALMUDA expects different bread types to need different heat treatment; keep portions within the 2.2-inch height limit.
Rank #2
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Pizza
The chamber can accommodate an 8-inch pizza, according to RTINGS. That makes the setting useful for a personal pizza or a slice, but not for a standard large pie.
Pastry
Pastry mode targets reheating rather than baking a tray of fresh pastries. It is a sensible use for croissants, danishes and similar items when you want a warm center without treating them like dry leftovers.
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Oven mode offers 350°F, 400°F and 450°F settings. It is the most general-purpose setting on the original model, but the small cavity, single rack level and 15-minute maximum timer limit what you can cook conveniently. Longer recipes require monitoring and another cycle rather than a single unattended program.
What independent testing found
RTINGS published its original review on February 7, 2025, with changelog updates through September 3, 2026. Its description is concise: “The BALMUDA The Toaster is a very small toaster oven primarily intended for toasting bread and reheating items like pastries or a slice of pizza.” That assessment matches the dimensions and mode list.
RTINGS found stable temperature to be a strength. Temperature consistency is valuable for toast and reheating because it reduces the guesswork that can come with a small heating chamber. However, the same testing found that the appliance preheats slowly for such a small toaster oven, making it less convenient when you want to reheat leftovers quickly.
Rank #3
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The main limitations in the test were capacity and flexibility:
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- The chamber holds only small portions; a couple of slices, a sandwich or an 8-inch pizza are realistic examples.
- A standard 9 × 9-inch cake pan does not fit.
- There is no convection mode and no fan for air frying.
- There is one rack position.
- The timer maximum is 15 minutes.
- Compared with somewhat larger compact toaster ovens, it offers fewer cooking options.
These are RTINGS’ findings for the reviewed K01M-generation unit. They are not measurements of the redesigned Japanese models announced in 2026, and they are not a firsthand test by this writer.
Capacity: the decision most buyers should make first
What fits comfortably
Two slices of bread are the practical baseline. A sandwich, one small baking portion or an 8-inch pizza can also fit. The shallow footprint is convenient when counter space is scarce, and the 2.2-inch bread-height limit accommodates ordinary slices while restricting unusually tall items.
What does not fit well
Do not buy this appliance expecting standard bakeware compatibility. The 9 × 9-inch cake pan cited by RTINGS will not fit, and the single rack level gives you no way to create a second shelf. Large casseroles, multiple servings and batch baking are therefore poor matches.
Cookware and counter planning
Compare the listed 10.7 × 8.0 × 7.0-inch interior with the dish you actually use, not just the outside dimensions. Leave the ventilation and operating clearance specified in the manual; the 14.1 × 12.6 × 8.2-inch exterior is the appliance footprint, not a recommendation to press it against a wall or cabinet.
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Original Toaster versus Toaster Pro
The two products share a nearly identical compact concept, but the Pro changes the control set and preheating behavior. The table uses US-listed information and RTINGS’ comparison of the products.
| Feature | The Toaster, US K01M | The Toaster Pro |
|---|---|---|
| US-listed price | Not stated in the supplied US specification information | $379 on BALMUDA’s US page; prices and stock can change |
| Exterior size | 14.1 × 12.6 × 8.2 inches | 14.1 × 12.8 × 8.2 inches |
| Rated power | 1,300 W | 1,300 W |
| Programs | Sandwich Bread, Artisan Bread, Pizza, Pastry and Oven | Shokupan, Golden Toast, Pizza, Croissant, Oven and Salamander Grill |
| Preheating | RTINGS describes it as slow for a small toaster oven | RTINGS says it preheats significantly faster than the original |
| Broiling-style finish | No Salamander Grill mode | Salamander Grill mode |
| Baking pan | Included | Not included |
| Optional tray | Not needed for the included-pan setup | Pro Baking Tray with Rack listed separately at $34.90; the surfaced listing showed it sold out |
| RTINGS score | No score stated in the supplied material | 5.7 overall in RTINGS’ September 2026 review |
The Pro’s faster preheat and Salamander Grill mode are the meaningful reasons to spend more, not a larger cooking chamber. RTINGS says the footprint and chamber remain nearly similar. It also found mixed performance: the Pro works well for baking and reheating, but still has limited capacity, cannot air fry and can brown toast unevenly. The 5.7 figure is RTINGS’ product-review score, not a consumer-satisfaction statistic.
Remember the accessory difference when calculating cost. The original includes a baking pan; the Pro does not, so a Pro buyer who wants that style of tray may need the separately sold Pro Baking Tray with Rack, subject to compatibility and availability.
Which model should you choose?
Choose the original K01M if:
- Your routine is toast, reheated pastries, sandwiches and small pizza portions.
- You value a compact footprint and stable temperature more than broad cooking flexibility.
- You want the included baking pan rather than budgeting for a separate Pro tray.
- You can tolerate slow preheating and a 15-minute timer.
Choose the Pro if:
- You will use faster preheating often enough to justify its listed US price.
- A Salamander Grill finish is important for browning the top of food.
- You accept nearly the same capacity and the possibility of buying a compatible tray separately.
Choose a different style of toaster oven if:
- You need a 9 × 9-inch pan, family-size portions or multiple rack levels.
- Air frying or convection circulation is a central requirement.
- You regularly cook recipes longer than 15 minutes and do not want to restart the timer.
- Fast reheating is more important than a bread-focused steam program.
A practical first-use procedure
- Confirm the model and market. Check that the label says K01M-KG, K01M-WS or K01M-GW if you intend to buy the US original. Do not assume a Japanese model has the same specifications or voltage.
- Measure the installation space. Compare your counter with the 14.1 × 12.6 × 8.2-inch exterior and follow the manual’s clearance instructions.
- Identify the included parts. Set aside the 5cc cup, toasting rack and baking pan so you do not substitute an oversized dish.
- Select the food-specific program. Use Sandwich Bread, Artisan Bread, Pizza or Pastry for their intended foods; reserve Oven for the 350°F, 400°F or 450°F setting you need.
- Add water only when the selected instructions call for steam. Measure 5cc with the supplied cup. Do not turn the cup into a makeshift reservoir.
- Load a small portion with clearance. Keep bread below the 2.2-inch maximum height and verify that the food is not touching the heaters.
- Watch the timer. The original’s maximum is 15 minutes. For longer cooking, plan to check the food and begin another cycle rather than assuming a continuous program.
- Evaluate the result for your routine. The purchase makes sense when the portion size and bread emphasis match what you actually cook; a larger oven is more efficient if you routinely need batch capacity.
2026 Japanese redesign: what US buyers should know
BALMUDA Japan announced a full redesign on September 29, 2026, with Japanese release that day. The new Japanese series names are KTT02JP for The Toaster and KTT03JP for The Toaster Pro. The announcement lists Japanese tax-included launch prices of ¥39,600 and ¥46,200, respectively.
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The redesign adds Sourdough and Steam Deli modes and combines two previous modes into a Bakery mode. BALMUDA Japan also described a Japan purchase promotion running September 29 through November 30, 2026, with applications accepted through December 7. Those dates and eligibility apply to the stated Japanese promotion; they are not US pricing or a US offer.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
The US manufacturer pages covered by this review still present the prior US-generation information, including the US Toaster Pro listing. No US launch date, US model number or US price for the Japanese redesign is established here. If a listing claims to be the newest model, verify its market, voltage, model code, warranty and official US availability before treating it as an update to the K01M review.
Ownership questions worth answering before purchase
Does the small size save meaningful counter space?
Yes, the 14.1-inch width and 8.2-inch height are compact compared with many roomier toaster ovens, but you still need the operating clearances specified by the manual. The benefit is most noticeable for a one- or two-person kitchen whose main task is bread.
Is steam a guarantee of better toast?
No. Steam is BALMUDA’s stated mechanism for a crisp exterior and moist interior. RTINGS independently found stable temperature, but the sources do not establish a controlled taste study proving universal superiority. Treat steam as a design feature that may suit your bread preferences, not as a promise for every recipe.
Can it replace a full-size oven?
Not for most households. The chamber is small, the rack position is fixed, the timer stops at 15 minutes and there is no convection or air-fry fan. It can replace a larger oven for selected small portions, not for standard bakeware or batch cooking.
Bottom-line buying advice
Buy the US K01M BALMUDA The Toaster when your priority is compact, bread-centered cooking and you are comfortable with small portions and slow preheating. Consider the Pro for faster preheating and Salamander Grill mode, while remembering that its chamber remains nearly the same size, its baking tray is separate and its $379 US listing can change. If you need versatile cookware support, air frying, multiple racks or large batches, choose a roomier convection toaster oven instead. Above all, verify the generation and market: the Japanese KTT02JP and KTT03JP redesigns are not established as US replacements yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many slices of bread can the BALMUDA Toaster Pro fit?
BALMUDA’s US Pro FAQ says it comfortably fits two slices. That answer is specific to the Pro FAQ and should not be read as a capacity claim for every BALMUDA generation or market.
Is a clicking sound from the rear normal?
BALMUDA’s Pro FAQ attributes the sound to the heater relay switching on and off. If your unit makes a different noise, shows an error or develops a burning smell, stop using it and follow the manual’s safety and service guidance.
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