Imagine this: You wake up, ready for a perfectly golden slice of toast. You pop in your bread, press the lever, and… nothing. Or worse, it comes out burnt to a crisp! Finding a toaster that does its job well without costing a fortune can feel like a quest. It’s easy to get lost with so many brands and features out there, and you don’t want to waste your hard-earned money on something that won’t butter your bread right.
That’s where this guide comes in. We know the struggle is real, and we’re here to make your toaster hunt a breeze. We’ve dug through the options to find the best toasters that won’t break the bank. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly which toasters deliver delicious toast every time, even on a budget. Get ready to say goodbye to burnt toast and hello to your new favorite kitchen gadget!
Top Toaster Under $50 Recommendations
No. 1
bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting Shade Control with Reheat & Cancel Buttons, Fits sourdough, 10” Long Slot, Anti Jam & Auto Shutoff, 900 Watt, Oatmilk
- Slim Design, Big Impact: With a sleek 3.58" profile, the bella 2-Slice Slim Toaster fits comfortably on any countertop without taking up much space. Part of our Fits-anywhere kitchenware collection, it’s the perfect blend of style and practicality
- One Long Slot for Versatile Toasting: The extra-wide, 10-inch long slot accommodates two slices of bread side by side or thick artisan breads like bagels, baguettes, and Texas-style toasts. No more squeezing or cutting—just perfect toast, every time
- Toasted Perfection: Six shade settings with a convenient cancel function allow you to customize your bread to your exact preference, from lightly golden to dark and crispy. Achieve your ideal toast with just a simple turn of the dial
- Easy Cleanup & Clutter-Free Countertop: The removable crumb tray slides out for quick cleaning, ensuring your smart toaster stays tidy and operates efficiently. Plus, the cord wrap feature keeps your countertop neat and free from tangled cords
- Effortless Access: Retrieving smaller slices like English muffins is a breeze with the high-lift lever, giving you easy access without burning your fingers. It’s thoughtful details like these that make this appliance a must-have for every kitchen
No. 2
Elite Gourmet 2-Slice Cool Touch Toaster – 6 Browning Levels, Extra Wide 1.25” Slots for Bagels & Thick Bread, Cancel Function, Compact, ETL Certified, Black
- EVEN, CUSTOMIZABLE BROWNING: 6 adjustable shade settings let you toast from lightly golden to crispy dark. Self-centering guides help position bread for more consistent heat distribution. Start on level 2–3 for first use and adjust to your preference.
- XTRA WIDE 1.25” SLOTS: Easily fits bagels, waffles, English muffins, and thick-cut specialty breads without jamming or uneven edges.
- BUILT WITH SAFETY IN MIND: ETL certified and designed for safe countertop use with a cool-touch exterior and stable non-slip feet. For best performance, allow proper airflow during and after use.
- QUICK & EASY CLEANUP: Convenient slide-out crumb tray catches debris for fast wipe-away cleaning and less mess on your counter.
- COMPACT, SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: Perfect for apartments, dorm rooms, offices, campers, and small kitchens where counter space matters. Stylish black finish complements any setup.
No. 3
Elite Gourmet ECT-1027 Cool Touch Toaster, 7 Toast Settings Cancel Functions, Slide Out Crumb Tray, Extra Wide 1.5" Slots for Bagels Waffles Specialty Breads, Puff Pastry, Snacks, White
- NOT JUST FOR TOAST: The extra wide 1.5" slots and 7 browning levels allow for toasting a variety of breakfasts and snacks; Toast bagels, waffles, specialty breads or puff pastry baked snacks
- COOL TOUCH: With easy to use push-down toasting lever and non-slip feet; The swing-out crumb tray has a simple wipe-away surface for quick cleaning
- PORTABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT: Easy to carry and lightweight, the Elite Gourmet Toaster is perfect for a small apartment, office kitchen, college dorm or camper/RV
- SELF-CENTERING: The automatic self-centering guides easily center the toast to allow even distribution of heat for perfect browning every time
- CANCEL FUNCTION: Easily cancel any toasting cycle in the middle of toasting by simply adjusting the knob. No need to push up on the lever to reduce the risk of damage
No. 4
Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, 6 Browning Settings, Removable Crumb Tray, Defrost/Cancel/Bagel Buttons, Cord Wrap, 900W, Black & Silver
- 2-slice toaster for toasting 1 or 2 slices of bread at a time
- 6 shade settings accommodate individual preferences
- Extra-wide slots for bagels and thicker slices; each slot measures 5-1/4 inches long by 1-1/4 inches wide
- Bagel setting for toasting just the cut side; Frozen setting for defrosting bread; Cancel function ends the session at any time; buttons illuminate to indicate selected settings
- Extra-lift lever for safely removing smaller pieces
No. 5
bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, 6 Setting Shade Control with Reheat & Cancel Buttons, Fits sourdough, 10” Long Slot, Anti Jam & Auto Shutoff, 900 Watt, Plum
- Slim Design, Big Impact: With a sleek 3.58" profile, the bella 2-Slice Slim Toaster fits comfortably on any countertop without taking up much space. Part of our Fits-anywhere kitchenware collection, it’s the perfect blend of style and practicality
- One Long Slot for Versatile Toasting: The extra-wide, 10-inch long slot accommodates two slices of bread side by side or thick artisan breads like bagels, baguettes, and Texas-style toasts. No more squeezing or cutting—just perfect toast, every time
- Toasted Perfection: Six shade settings with a convenient cancel function allow you to customize your bread to your exact preference, from lightly golden to dark and crispy. Achieve your ideal toast with just a simple turn of the dial
- Easy Cleanup & Clutter-Free Countertop: The removable crumb tray slides out for quick cleaning, ensuring your smart toaster stays tidy and operates efficiently. Plus, the cord wrap feature keeps your countertop neat and free from tangled cords
- Effortless Access: Retrieving smaller slices like English muffins is a breeze with the high-lift lever, giving you easy access without burning your fingers. It’s thoughtful details like these that make this appliance a must-have for every kitchen
No. 6
BLACK+DECKER® 2-Slice Toaster with 7 Toast Shade Settings, Extra-Wide Slots for Bagels, Stainless Steel Exterior Finish
- Extra-Wide Self-Centering Slots: Perfect for bagels, thick slices, or artisan bread. Automatic bread guides hold items securely in place for even, consistent toasting.
- 11 Toast Shade Settings: Begin with the recommended mid-setting for first-time use, then adjust to your preference for perfect browning.
- High-Lift Lever: Safely remove smaller slices or hot toast without risk of burning your fingers.
- Durable Stainless Steel Exterior: Stylish and sturdy design built to last, giving your kitchen a modern, professional look.
- Easy-Clean Drop-Down Crumb Tray: Keeps counters free of crumbs and ensures hassle-free cleanup.
No. 7
bella 2 Slice Toaster with Auto Shut Off - Extra Wide Slots & Removable Crumb Tray and Cancel, Defrost & Reheat Function - Toast Bread, Bagel & Waffle, White
- FOR ALL YOUR BREAKFAST NEEDS - Bagels, croissants, muffins and everything in between will taste great when toasted with this modern small toaster. With 6 browning options and auto-centering guides, you can customize your bread just the way you like it
- EASY TO USE AND CLEAN - This bagel toaster is extremely easy to operate, with only a few buttons scattered across the front. The high lift lever provides comfy access to smaller breads, while the removable crumb tray makes cleaning up an absolute breeze
- SAFE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY - BELLA's bread toaster features an anti-jam and auto shut-off function to provide an extra layer of safety and if you change your mind, the reheat function and cancel button will let you take full control of your breakfast
- COMPACT DESIGN - Say goodbye to bulky toasters taking up valuable real estate on your counter! With its sleek and compact design, our portable toaster will fit seamlessly into your countertop space, leaving your kitchen looking clean and clutter-free
- THE PERFECT GIFT - BELLA's electric toaster has an elegant matte finish with stainless steel accents that will look great with any decor. It's also an ideal gift for birthdays and housewarmings, and a great addition to your wedding registry
No. 8
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots, 7 Shade Settings, 1400 Watts, Frozen and Bagel Buttons, Toast Shade Selector, Extra Lift
- EXTRA WIDE TOASTING SLOTS: Fits bagels, thick-cut bread, waffles, and more. Extra-wide self-centering slots adjust to different sizes for even toasting. Tip: Place taller slices vertically for best fit.
- BAGEL FUNCTION WITH ADDED CONTROL: Use the Bagel button for a crisp cut side. Includes Frozen and Cancel buttons. Tip: Always press the lever down before selecting Bagel or Frozen modes for proper function.
- EXTRA LIFT LEVER: Raise smaller items like English muffins for easy removal. The lift lever helps prevent burned fingers. Note: Lever locks down only when the toaster is plugged in.
- EASY CLEAN CRUMB TRAY: Built-in drop-down crumb tray keeps your counter clean and reduces odor from burned crumbs. Located under the toaster. Let the unit cool before cleaning.
- CUSTOM SHADE SELECTOR: Choose from 7 browning levels with the shade selector dial. Tip: Start with setting 4 on your first use to find your ideal shade, then adjust as needed for lighter or darker results.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Toaster Under $50
Finding a great toaster that doesn’t break the bank is totally doable! You can still get a reliable appliance for your kitchen for less than $50. This guide will help you pick the perfect one for your toast-making needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a toaster under $50, keep these important features in mind.
- Number of Slots: Most affordable toasters come with two slots. If you have a bigger family or toast a lot of bread at once, look for a four-slot model. Some four-slot toasters might be a little over $50, but you can sometimes find them on sale.
- Bagel Setting: This is a super handy feature. A bagel setting toasts the cut side of the bagel more while gently warming the outside. It makes your bagels taste extra good.
- Cancel Button: This button lets you stop the toasting process anytime. It’s great if you think your toast is getting too dark or if you forget about it for a second.
- Crumb Tray: A removable crumb tray makes cleaning easy. It catches all the little burnt bits of bread. You just slide it out and empty it.
- Adjustable Browning Control: This lets you choose how light or dark you want your toast. It usually has a dial with different numbers or settings. This helps you get your toast just right every time.
- Wide Slots: If you like to toast thicker bread, bagels, or even frozen waffles, wide slots are a must. They give you more room.
Important Materials
The materials used in a toaster can affect how it looks and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: Many toasters use stainless steel on the outside. This material is durable and looks sleek in your kitchen. It’s also pretty easy to clean.
- Plastic: The inside parts and some exterior panels are often made of plastic. Look for toasters with good quality, heat-resistant plastic. This helps keep the toaster from getting too hot on the outside.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a toaster better, and some can make it less good.
- Build Quality: A toaster that feels sturdy and well-made will usually last longer. If it feels flimsy or wobbly, it might not be the best choice.
- Even Toasting: The best toasters toast your bread evenly on both sides. If one side always burns and the other is pale, that’s not great quality. Reading reviews can help you find out how well a toaster toasts.
- Durability: How long will the toaster last? Good toasters can handle daily use for many years. Cheaper materials or poor construction can lead to the toaster breaking down sooner.
- Ease of Use: A good toaster is simple to operate. The controls should be easy to understand, and it should be easy to get your toast out.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your toaster will help you decide which one is best.
- Everyday Toasting: For most people, a basic two-slot toaster is perfect for making toast for breakfast. You just pop in your bread, choose your browning level, and press the lever.
- Bagel Lovers: If you eat bagels often, a toaster with a bagel setting is a big plus. It makes them taste so much better.
- Busy Mornings: A toaster with multiple slots (like four) can save you time on busy mornings. You can toast more bread at once.
- Waffle Weekends: Many toasters can handle frozen waffles. Make sure the slots are wide enough if you plan to toast waffles regularly.
- Easy Cleaning: A toaster with a slide-out crumb tray makes cleanup a breeze. This is important if you don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning your kitchen appliances.
Toaster Under $50: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main Key Features I should look for in a toaster under $50?
A: You should look for features like the number of slots (two or four), a bagel setting, a cancel button, a removable crumb tray, and adjustable browning control. Wide slots are also good if you toast thicker items.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for a toaster?
A: Yes, stainless steel is a good material for a toaster’s exterior. It’s durable and looks nice in the kitchen.
Q: How can I tell if a toaster is good quality?
A: A good quality toaster will feel sturdy and well-built. It should also toast bread evenly and consistently. Reading customer reviews can help you understand its quality.
Q: What are some common use cases for a toaster under $50?
A: Common use cases include making everyday toast for breakfast, toasting bagels with a special setting, and toasting waffles. If you have a larger family, a four-slot model can be useful.
Q: Are toasters under $50 usually reliable?
A: Many toasters under $50 are reliable and perform well for their price. Choosing brands known for making good kitchen appliances can increase your chances of getting a dependable toaster.
Q: What does a “bagel setting” do?
A: A bagel setting toasts the cut side of the bagel more intensely while gently warming the rounded outside. This gives you a perfectly toasted bagel.
Q: How do I clean a toaster?
A: The easiest way to clean a toaster is to unplug it, let it cool, and then slide out the crumb tray. Empty the crumbs and wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.
Q: Can I toast thick bread or bagels in a toaster under $50?
A: You can, but it’s best to look for a toaster with “wide slots” if you plan to toast thicker items regularly. This ensures they fit comfortably.
Q: What is the most important factor for a good toasting experience?
A: The most important factor for a good toasting experience is even browning. You want your toast to be the same color and crispness on both sides.
Q: Will a toaster under $50 be difficult to use?
A: Most toasters under $50 are very easy to use. They have simple controls like a lever to lower the bread and a dial for browning. You shouldn’t have any trouble operating them.