Finding the perfect toaster may seem like an irrelevant task, spending so much time trying to find the best out of them all.
Well turns out that the way your bread tastes has a lot to do with the quality of a toaster. Few things can top the texture, flavor, and contentment that comes from biting into a perfectly brown slice of toast.
Selecting the right model can feel overwhelming when you’re in a store with shelves of different styles and models. A toaster is not only used for toasting pieces of bread, they are used for pop tarts, waffles, bagels, English muffins.
Thus, finding a toaster that can tend to all is a difficult task, as we all know it is a hassle when the piece of toast in the toaster just won’t budge. Hopefully, this article helps you with an easy purchase, especially if it’s your first time!
Which are the Best Toasters Under $50?
- IKICH Toaster
- Cuisinart CPT-160P1
- Elite Gourmet ECT-3100
- Cuisinart CPT-320P1
- Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster
- IKICH 2 Slice 900W Toaster
- KRUPS Memory Digital Toaster
- Keenstone Toaster
- REDMOND Toaster
- iFedio Toaster
1. IKICH Toaster
This exceptional toaster from Ikich has left behind all other toasters out there. It has a very compact design which can be easily stored in the kitchen. This Ikich toaster comes with 2 slots which are long enough to hold up to 4 pieces of bread.
The width of the toaster is also narrow, so if you accidentally get a thicker slice, it won’t let you down. Besides, it has a smooth compact lever which is quite smooth.
Moreover, it comes with a built-in warm rack, which means you can get hot croissants within a few minutes. Thus this toaster is a 2 in 1. There is an option to set the browning controls.
There are 6 different modes that go from lighter colored to a darker colored toast. Thus, If you are in a hurry, you can set the mode to maximum, so your toast is ready on time. The two buttons on the Ikich toaster help you to activate the preset settings. With 1 button, you can defrost and then warm while with the second one, you can reheat the bread. This amazing toaster is a must to have, with these amazing features. It is also easy to clean and comes with a removable crumb tray which makes it easier.
2. Cuisinart CPT-160P1
This exceptional toaster from Ikich has left behind all other toasters out there. It has a very compact design which can be easily stored in the kitchen. This Ikich toaster comes with 2 slots which are long enough to hold up to 4 pieces of bread.
The width of the toaster is also narrow, so if you accidentally get a thicker slice, it won’t let you down. Besides, it has a smooth compact lever which is quite smooth.
Moreover, it comes with a built-in warm rack, which means you can get hot croissants within a few minutes. Thus this toaster is a 2 in 1. There is an option to set the browning controls.
There are 6 different modes that go from lighter colored to a darker colored toast. Thus, If you are in a hurry, you can set the mode to maximum, so your toast is ready on time. The two buttons on the Ikich toaster help you to activate the preset settings. With 1 button, you can defrost and then warm while with the second one, you can reheat the bread. This amazing toaster is a must to have, with these amazing features. It is also easy to clean and comes with a removable crumb tray which makes it easier.
3. Elite Gourmet ECT-3100
Looking for a toaster with remarkable design and features? The Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 toasters will cover all your needs. This toaster has many exciting features that make it exceptional and different from other toasters.
It comes with a long slot which allows you to put 4 slices at a time. The width of the slot is 1.5”, so you can put any type of thick bread in it. Besides, you don’t have to worry about the quality of the slices, this toaster distributes the heating process into 4 parts, giving you delightful toasts. The toasts will come out with evenly distributed warmness, so you don’t have to worry about that.
Moreover, it too comes with 6 different browning modes like all other toasters listed above. If you are a crispy food lover, this one would be perfect for you as it lets you adjust the crunchiness of the slice. However, if you want to adjust the warmness and crispiness of the toast, you can simply press the cancel button and the toast will come up without any lag. For cleaning purposes, it comes with a removable tray, so you can clean it without facing any problem. One feature loved by people who bought it was the reheat, defrost, and bagel function. It lets you reheat and warm the bread or bagel within seconds.
4. Cuisinart CPT-320P1
With a simple and elegant design that would flatter any space, the Cuisinart CPT-320P1 toaster is the perfect addition to your kitchen. Style and simplicity come together with a compact design to offer a range of different features. This toaster is quick to use and easy to operate. Cuisinart has a reputation for producing high quality and efficient products, and this toaster holds true to their name. It has a compact design, stainless steel construction, and is BPA free. The selection buttons, while few, give you custom control every time. Additionally, it contains 1.5 inch wide toasting slots as well as a slide-out crumb tray.As a result, the versatility of this toaster is expanded exponentially. The multiple toasting functions consist of: Toast (for normal bread), Bagel (for only the UPPER half), Defrost, Reheat, and Cancel. Lastly, regarding this toaster’s specifications, there is a HI Lift lever that plays upon the CPT-320’s efficiency as it allows users to easily remove their food contents by boosting the lever upwards. One important thing to note is in order to properly use this toaster, it is important to understand the instruction manual. The manual guides users towards personalizing their settings, creating a custom experience for all their consumers. Knowing how to correctly apply these controls will help perfect your toasting with Cuisinart.
5. Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster
This two-slice toaster from Amazon is a lightweight and affordable option. Featuring six shade options, as well as a sleek and modern design, this toaster is both pretty and productive. The Amazon Basics toaster caters to individual preferences such as shade control, whether light or dark, and specific warming either in or outside. Moreover, it has extra-wide slots, measuring 5×1 inches wide, that are compatible with many food varieties. As for appearance, the Bagel, Frozen, and Cancel functions appear on the front face of the toaster, illuminating as the settings are selected. Once again, this toaster has a crumb pull out tray and a lever for maximum safety.Overall, with this AmazonBasics product you get what you paid for. It fits the price tag and can only be complicated to use if you do not check the instruction manual. The features work perfectly if they are used as recommended. Running the toaster through a few “toasting cycles” helps to alleviate any initial manufacturing smells that have lingered on the product, preparing the item for use. Oftentimes, toasters can be far too expensive or complicated for what they are. In this case, you get one of the smoothest, simplest, and most affordable commodities on the market.
6. IKICH 2 Slice 900W Toaster
Different from the IKICH toaster discussed earlier, this appliance has nine shade settings that range from light to dark. This multi-functional, interactive toaster offers an innovative LCD display that makes it easier to view the timer. Among the most advanced toasters reviewed thus far, this product also has one of the most economical price tags. Wide slots seem to be a universal feature that we’ve seen across all the toasters we discussed, making the IKICH versatile as well. Not only does it accommodate many sizes and types of bread, but it also ensures that the toast is evenly heated. Furthermore, the high lift lever reappears, meeting safety precautions while simultaneously contributing to the toaster’s sleek design. The standard Cancel, Bagel, and Defrost buttons take shape on the main side of the toaster. Like the others, it has a removable crumb tray and cord wrap allowing for an easy mess disposal, and the maintenance of a clean look. You can place the toaster in any desired location thanks to the cord wrap. This compact, space-saving toaster has a silicon pad on its base to prevent it from slipping while in use. In terms of function, the toast automatically pops out once the LED timer has completed its countdown. Moreover, the manual lift lever lets you choose when to remove your bread if you choose not to wait automatically, contributing to the safety and personalization of design. Known to be accurate, modern, and efficient, this is one of the most highly recommended products on this list.
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7. KRUPS Memory Digital Toaster
Slightly more expensive is this two slice KRUPS toaster with dedicated memory settings. Made of premium chrome stainless steel, this toaster is pre-programmed and personalizable. What stands out about this toaster is its unparalleled customization ability. With the KRUPS memory toaster, you are able to save all your heating preferences. It creates maximum efficiency every morning. Similar to other options, the toaster comes with wide slots that accommodate all types of bread. However, these wide slots pair with even warming settings, leaving your bread perfectly cooked all around. This toaster comes with an LED display, compared to the previous LCD display, which depicts the countdown on the front of the appliance. An equally useful and beautiful design, this digital display increases the technological abilities of this toaster while adding to its aesthetic appearance. Equipped with a standard high lift, the KRUPS also provides safety assurance. We mentioned earlier that there were programmable settings for different browning levels. These settings go in hand with the Cancel, Bagel, Select, and Defrost buttons. An expert in food preparation appliances, the brand stays true to its name with this Memory toaster. Sleek, stylish, and functional, this toaster meets the mark while staying under your budget.
8. Keenstone Toaster
Re-entering the realm of retro toasters, this keenstone stainless steel appliance has a vintage vibe while retaining all its necessary modern features. A two-slice toaster with extra wide slots, the Keenstone is super functional.
Moreover, it has 6 browning settings, with high and low options for its darkest and lightest levels. Along with this, there is a column of universal cancel, bagel, and defrost buttons, keeping the toaster as practical as it is pleasing to look at.
Going more in depth, with the cancel function, you can check the progress of your food. The bagel option has one-sided heating for your bread. Last, the defrost button extends toasting time for your food.
Furthermore, the time control knob, high lift lever, and pull out crumb tray add to functionality.
Some stand out features that accompany this appliance are even toasting, dial accuracy, and craftsmanship. Also, there are legs on the bottom of the toaster that keep it above counter level, so that the toaster will not sit on its cord.
Finally, it is important to note that, like many others, this toaster is not compatible with watery or oily foods. Overall, it looks fantastic and cooks fantastic.
9. REDMOND Toaster
Redmond, a popular kitchen appliance brand has come up with this extraordinary toaster. It features a retro look, made with stainless steel. The material is non toxic and is ETL certified.
This toaster has a very simple old look. It has a knob shaped lever which you have to push down and the toast adjusts itself automatically. Also, it is easy to use and operate, you just need to plug in and set the time for the slice to be baked.
10. iFedio Toaster
One of the most top rated toasters online, the iFedio 2 slice toaster is an established fan favorite. Fitted with a removable crumb tray, wide slots, and cancel, defrost, bagel functions, the toaster has both standard and original features.
One unique addition is the quick check option that lets you check the baking temperature without having to interrupt your cooking process. You just raise the lifting bar and check degrees.
Moreover, the quality of taste that this toaster can provide in just 90 seconds is great. With 6 browning settings, it is easy to select the desired crunch level of your bread.
Lastly, along with having a stainless steel build, there is also heat dissipation that protects the metal body and life of the toaster. However, it is important to keep in mind that although it is easy to use, this toaster can sometimes fail to evenly heat both sides of your meals.
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Best Toasters Under $50 – Buyer’s Guide
There are certain key pieces of information that are necessary to know before purchasing a toaster. One of the main appliances in your kitchen, it is important to study each aspect of the item you are purchasing. Whether it’s how easily and evenly the bread is toasted, or its aesthetic and how efficiently it is cleaned, there’s a lot to take in before settling for your toaster.Shade SettingsOn average, toaster settings range from light, medium, and dark. They indicate how toasted you want your bread to be, oftentimes coinciding with the countdown timer. Most toasters come with multiple browning settings, normally having six to seven different options as a subset to the normal light and dark. The more browning settings that are available, the greater the accuracy of heating your toast will be. With a wide variety of possibilities comes a better toasting experience overall. These presets make the cooking process easier, allowing you to perfect your meals.Slot SizeMost of the toasters on this review are listed as wide slot toasters, so by now you’re probably wondering what that means. Wide slot toasters are essentially able to accommodate larger slices of bread while maintaining room for thinner pieces as well. The majority of items listed above feature two slice toasters with wide slots, meaning that you can heat a maximum number of 2 large slices of toast, bagels, muffins, and more.Standard SettingsIts standard practice for pop-up toasters to include three basic settings: Bagel, Defrost, and Cancel. The bagel setting evenly toasts one or both sides of your food at any given time. When it comes to the defrost option, you are able to automatically heat up frozen food without having to thaw it. It starts the defrosting cycle by heating up the frozen food, and then continuing to the baking/toasting round, preparing your food to a tee. This setting also allows you to reheat your meals in order to preserve their taste without compromising the structure or quality of your leftovers. The cancel button is self explanatory. Pressing this setting simply halts the cycle regardless of how far the toasting process has come, giving you full manual control over your appliance and food preparation.Removable Crumb TrayAn extremely vital consideration to make when thinking about the maintenance of your toaster is the ability to clean and use the appliance. Pull-out crumb trays seem to be a universal feature in all modern toasters. Not only do they increase efficiency of the cleaning process, they also provide for a greater level of safety in the kitchen. They collect all the food residue that falls from items you put inside toasters, isolating the mess to just one place. Many kitchen fires begin as a result of bread crumbs collecting at the base of your toaster, eventually catching fire as they are constantly heated. The removable crumb trays make it easy, you can easily dispose of potentially hazardous food waste, while simultaneously keeping your appliance hygienic. Caring for your toaster will ensure its longevity and protect your well being.High Lift LeverContinuing on with the theme of caution, high raise levers increase the safety and easy use of a toaster. When your toast automatically pops out, it remains close to the base of the slot, leaving you prone to burns if you grab your food immediately. With high lift levers, you can push your toast slightly more towards the top so your toast can sit further out. This allows you to grab hot food safely, preventing any possible burns from the toaster.Countdown TimerAs digital display coundowns become more common in modern, advanced toasters, it is crucial for consumers to consider how these timers will affect the look and use of their toasters. More modern appliances suit LED and LCD displays that reflect the time of their food cycle on the face of their product. Other retro aesthetics do not pair well with these high-tech features. Countdown timers in general are a necessary addition that help you understand when your food will be prepared. Whether through knobs or screens, you need to know how much toasting time is left. The difference between these timers is simply relative to the style of the toaster you select.
