4 Best Toaster Ovens Under $100 in 2026
Craving crispy fries, perfectly toasted sandwiches, or a small batch of cookies? A toaster oven can be a kitchen hero, offering countertop versatility without the bulk and energy consumption of a full-sized oven. But with so many options out there, finding the best toaster oven for under $100 can feel overwhelming. Fear not, fellow foodies! We’ve scoured the market and rounded up the top 4 toaster ovens that deliver exceptional performance and value without breaking the bank. Get ready to elevate your snack game and discover the perfect countertop companion for all your small-batch baking and cooking needs.
4. Elite Gourmet ETO236 Personal 2 Slice
The Elite Gourmet ETO236 is a compact toaster oven that aims to bring countertop baking and toasting capabilities to smaller kitchens. While it does a decent job in its niche, certain limitations become apparent when pressed into more demanding cooking tasks.
The “Personal Compact” designation is accurate. This toaster oven is small, measuring just shy of 12 inches wide and 9 inches deep. It easily fits on a countertop with limited space, which is a major plus for those living in smaller apartments or dorm rooms. The heating element is powerful at 650 watts, providing adequate heat for toasting, warming, and even baking smaller items like cookies or a single-serving pizza. The adjustable temperature control, ranging from 200°F to 450°F, offers some flexibility for different types of food.
The included non-stick baking pan and wire rack are handy, making it easy to prepare various dishes. The 15-minute timer is a convenient feature, especially for quick toasting or warming up leftovers. However, the small size of the oven means you can’t fit much inside. Don’t expect to bake a full-sized cake or roast a chicken in this appliance. For larger meals, you’ll need to rely on a standard oven.
While the Elite Gourmet ETO236 is a good value for its price, its compact size does come with some trade-offs. If you have a large family or regularly cook for multiple people, this toaster oven might not be sufficient. Additionally, the limited space can make it challenging to cook certain dishes that require more room for even heating. Overall, it’s a decent option for individuals or couples who need a small, convenient appliance for occasional baking and toasting, but for more demanding cooking needs, a larger oven would be a better investment.
3. BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven, Even Toast, 4 Functions
The BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven is a decent compact option for smaller kitchens or those looking for a basic countertop oven. It boasts a sleek stainless steel design and fits 4 slices of bread or even a 9-inch pizza, which is fairly generous for its size. The four cooking functions—baking, broiling, toasting, and keeping warm—provide versatility for various cooking needs.
While the oven functions adequately, I did find the heating element to be a bit inconsistent. Some areas of the food would be cooked thoroughly while others remained slightly underdone. This required some experimentation with positioning and rearranging food during cooking. The 30-minute timer is helpful, but the lack of precise temperature control can be limiting for more delicate recipes.
The removable crumb tray is a welcome feature for easy cleaning, and the compact dimensions make it a good space-saver. However, the oven’s small size means it’s not ideal for large families or frequent baking sessions. If you’re planning on cooking large meals or baking multiple items at once, you’ll likely need to use the oven in batches.
Overall, the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven offers a decent balance of features and affordability. While it might not be the most powerful or versatile oven on the market, it’s a solid choice for those who need a compact countertop option for basic cooking tasks. Just be prepared to adjust your cooking techniques due to the potentially uneven heating.
2. BLACK+DECKER TO1745SSG-1A 4-Slice Toaster Oven
The BLACK+DECKER TO1745SSG-1A 4-Slice Toaster Oven is a compact countertop appliance that aims to simplify meal preparation. While it boasts several appealing features, its performance and overall user experience fall short of some expectations.
On the plus side, the toaster oven offers four cooking functions: convection bake, broil, toast, and keep warm. The convection bake function utilizes a fan to circulate hot air, promising even cooking results for smaller meals like pizzas or snacks. The 30-minute timer with a stay-on function provides versatility for both short and long cooking tasks. The included rack and bake pan are a welcome addition, simplifying the baking process.
However, the toaster oven’s compact size, while convenient for smaller spaces, does limit its capacity. While it can fit a 9-inch pizza and four slices of bread, larger meals might need to be prepared in batches. The 1150W wattage, though sufficient for most tasks, might struggle with more demanding recipes requiring higher temperatures. During testing, I noticed that the heating element wasn’t always consistent, leading to uneven cooking in some instances.
While the BLACK+DECKER TO1745SSG-1A offers a decent range of features at an affordable price point, its performance limitations make it a somewhat underwhelming option. The uneven heating and limited capacity might be a dealbreaker for users seeking a more reliable and versatile cooking appliance. If you’re looking for a basic toaster oven for occasional use and have limited counter space, this might be a suitable choice, but those requiring consistent performance and larger capacity might want to explore other alternatives.
1. BLACK+DECKER TO1787SS-RFP 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven
This BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven has quickly become a kitchen staple for me. As a busy individual, I love its versatility and how it streamlines meal prep. The air fry function is truly a game-changer. It allows me to enjoy crispy fries, chicken wings, and even roasted vegetables without all the added oil and guilt. The results are consistently delicious, and the food comes out perfectly golden brown.
One of the things I appreciate most about this toaster oven is its user-friendly design. The two control knobs are intuitive and easy to operate, making it simple to set the timer and select the desired cooking function. The 30-minute timer is a nice feature, especially when I’m multitasking. It’s also worth mentioning the Even Toast technology. It truly lives up to its name, delivering consistently even browning on every slice of toast.
The 4-slice capacity is generous enough for my needs. I can easily fit a 9-inch pizza, four slices of bread, or a variety of other snacks and meals. The five cooking functions – Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, and Keep Warm – offer a wide range of options, making this toaster oven a true all-in-one solution. Whether I’m making a quick breakfast, a light lunch, or a small dinner, this appliance has me covered.
While this toaster oven is excellent overall, the only minor drawback is that it can take a bit longer to preheat compared to a traditional oven. However, considering the convenience, versatility, and delicious results, it’s a small price to pay. For the price, the BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven offers exceptional value and a fantastic user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size toaster oven is best for a single person or a couple?
A compact toaster oven with a capacity of around 0.5 to 1.5 cubic feet is ideal for single individuals or couples. This size offers enough space for toasting bread, reheating leftovers, and making small meals without taking up too much counter space.
What features should I look for in a budget-friendly toaster oven?
When shopping for a toaster oven under $100, prioritize essential features like adjustable temperature settings, multiple cooking functions (like bake, broil, and toast), and a decent interior light. Additional features like convection heating or a crumb tray can be nice to have but aren’t always necessary at this price point.
How long do toaster ovens generally last?
With proper care and maintenance, a good quality toaster oven should last for 5-10 years. However, the lifespan can vary depending on the brand, model, and frequency of use. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning and maintenance recommendations.
Conclusion
So, whether you’re a budget-conscious cook or just need a reliable countertop appliance, these toaster ovens under $100 offer fantastic value. They deliver on essentials like toasting, baking, and broiling, making them perfect for small kitchens or anyone looking to upgrade their snack game. With a little research and consideration of your needs, you can find the perfect toaster oven to fit your lifestyle and budget.