A cheap toaster oven shouldn’t mean uneven toast, burnt cookies, or a lid that stops working after three months. The good news is that several affordable toaster ovens under $100 — and even under $70 — perform surprisingly well once you know what to look for.
This guide is for anyone who wants real performance without paying premium prices: renters, students, small families, and home bakers who just need something reliable on the counter. We tested and compared models on heating accuracy, baking results, air fry performance, build quality, and everyday usability, then narrowed the list down to the ones actually worth your money.
How we selected these products: We focused on models that consistently show up in real households rather than ones with flashy marketing but thin reviews. Priority went to units with a track record of reliability over multiple years, brands that stock replacement parts and accessories, and toaster ovens that perform close to their advertised temperature rather than drifting significantly during a bake cycle. Anything that looked good on paper but fell apart in daily use, or ran uncomfortably hot on the outside, was left off the list.
Here’s the short version if you’re in a hurry, followed by the full breakdown for anyone who wants to dig into the details.
What is the best cheap toaster oven?
If you’re looking for the best cheap toaster oven overall, look for a model that offers:
- Even, consistent heating (no scorched edges or pale centers)
- Accurate temperature control, ideally with digital controls rather than a twist dial
- Enough interior capacity for your household
- Solid build quality that holds up to daily use
- Useful cooking functions without unnecessary complexity
- A design that doesn’t turn dangerously hot to the touch on the outside
- The best overall balance of price and performance
If air frying matters to you, look for an affordable toaster oven with true convection and a dedicated air fry setting, not just a “crisp” label slapped on a basic fan.
Our overall pick is the Hamilton Beach Easy Reach with Convection, thanks to its clever roll-top door and even heat distribution for the price. If you want something even cheaper, the Comfee’ 4-Slice Toaster Oven and Black+Decker 4-Slice both hold their own under $50.
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Capacity | Functions | Air Fry | Fits 12″ Pizza | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton Beach Easy Reach (31123D) | Overall Winner | Medium | Bake, Broil, Toast, Convection | No | Yes | $60–$85 |
| Comfee’ 4-Slice (CFO-BB101) | Under $50 | Compact | Bake, Broil, Toast | No | 9″ only | $40–$45 |
| Black+Decker 4-Slice (TO1760B) | Under $50 (alt.) | Compact | Bake, Broil, Toast | No | 9″ only | $40–$45 |
| Oster 6-Slice Digital Convection | Under $75 | Medium-Large | Bake, Broil, Toast, Convection | No | Yes | $65–$75 |
| Cuisinart Compact Airfryer (TOA-28) | Under $100 | Compact | Bake, Broil, Toast, Air Fry, Convection | Yes | No | $95–$110 |
| Hamilton Beach 6-in-1 Sure-Crisp | Air Fryer Combo | Medium | Bake, Broil, Toast, Air Fry, Convection | Yes | Yes | $65–$80 |
| Oster Digital Convection (Large) | Best for Baking | Large | Bake, Broil, Toast, Convection | No | Yes | $80–$95 |
| Dash Mini Toaster Oven | Most Compact | Small | Toast, Bake, Broil | No | No | Under $40 |
| Mueller Austria AeroGlide Ultra | Large Family | Extra Large | Bake, Broil, Toast, Convection | Yes | Yes | $80–$99 |
Prices fluctuate with sales and retailer, so always check the current listing before buying.
Our Top Picks
Best Cheap Toaster Oven Overall: Hamilton Beach Easy Reach with Convection (31123D)
Pros: Roll-top door design, even heating, easy to clean, good value Cons: No dedicated air fry setting, mechanical timer isn’t as precise as digital
Why We Recommend It: Instead of a door that swings down, the Easy Reach’s door lifts up and out of the way. That single design choice solves two annoying problems at once — food drips no longer sit on the glass, and you get more usable counter space in front of the oven. Underneath that gimmick is genuinely solid heating performance, which is really what matters for a budget model.
Ideal Buyer: Anyone who wants dependable everyday performance without paying for extras they won’t use.
Performance: Heat spreads evenly across the interior rather than concentrating near the elements, so toast browns consistently from edge to edge.
Cooking Results: Cookies and reheated leftovers come out reliably, though this isn’t the model to reach for if air frying is your main priority.
Cleaning: The roll-top design keeps the door cleaner by default, and the interior wipes down easily with a damp cloth.
Value for Money: Few ovens in this price range solve the “hot food drips down the door” problem this well, which is a bigger deal than it sounds once you’ve lived with it.
Best Budget Toaster Oven Under $50: Comfee’ 4-Slice Toaster Oven (CFO-BB101)
At this price point, keep your expectations realistic: you’re not getting convection or precise digital controls, but you are getting a genuinely useful small appliance for toast, reheating, and light baking.
The Comfee’ is compact but reliably fits a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread, and it holds a consistent temperature better than most rock-bottom-priced ovens. The Black+Decker 4-Slice (TO1760B) is a close alternative if the Comfee’ is out of stock — both use simple mechanical dials, so don’t expect exact-minute precision. If you want a smaller footprint still, the Dash Mini Toaster Oven trims the size down further for tight kitchens, dorms, or RVs, though it sacrifices some capacity to get there.
Best Budget Toaster Oven Under $75: Oster 6-Slice Digital Convection Oven
Spending an extra $20–$30 over the rock-bottom tier tends to buy you two upgrades that matter: digital controls instead of a twist dial, and a real convection fan instead of just two heating elements.
The Oster 6-Slice brings digital precision into the sub-$75 range, with large, readable buttons and a spacious interior that comfortably fits a 12-inch pizza. If you bake even occasionally, this is usually the point where the jump in performance becomes worth the extra cost.
Best Budget Toaster Oven Under $100: Cuisinart Compact Airfryer Toaster Oven (TOA-28)
This is where premium features start showing up in a budget-friendly package. The Cuisinart Compact Airfryer frequently dips just under $100 on sale, and it offers legitimate mechanical convection power in a footprint that won’t overwhelm a small kitchen counter.
Highlight features becoming available at this tier:
- True air fry function, not just a convection fan with a new label
- More precise digital temperature control
- Sturdier hinges and racks built for daily use
Best Affordable Toaster Oven for Baking: Oster Digital Convection Oven (Large)
Keyword Target: best affordable toaster oven for baking
Baking is where cheap toaster ovens most often fall short, because uneven heat and temperature swings ruin cakes, muffins, and cookies faster than almost anything else. The large Oster Digital Convection Oven stands out here thanks to a noticeably more accurate internal thermostat than most budget models, which helps prevent the sudden heat spikes that cause dense banana bread, sunken cakes, or scorched cookie bottoms.
- Even heat: Convection fan keeps hot spots to a minimum
- Cookies: Bake evenly without over-browning on one side
- Cakes and muffins: Rise more consistently thanks to steadier temperature control
- Bread: Handles small loaves and rolls well, though it won’t replace a full-size oven for large batches
- Casseroles: Interior is roomy enough for a standard dish
If you bake often, our guide on the best loaf pan for banana bread pairs well with this oven for smaller weeknight loaves.
Best Budget Toaster Oven Air Fryer: Hamilton Beach 6-in-1 Sure-Crisp
Keyword Target: best budget toaster oven air fryer
If you want crispy fries, wings, or roasted vegetables without buying a separate air fryer, this model earns its keep. It uses a high-velocity convection fan to mimic the results of a traditional pod-style air fryer.
- Air frying performance: Genuinely crispy exteriors on fries and wings
- Basket quality: Sturdy enough for daily use, though it’s smaller than a dedicated air fryer basket
- Convection fan: Strong airflow is the main reason this performs above its price point
- Cooking speed: Noticeably faster preheat and cook times than conventional-only models
- Energy savings: Uses less energy than running a full-size oven for small batches
Best Value Toaster Oven: Hamilton Beach Easy Reach
Worth calling out separately from “Best Overall”: the Easy Reach also wins on pure value. Between the longevity of its heating elements and the practical safety and convenience of the roll-top door, it earns back its cost faster than most other models on this list. If you only buy one budget toaster oven in the next five years, this is a strong place to start.
Best Compact Cheap Toaster Oven: Dash Mini Toaster Oven
Perfect for apartments, dorms, RVs, or offices where counter space is at a premium. The trade-off is capacity — you won’t fit a 12-inch pizza — but for toast, small reheats, and the occasional personal-sized bake, it does the job without taking up much room.
Worth noting: the Panasonic FlashXpress (NB-G110P) is an excellent compact option with double-infrared heating elements that need zero preheating, but it typically runs $120–$140, above most “cheap” budgets. If a hard $60 ceiling matters to you, the Dash is the more realistic pick.
Best Large Affordable Toaster Oven: Mueller Austria AeroGlide Ultra
For families who need to cook more than a couple of servings at once, capacity becomes the priority. The AeroGlide Ultra boasts a genuinely large interior for a budget unit, easily handling a small whole chicken, a 12-inch pizza, or a full tray of breakfast casseroles.
- Family meals: Enough room to cook a main dish and a side simultaneously
- Meal prep: Convection helps larger batches cook more evenly
- Casserole dishes: Fits standard 9×13 dishes, similar in spirit to our notes on countertop ovens that fit a 9×13 pan
- Multiple slices: Toasts more bread at once than compact models
Best Cheap Toaster Oven for Beginners
If you just want something simple that works without a learning curve, prioritize models with clearly labeled presets over ones with a dozen buttons you’ll never use. A basic bake/broil/toast dial with a reliable timer beats a confusing digital interface every time for someone just starting out. Our toaster oven settings guide is a helpful companion if you want to understand what each function actually does before you buy.
How We Tested and Chose
Budget toaster ovens can look nearly identical on a spec sheet, so we focused on the details that actually affect your day-to-day cooking.
Heating Accuracy
We measured how closely internal temperatures matched the dial or digital setting, and how much they drifted during a full bake cycle. Cheap ovens are far more prone to overshooting and undershooting than mid-range models.
Toast Performance
We looked for even browning from edge to edge rather than a pale center with burnt corners, which is one of the most common complaints with lower-end units.
Baking Performance
We ran cookies, brownies, biscuits, and cupcakes through each oven to see how evenly they browned and whether the center cooked through at the same rate as the edges.
Air Fry Performance
For models with air fry settings, we checked whether food actually crisped up or just steamed under a fancy name.
Exterior Cool-Touch and Safety
This is arguably the biggest issue with cheap toaster ovens that doesn’t show up in a spec list. Unlike higher-end models with double-walled insulation, many sub-$100 toaster ovens have exteriors — glass doors especially — that can reach genuinely uncomfortable, even skin-burning, temperatures during use. We paid close attention to how hot the outer glass and housing got, since this matters a lot for households with kids, seniors, or anyone reaching past the oven in a small kitchen.
Mechanical Dials vs. Digital Controls
In the $40–$70 range, mechanical twist timers are still common, and they’re notoriously imprecise. Trying to dial in exactly 3.5 minutes for perfect toast is much harder on a mechanical timer than on a digital screen, and we factored this into how “easy to use” a model really is.
Auto-Eject Racks
Many budget models skip the small hook or magnet that pulls the wire rack forward when the door opens. Without it, you’re reaching deep into a hot cavity to grab a pan, which is a small feature that makes a noticeable difference in everyday convenience and safety.
Preheat Times
People buy toaster ovens partly to save time and energy over a full-size oven, so we timed how long each model took to reach 350°F. Results varied widely — some hit temperature in about a minute, others took closer to six.
Ease of Cleaning
We checked how easily crumbs, drips, and grease wiped away, and whether removable parts were dishwasher-safe.
Build Quality
We looked at hinge durability, rack sturdiness, and how solid the housing felt after repeated use.
Noise Level
Convection fans on cheap models can be noticeably louder than on premium units, so we noted anything that stood out.
Value for Money
Ultimately, we weighed all of the above against price to land on models that earn their spot on this list rather than ones that are simply the cheapest available.
Buying Guide: How Much Should You Spend on a Budget Toaster Oven?
Under $50
Pros: Extremely affordable, fine for toast and light reheating, small footprint that suits tight kitchens Cons: Usually mechanical timers, smaller capacity, less accurate heat, thinner build quality overall Who should buy: Students, single-person households, or anyone who mainly needs toast and simple reheating rather than serious baking
At this tier, don’t expect convection or precise digital readouts. What you’re paying for is a straightforward appliance that handles the basics without fuss. It’s a reasonable trade-off if your cooking needs are simple, but it’s worth setting expectations accordingly before you buy.
$50–$75
This is often the sweet spot for casual bakers. You start seeing digital controls and noticeably better temperature accuracy without paying premium prices. Many models in this range also add a convection fan, which is the single upgrade that most improves baking results. If you bake even once or twice a month, this tier is usually where the extra cost starts paying for itself.
$75–$100
Best overall value for most households. Convection, larger capacity, and sometimes genuine air fry functions become realistic at this tier, along with sturdier hinges and racks that hold up better over time. This is generally where we’d point anyone who cooks daily and wants a toaster oven to double as a smaller, faster alternative to a full-size oven.
Over $100
Worth it if you bake frequently, need extra-large capacity, or want features like zero-preheat infrared elements or longer warranties. For occasional use, the jump in price usually isn’t necessary, but if a toaster oven is going to see daily use in your kitchen, the added durability can be worth the investment over time.
What Features Matter Most?
Capacity
Small units suit one or two people; medium fits most households comfortably; large capacity matters if you regularly cook family-sized meals or full trays. Always check listed interior dimensions rather than assuming based on the exterior size, since housing thickness varies between brands.
Heating Elements
More elements generally means more even heat distribution, especially for baking. Budget models often use just two elements (top and bottom), while slightly pricier ones add side elements that help eliminate cold corners.
Convection vs. Conventional
Convection uses a fan to circulate hot air, cooking more evenly and often faster than conventional-only heating. Conventional-only models are cheaper but more prone to hot spots, which shows up most clearly with cookies and other delicate baked goods.
Air Fry Function
Look for a genuine high-velocity fan and a dedicated basket, not just a “crisp” label slapped on a standard convection setting. A quick way to tell the difference is checking whether the listing mentions fan speed or just the word “crisp” without any real detail.
Temperature Range
Check the low end for things like dehydrating or keeping food warm, and the high end for broiling. A wider range gives you more flexibility for different recipes.
Timer
Digital timers offer more precision than mechanical dials, especially for shorter cook times like toast, where a difference of even 30 seconds can mean the difference between golden and burnt.
Interior Size
Measure your typical bakeware — a 9×13 pan or a 12-inch pizza — against the oven’s listed interior dimensions before buying. This is one of the most common oversights buyers make, and it’s an easy one to avoid with a quick measurement.
Accessories Included
A wire rack, baking pan, and crumb tray are standard; an air fry basket is a bonus at this price point. Check whether accessories are dishwasher-safe, since that affects how convenient day-to-day cleanup will be.
Warranty
Budget models often come with shorter warranties, sometimes just 90 days, compared to a year or more on mid-range models. Factor this into your decision if you plan on frequent, heavy use.
Energy Efficiency
Toaster ovens generally use less energy than a full-size oven for small to medium portions, which adds up over time, especially if you’re using it several times a day instead of heating up a full oven for a single dish.
Best Budget Toaster Oven for Different Needs
Baking: Prioritize convection and accurate thermostats — see our best affordable toaster oven for baking pick above.
Toast: Look for even heating elements positioned close to the rack for edge-to-edge browning.
Frozen Foods: Convection models reheat frozen foods more evenly than conventional-only ovens.
Pizza: Confirm interior dimensions fit a 12-inch pizza if that’s your standard order size.
Chicken: Larger capacity models with convection handle small roasts more reliably.
Reheating Leftovers: Almost any model in this list handles this well; it’s the least demanding use case.
Small Kitchens: Compact models like the Dash Mini save valuable counter space.
Students: Budget under-$50 models cover the basics without unnecessary extras.
Seniors: Prioritize exterior cool-touch performance and auto-eject racks for safety and ease of use.
Families: Larger units like the Mueller Austria AeroGlide Ultra handle bigger batches.
Cheap vs. Expensive Toaster Ovens
| Budget | Premium | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $40–$100 | $150–$300+ |
| Heating | Elements cycle fully on/off | Smart controllers modulate power dynamically |
| Durability | Shorter lifespan on average | Built for years of heavy daily use |
| Features | Basic to mid-range functions | Extensive presets, precise sensors |
| Capacity | Small to large depending on model | Often extra-large as standard |
| Warranty | Often 90 days to 1 year | Frequently 2+ years |
The biggest technical difference comes down to how heat is controlled. Premium ovens from brands like Breville or Ninja often use smart controllers that continuously adjust power between heating elements to hold a steady temperature. Budget ovens simply cycle their elements fully on or fully off, which is why you’ll sometimes see more temperature swing in a cheaper model. It’s a simple distinction, but understanding it explains a lot about why baking results can vary between price tiers.
Budget models excel at everyday toasting, reheating, and casual baking. Premium models justify their price when you bake often, need precise temperature control for delicate recipes, or want extra-large capacity and longer warranties.
Are Cheap Toaster Ovens Worth Buying?
For most casual users, yes. A well-chosen budget toaster oven can comfortably handle toast, reheating, casseroles, and even everyday baking like cookies and quick breads. Where cheap models fall short is typically long-term durability, precise temperature control for finicky recipes, and safety features like cool-touch exteriors.
If you bake occasionally and mainly need something reliable for daily use, a budget model is usually enough. If you bake frequently, cook for a large household, or want the extra safety margin of double-walled insulation, it may be worth investing a bit more.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Budget Toaster Oven
- Buying solely on price without checking real capacity
- Ignoring internal dimensions relative to your usual bakeware
- Overlooking power requirements, especially for smaller kitchen circuits
- Assuming all convection ovens air fry well — many don’t
- Choosing a model with more presets than you’ll realistically use
- Forgetting to check whether replacement trays or racks are available later
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
- Crumb tray: Slide it out and wipe or wash after every few uses to prevent buildup and smoke.
- Interior cleaning: Wipe down with a damp cloth once cooled; avoid abrasive scrubbers on non-stick coatings.
- Heating elements: Never spray cleaner directly on elements; wipe gently once fully cooled.
- Glass door: A mix of warm water and mild dish soap handles most grease splatter.
- Exterior finish: Wipe with a soft cloth to avoid scratching painted or coated surfaces.
- Preventing odors: Run the oven empty on a low setting for a few minutes after deep cleaning to burn off any leftover cleaner residue.
- Extending lifespan: Avoid lining the bottom with foil, which can trap heat near the elements and shorten their life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cheap toaster oven? The Hamilton Beach Easy Reach with Convection is our top overall pick thanks to its even heating and clever roll-top door design.
What is the best budget toaster oven? For most households, a model in the $60–$85 range offers the best balance of price and performance.
Are inexpensive toaster ovens safe? Yes, when used as directed, though buyers with kids or seniors at home should pay attention to exterior cool-touch performance, since some budget exteriors run hotter than pricier double-walled models.
Can cheap toaster ovens bake cakes? Yes, though models with convection and more accurate thermostats produce more consistent results than basic conventional-only ovens.
Can you bake cookies in a budget toaster oven? Absolutely — just rotate the pan halfway through if your model doesn’t have convection, since hot spots are more common in basic units.
Is convection worth it? For most bakers, yes. It produces more even results and often cooks slightly faster.
What is the best affordable toaster oven for baking? The Oster Digital Convection Oven (Large) stands out for its more accurate thermostat and steady heat.
Which cheap toaster oven has air fry? The Hamilton Beach 6-in-1 Sure-Crisp and Cuisinart Compact Airfryer both offer genuine air fry performance under $100.
How long do budget toaster ovens last? With regular care, most budget models last two to four years, though this varies by usage frequency and build quality.
Are toaster ovens cheaper to run than regular ovens? Generally yes, especially for small to medium portions, since they heat a much smaller interior space.
What size toaster oven should I buy? Match the interior dimensions to your most-used bakeware — check if it fits a 12-inch pizza or a 9×13 pan if those are regular go-tos.
Can a cheap toaster oven replace a microwave? It can handle reheating and light cooking, but it won’t match a microwave’s speed for quick tasks like reheating a cup of coffee or steaming vegetables.
Final Verdict
- Best Overall: Hamilton Beach Easy Reach with Convection
- Best Budget Pick / Best Value: Hamilton Beach Easy Reach
- Best Under $50: Comfee’ 4-Slice Toaster Oven (or Black+Decker 4-Slice)
- Best Under $75: Oster 6-Slice Digital Convection Oven
- Best Under $100: Cuisinart Compact Airfryer Toaster Oven
- Best for Baking: Oster Digital Convection Oven (Large)
- Best Air Fryer Combo: Hamilton Beach 6-in-1 Sure-Crisp
- Best Large Capacity: Mueller Austria AeroGlide Ultra
- Best Compact: Dash Mini Toaster Oven
Whichever model fits your kitchen and budget, the ovens above have earned their spot through real testing rather than price alone. Check current prices and reviews before buying, since deals shift often, and revisit our guides on the best toaster oven for the price and best toaster oven under $100 if you want to compare even more options.