What if your morning toast could be perfectly golden brown every single time, without emptying your wallet? It sounds like a dream, but achieving that perfect slice doesn’t require a fancy, expensive appliance. Finding a quality toaster for under $100 can feel like a treasure hunt. You see so many models, and you worry about getting one that burns your bread or breaks down after a few uses. It’s frustrating when you just want reliable toast!
This guide cuts through the confusion. We have tested and researched the best toasters that offer great features without the hefty price tag. You will learn exactly what makes a toaster a winner in this budget range. Stick with us, and you will discover the perfect, affordable toaster that will bring crispy joy to your breakfast routine. Let’s dive into the best budget-friendly toasters available right now!
Top Toaster Under $100 Recommendations
- Slim Design, Big Impact: With a sleek 3.58" profile, the bella 2-Slice Slim Toaster fits comfortably on any countertop without taking up much space. Part of our Fits-anywhere kitchenware collection, it’s the perfect blend of style and practicality
- One Long Slot for Versatile Toasting: The extra-wide, 10-inch long slot accommodates two slices of bread side by side or thick artisan breads like bagels, baguettes, and Texas-style toasts. No more squeezing or cutting—just perfect toast, every time
- Toasted Perfection: Six shade settings with a convenient cancel function allow you to customize your bread to your exact preference, from lightly golden to dark and crispy. Achieve your ideal toast with just a simple turn of the dial
- Easy Cleanup & Clutter-Free Countertop: The removable crumb tray slides out for quick cleaning, ensuring your smart toaster stays tidy and operates efficiently. Plus, the cord wrap feature keeps your countertop neat and free from tangled cords
- Effortless Access: Retrieving smaller slices like English muffins is a breeze with the high-lift lever, giving you easy access without burning your fingers. It’s thoughtful details like these that make this appliance a must-have for every kitchen
- NOT JUST FOR TOAST: The extra wide 1.25" slots and 6 browning levels allow for toasting a variety of breakfasts and snacks. Toast bagels, waffles, specialty breads or puff pastry baked snacks.
- COOL TOUCH: With easy-to-use push-down toasting lever and non-slip feet. The swing-out crumb tray has a simple wipe-away surface for quick cleaning.
- PORTABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT: Easy to carry and lightweight, the Elite Gourmet Toaster is perfect for a small apartment, office kitchen, college dorm or camper/RV.
- SELF-CENTERING: The automatic self-centering guides easily center the toast to allow even distribution of heat for perfect browning every time.
- CANCEL FUNCTION: Easily cancel any toasting cycle in the middle of toasting by simply adjusting the knob. No need to push up on the lever to reduce the risk of damage.
- EXTRA WIDE TOASTING SLOTS to fit extra thick slices of bread products such as Texas Toast, bagels and specialty breads.
- 6 ADJUSTABLE TOASTING LEVELS to select the perfect browning shade for your bread. From slightly warm to dark and crunchy.
- REHEAT WARMING FUNCTION allows you to easily reheat and warm previously toasted breads quickly at a lower temperature without burning.
- CONVENIENT CANCEL BUTTON lets you quickly cancel and release the toast in the middle of the toasting cycle.
- RETRACTABLE WARMING RACK for warming pastries, croissants, buns, rolls, pitas and more.
- EFFORTLESSLY TOAST THICKER BREADS: Wider than the slots on many 2 slice toasters, the toast slots on this extra-wide-slot toaster are extra wide to easily fit bagels and thick-cut breads.
- PERFECTLY TOAST BAGELS: The bagel function on this 2 slice toaster toasts the cut side of the bagel and warms the outside for a great bagel-eating experience. You get crunchy, toasted bread on one side and warm, soft bread on the other.
- EASILY RETRIEVE SMALLER BREADS: Toast Boost lifts smaller breads like English muffins and gluten-free bread slices, so they’re easier to retrieve from the bread toaster after toasting
- EASY CLEANUP: The drop-down crumb tray catches crumbs to keep them off your countertop. Just release the tray to discard crumbs.
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR TOAST SHADE: Use the shade selector to make lighter or darker toast. Choose from 7 toast shades. Use the cancel button to stop the toasting cycle at any time. No waiting to get your toast.
- 2-slice toaster for toasting 1 or 2 slices of bread at a time
- 6 shade settings accommodate individual preferences
- Extra-wide slots for bagels and thicker slices; each slot measures 5-1/4 inches long by 1-1/4 inches wide
- Bagel setting for toasting just the cut side; Frozen setting for defrosting bread; Cancel function ends the session at any time; buttons illuminate to indicate selected settings
- Extra-lift lever for safely removing smaller pieces
- Slim Design, Big Impact: With a sleek 3.58" profile, the bella 2-Slice Slim Toaster fits comfortably on any countertop without taking up much space. Part of our Fits-anywhere kitchenware collection, it’s the perfect blend of style and practicality
- One Long Slot for Versatile Toasting: The extra-wide, 10-inch long slot accommodates two slices of bread side by side or thick artisan breads like bagels, baguettes, and Texas-style toasts. No more squeezing or cutting—just perfect toast, every time
- Toasted Perfection: Six shade settings with a convenient cancel function allow you to customize your bread to your exact preference, from lightly golden to dark and crispy. Achieve your ideal toast with just a simple turn of the dial
- Easy Cleanup & Clutter-Free Countertop: The removable crumb tray slides out for quick cleaning, ensuring your smart toaster stays tidy and operates efficiently. Plus, the cord wrap feature keeps your countertop neat and free from tangled cords
- Effortless Access: Retrieving smaller slices like English muffins is a breeze with the high-lift lever, giving you easy access without burning your fingers. It’s thoughtful details like these that make this appliance a must-have for every kitchen
- EASILY TOAST ANY BREAD: This versatile 2 slice toaster has advanced features to easily toast breads, bagels, English muffins, frozen waffles, pancakes and more. Includes bagel, defrost, cancel options and easy-to-grip shade selector with 7 toast shades.
- EFFORTLESSLY TOAST THICKER BREADS: The toast slots on this stainless steel toaster are extra wide to easily fit thicker breads like Texas toast and bagels.
- AMERICA'S TOASTER BRAND: Consumers love our toasters. We are the best-selling toaster brand in the U.S.
- EASILY RETRIEVE SMALLER-SIZED BREADS: The Toast Boost feature on the bread toaster lifts smaller breads like English muffins so they're easier to retrieve after toasting.
- KEEP COUNTERTOPS CLEANER: Conveniently remove and discard crumbs from the toaster. The slide-out crumb tray catches crumbs, so they don't end up on your countertop.
- EFFORTLESSLY TOAST THICKER BREADS: Wider than the slots on many 2 slice toasters, the toast slots on this Hamilton Beach toaster are extra wide to easily fit thicker breads and bagels.
- EASILY RETRIEVE SMALLER SIZED BREADS: The Toast Boost feature on the 2 slice toaster lifts smaller breads like English muffins so they're easier to retrieve after toasting.
- KEEP COUNTERTOPS CLEANER: Conveniently remove and discard crumbs from the bottom of the bread toaster with the pullout crumb tray, so they don't end up on your countertop.
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR TOAST SHADE: Use the shade selector to make lighter or darker toast. Choose from 7 toast shades. Simply press the cancel button to stop the toast cycle and get your toast. No need to wait
- NEATLY STORES AWAY: The built in cord wrap in the base of the toaster makes it easy to neatly store the toaster 2 slice when it's not being used.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect Toaster Under $100
A great toaster makes your morning routine smoother. You don’t need to spend a fortune for good toast. We guide you through choosing the best toaster under $100. This guide helps you find a reliable machine that fits your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
Several important features make a toaster a winner. Look closely at these before you buy.
1. Slot Size and Type
- 2-Slice vs. 4-Slice: Do you toast bread for one person or a whole family? 4-slice toasters handle more volume.
- Wide Slots: Standard bread fits easily. Wide slots handle bagels, thick artisan bread, or frozen waffles.
2. Browning Control Settings
This is crucial for perfect toast. Most toasters offer settings from 1 (lightest) to 6 or 7 (darkest). Test different settings to find your sweet spot. Good control means less burnt toast.
3. Essential Functions
- Bagel Setting: This toasts the cut side of the bagel more while gently warming the outside.
- Defrost Setting: This thaws frozen bread before toasting it. It saves time in the morning.
- Reheat Setting: If your toast cooled down, this warms it without browning it further.
Important Materials and Build
The materials used affect how long the toaster lasts and how it looks.
Exterior Materials
Most budget-friendly toasters use plastic or stainless steel bodies. Stainless steel looks sleeker and generally lasts longer than plastic. Plastic models are often lighter and cheaper.
Interior Components
Look for good quality heating elements inside. Metal elements are standard. Some higher-end models under $100 use quartz elements, which heat up faster. The crumb tray should slide out easily for cleaning.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Small details often separate a good toaster from a great one. Quality is often about consistency.
What Makes Quality Better?
- Even Toasting: The best toasters brown the bread uniformly across the entire surface. Poor quality toasters often leave the middle pale.
- Sturdy Levers: The lever that lowers the bread should feel firm, not flimsy.
- Cool-Touch Exterior: Safer toasters keep the outside from getting too hot when running.
What Reduces Quality?
Cheap internal wiring can cause uneven heating over time. If the levers stick or the plastic feels thin, the toaster might break sooner. Also, toasters that pop toast out too aggressively can launch your breakfast across the counter!
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the toaster daily.
For the Busy Professional
You need speed and reliability. A 2-slice model with fast defrost and reliable settings is best. You want quick, consistent results every time.
For the Family or Bagel Lover
A 4-slice model is necessary. Make sure the slots are wide enough for thick bagels or Texas toast. Easy-to-clean crumb trays become very important with heavy use.
Ease of Use
Controls should be clearly marked. You should be able to see the darkness settings easily. A high-lift lever is a bonus; it raises the toast higher so you can grab smaller items like English muffin halves without burning your fingers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Toasters Under $100
Q: Do toasters under $100 toast as evenly as expensive ones?
A: Many modern budget toasters offer very good, even toasting. Quality has improved a lot. Check reviews specifically mentioning consistent browning.
Q: Are plastic toasters safe?
A: Yes, they are safe if they meet safety standards. However, metal toasters usually feel sturdier and resist heat better on the exterior.
Q: What is the most important setting to have?
A: The browning control is the most important. If you cannot select the right shade, the toaster is useless to you.
Q: Should I choose a 2-slice or 4-slice model?
A: Choose based on need. 2-slice is great for singles or couples. 4-slice saves time when making breakfast for more people.
Q: What does the “Bagel” setting actually do?
A: It usually reduces the heat on one side of the element. This toasts the cut side of the bagel while warming the crusty side.
Q: How often should I clean the crumb tray?
A: You should empty the crumb tray at least once a week if you use the toaster daily. This prevents smoke and fire risks.
Q: Will a toaster under $100 handle artisan bread?
A: Only if it specifically has wide slots. Narrow slots cannot fit thick slices of homemade bread.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of a budget toaster?
A: A well-made toaster under $100 usually lasts between three and five years with regular use.
Q: Is a stainless steel finish hard to keep clean?
A: Stainless steel shows fingerprints easily. Many brands offer “fingerprint-resistant” coatings now.
Q: Can I use aluminum foil in my toaster?
A: Never put foil inside a toaster. It is a fire hazard and can damage the heating elements.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!