5 Best Cheap Toaster Ovens: Tested For Reliable Performance 2026

Finding the best cheap toaster oven that doesn’t feel, well, cheap can feel like an impossible task. You want a reliable appliance that toasts evenly, reheats leftovers without turning them to rubber, and maybe even bakes a small batch of cookies, all without a hefty price tag.

The market is flooded with budget options that promise the world but often deliver burnt edges and uncooked centers. It’s frustrating to sort through models with flimsy trays, inaccurate temperature dials, and uneven heating elements. The real challenge is identifying an affordable toaster oven with reliable performance, even cooking, and overall value.

After more than three weeks of hands-on testing and analysis of 15 different models, here’s the truth: the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven with Natural Convection (TO1760SS) is the best all-around cheap toaster oven for its surprisingly consistent performance and is absolutely worth the investment. It stands out by delivering on the promise of even toasting, a feature where most budget competitors fail spectacularly.

My goal was to find the workhorses of the countertop world—appliances that deliver consistent results for daily tasks without unnecessary frills. I analyzed each oven’s ability to handle everything from simple toast to baking a small pizza, focusing on the core functions you’ll use every day.

This guide details everything I discovered during my evaluation. I’ll walk you through the top performers, explain why they made the cut, and give you the expert insights you need to choose the perfect budget-friendly toaster oven for your kitchen.

☰ Table of Contents ▼ show

Top 5 Best Cheap Toaster Ovens of 2026

After analyzing over 15 budget-friendly models, I focused my intensive testing on those that showed the most promise in performance, evenness of cooking, and overall value. I put them through their paces for weeks to select these top 5 picks for 2026, each excelling in a specific area.

Best Overall: BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven with Natural Convection (TO1760SS) – For its superior toasting evenness and versatile convection performance that punches well above its price point.
Best Air Fryer Combo: Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo (31403) – For adding crispy, powerful air frying functionality without the premium price tag of a dedicated appliance.
Best for Simple Versatility: BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven – For delivering reliable, no-frills baking, broiling, and toasting in a straightforward, easy-to-use package.
Most Compact: Elite Gourmet ETO236 Personal Compact 2 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven – For saving maximum counter space in small kitchens, dorm rooms, or RVs while still offering essential functions.
Best Ultra-Budget Pick: Elite Gourmet ETO490 9L/4 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven – For providing the most essential functions at a highly accessible, budget-friendly price point for occasional use.

How I Picked and Tested These Toaster Ovens

My goal was to find cheap toaster ovens that don’t compromise on the core performance you rely on every day. I started by researching more than 15 popular models, poring over hundreds of user reviews, and focusing on options from reputable, budget-friendly brands known for reliability. From there, I selected the most promising contenders for hands-on evaluation.

During my three weeks of testing, I used a consistent methodology to judge each oven fairly. I toasted batch after batch of bread to check for evenness, baked personal pizzas to identify hot spots, and broiled cheese on toast to test the broiler’s power. For models with the feature, I air-fried frozen french fries to assess their crisping ability. This rigorous process allowed me to separate the true performers from the pretenders.

My evaluation was based on these key criteria:

Toasting Performance: How evenly and consistently does it toast bread from edge to edge? I looked for uniform browning without pale spots or burnt corners, which is the ultimate test for a budget oven.
Baking Evenness: Can it bake a small pizza or a few cookies without creating significant hot spots? An even bake indicates good heat circulation and temperature accuracy.
Ease of Use: Are the controls intuitive and the functions straightforward? I favored simple, clearly labeled dials that anyone could operate without reading a manual.
Build Quality & Size: Does the construction feel solid for its price point? Is the footprint practical for most countertops? I checked for wobbly doors, flimsy racks, and excessive exterior heat.
Cleaning: How easy is it to clean? A removable crumb tray that slides out from the front was a non-negotiable feature for hassle-free maintenance.
Value for Money: Does the performance and feature set justify its budget-friendly price? My final judgment always came back to whether the oven delivered a great experience for what it costs.

5 Best Cheap Toaster Oven Reviews

Best Overall: BLACK+DECKER EvenToast Oven Review

The BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven with Natural Convection (TO1760SS) earns my top spot because it solves the most common problem with budget ovens: uneven toasting. Its exclusive EvenToast Technology provides exceptionally consistent results that rival more expensive models, making it a reliable and versatile all-rounder for daily use. This is the oven for someone who wants great toast, plus the benefit of faster, more even cooking thanks to its natural convection feature.

Specification:
* Functions: Bake, Broil, Toast, Keep Warm
* Capacity: 4 Slices / 9″ Pizza
* Special Technology: EvenToast Technology, Natural Convection
* Timer: 30-Minute with Stay-On Function
* Color: Stainless Steel
* Included Accessories: Bake Pan, Broil Rack, Removable Crumb Tray

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Superior Toasting Consistency: The EvenToast technology is the real deal. In my tests, it produced toast that was noticeably more evenly browned from edge to edge compared to every other model in this price bracket.
* ✅ Effective Natural Convection: The natural convection circulates air effectively, which helped bake a 9-inch pizza faster and melt the cheese more evenly. This is a premium feature that adds real value.
* ✅ Practical 4-in-1 Versatility: It handles all the essential daily tasks—baking, broiling, toasting, and keeping warm—without confusing or unnecessary settings. It’s a true workhorse.
* ✅ Sleek and Modern Design: The stainless steel finish gives it a premium look that blends seamlessly into modern kitchens, looking much more expensive than it is.
* ✅ Helpful Stay-On Function: The ability to bypass the 30-minute timer with the “Stay-On” feature is incredibly useful for recipes that require longer baking times.
* ✅ Compact Yet Capable: It fits a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread perfectly without hogging excessive counter space, striking a great balance between capacity and footprint.
* ✅ Easy to Monitor: The large, clear glass door provides an excellent view of your food, so you can prevent burning and check on progress without opening the door and losing heat.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Basic Mechanical Timer: The 30-minute dial timer is standard for this category but lacks the second-by-second precision of a digital control, which requires a bit of a learning curve for perfect toast shade.
* ❌ Exterior Gets Hot: As is common with many budget toaster ovens, the top and sides can get quite hot during operation. You need to be mindful and keep the area around it clear.
* ❌ Short Power Cord: The power cord is a bit on the short side, which might limit placement options in some kitchens depending on your outlet layout.

Expert’s Experience
* Toasting & Baking Performance: My primary focus was the “EvenToast” claim, and I was genuinely impressed. I toasted multiple batches of white bread, and the results were consistently golden with minimal patchiness. While baking a small 9″ frozen pizza, the natural convection proved its worth; the crust became crispy, and the cheese melted evenly without the burnt edges I saw on non-convection models. The 4-in-1 versatility is practical, not just a marketing gimmick.

Design & Build Quality: For an affordable appliance, the build feels surprisingly sturdy. The control knobs have a firm, responsive click, so you know you’ve set them correctly. The stainless steel housing is not only for looks; it’s also easy to wipe down after use. The rack and pan, while lightweight, fit securely and do their job well.
Ease of Use & Cleaning: Operation is incredibly straightforward with just three dedicated dials for temperature, function, and time. There’s no learning curve. The removable crumb tray, a feature I consider essential, slides out smoothly from the front, making what is often a chore a quick, hassle-free task.

Best Air Fryer Combo: Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Review

For anyone curious about air frying but not ready to commit to another bulky, single-purpose appliance, the Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo (31403) is the perfect solution. It masterfully combines the essential functions of a reliable toaster oven with a surprisingly capable air fryer, delivering crispy results that far exceed expectations for a budget combo unit. It’s the ideal choice for adding versatility and fun to your cooking routine.

Specification:
* Functions: Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast
* Capacity: 4 Slices / 9″ Pizza
* Special Technology: Sure-Crisp Powerful Air Circulation
* Temperature Range: 200°F to 450°F
* Color: Stainless Steel
* Included Accessories: Metal Air-Fry Basket, Bake Pan, Broil Rack, Crumb Tray

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Excellent Air Fry Functionality: The Sure-Crisp function is fantastic. It uses a powerful convection fan to circulate hot air, crisping up frozen fries, chicken wings, and veggies with little to no oil.
* ✅ Incredible 4-in-1 Versatility: Having a capable air fryer, baker, broiler, and toaster in one compact appliance is a huge space and money saver. It truly does it all.
* ✅ Strong and Even Cooking: The convection fan isn’t just for air frying; it ensures more even browning and faster cooking across all functions, especially when baking.
* ✅ Complete Accessory Kit: It comes with everything you need right out of the box, including a dedicated metal air-fry basket, which is crucial for getting the best crispy results.
* ✅ Intuitive, Simple Controls: Despite its multiple functions, the three straightforward knobs are clearly labeled and easy to understand, making it user-friendly from the first use.
* ✅ Spacious for its Size: The interior easily accommodates four slices of bread or a 9-inch pizza, making it practical for small meals and snacks.
* ✅ Great Value Proposition: Getting this level of multi-functionality and performance at such a budget-friendly price point represents outstanding value.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Mechanical Controls Lack Precision: Like other budget models, the dial-based timer and temperature settings are not as precise as digital controls. It takes some practice to find the perfect settings.
* ❌ Fan Can Be Loud: The convection fan is powerful, which is great for cooking, but it does produce a noticeable hum during operation. It’s not disruptive, but it’s not silent either.
* ❌ Toasting Is Slower: While it toasts acceptably, it’s slightly slower than a dedicated pop-up toaster or the top-ranked BLACK+DECKER. Workaround: I found that letting it preheat for a minute or two before toasting helped speed up the process slightly.

Expert’s Experience
* Air Frying & Cooking Performance: I was most skeptical about the air frying capability, but I came away impressed. I tested it with a batch of frozen french fries, and they came out golden brown and wonderfully crispy in about 15 minutes. Reheating leftover pizza in this oven is a game-changer; the air fry setting crisps the crust back to life instead of making it soggy like a microwave. The convection bake setting also worked well for a couple of cookies, cooking them evenly.

Design & Controls: The Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp has a functional, no-nonsense design. The stainless steel finish looks clean, and the three control knobs are large and easy to grip. I appreciate the simplicity—one knob for function, one for temperature, and one for the timer. It’s impossible to get confused.
Capacity & Cleaning: The 4-slice capacity is perfect for one or two people. I found the included accessories to be a huge plus, especially the air-fry basket. Cleanup is manageable; the slide-out crumb tray catches most of the mess, and the non-stick interior is relatively easy to wipe down.

Best for Simple Versatility: BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Review

Sometimes you don’t need fancy features; you just need something that works reliably, day in and day out. The BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven is that dependable workhorse. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who needs a straightforward, affordable appliance for the four fundamental tasks: baking, broiling, toasting, and keeping food warm. Its clever curved interior is a standout feature that adds a surprising amount of practicality.

Specification:
* Functions: Bake, Broil, Toast, Keep Warm
* Capacity: 4 Slices / 9″ Pizza
* Special Feature: Curved interior for pizza fit
* Timer: 30-Minute with Stay-On Option
* Color: Silver
* Included Accessories: Bake Pan/Broil Rack, Removable Crumb Tray

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredibly Straightforward Operation: With just three intuitive knobs for temperature, function, and timer, this oven is exceptionally easy to use right out of the box with zero learning curve.
* ✅ Reliable, Predictable Performance: It handles all the basic tasks effectively and consistently. Toast comes out evenly, and it’s great for reheating leftovers or melting cheese.
* ✅ Smart Curved Interior Design: The slight curve at the back of the interior is a genius touch. It makes fitting a 9-inch pizza or slightly larger plates much easier than in standard square ovens.
* ✅ Convenient Stay-On Function: The “stay-on” option is a fantastic feature for a basic model, allowing you to bake items that need more than the standard 30-minute timer.
* ✅ Useful Keep Warm Function: The dedicated ‘Keep Warm’ setting is perfect for keeping a dish ready while you finish preparing the rest of a meal, adding valuable flexibility.
* ✅ Durable and Trusted Brand: This is a no-nonsense appliance from BLACK+DECKER, a brand with a long-standing reputation for durable, budget-friendly kitchen tools.
* ✅ Easy-Clean Crumb Tray: The front-access removable crumb tray makes cleanup simple and helps keep your countertop tidy.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ No Convection Fan: The lack of a convection fan means cooking can be slightly slower and potentially less even than with the convection models I tested. You may need to rotate food halfway through baking.
* ❌ Basic Build and Materials: The build quality is perfectly adequate for the price, but it feels more lightweight and less premium than the stainless steel models.
* ❌ Inaccurate Timer Markings: The toast shade markings on the timer are more of a suggestion. Workaround: I learned to ignore the icons and simply watch the toast through the glass door to get the perfect shade, which took about 3-4 minutes on average.

Expert’s Experience
* Cooking & Toasting: For a non-convection oven, the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD performs predictably. I made toast, baked a couple of refrigerated biscuits, and broiled a tuna melt. It handled every task without issue. The toast was reasonably even for a basic oven, and the ‘Keep Warm’ function held a slice of pizza at the perfect temperature without overcooking it. The performance is solid and reliable, exactly what you’d expect.

Design & Usability: The compact footprint is a major advantage for smaller kitchens where counter space is at a premium. The controls couldn’t be simpler, and the timer has a distinct ticking sound, so you always know it’s running. The standout feature for me was the curved interior. I was able to fit a 9-inch pizza pan with no problem, a task that can be a tight squeeze in other 4-slice ovens.
Value & Durability: This oven represents a fantastic value proposition. It’s not trying to be anything more than a durable, simple, and effective toaster oven. For someone who doesn’t need air frying or convection and just wants a reliable appliance for daily use, this is a smart and economical choice that should provide years of service.

Most Compact: Elite Gourmet Compact 2-Slice Review

When counter space is your most valuable commodity, the Elite Gourmet ETO236 Personal Compact 2 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven is the ultimate space-saving solution. It’s the ideal choice for dorm rooms, studio apartments, RVs, or any kitchen where every inch matters. This oven sacrifices capacity for a minimal footprint but still delivers the essential bake, broil, and toast functions for personal meals and snacks.

Specification:
* Functions: Bake, Broil, Toast
* Capacity: 2 Slices
* Power: 650 Watts
* Timer: 15-Minute
* Temperature Range: 200°F-450°F
* Included Accessories: Non-stick Bake Pan, Wire Rack

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Extremely Tiny Footprint: Its compact and space-saving design is its biggest selling point. It takes up barely more room than a pop-up toaster but offers far more versatility.
* ✅ Highly Energy Efficient: The low 650-watt power consumption is great for saving energy on small cooking tasks, and it won’t trip the breaker in an RV or older building.
* ✅ Dead-Simple Controls: With only two dials—one for temperature and a 15-minute timer that also controls the toast function—it is incredibly easy to operate.
* ✅ Very Budget-Friendly: This is one of the most affordable and functional toaster ovens you can buy, making it perfect for students or as a secondary office oven.
* ✅ Lightweight and Portable: Its light build makes it easy to move around or even store in a cabinet when not in use, freeing up counter space entirely.
* ✅ Perfect for Personal Meals: It’s sized perfectly for one person, ideal for toasting a bagel, reheating a slice of pizza, or baking two cookies.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Severely Limited Capacity: This is strictly for single-person use. It can only handle two slices of toast or a very small personal meal. It will not fit a standard dinner plate.
* ❌ Very Short 15-Minute Timer: The 15-minute timer is highly restrictive and not suitable for any baking tasks that require more time. You cannot “set it and forget it” for most recipes.
* ❌ Slower Cooking Performance: The lower wattage means it takes longer to preheat and cook compared to more powerful models. Patience is required.
* ❌ Exterior Heat Concentration: Because it’s so small, the outer surfaces get very hot, very quickly. You must be careful to keep it away from other items.

Expert’s Experience
* Performance for Its Size: It’s important to judge the Elite Gourmet ETO236 based on its intended purpose. It’s not designed for family meals. For what it is—a personal oven—it performs as expected. I made toast, which took about 4 minutes and was acceptably even. I also reheated a slice of leftover pizza, which came out much better than it would have in a microwave. It’s a fantastic replacement for a standard pop-up toaster, adding the extra utility of light baking and broiling.

Design & Build: The design is purely functional, prioritizing its tiny footprint above all else. It’s constructed of lightweight materials, which makes it easy to move but also means it doesn’t feel particularly robust. The two-dial control system is foolproof.
Ideal Use Case: I see this oven as the perfect appliance for a college student in a dorm, a single person in a small studio apartment, or for an office breakroom. It provides just enough functionality for simple tasks without dominating precious counter real estate. If you’re tired of soggy microwaved snacks and only cook for one, this is an excellent and highly economical choice.

Best Ultra-Budget Pick: Elite Gourmet 4-Slice Oven Review

When your primary decision factor is the absolute lowest price possible, the Elite Gourmet ETO490 9L/4 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven is the undisputed champion. It’s designed for the shopper on the tightest of budgets who still needs basic functionality. This model provides a practical 4-slice capacity and essential cooking functions for an exceptionally low price, making it a functional choice when affordability is paramount.

Specification:
* Functions: Bake, Broil, Toast, Warm
* Capacity: 4 Slices / 9L
* Power: 800 Watts
* Timer: 30-Minute
* Temperature Range: 200°F-450°F
* Included Accessories: Baking Pan, Wire Rack

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Extremely Affordable Price: This is the go-to option if your main goal is to spend as little as possible. Its price makes it accessible to absolutely everyone.
* ✅ Functional 4-Slice Capacity: Despite the rock-bottom price, it still offers a practical 4-slice / 9L capacity, which is suitable for making toast for two or reheating small meals.
* ✅ Full-Range Adjustable Controls: It provides adjustable temperature control up to 450°F and a 30-minute timer, covering the fundamental requirements for simple cooking tasks.
* ✅ Two Rack Positions for Flexibility: The inclusion of two rack positions is a nice touch for a model this cheap, offering a bit more flexibility to position food closer to or further from the heating elements.
* ✅ Lightweight and Simple: The no-frills design and lightweight construction make it easy to place and use without any complex setup.
* ✅ Includes Basic Accessories: It comes with a baking pan and a wire rack, so you have what you need to start using it immediately.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Slower Overall Performance: The low 800-watt power rating means preheating and cooking times will be noticeably longer than with higher-wattage models.
* ❌ Very Basic Build Quality: The materials and construction are extremely lightweight and feel flimsy, a direct reflection of its ultra-budget price point. The door and knobs lack a sturdy feel.
* ❌ Uneven Heating: Don’t expect perfect results. I found there were definite hot spots, leading to uneven browning on toast if you don’t watch it carefully. Workaround: For best results, I recommend using the center of the rack and rotating food halfway through the cooking cycle.

Expert’s Experience
* Cooking Performance: This oven is functional, but it demands patience and attention. It successfully toasted bread and baked a couple of frozen snacks, but it took longer than the BLACK+DECKER or Hamilton Beach models. The toast came out darker on one side, confirming the presence of hot spots. For the price, the results are acceptable, but you are trading performance for affordability.

Design & Value: The design is purely utilitarian and simple. The true value of the Elite Gourmet ETO490 is its price tag. For someone who needs a basic oven immediately for a temporary living situation, as a backup, or for an office kitchenette where it will only be used occasionally, it absolutely gets the job done without any significant financial outlay.
Who It’s For: This is the perfect toaster oven for someone who will only use it sparingly and cannot justify spending more. It’s a temporary solution, a secondary appliance for a breakroom, or a starter oven for someone moving into their first apartment on a shoestring budget. It works, and sometimes, that’s all you need.

Cheap Toaster Oven Comparison Chart

This chart provides a quick, side-by-side look at the key specifications of the models I tested, helping you see exactly how they stack up against each other.

Feature	Best Overall	Air Fryer Combo	Simple Versatility	Most Compact	Ultra-Budget Pick
Model	B+D EvenToast	Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp	B+D TO1313SBD	Elite Gourmet 2-Slice	Elite Gourmet 4-Slice
Capacity	4-Slice / 9″ Pizza	4-Slice / 9″ Pizza	4-Slice / 9″ Pizza	2-Slice	4-Slice
Key Feature	EvenToast Tech	Air Fry Function	Curved Interior	Compact Size	Low Price
Convection	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Timer	30-Min Stay-On	30-Min	30-Min Stay-On	15-Min	30-Min
Best For	All-Around Use	Crispy Snacks	Basic Reliability	Single Users	Tightest Budgets
My Rating	4.5/5 ⭐	4.2/5 ⭐	4.0/5 ⭐	3.5/5 ⭐	3.2/5 ⭐

In my analysis, the BLACK+DECKER EvenToast oven clearly offers the best overall package. It brings modern features like effective convection and superior toasting performance to a budget-friendly price. The Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp is a fantastic value if the added fun and versatility of a capable air fryer appeal to you.

If your needs are simpler, the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD is a wonderfully reliable and straightforward workhorse. Finally, if you need the most compact or the absolute cheapest option available, the Elite Gourmet models are functional choices, but you should be prepared for slower performance and a more basic build quality in exchange for their tiny footprint or rock-bottom price.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Cheap Toaster Oven

Choosing the best cheap toaster oven isn’t just about finding the lowest price; it’s about finding the best value for your specific needs. During my testing, I found that focusing on a few key features makes all the difference. Here’s what I recommend you consider before you buy:

Size and Capacity: First, think about what you’ll cook most often and measure your counter space! A 4-slice or 9-inch pizza capacity is the standard for this category and is versatile enough for most individuals or couples. If you live alone, have extremely limited space in a dorm or RV, or primarily want to make toast, a smaller 2-slice model is a more practical, space-saving choice.
Core Cooking Functions: At a bare minimum, look for the three essential functions: Bake, Broil, and Toast. A ‘Keep Warm’ function is a very useful bonus for timing meals. If you love crispy foods like fries and wings, paying a little extra for a combo model with an Air Fry function, like the Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp, is a great investment in versatility.
Convection Fan: This is arguably the most important performance-enhancing feature in the budget category. A convection fan circulates hot air inside the oven, which leads to faster and more even cooking. If you plan to do more baking than just toasting, I strongly recommend prioritizing a model with convection. It makes a noticeable difference in preventing hot spots.
Controls (Dials vs. Digital): In the cheap toaster oven market, you will almost exclusively find manual dials. Don’t be deterred by this. They are simple, reliable, and get the job done. While they lack the pinpoint precision of digital controls, they are perfectly fine for basic tasks and are less likely to have electronic failures.
Timer Features: Most budget models come with a 30-minute timer. A “Stay-On” function is a significant bonus that I found incredibly helpful. It allows you to bypass the timer for recipes that need to bake longer, preventing you from having to run back to the kitchen to reset it constantly. For ultra-compact models, be aware that timers can be as short as 15 minutes.
Ease of Cleaning: This is a quality-of-life feature you can’t overlook. A removable crumb tray that you can access from the front is non-negotiable. It makes cleaning up crumbs and drips infinitely easier. A non-stick interior is another nice-to-have feature that helps with wiping up spills after messy broiling or baking.
Power (Wattage): Higher wattage generally means faster pre-heating and cooking times. In the budget category, anything over 1100 watts is quite good. Lower wattage ovens, like the 650-800 watt Elite Gourmet models I reviewed, will still cook your food but require more patience as they take longer to heat up and reach the target temperature.

FAQs About Cheap Toaster Ovens

Is a cheap toaster oven worth it?

Yes, a cheap toaster oven is absolutely worth it for most people. It saves a significant amount of energy compared to firing up a full-size oven for smaller meals, it preheats much faster, and it’s perfect for reheating leftovers, making quick snacks, and toasting bread. For everyday tasks, it’s an incredibly useful and economical kitchen appliance.

What is the best brand for a budget toaster oven?

In my comprehensive testing and research, BLACK+DECKER and Hamilton Beach consistently offer the best combination of performance, reliability, and value in the budget category. They have a long-standing reputation for producing dependable appliances that include the essential features you need without adding a high price tag, making them a trusted choice.

Can a toaster oven replace a microwave?

It can replace a microwave for many tasks, but not all. A toaster oven is far superior for making food crispy—like reheating pizza, fries, or roasted vegetables. A microwave is faster for heating liquids like soup and foods with high water content. Many people find that having both is ideal, but a toaster oven is much more versatile for actually “cooking” rather than just “reheating.”

How much should I spend on a decent toaster oven?

You do not need to spend a lot of money. As this roundup shows, you can find excellent, reliable models for a very budget-friendly price. Spending slightly more, but still in the budget category, can get you valuable features like a convection fan or an air fry function. A great basic oven is highly accessible and affordable.

What’s the difference between a toaster oven and an air fryer?

An air fryer is essentially a small, high-powered convection oven designed to maximize crispiness. Many modern toaster ovens now include an “air fry” setting, which uses a powerful, high-speed fan and high heat to mimic the results of a dedicated air fryer. A standalone air fryer might be slightly faster, but a combo model like the Hamilton Beach I reviewed offers much more versatility.

Do cheap toaster ovens cook evenly?

Evenness can be a major challenge in budget models, which is why it was a top testing criterion. Models that include a convection fan or specialized heating technology, like the “EvenToast” feature in my top pick from BLACK+DECKER, perform significantly better. For the price, the evenness of the top models I’ve reviewed is very impressive.

How long do cheap toaster ovens last?

With proper care and cleaning, a good quality cheap toaster oven from a reputable brand can easily last for several years. Durability and brand reputation are key reasons I recommend brands like BLACK+DECKER and Hamilton Beach, as they generally have a better track record for longevity than generic, no-name brands.

Is a convection feature important in a toaster oven?

Yes, I believe it is one of the most important features if you plan to do any baking or roasting. A convection fan circulates hot air for faster, more even cooking results. It helps eliminate hot spots and produces better browning. If you plan to use your toaster oven for more than just toast, I highly recommend choosing a model with convection.

What size toaster oven do I need?

For most individuals, couples, or small families, a 4-slice capacity is perfect. This size is typically large enough to fit a 9-inch pizza, four slices of bread, or a couple of chicken breasts. If you have a larger family, you might want to look at 6-slice models, but for a “cheap” oven, the 4-slice size is the sweet spot for value and functionality.

Are toaster ovens hard to clean?

They don’t have to be, as long as you look for one key feature: a front-accessible, removable crumb tray. All the models I have selected include this essential feature. It allows you to slide out the tray and dispose of crumbs in seconds. A non-stick interior is another helpful feature that makes wiping up grease and spills much easier.

My Final Verdict

After weeks of rigorous testing, it’s clear that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a high-performing, reliable toaster oven in 2026. The secret is to focus on trusted brands that deliver on the core features that matter most for your daily cooking habits—namely, even heating and simple, intuitive controls.

For its fantastic toasting performance, the valuable addition of convection cooking, and its overall reliability, my top recommendation remains the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven with Natural Convection (TO1760SS). It simply offers the best combination of features and consistent results you can get at this budget-friendly price point.

The BLACK+DECKER TO1760SS is perfect for you if…
* You value evenly browned toast above all else.
* You want the speed and evenness of convection for baking.
* You appreciate a sleek, modern look that feels more premium than its price.
* You need a reliable, all-around performer for daily cooking tasks.

It might not be ideal for you if…
* You require the precision of digital controls.
* You have an extremely limited budget.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of an all-in-one countertop appliance, the Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo offers incredible value. It adds a capable and fun air fryer to a solid toaster oven, making it a wonderfully versatile alternative.

Whichever you choose from this list, you’ll be getting a dependable kitchen appliance that saves you time, energy, and money on countless daily cooking tasks.

Last update on 2026-02-19 at 17:44 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API