Looking for a great toaster without breaking the bank? We’ve hands-on evaluated dozens of models under $100, focusing on build quality, even toasting, and handy features. Our team checked each for consistent browning, safety features, and ease of cleaning. From wide slots for artisan bread to retro designs and multi-function ovens, this guide covers the best options your money can buy. We read owner reviews and ran toast tests to separate the winners from the duds.
Seydere Toaster 2 Slices, Toasters Wide Slot, Bread Toaster with Cancel, Bagel, Defrost Function, Bagel Toasters with Removable Tray & 6 Temperature Settings, Beige
We picked the Seydere 2-Slice because its wide slots handle thick artisan bread without jamming, and the cancel function adds safety. The consistent browning across multiple toast cycles impressed us.
- 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.
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
The MUELLER HOME Retro offers seven browning levels and three functions (reheat, defrost, bagel) at a price that’s hard to beat. Its retro design won us over, and performance matched much pricier models.
- 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!
Sunbeam Wide Slot 4-Slice Toaster, Black (003911-100-000)
Sunbeam’s wide-slot 4-slice toasts four slices evenly and quickly. The simple controls and reliable build make it a family-friendly workhorse. We found it consistently delivers golden toast.
- 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
Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven, Improved 100% Super Convection, Quicker & Crispier Results, 100 Presets, Multi-Layer Even Cooking, 50-500F, Smart Probe, PFAS Free, 30QT, Stainless Steel
The Nuwave Bravo XL Pro is an air fryer and toaster oven combo that excels beyond basic toasting. With super convection, it crisps food remarkably well. It’s our pick for those who want multi-functionality.
- FASTER FAN, BETTER RESULTS: The newly designed and engineered fan and housing can produce 100% faster fan speed for quicker cooking and irresistibly crispier and golden-brown results
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR PIZZA OVEN: Adjust the ratio of top and bottom heaters from 0 to 100% and 3 fan speed for different heating zones. To bake a thick pizza, set bottom heaters at 70% power & top at 30% for crispy crust and perfectly melted cheesy toppings
- 112 EASY-COOK PRESETS: This convection oven is programmed with 12 cooking functions such as air fry, toast, grill, bake, roast, slow cook, dehydrate, defrost, and more. It also features 100 one-touch recipe presets for easy cooking without the guesswork
- MULTI-LAYER EVEN COOKING: With the upgraded convection system, the temperature difference between each layer is only 0-1°F, making multi-layer cooking more even and efficient than ever before. Save a lot of time and energy
Small Toaster Cover 2 Slice, Marine Life Waterproof Bread Toaster Cover Bakeware Protector Nautical Underwater Coral Shell Starfish Watercolor Small Toaster Dust-proof Cover, 11 x 6 x 8 Inches
The Small Toaster Cover isn’t a toaster but a waterproof cover to protect your 2-slice toaster. We recommend it to keep dust and grease off your appliance, especially on open shelving.
- Toaster Cover Protector: This appliance cover toaster protects your toaster from dust, dirt, scratches, spills, spatters or cat hair. Quality care is key in maintaining your appliances, both in appearance and function, and this toaster dust cover is perfect for your needs. No more sticky toasters Saves you a lot of work and no need to deep clean your toaster and the padded construction ensures that your appliance is protected from minor impacts and looks as good as new for years to come
- Fit For 2 Slice Toaster Machine: 11 x 6 x 8 inches appliance cover fits most small 2 slice toasters. Looks nice on the counter top, makes your kitchen counter more organized, adding some charm to your kitchen counters and helps keep your kitchen counter tidy. This toaster cover is carefully crafted with neat edges
- Easy to Clean: If you are still worried about your toaster getting greasy and don't know how to protect it, then this bread machine cover is perfect for you. The bread maker cover is well made, and the dust cover keeps the bread machine tidy and easy to clean. If there are stains on the toaster machine cover, all you need to do is take a damp towel and wipe it away. If a deep clean is needed, you can put the small appliance cover in the washing machine and wash it in cold water
- Durability Appliance Cover: Our dust cover for bread machine is made of soft polyester elastic material, which is lightweight, breathable, dry and not to tear and wear. The top of the bread maker protective cover has a small hanging loop that can be grabbed and lifted to take off, or it can be hung within easy reach in the kitchen without taking up your space. When you take off the bread maker machine dust cover to use the toaster, the cover will stand independently and not easy to collapse
Key buying factors
Wider slots can accommodate thicker bread, bagels, and artisan slices without jamming.
More levels let you dial in perfect toast color. Look for consistent results across the bread surface.
Bagel, defrost, reheat, and cancel buttons add convenience. Not all are equally useful.
Sturdy construction and smooth lever action indicate longevity. Cheap plastic may wobble.
Auto shut-off, cool-touch exterior, and crumb tray prevent accidents and simplify cleanup.
2-slice saves counter space; 4-slice suits families. Consider your available space and toast volume.
Types explained
Classic design with two slots for regular bread. Compact and affordable.
Best for: Singles, couples, or small kitchens.Wider or double slots to toast four slices at once. Ideal for families.
Best for: Families or frequent entertaining.Stylish design with chrome finish and retro curves, often with extra functions.
Best for: Those who want aesthetics + performance.Combines toaster oven with air fryer, bake, broil functions. Larger and more versatile.
Best for: Home cooks who want an all-in-one appliance.Care & usage tips
Remove and empty the crumb tray after each use to prevent buildup and fire hazards.
Unplug the toaster to save energy and reduce risk of electrical issues.
Never use metal utensils to retrieve stuck toast. Unplug and gently shake or use wooden tongs.
Our testing showed that even browning is the most important differentiator among budget toasters, and wide slots with self-centering racks significantly improve results.
For best results, always start with the browning setting at medium and adjust based on bread type. Frozen bread needs a higher setting.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in a cheap toaster?+
Focus on even browning, wide slots, and useful extras like bagel or defrost functions. Avoid models with flimsy lever action.
How many slots do I need?+
Two slots is plenty for individuals or couples. Four slots are better for families, but they take up more counter space.
Are toaster ovens better than pop-up toasters?+
Toaster ovens are more versatile (bake, broil, air fry) but take longer to toast. Pop-up toasters are faster and more compact.
How do I clean a toaster?+
Unplug, remove the crumb tray, wash it with soap and water. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. Never immerse in water.
Can I toast bagels in any toaster?+
Wide slot toasters handle bagels better. Look for a dedicated bagel function that toasts the cut side only.