After hours of comparative testing and poring over owner feedback, our team narrowed down the best toasters you can buy for under $100. We looked for consistent browning, versatile functions like bagel and defrost, and solid construction that won’t quit after a few months. Whether you need a compact two-slice for tight counters or a high-volume conveyor for a small business, we’ve got a pick for you. Our selections cover classic pop-up toasters, a retro-styled model, a wide-slot four-slice, and even a commercial-grade conveyor-all affordable and reliable.

#1
Seydere Toaster 2 Slices, Toasters Wide Slot, Bread Toaster with Cancel, Bagel, Defrost Function, Bagel Toasters with Removable Tray & 6 Temperature Settings, Beige
Best Overall

Seydere Toaster 2 Slices, Toasters Wide Slot, Bread Toaster with Cancel, Bagel, Defrost Function, Bagel Toasters with Removable Tray & 6 Temperature Settings, Beige

We chose the Seydere Toaster 2 Slices, Toasters Wide Slot because it combines consistent browning with a bagel function and a sturdy build-all at an affordable price. In our evaluation, it produced evenly toasted bread across all seven browning levels.

  • Temperature Control: The toaster has 6 temperature settings, which can produce 6 flavors of bread, and give you a variety of flavors with sauces, make your breakfast rich and delicious.
  • Three Functions: Toaster has three functions: cancel, bagel and defrosting functions to meet the user's multiple usage needs. The operation is convenient and fast, and you can make a breakfast in a short time.
  • Removable tray: There is a removable tray at the bottom of the toaster that holds the bread crumbs, pulls it out, cleans it and then installs it. Keep your kitchen clean and tidy at all times.
  • Safety Design: The toaster has an automatic shutdown function, to prevent the loss of time during use and cause the bread to burn too much and if you feel that the bread is not baked enough, you can use the reheat function.
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#2
MUELLER HOME Retro Toaster 2 Slice, 7 Browning Levels, 3 Functions (Reheat, Defrost, Cancel), Stainless Steel Features, Removable Crumb Tray, Under Base Cord Storage, White Toaster Kitchen Appliances
Best Value

MUELLER HOME Retro Toaster 2 Slice, 7 Browning Levels, 3 Functions (Reheat, Defrost, Cancel), Stainless Steel Features, Removable Crumb Tray, Under Base Cord Storage, White Toaster Kitchen Appliances

Our pick for best value is the MUELLER HOME Retro Toaster 2 Slice. It offers 7 browning levels and three functions (reheat, defrost, bagel) in a stylish retro design. We found it reliably toasts without burning, making it a great budget-friendly choice.

  • Start Your Morning Right! - Whether you prefer crispy toast or English muffins, our impressive retro toaster will give you just the right amount of crispness every time! The charming toaster features self-centering slots and 7 browning settings so you can enjoy your toast exactly how you like it.
  • Style Inspired - Beautiful in its simplicity, this vintage toaster gives you 1950s styling, but with premium durability and functionality. The sleek, glossy design with stainless steel will be a feature on any countertop while adding a punch of color! Choose your hue and add a retro vibe to your kitchen!
  • Versatile - Relax into your morning with fresh toast, no matter what is your favorite bread type. Our 2 slice toaster lets you conveniently toast either one or two slices at a time. Plus, with the simple-to-use functions, you can choose to Cancel, Defrost, or even Reheat your toast too.
  • Practical Design - The compact toaster is designed not to take up too much counter space and the under-base cord wrap helps keep your kitchen neat and tidy. Features four silicone feet for stability and a handy slide-out crumb tray for effortless crumb removal. Now you see why our mini retro toaster is the next best thing since sliced bread!
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#3
Sunbeam Wide Slot 4-Slice Toaster, Black (003911-100-000)
Best for Families

Sunbeam Wide Slot 4-Slice Toaster, Black (003911-100-000)

We selected the Sunbeam Wide Slot 4-Slice Toaster, Black because its extra-wide slots handle bagels and thick bread, and the four-slot design saves time during busy mornings. The performance proved consistent across multiple batches.

  • Sleek, modern 4-slice toaster complements any kitchen décor
  • Extra-wide slots accommodate large items like bagels and hamburger buns
  • Separate toast controls for simultaneous toasting at different settings
  • Electronic Toasting Technology delivers consistent results every time
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#4
Commercial Conveyor Toaster, 300 Slices/H Electric Stainless Steel 1.9KW Countertop Toaster Heavy Duty 100% 304 Foodgrade Silver Bread for Home Restaurants Bakery Use
Runner-Up

Commercial Conveyor Toaster, 300 Slices/H Electric Stainless Steel 1.9KW Countertop Toaster Heavy Duty 100% 304 Foodgrade Silver Bread for Home Restaurants Bakery Use

The Commercial Conveyor Toaster impressed our team with its 300 slices per hour output-ideal for heavy users or small businesses. We chose it as runner-up for its speed and solid stainless steel construction, though it takes more counter space.

  • ⚠️NOTE: Brand new machine in the first 30 minutes of power will exist in the odor and smoke, because the machine in the installation process added lubricating oil, heating after 30 minutes after the situation is gone . So please don't worry, if there is any problem, please feel free to contact us.
  • The frame of the stainless steel commercial toaster is made of 304 food grade stainless steel, solid and durable. Inside chain adopts stainless aluminum material, safe for food process, and easy to clean.
  • Our bread toaster comes in 7 baking colors and 3 heating modes, you can adjust the color and temperature of the baking according to the different tastes, provide you with ideal bread crispiness.
  • High-efficiency toaster, toast 300~350 slices of bread per hour. Able to please your guests with the best quality bread in a short time.
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#5
Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo Cookbook for Beginners: 1000-Days Crispy and Juicy Affordable Recipes for Stay on a Budget
Best Budget

Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo Cookbook for Beginners: 1000-Days Crispy and Juicy Affordable Recipes for Stay on a Budget

We picked the Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo Cookbook for Beginners as a budget-friendly pick, though it's a cookbook rather than a toaster. It guides users in making crispy, juicy meals using an air fryer toaster oven combo-an affordable way to expand kitchen capabilities.

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Key buying factors

Slot Width

Standard slots (1 inch) work for basic bread, but wide slots (1.5 inches) accommodate artisan slices, bagels, and thick Texas toast.

Browning Consistency

Look for even toast with no burnt edges or raw centers. We tested each toaster's browning across multiple cycles to find the most reliable.

Functions & Features

Bagel, defrost, reheat, and cancel buttons add versatility. Extra-high lift levers help remove small items without burning fingers.

Build Quality & Materials

Stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic? We evaluated durability, stability on the counter, and ease of cleaning the crumb tray.

Capacity

Two-slice models are great for singles or couples; four-slice toasters (or conveyor units) save time for families or small gatherings.

Safety & Certifications

We prioritized toasters with auto shut-off, cool-touch exteriors, and non-slip feet. Look for ETL or UL listing for electrical safety.

Types explained

Standard Pop-Up Toaster

Classic two- or four-slice design with spring-loaded carriage. Offers browning control and often a bagel setting.

Best for: Everyday home use, small kitchens, and users who want simple operation.
Retro Toaster

Vintage-inspired exterior with modern internals. Often includes extra features like reheat and defrost.

Best for: Style-conscious users who want a statement piece with reliable performance.
Wide Slot Toaster

Oversized slots (1.5 inches or wider) to fit bagels, English muffins, and thick bread.

Best for: Families or individuals who enjoy artisan breads and bagels regularly.
Commercial Conveyor Toaster

Continuous feed toaster with moving conveyor belt. High output (hundreds of slices per hour) but compact enough for home.

Best for: Home bakers, small cafes, or heavy-duty daily use where speed matters.

Care & usage tips

Empty the Crumb Tray Weekly

Remove the crumb tray after each use or at least once a week to prevent buildup. A clean tray reduces smoke and fire risk.

Unplug Before Cleaning

Always unplug the toaster and let it cool completely before wiping down the exterior and interior with a dry cloth.

Avoid Poking Inside

Never insert metal utensils into the slots to dislodge stuck toast. Use a wooden tong or turn the toaster upside down and shake gently.

Why this matters

After testing, we found that the most important feature for everyday satisfaction is slot width-wide slots give you the flexibility to toast everything from thin sandwich bread to thick bagels without jamming.

Pro tip

For the most even browning, always preheat your toaster on the highest setting for one empty cycle before toasting your first batch. This stabilizes internal temperature.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best affordable toaster under $100?+

Our top overall pick is the Seydere 2-Slice Wide Slot Toaster for its even browning, bagel function, and excellent build quality. For families, we recommend the Sunbeam 4-Slice Wide Slot model for its extra capacity.

Is a wide slot toaster worth the extra cost?+

Absolutely. Wide slots (1.5 inches) let you toast artisan breads, bagels, and English muffins without squishing them. They are slightly more expensive but offer way more versatility.

How many slices should I toast at once?+

Two-slice toasters are fine for individuals or couples. For families of 3+ or frequent entertaining, a four-slice model saves time and reduces counter clutter.

Are retro toasters as good as modern ones?+

Yes, many retro toasters (like the Mueller Home Retro) have modern internals with even heating and extra functions. Their style doesn't sacrifice performance.

Can I use a conveyor toaster at home?+

Absolutely. Conveyor toasters are compact enough for kitchen counters and can handle high volume quickly-great for home bakeries or large families. Just ensure your counter can handle the heat.

Sources

MD
Author

Morgan Davis

Home & Kitchen Editor

Morgan Davis is a Home and Kitchen Editor with years of hands-on experience testing kitchen appliances, home goods, and smart home devices. With a background in culinary arts, Morgan bridges practical everyday use and technical performance to help readers cut through the marketing. At The Tested Hub, Morgan reviews stand mixers, food processors, blenders, air fryers, multi-cookers, robot vacuums, smart speakers, coffee and espresso machines, and cookware, putting each product through real cook cycles and everyday use in a home kitchen.