Best Toaster Ovens Under $100 (2026): We Toasted 500+ Slices to Find the Winners
Quick Comparison: Our Top Picks
| Toaster Oven | Best For | Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Cuisinart TOB-40N | Best overall | Fits 11" pizza | ★★★★★ |
| 🥈 Breville BOV450XL | Best smart features | Compact | ★★★★★ |
| 🥉 Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp | Best air fry combo | Fits 12" pizza | ★★★★★ |
| BLACK+DECKER TO3250XSB | Best for families | Fits 13x9 pan | ★★★★★ |
| Mueller Austria | Best budget compact | 4-slice | ★★★★★ |
Table of Contents
How We Tested
Over four weeks, we put each toaster oven through a gauntlet of everyday cooking tasks. We toasted over 500 slices of bread (yes, we ate a lot of toast), baked frozen pizzas, broiled open-faced sandwiches, reheated leftover pizza, and baked batches of cookies in each model.
- Toast evenness: We toasted white bread on medium and photographed every slice. Consistent golden-brown across the surface wins; hot spots and pale edges lose.
- Baking consistency: We baked sugar cookies and checked for even browning top-to-bottom, center-to-edge.
- Preheat speed: How long from pressing start to reaching 350°F. Timed with an oven thermometer.
- Temperature accuracy: We compared the dial setting to actual internal temperature. Some were off by 25°F+.
- Ease of cleaning: Crumb trays, interior access, and whether melted cheese could be cleaned without a chemistry degree.
We also paid attention to exterior heat—some toaster ovens get dangerously hot on the outside, which matters if you have curious kids or limited counter space near other appliances.
Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven
The Cuisinart TOB-40N doesn't try to be fancy. No touchscreens, no Wi-Fi, no air fryer gimmicks. It just toasts bread more evenly than anything else under $100, and it does it with 1800 watts of power that preheats in under 3 minutes. In our 500-slice toast test, this was the only model that produced consistently golden-brown toast from edge to edge, batch after batch, without needing to rotate anything.
The auto slide-out rack is my favorite small detail—when you open the door, the rack slides toward you automatically, so you're not reaching into a hot oven with tongs. It fits an 11-inch pizza or four slices of bread comfortably. The toast shade dial is intuitive and actually corresponds to real darkness levels (unlike some ovens where "3" means "charcoal"). We baked cookies, broiled cheese on French bread, and reheated countless pizza slices, and the results were consistently excellent. The crumb tray slides out easily for cleaning. This is the toaster oven I'd recommend to anyone who asks.
Key Specs
- Power: 1800W
- Capacity: Fits 11" pizza, 6 slices
- Functions: Toast, bake, broil
- Rack: Auto slide-out
- Timer: 30-minute with auto shut-off
- Weight: 10.5 lbs
Pros
- Most even toast of any model we tested
- 1800W preheats in under 3 minutes
- Auto slide-out rack—no reaching into hot oven
- Simple, intuitive controls that actually work
- Excellent build quality from Cuisinart
Cons
- No convection fan
- Exterior gets hot during use
- No digital display or precise temp control
Our verdict: The Cuisinart TOB-40N is the best toaster oven under $100 for people who value consistent results over flashy features. Even toast, reliable baking, and a design that'll last for years.
Breville Mini Smart Oven BOV450XL
Breville's Element IQ technology is the real deal. The oven has four quartz heating elements that automatically adjust power distribution based on what you're cooking. Toasting? It fires up the top elements more. Baking cookies? It balances heat evenly. Broiling? Top elements go full blast. You select one of eight functions and the oven figures out the rest. It sounds like marketing fluff, but the results back it up—our cookies came out more evenly browned than in most full-size ovens.
The "Mini" in the name is relative—it's compact compared to Breville's full-size models, but it still fits four slices of bread or an 11-inch pizza. The LCD display shows temperature and time clearly, and the magnetic auto-eject rack pulls forward when you open the door (similar to the Cuisinart, but smoother). The build quality is unmistakably Breville: brushed stainless steel, solid knobs that click with precision, and a heft that says "this thing will outlast your kitchen." It occasionally creeps above $100 depending on the retailer, but it's worth watching for sales.
Key Specs
- Power: 1800W
- Technology: Element IQ
- Functions: 8 preset modes
- Capacity: 4 slices, 11" pizza
- Display: LCD backlit
- Weight: 12 lbs
Pros
- Element IQ automatically optimizes heat distribution
- 8 cooking functions in a compact footprint
- Premium build quality that lasts
- LCD display with precise temperature control
- Magnetic auto-eject rack
Cons
- Price hovers right at the $100 line
- Compact interior limits batch sizes
- No convection or air fry function
Our verdict: The Breville Mini Smart Oven is the most intelligent toaster oven you can buy near $100. Element IQ genuinely improves cooking results, and the build quality is best-in-class. If you can catch it on sale, it's a no-brainer.
Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Air Fryer Toaster Oven
If you want a toaster oven and an air fryer but don't want two appliances hogging your counter, the Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp is the compromise that actually works. The air fry mode uses a convection fan and a mesh basket to circulate hot air around food, producing crispy chicken wings, french fries, and mozzarella sticks that are genuinely good. Not quite as crispy as a dedicated air fryer, but close enough that most people won't notice the difference.
As a toaster oven, it's spacious—fits a 12-inch pizza or six slices of bread. The toast quality was good but not as even as the Cuisinart; we noticed slightly darker edges on the outer slices. The air fry basket, baking pan, and broil rack are all included, which is generous at this price point. Controls are straightforward: a function dial, temperature dial, and timer dial. No digital display, no apps, no nonsense. It runs a bit loud when the convection fan is going, but that's true of every air fryer toaster oven we've tested.
Key Specs
- Power: 1400W
- Capacity: Fits 12" pizza, 6 slices
- Functions: Air fry, toast, bake, broil
- Included: Air fry basket, bake pan, broil rack
- Timer: 60-minute with auto shut-off
- Weight: 13.5 lbs
Pros
- Air fry + toaster oven in one unit
- Fits a 12-inch pizza—larger than most competitors
- All accessories included (basket, pan, rack)
- Good air fry results for a combo unit
- Affordable price for dual functionality
Cons
- Toast evenness is slightly inconsistent
- Fan is noticeable when air frying
- Bulkier than standard toaster ovens
Our verdict: The best two-in-one option for people who want both a toaster oven and an air fryer. Air fry results are genuinely good, and the toaster oven side handles everyday tasks well. Great value.
BLACK+DECKER TO3250XSB 8-Slice Extra Wide Toaster Oven
The BLACK+DECKER TO3250XSB is the biggest toaster oven in our roundup, and that size is its superpower. It fits a full 13x9-inch baking pan—the same size you use for casseroles and sheet cakes in a regular oven. That means you can bake a tray of nachos, roast vegetables for the family, or cook eight slices of toast at once. For families of four or more, this kind of capacity makes a real difference.
The convection fan circulates hot air for more even cooking, and it genuinely helps with baking. Our cookie batches came out more consistently than in the non-convection models. Temperature goes up to 450°F with a 60-minute timer. Toast quality was acceptable but not outstanding—the larger cavity means more heat variation, so outer slices sometimes toast lighter than center ones. The dual rack positions let you adjust for different cooking tasks. At around $50-60, it's an incredible value for the size and convection feature. Just make sure you have the counter space for it.
Key Specs
- Power: 1500W
- Capacity: 8 slices, fits 13x9 pan
- Functions: Toast, bake, broil, convection
- Temp range: Up to 450°F
- Timer: 60-minute
- Weight: 14 lbs
Pros
- Fits a full 13x9-inch baking pan
- Convection fan for more even baking
- 8-slice capacity is great for families
- Excellent value at $50-60
- Dual rack positions for flexibility
Cons
- Toast evenness suffers in the large cavity
- Takes up significant counter space
- Exterior gets quite hot during extended use
Our verdict: The biggest and most versatile toaster oven in our roundup. If you have a family and want a toaster oven that can handle casserole-sized dishes, this is the one. Just accept that toast evenness isn't its strongest suit.
Mueller Austria Toaster Oven
If you're in a dorm room, a studio apartment, or just need something tiny to toast bagels and reheat pizza, the Mueller Austria is your pick. At under $40, it's the cheapest toaster oven in our roundup, and it's surprisingly well-built for the price. The stainless steel exterior looks more expensive than it is, and the four-slice capacity handles all the basics without hogging counter space.
Toast quality was decent—not as even as the Cuisinart, but acceptable. The three function modes (toast, bake, broil) cover the essentials, and the 30-minute timer with auto shut-off means you won't burn the apartment down. The removable crumb tray makes cleanup easy. The main limitation is size: you're not fitting a pizza larger than about 9 inches, and baking anything substantial requires getting creative with small pans. But for $40 and a countertop footprint smaller than a shoebox, it punches well above its weight.
Key Specs
- Power: 1100W
- Capacity: 4 slices
- Functions: Toast, bake, broil
- Timer: 30-minute with auto shut-off
- Material: Stainless steel exterior
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
Pros
- Under $40—best budget pick
- Compact footprint saves counter space
- Looks more premium than the price suggests
- Easy to clean with removable crumb tray
- Light enough to store in a cabinet
Cons
- Only fits 4 slices—too small for families
- 1100W heats slower than larger models
- Limited interior space restricts cooking options
Our verdict: The Mueller Austria is the best toaster oven for people who need something small, cheap, and functional. Perfect for dorms, studios, and offices. Don't expect it to replace your oven, but for toasting and light reheating, it's great.
Toaster Oven Buying Guide
1. Size: Match It to Your Needs
A 4-slice model is perfect for 1-2 people and small counters. A 6-slice model that fits 11-12 inch pizzas is the sweet spot for most households. An 8-slice extra-wide model is ideal for families who want to bake casseroles or toast for a crowd. Measure your counter space before buying—toaster ovens are always bigger than they look in photos.
2. Convection vs. Standard
Convection toaster ovens have a fan that circulates hot air, producing more even cooking and slightly faster results. If you plan to bake in your toaster oven regularly, convection is worth having. For basic toasting and reheating, it's not essential. The BLACK+DECKER in our roundup is the best convection value.
3. Air Fry: Worth the Combo?
Air fryer toaster ovens are convenient but compromise slightly on both functions. If you air fry frequently, a dedicated air fryer will outperform a combo unit. But if you want both and have limited space, a combo like the Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp is a solid middle ground. Don't pay a big premium for air fry if you'll rarely use it.
4. Toast Evenness Is King
The primary job of a toaster oven is toasting bread. If it can't do that well, nothing else matters. In our testing, the Cuisinart TOB-40N and Breville BOV450XL were the clear winners for even, consistent toast. Cheaper models tend to have hot spots that leave some areas dark and others pale. If perfect toast matters to you, don't cheap out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a toaster oven worth it if I already have a regular oven?
Absolutely. A toaster oven preheats in 2-3 minutes versus 10-15 for a full oven, uses significantly less energy, and doesn't heat up your entire kitchen in summer. For anything that fits inside—reheating pizza, toasting bread, baking a small batch of cookies, broiling fish—a toaster oven is faster and more efficient. We use ours more than our full oven most weeks.
Can a toaster oven replace a microwave?
For reheating food, a toaster oven produces far better results than a microwave—crispy pizza, flaky pastries, evenly warmed leftovers instead of rubbery, soggy ones. The trade-off is time: a microwave reheats in 1-2 minutes, while a toaster oven takes 5-10. But the quality difference is dramatic. Many people have switched to toaster-oven-only kitchens and never looked back.
What size toaster oven do I need?
For singles or couples, a 4-slice toaster oven (like the Mueller Austria) is plenty. For families, look for a 6-slice model that fits a 12-inch pizza or a 9x13 pan. The BLACK+DECKER TO3250XSB in our roundup fits a full 13x9 baking pan, which makes it the most versatile for family cooking.
Do toaster ovens with air fry actually work?
They work well enough. An air fryer toaster oven like the Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp won't match a dedicated basket-style air fryer for crispiness on things like french fries, but it gets about 80% of the way there while also being a full toaster oven. If you don't want two separate appliances, a combo unit is a solid compromise.
Our Final Recommendation
For the best all-around toaster oven under $100: get the Cuisinart TOB-40N. It makes the most even toast, bakes reliably, and will last for years. If you want smart heat management in a compact form: the Breville BOV450XL. Want air frying too? The Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp. Feeding a family? The BLACK+DECKER TO3250XSB. On a shoestring budget? The Mueller Austria under $40 handles the basics admirably.