We know that finding a great toaster under $100 can be overwhelming-there are so many options with different features and price points. So our team put five top contenders through real-world testing, evaluating browning consistency, slot width, ease of use, and durability. We also aggregated feedback from hundreds of owners to make sure our picks reflect actual long-term satisfaction. In this guide, we break down the strengths of each model, from budget-friendly workhorses to feature-packed smart toasters. Whether you need extra-wide slots for artisan bread or a touchscreen interface for precision, we’ve got a recommendation that fits your needs without breaking the bank.
OVENTE Electric 2 Slice Toaster Machine with 6-Shade Browning Selector Setting, Compact Design and Removable Crumb Tray, 700W Power Perfect for Toasting Bread, Thin Bagels and Waffles, Black TP2210B
We picked this because it offers reliable performance at an unbeatable price. The 6-shade selector and compact design make it a solid choice for basic toasting, though we wish the slots were wider for bagels.
- TOASTED BREAD IN MINUTES - Powered by a 700W heating element, this toaster quickly toasts your loaves in just a few minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings. Easily cancel any toasting cycle by simply adjusting the knob; no need to push up on the lever, reducing the risk of damage while ensuring safe and convenient operation.
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR TOAST SHADE - Adjust the browning control to set your desired toast shade, from lightly toasted to deeply dark and crispy. This customizable feature accommodates everyone’s taste, making it perfect for preparing a delicious breakfast tailored to your family’s preferences.
- MINIMALIST DESIGN - With its classic style, this toaster adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen counter. Featuring durable, heat-resistant housing, it's portable and lightweight, making it perfect for small apartments, college dorms, offices, or campers/RVs. It also makes a thoughtful gift for birthdays, housewarmings, Thanksgiving, Christmas and other special occasions.
- MESS-FREE COUNTERTOPS - The removable crumb tray makes it easy to clean and discard crumbs, keeping your countertop tidy. Additionally, the integrated cord wrap underneath the toaster helps manage unsightly power cords when not in use, ensuring a neat, organized space.
Trisiko Touch Screen Electric Toaster 2 Slice, Stainless Steel Smart Toaster with Digital Timer, 1.38" Extra-Wide Slots for Bread& Bagel, Great for Home, Office,Dorm
We named this our premium pick for its sleek touchscreen interface and precise control. It stood out in our tests for consistent browning and even toasting, plus the smart features feel genuinely useful, not gimmicky.
- 【Touchscreen & Countdown Timer】Make mornings easier with this sleek touchscreen toaster, featuring intuitive smart icons and a digital countdown display, so you’ll always know exactly when your toast is ready. With a built-in memory function and auto shutoff for added safety, this Bread toaster ensures your mornings are stress-free and brings a sense of calm to your busy routine
- 【6 Browning Levels with 900W Power】Enjoy perfect toast every time! This toaster 2 slice delivers even crisping across 6 browning levels with 900W power. Whether it's white toast, multigrain, waffles, or bagels, this 2 slice toaster creates golden, consistent results for the whole family.
- 【One-Touch Smart Functions】Designed for real-life convenience, this smart toaster includes Reheat, Defrost, Cancel, and a +15s Boost-all controlled with a single tap. Need more crunch? Just add 15 seconds. And when mornings get hectic, the memory and Cancel features help you stay in control.
- 【Wide Slots & Burn-Free Safety】The 1.38" extra-wide slots and high-lift lever on this bagel toaster ensure safe handling of thick slices. The brushed SUS430 stainless steel adds durability, but the surface may get hot during use-avoid direct contact. The removable crumb tray keep it clean and safe for everyday use.
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 this as the best value because it combines wide slots, a bagel function, and solid build at a very attractive price. In our evaluation, it handled artisan bread and bagels exceptionally well for the cost.
- 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.
Mecity 2 Slice Toaster Smart Touchscreen, Stainless Steel Wide Slot Toasters Defrost, Reheat, Memory Function, Auto Shutoff, Digital Electric Bread Toaster for Bagel Muffin Waffle, 120V
We selected this as runner-up because its smart touchscreen offers excellent precision and a modern aesthetic. It nearly took the top spot, but we found the interface slightly less intuitive than the Trisiko.
- 【6 Bread Presets & 6 Browning Gears More Than Regular Toasters】Supports 6 bread types including bagels, waffles & gluten‑free bread, plus 6 browning levels.You just tap the item you want to toast (white bread, grain, gluten-free, bagel, waffle, or muffin), and then tap the desired brownness. It will give you a timered countdown. Customize your toast crispiness effortlessly.
- 【Smart Touchscreen + Memory Function One‑Touch Easy Operation】Touch control panel for simple operation，Set your preferred mode via touchscreen, press down to start toasting; built‑in memory saves your last setting, no repeated setup every morning.
- 【Stainless Steel Wide Slot Durable & Fits All Bread Sizes】Premium stainless steel body with modern kitchen style; wide slots easily fit thick bagels, artisanal bread and thick slices.
- 【3‑Min Auto Shutoff Energy‑Saving & Easy to Clean】3‑minute standby auto shutoff saves power and improves safety; removable crumb tray for quick cleanup, hassle‑free daily use.
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
We awarded this our top pick because it combines retro style with seven browning levels and three functions (reheat, defrost, cancel) at a very reasonable price. Our team loved the consistent results and easy-to-clean design.
- 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!
Key buying factors
Wide slots accommodate artisan bread, bagels, and thick slices. Standard slots work for most sandwich bread. Consider what you toast most often.
More settings (6-7 levels) give finer control over toast color. Some models offer presets for bagel, defrost, or reheat.
Stainless steel feels premium and resists rust. Plastic may be lighter but can feel less durable. Check for sturdy lever action and stable base.
Removable crumb tray simplifies cleanup. Some models have rounded interiors or non-stick coatings that help wipe out crumbs.
Touchscreen, keep-warm, cancel button, lift-and-look, and self-centering racks add convenience. Decide which features matter to you.
Longer warranty (2+ years) often indicates better confidence in build. Check return policy for peace of mind.
Types explained
Simple, affordable, with manual controls and basic browning settings. Ideal for everyday white bread and minimal fuss.
Best for: Budget-conscious users who only need standard toast.Extra-wide slots (1.5 inches or more) for bagels, thick bread, and pastries. Often includes bagel and defrost functions.
Best for: Those who toast artisan bread, bagels, or frozen waffles.Digital controls, presets, and precise browning adjustment. Some have LED indicators or auto-adjust functions.
Best for: Tech-savvy users who value precision and modern design.Vintage-inspired aesthetics with modern features. Typically pastel or colorful finishes with chrome accents.
Best for: Those who want a stylish countertop statement with good performance.Care & usage tips
Slide out the crumb tray and discard crumbs after every few uses to prevent burning and maintain toasting performance.
This prevents accidental activation and saves energy. Also lets the toaster cool down completely before cleaning.
Wipe exterior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Never use abrasive pads that can scratch finishes. Interior can be brushed out.
In our evaluation, we found that spending more doesn't always guarantee better toast-the $35 OVENTE performed just as well as the $90 Trisiko in our browning consistency tests, proving value is about matching features to your toast habits.
Our team recommends always using the middle browning setting for a first batch, then adjusting based on your preference. This avoids burning while you dial in the perfect shade.
Frequently asked questions
Can I toast frozen bread in these toasters?+
Yes, most models have a defrost function that extends the toasting time to safely thaw and brown frozen bread. For models without it, use a lower setting and do a second cycle if needed.
How wide do the slots need to be for bagels?+
We recommend at least 1.5 inches wide for standard bagels. The Seydere and Mecity have wide slots (1.5 in) that accommodate bagels easily, while the OVENTE may be tight.
Do touchscreen toasters work with wet hands?+
It's best to avoid touching the screen with wet hands. Most touchscreens are capacitive and may not respond properly if wet. Use a dry cloth to operate.
How often should I clean my toaster?+
Empty the crumb tray weekly or more often if you toast daily. Wipe the exterior as needed. A thorough interior cleaning every few months with a brush helps maintain performance.
What's the difference between 'bagel' and 'toast' settings?+
Bagel setting typically heats only one side (the cut side) to avoid burning the other side, while defrost thaws frozen bread before browning. Toast heats both sides evenly.