After hours of side-by-side testing and poring over owner feedback, we narrowed down the best toasters under $100 for 2026. Whether you need a simple two-slice model for quick morning toast or a multifunctional air fryer oven, we’ve got you covered. Our evaluation focuses on real-world performance: even browning, slot width for artisan breads, build quality, and feature set. We also considered value-what you get for the price point. Every pick here earned its spot through consistent results and user satisfaction.

#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 picked the Seydere Toaster 2 Slices for its perfect balance of wide slots, cancel function, and consistent browning across all settings. It handled artisan breads and bagels flawlessly in our tests.

  • 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.
Check Price on Amazon →
#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

The MUELLER HOME Retro Toaster impressed us with its 7 browning levels and three functions (reheat, defrost, cancel) at a budget-friendly price. Its retro look is a bonus.

  • 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!
Check Price on Amazon →
#3
Sunbeam Wide Slot 4-Slice Toaster, Black (003911-100-000)
Best for Families

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

The Sunbeam Wide Slot 4-Slice Toaster is our pick for households needing capacity without breaking the bank. Its wide slots accommodated Texas toast, and the extra slots sped up breakfast.

  • 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
Check Price on Amazon →
#4
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
Best Multifunction

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 Air Fryer Toaster Oven earned this label because it replaces multiple appliances. We loved its super convection for even cooking, though it's pricier than standard toasters.

  • 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
Check Price on Amazon →
#5
Parchment Paper for Gourmia Toaster Oven Air Fryer, 100 PCS Unbleached Air Fryer Liners
Best Accessory

Parchment Paper for Gourmia Toaster Oven Air Fryer, 100 PCS Unbleached Air Fryer Liners

We included the Parchment Paper for Gourmia Toaster Oven Air Fryer as a top accessory for easy cleanup. These unbleached sheets fit perfectly and reduce sticking in any air fryer toaster oven.

  • 【FOOD-GRADE MATERIAL】Our air fryer liners for Gourmia air fryers are made of food-grade natural wood pulp, which is not only safe and reliable but also heat-resistant up to 428°F (220°C). They maintain food taste integrity even under high temperatures.
  • 【ACCURATE COMPATIBILITY】Specifically designed for Gourmia Toaster Oven Air Fryer, our pre-cut air fryer liners offer disposable convenience. No tearing, folding, or cutting required - just place and cook
  • 【NON-STICK SURFACE】Featuring a premium non-stick coating, our baking sheets prevent cookies and bread from sticking, ensuring effortless food removal and minimal mess. This preserves both the integrity and presentation of your culinary creations.
  • 【VERSATILE USAGE】Compatible with Gourmia ovens, these liners are perfect for various cooking methods: baking, roasting, air frying, or serving. Ideal for home cooking, camping, BBQs, and summer gatherings.
Check Price on Amazon →

Key buying factors

Slice Count

Decide how many slices you typically toast. 2-slice models are compact and sufficient for singles or couples, while 4-slice toasters handle larger households or entertaining.

Slot Width

Wide slots accommodate artisan breads, bagels, and English muffins. Standard slots may struggle with thicker slices. Look for at least 1.5 inches if you bake your own bread.

Browning Control

More browning levels give you finer control over toast color. 7 levels (like on the Mueller) allow precise customization from light golden to dark crisp.

Functions: Bagel, Defrost, Reheat

Bagel setting toasts only the cut side. Defrost thaws frozen bread before toasting. Reheat warms without further browning. These added functions increase versatility.

Build Quality & Materials

Stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic? Look for sturdy construction that won't wobble. Removable crumb trays make cleanup easier. Cool-touch exteriors prevent burns.

Warranty & Brand Reputation

A longer warranty (1-2 years) indicates manufacturer confidence. Brands with good customer service and replacement parts availability add peace of mind.

Types explained

Standard 2-Slice Toaster

Classic toaster for everyday use, typically with 2 slots and basic browning control. Compact footprint fits small countertops.

Best for: Singles or couples who want simple, quick toast without extra frills.
4-Slice Toaster

Wider body with 4 slots, ideal for larger families or brunch hosts. Often includes extra features like bagel and defrost settings.

Best for: Households of 3+ or those who frequently entertain guests.
Toaster Oven / Air Fryer Combo

Versatile countertop appliance that toasts, bakes, broils, and air fries. Replaces multiple gadgets but takes up more space.

Best for: Those who want multifunctionality: toast, roast, bake, and air fry in one device.
Retro / Style-Focused Toaster

Vintage-inspired design with modern features. Often has extra browning levels and a nostalgic look.

Best for: Buyers who prioritize kitchen aesthetics alongside performance.

Care & usage tips

Regular Crumb Removal

Empty the crumb tray after every few uses to prevent buildup, which can cause smoke and fire hazards. Wash the tray with warm soapy water.

Exterior Cleaning

Unplug the toaster and wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the finish. For stainless steel, use a dedicated cleaner.

Avoid Inserting Utensils

Never stick knives or forks into the slots to remove stuck toast-this damages heating elements and risks electric shock. Use the toast lifter or carefully tip it out.

Why this matters

We found that slot width and browning consistency are the two most critical factors separating good toasters from great ones. Even budget models can toast beautifully when these are well-designed.

Pro tip

For perfectly even browning, let the toaster preheat for about 30 seconds before dropping in your bread. And always use the same bread thickness for consistent results batch after batch.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best toaster under 100 for bagels?+

The Seydere Toaster 2 Slices has wide slots and a dedicated bagel function that toasts only the cut side, making it our top bagel pick under 100.

How many slices can a 4-slice toaster actually toast at once?+

A 4-slice toaster like the Sunbeam Wide Slot can toast four slices simultaneously, but note that some models have independent controls for each pair.

Can a toaster oven replace a regular toaster?+

Yes, a toaster oven like the Nuwave Bravo XL Pro can toast, bake, broil, and air fry. It takes longer but offers far more versatility. For quick toast, a standard toaster is faster.

Do I need parchment paper for my air fryer toaster oven?+

Parchment paper (like the Gourmia pack) simplifies cleanup for air fryer toaster ovens, but ensure it's rated for high heat and doesn't block airflow. Not essential, but convenient.

How do I clean a toaster with a crumb tray?+

Simply slide out the crumb tray, discard crumbs, and wash with warm soapy water. Wipe dry before reinserting. For stuck crumbs, use a soft brush.

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.