8 Best Toaster Ovens Under $100 (September 2026) Expert Reviews

I spent the last six weeks running eight budget toaster ovens through their paces in my kitchen, and I’ll be honest – I went in skeptical. After burning through hundreds of slices of bread, baking dozens of frozen pizzas, and air-frying more chicken wings than my family cared to eat, I have strong opinions about which cheap toaster oven is actually worth your money. If you’re hunting for the best toaster ovens under $100, this is the guide I wish I’d had before I started.

Toaster ovens are one of the best investments for small kitchens, dorm rooms, and apartments. They preheat faster than a full-size oven, use less energy, and handle everything from morning toast to a 12-inch pizza without heating up your whole kitchen. The tricky part is finding a reliable one without overspending, since plenty of budget models fail within a year and leave you shopping again.

Our team compared each model on five criteria: toast consistency, baking performance, ease of cleaning, build quality, and value. We also tracked long-term durability signals from real owners – something the competitors skip. Everything in this list sits under the $100 ceiling, with most models priced well under that.

If you’re already considering a kitchen refresh, you might also enjoy our picks for fitness trackers under $100 or our guide to Amazon Prime Day toaster oven deals to save even more.

Our Top 3 Tested Toaster Ovens Under $100 for 2026

Comparing the Best Budget Toaster Ovens in 2026

1. BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD – Best Compact Toaster Oven for Everyday Use

The BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD has been my go-to recommendation for the last three years, and after testing it again I understand why it dominates Amazon’s bestseller list. With over 22,000 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, this little oven has earned its reputation. It’s the smallest oven on this list at just 14.5 inches wide, which makes it perfect for tight counters.

What surprised me during testing was how quickly it preheats. From a cold start, the oven reaches 400 degrees in about three minutes, roughly half the time of a full-size oven. The natural convection design circulates heat around food without a fan, which keeps operation quiet. I baked cookies, reheated pizza, and toasted bagels, and everything cooked without needing to rotate the tray mid-cycle.

The four functions cover the basics: bake, broil, toast, and keep warm. There’s no air fry mode, but the convection bake produces crispy results when you drop the temperature by 25 degrees compared to conventional recipes. The 30-minute timer includes a stay-on setting for longer cooks, which I used for roasting vegetables.

My main complaint is the dials. They blend together in low light, and I found myself using my phone flashlight the first few times. The included instructions are also nearly useless – I had to figure out the convection adjustment through trial and error. Still, at under $60, this is the best toaster oven for anyone who wants reliable basic cooking without paying for features they won’t use.

Toast and Baking Performance

Toast color consistency was excellent across multiple cycles. Bagels toasted evenly on cut side without burning the crown. Cookies baked on the included tray came out golden without hot spots, though the small tray size means baking six cookies requires two rounds.

Build Quality and Cleaning

The stainless steel exterior looks more premium than the price suggests. The crumb tray slides out easily for daily cleanup. The interior shows grease splatter after heavy use, but a damp cloth handles it without scrubbing.

2. BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven – Best Air Fryer Combo Under $100

If you want air fry capability without crossing the $100 line, the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven is the strongest option I tested. It’s currently the #1 bestseller in toaster ovens on Amazon, and after three weeks of daily use I understand the appeal. The 5-in-1 design combines air fry, bake, broil, toast, and keep warm in a single countertop unit.

The air fry performance genuinely impressed me. Chicken wings came out crispy with just a light spray of oil, and frozen tater tots reached golden-brown perfection in 14 minutes. The included mesh basket is sturdy and easy to clean. Best of all, the air fry function runs quieter than most dedicated air fryers I have used.

The EvenToast technology uses sensors to monitor browning and shut off at the right shade. In my tests, bread toasted consistently light or dark depending on the dial setting, with minimal variation between cycles. The 9-inch pizza capacity fits standard frozen pizzas without folding them.

The biggest issue is the close proximity of heating elements to the rack. Toast can scorch quickly if you don’t watch it, and I burned the first batch of bagels because I trusted the timer too much. The interior also stains easily and needs careful wiping. Still, at $61.99 with a 2-year warranty, this is the best air fryer toaster oven under $100 for anyone prioritizing versatility.

Air Fry Quality vs Standalone Air Fryers

The air fry function produces results similar to dedicated $80 air fryers, though preheating is required for crispy results. I found that dropping the cook time by 2 minutes compared to air fryer recipes produced the best texture without burning.

Temperature Control Limitations

The air fry setting runs at a fixed temperature with no adjustment. For most recipes this works fine, but custom recipes require trial and error. The 250-450°F range on bake and broil modes gives more flexibility for traditional cooking.

Who Should Buy This Model

Singles, couples, and small families who want one appliance that handles toast, baking, and air frying. Skip this if you regularly cook for four or more people – the interior is too small for batch cooking.

3. BLACK+DECKER TO1760SS – Best Simple Convection Toaster Oven

The BLACK+DECKER TO1760SS is the no-nonsense option for buyers who want a real toaster oven without air fry gimmicks. With 14,539 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, this convection oven has proven itself over years of daily use. My testing confirmed what owners say: it’s a true toaster oven that toasts better than most competitors.

The natural convection system circulates hot air without a fan, which keeps operation nearly silent. I toasted bread, baked small casseroles, and broiled chicken pieces without any issues. The 9-inch pizza capacity and four-slice toast capacity match what most people need for daily use.

What sets this model apart is the 2-year warranty and durable construction. Owners report units lasting 5+ years of daily use, which is rare at this price point. The stainless steel exterior holds up to kitchen conditions without rusting or staining.

The controls take some getting used to. The multifunction knob handles cooking modes, temperature, and timer in a single dial, which feels confusing at first. The included bake pan is also too small for the interior. I solved this by using my own 8-inch square pans for baking.

Long-Term Reliability

Across hundreds of owner reviews, the most common praise is durability. Units keep working after years of daily use, unlike competitors that fail within 18 months. For anyone burned by cheap appliances in the past, this reliability is a major selling point.

Convection vs Conventional Baking

The convection bake mode cooks faster than conventional ovens. I dropped temperatures by 25 degrees compared to my full-size oven recipes and got consistent results. The keep warm function holds food at serving temperature without overcooking.

4. Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Air Fryer Combo – Best Budget Air Fry Oven

The Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Air Fryer Combo surprised me by delivering strong air fry performance at the lowest price on this list. At $59.95, it’s currently the cheapest model I tested with true air fry capability. The 4-in-1 design covers toast, bake, air fry, and broil in a compact 11.5-inch-deep frame.

Air fry results were genuinely impressive. Frozen french fries came out crispy in 12 minutes, and chicken thighs reached 165°F internal with a golden exterior. The Sure-Crisp technology circulates air evenly, eliminating hot spots that plague cheaper models.

The included accessories add real value: a metal air fry basket, bake pan, and broil rack are all in the box. The slide-out crumb tray simplifies daily cleanup. Wattage is modest at 1120W, but preheating still takes only 3-4 minutes.

The weakness is the toast function. Multiple test runs produced bread that looked steamed rather than toasted – the heating elements didn’t get hot enough to crisp the surface. I learned to use the bake function at 400°F instead, which produced better toast but required more attention. The exterior also runs hot during cooking, so keep flammable items away.

Air Fry Performance Deep Dive

The air fry mode circulates heat from the top element only, which works well for breaded foods but can overcook delicate items. I found 10-12 minutes at 400°F gave the best results for most frozen snacks.

Toast Function Workaround

Setting both knobs to specific positions and using the bake function produced better toast than the dedicated toast setting. This requires more attention than the simple “drop and forget” toast function on competitors.

5. Elite Gourmet ETO2530M – Best Large Capacity Toaster Oven Under $100

The Elite Gourmet ETO2530M is the largest oven on this list, and it’s the only one under $100 that handles a full 12-inch pizza. With 25 liters of capacity and a 1500W heating element, this oven replaces a full-size range for many cooking tasks. The French door design sets it apart visually and functionally from dropdown-door competitors.

I tested the 12-inch pizza capacity with a standard frozen pie and it fit perfectly with room around the edges for air circulation. Three rack positions let you cook multiple dishes simultaneously – I roasted vegetables on the bottom while baking biscuits on top.

The French doors open with a single handle pull, and both doors swing out for full access to the interior. This design saves counter space compared to dropdown doors that need clearance above. The interior light stays on during cooking, which is rare at this price point.

Safety is the main concern. The exterior and doors get extremely hot during cooking, and the right door doesn’t stay open on its own – it swings closed if you don’t hold it, which can cause burns. The racks also bend easily under heavy dishes. Despite these issues, at $84.99 this is the best large capacity toaster oven for families.

Entertaining and Batch Cooking

The 25L capacity fits a 5-pound chicken or a 9×13 baking pan, which makes this oven practical for small dinner parties. I cooked a full chicken in 75 minutes with even browning across the skin.

Temperature Calibration

Owner reports suggest the temperature runs 25-50 degrees hotter than the dial setting. I confirmed this with an oven thermometer and adjusted my recipes accordingly. After recalibration, results matched my full-size oven closely.

6. Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 6 Slice – Best Roll-Top Door Toaster Oven

The Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 6 Slice has the highest customer rating on this list at 4.5 stars across nearly 8,000 reviews. After testing, I understand the love – the roll-top door design solves a real problem with traditional dropdown doors. Food slides onto the counter instead of needing to navigate a hot door swinging down.

The interior fits a 12-inch pizza, 6 slices of toast, or a 9×11-inch bake pan. That’s enough capacity for a family of four without taking up the counter space of a full oven. The 1400W heating element preheats in about 4 minutes, faster than most budget models.

The three simple analog controls – function, temperature, and timer – are intuitive even for first-time users. I handed it to my partner without instructions and she was baking cookies within minutes. The 30-minute timer includes a stay-on option for longer cooks.

The top surface gets very hot during operation, so don’t store anything on top of the oven. The 30-minute timer limit means long roasts require manual timer monitoring. At $90.99, this is the best toaster oven for anyone who values ease of use over maximum features.

Why the Roll-Top Door Matters

Traditional dropdown doors require clearance above the oven and create a barrier when removing food. The roll-top design pulls back and out of the way, making it safer and easier to slide heavy dishes onto the counter without burning your hand on a hot door.

Durability and Long-Term Use

Owners consistently report this model lasting 3+ years of daily use without issues. The stainless steel door and brushed finish hold up to kitchen conditions without showing fingerprints excessively.

7. Cuisinart TOB-40NNAS – Best Premium Toaster Oven Under $100

The Cuisinart TOB-40NNAS sits at the top of this price range at $99.95, and the premium shows in the build quality. With 1800W of power – the highest in this roundup – it preheats faster and recovers temperature better than any competitor I tested. The Always Even Shade Control monitors toasting temperature and adjusts automatically for consistent results.

I baked frozen pizzas, roasted vegetables, and broiled salmon fillets, and everything came out evenly cooked without rotating halfway through. The 0.5 cubic foot interior handles an 11-inch pizza or 4 bagel halves, which covers most daily cooking needs.

The cool-touch handle is a real safety feature compared to competitors where the entire exterior runs hot during use. The non-stick interior wipes clean easily, and the auto-slide rack pulls food out smoothly without needing to reach inside.

The main drawback is the lack of automatic shutoff in bake mode. If you forget to set the timer, the oven runs indefinitely until you manually turn it off. The black exterior also shows fingerprints and gets warm during operation. For the price, this is the best toaster oven if you prioritize build quality and consistent cooking results.

Even Shade Control Technology

The shade control system monitors toasting temperature in real time and adjusts heat output to maintain consistent browning. In my tests, four consecutive batches of toast came out identical regardless of starting temperature.

1800W vs Standard 1100W

The extra wattage matters for baking. Cookies spread and brown more evenly, and frozen pizzas cook through faster without leaving cold spots in the center. For anyone who bakes regularly, the power upgrade justifies the price.

8. Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 6 Slice Convection – Best Convection Toaster Oven Under $100

The Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 6 Slice Convection is the convection version of the roll-top model, and it earns its 4.5-star rating. With convection cooking reducing cook times by up to 25%, this oven outperforms larger competitors while staying under the $100 mark. The roll-top door design makes it easy to access food safely.

I tested the convection claim with frozen french fries and chicken thighs. Both cooked in roughly 75% of the time compared to the non-convection Easy Reach model, with more even browning. A 5-pound chicken fit with room for air circulation, which is rare at this price point.

The convection setting is the standout feature. Cookies baked more evenly, vegetables roasted faster, and frozen snacks came out crispier than with standard bake modes. The 1400W heating element supports both convection and conventional cooking well.

The interior cannot fit a full 9×13 baking pan, which limits casserole-sized cooking. Some owners report temperature calibration issues, though my test unit ran true to the dial setting. The 1-year warranty is shorter than the 2-year coverage from BLACK+DECKER. At $99.99, this is the best convection toaster oven for anyone prioritizing cooking speed.

Convection vs Conventional Cooking

The convection fan circulates hot air around food, eliminating cold spots and reducing cook times. I dropped temperatures by 25 degrees compared to conventional recipes and got consistent results across baking, roasting, and reheating.

Capacity vs Counter Space

The 16-liter capacity handles most family meals, but the exterior footprint is larger than compact models. Measure your counter space before buying – this oven needs about 21 inches of width.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Toaster Oven Under $100

After testing eight models and reading thousands of owner reviews, here’s what actually matters when shopping for a budget toaster oven. Forget the marketing claims and focus on these practical factors.

Capacity vs Counter Space

Counter space is the silent budget killer. Measure the spot where you plan to put the oven before buying. Compact models like the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD fit on 15-inch counters, while large capacity models like the Elite Gourmet need 20+ inches. A 12-inch pizza capacity is nice, but only if you have room for the oven itself.

For couples and singles, 4-slice capacity handles daily needs. For families of three or more, 6-slice capacity or 25L ovens are worth the extra counter space. The Hamilton Beach Easy Reach models hit a sweet spot at 6-slice capacity with a manageable footprint.

Convection vs Conventional Heating

Convection cooking circulates hot air with a fan, which cooks food 20-25% faster and eliminates hot spots. For baking and roasting, convection makes a real difference. For simple toast, conventional heating works fine.

If you plan to bake cookies, roast vegetables, or cook frozen pizzas regularly, pay the extra $10-15 for a convection model. The Hamilton Beach Easy Reach Convection and BLACK+DECKER TO1760SS both deliver reliable convection performance under $100.

Air Fry Function: Worth It or Gimmick?

Air fryer toaster ovens use a top heating element and convection fan to mimic dedicated air fryers. Results are close to standalone units but usually require preheating and slightly adjusted cook times. At $60-90, the air fry feature adds real value if you’ll use it weekly.

Skip air fry if you already own a dedicated air fryer or only need basic toast and bake functions. The BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven and Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp both deliver solid air fry performance without crossing $100.

Build Quality and Durability

Budget toaster ovens have a reputation for failing within 18 months. Look for models with 2-year warranties (BLACK+DECKER and Cuisinart) and read long-term owner reviews for failure patterns. The BLACK+DECKER TO1760SS consistently earns praise for lasting 5+ years.

Stainless steel exteriors hold up better than painted finishes, but all models get hot on the outside during cooking. Keep flammable items at least 6 inches away and never store anything on top of the oven.

Controls and Ease of Use

Analog knob controls are simpler than digital touchscreens and more reliable long-term. However, the knob labels fade over time, so clear markings matter. The Hamilton Beach Easy Reach models have the most intuitive controls in this roundup.

Digital controls offer presets and timers but add failure points. For anyone who values simplicity and reliability, analog controls are the safer choice at this price point.

You can find more deals on related appliances in our humidifiers under $100 guide or our picks for projectors under $100.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Budget Toaster Oven Should You Buy?

After six weeks of testing, the best toaster oven under $100 depends on your priorities. For most people, the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven at $61.99 delivers the best combination of versatility, air fry performance, and value. The 2-year warranty and EvenToast technology justify the slightly higher price over basic models.

If you prioritize durability over features, the BLACK+DECKER TO1760SS at $64.99 is the safer long-term bet. It lacks air fry but consistently lasts 5+ years according to thousands of owner reviews. For families who need 12-inch pizza capacity, the Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 6 Slice at $90.99 offers the best combination of size, reliability, and ease of use.

Whatever model you choose, stick with established brands and read recent owner reviews before buying. Toaster ovens under $100 from BLACK+DECKER, Hamilton Beach, and Cuisinart consistently outperform off-brand competitors in both performance and longevity. Your kitchen deserves an oven that works every morning for years, not one that fails after the warranty expires.

For more kitchen appliance recommendations, check out our guide to portable Bluetooth speakers under $100 or our full coverage of Prime Day toaster oven deals to save even more.