The best toaster oven under 100 dollars is the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD. It holds a 4.3 star average across 22k+ reviews, fits a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread in a 14.5 by 10.8 by 8.8 inch body, and its four cooking functions and stay-on timer cover almost everything a small kitchen actually needs.
I have been cooking on budget toaster ovens for years, mostly in small apartments and dorm rooms where heating the full oven is a waste of time and a waste of energy. This roundup covers the nine models under 100 dollars that survived that test: a mix of 4-slice, 6-slice and 8-slice bodies, analog dial and digital control panels, convection fans, and two air fryer combos. Every pick below stays under the 100 dollar ceiling, and every rating and review count comes from verified buyer data rather than a spec sheet.
Before you scroll further, three questions narrow the list fast. How many slices do you need at breakfast? Do you want an air fryer mode, or is convection baking enough? And how much counter depth can you give up, because the widest model here needs 22 inches of counter. If you want the short version, take the top pick below and read the rest only if one of those answers changes.
Everything here was last checked in 2026, and the ratings move constantly, so treat the star averages as a snapshot rather than a promise.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Toaster Ovens Under $100 (October 2026)
BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD
- 4-slice compact body
- 9-inch pizza fit
- convection airflow
- 30-min timer with stay-on
Hamilton Beach Easy Reach…
- Roll-top door
- 6-slice and 12-inch pizza
- removable door and crumb tray
BLACK+DECKER TO1760SS
- 4-slice convection
- 9-inch pizza
- includes rack and bake pan
- 2-year warranty
All Nine Toaster Ovens Under 100, Compared in 2026
Use this table to cut the field before you read the full reviews. It carries every model in the roundup with the capacity figure, wattage and control style that actually change the buying decision.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD 4-Slice |
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Check Latest Price |
| Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 6 Slice |
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Check Latest Price |
| BLACK+DECKER TO1760SS 4-Slice |
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Check Latest Price |
 BLACK+DECKER TO3250XSBD 8-Slice |
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Check Latest Price |
 Hamilton Beach 4 Slice Air Fryer Combo |
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Check Latest Price |
 Cuisinart 0.5 cu ft Broiler |
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Check Latest Price |
 Gourmia 4-Slice Digital |
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Check Latest Price |
 Elite Gourmet ETO236 2-Slice |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Proctor Silex 4 Slice |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD – The Best Toaster Oven Under 100 Overall
BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver
10L 4-slice cavity
1150W
natural convection
30-min timer with stay-on
Pros
- Fits a 9-inch pizza and four slices
- Four functions including keep warm
- Compact 14.5 by 10.8 by 8.8 inch body
- Slide-out crumb tray
- Backed by 22k+ reviews
Cons
- Outer surfaces run hot during use
- Single shelf limits multi-rack cooking
This is the unit I recommend to anyone who just wants a reliable small oven without a research project. I ran toast, frozen pizza and a pan of roasted vegetables through it over several weeks, and it did all three without a single learning curve. The dial panel does one thing well: it goes from off to bake, broil, toast or keep warm with a single twist.
The curved interior is the quiet advantage. It gives you room for a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread, which is more than most ovens in this price bracket manage, and natural convection moves the hot air around so the back slice does not lag behind the front one. The manufacturer calls for a 10-minute preheat, and I found that timing honest.
Where the specs undersell it: the 1150 watt draw is a real 1500 watt oven scaled down, so a full sheet of cookies takes longer than you would like, and browning leans a touch dark on the second setting. The thermostat is not a laboratory instrument either, so if you are baking a delicate cake, watch it early rather than trusting the number.
Cleaning is where it earns its keep. The crumb tray slides straight out from the front and the whole cavity wipes down in under a minute. That single feature decides more breakfast routines than any smart menu would, and it is the reason I keep coming back to this model rather than a fancier alternative.
The 30-minute timer with stay-on means it will not run unless you set it or deliberately choose stay-on, which is a genuine safety improvement over older dial ovens. Marked toast browning levels sit on the same dial, so a dark setting is one click away from light.
Who this oven suits best?
It suits a couple, a single person, or a family breakfast where four slices is enough. At 6.7 pounds and 8.8 inches tall, it is the kind of oven you can pull out, use and push back into a cabinet when guests arrive. If your kitchen has shallow counters, the depth of 10.8 inches is a genuine gift.
It also suits anyone who wants convection without paying for an air fryer badge. Air frying at this level mostly means crisping, and this oven crisps well enough with the fan running.
Where it falls short?
Clearance is the real constraint. The outer surfaces run hot during use, so keep bakeware at least 1.5 inches from the top heating element and give the sides breathing room against a backsplash. If you have a tight shelf above the counter, this is not the oven to squeeze in.
The single shelf is the other limitation. You cannot brown two trays at once, so a big batch of cookies means two rounds. Anyone cooking for six or more will want to step up to the extra-wide model further down.
2. Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 6 Slice – Best Rated With the Roll-Top Door
Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 6 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven
1400W 6-slice cavity
Roll-top door
2 rack positions
150-450F
Pros
- Highest average rating in the roundup at 4.5
- Door lifts up and out of the way
- Door and crumb tray both removable
- Fits 9x11 pan or 12-inch pizza
- Auto shutoff and ready bell
Cons
- Roof and casing get very hot
- Analog timer tops out at 30 minutes
- No convection fan for multi-rack browning
This is the highest rated oven in the group at 4.5 stars from nearly 8k reviews, and the rating is not an accident. The roll-top door slides up and back instead of swinging down, so the glass stays out of the drip zone and your hand never travels over the broil element. Once you have cooked on a drop-down door, that change alone feels like an upgrade.
Capacity is the second reason it rates so well. It toasts six slices, holds a 9 by 11 inch bake pan, and has room for a 12-inch pizza, all inside 0.36 cubic feet. For weeknight dinner this covers frozen pizza, sheet-pan chicken and a full breakfast without a second appliance.
It is also the only door in this roundup you can pull off entirely, and the crumb tray slides out from the front, so cleanup of a cheese-burst pizza takes a minute. Owners who bought it years ago report buying a second one for a different room, which tells you something about the build.
The controls are honest manual dials with a 30-minute timer, stay-on, ready bell and auto shutoff. Nothing glows, nothing beeps at you, and the temperature range runs 150 to 450 F. Two rack positions let you brown two trays, though without a convection fan the back tray browns more slowly.
At 1400 watts and 11.4 pounds, it is a solid mid-size machine rather than a lightweight one. The 18.7 inch width is wider than a standard 4-slice body, so measure your counter before you commit.
Who this oven suits best?
It suits households that want a six-slice breakfast and a real bake without a full-size oven, and anyone nervous about reaching into a hot drop-down door. Parents cooking frozen waffles for a whole family will appreciate the six-slice rack and the steady top element.
It also suits people who plan to keep an oven for years. The removable door and tray mean the parts most likely to get greasy can be washed, which is the difference between an oven that lasts and one that ends up in a garage.
Where it falls short?
The roof and outer casing get very hot, so leave clearance above the unit and keep the back away from a wall. Its 30-minute timer maximum means long braises are out unless you use stay-on and watch it.
Temperature also overshoots the dial setting before settling, and the absence of a convection fan means a two-track bake needs the trays swapped halfway. If crisp, even, hands-off baking is your priority, the extra-wide convection model is the better tool.
3. BLACK+DECKER TO1760SS – Best Value 4-Slice With a Two-Year Warranty
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven, TO1745SSG, Even Toast, 4 Cooking Functions Bake, Broil, Toast and Keep Warm, Removable Crumb Tray, Timer
1150W 4-slice cavity
Natural convection
30-min timer with stay-on
Rack and bake pan included
Pros
- Fits a 9-inch pizza and four slices
- Convection bake broil toast and keep warm
- Two-year limited warranty
- Included rack and pan fit the cavity
- Compact at 11.63 by 16.9 by 9.07 inches
Cons
- Knob controls lack digital temperature precision
- Convection fan adds slight noise
Same brand idea as our top pick, one step up in warranty and a slightly different footprint. The 4.3 star average comes from 14k+ reviews, so you are buying into a very well established production run rather than a new model with a thin review base.
The four functions here are convection bake, broil, toast and keep warm, and the cavity is listed at 283.5 cubic inches. That is enough for a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread, which is exactly what most apartments and dorm rooms need for a week of quick meals.
A two-year limited warranty is the quiet advantage here, because the single most repeated durability worry in budget toaster ovens is a failed element or a dead fan motor. Two years is not forever, but it is more protection than most of this list carries.
Like the top pick, it uses simple knob controls with a 30-minute timer and a stay-on option, and the 1150 watt draw sits in the same comfortable band. The included rack and bake pan drop straight in, so nothing has to be bought separately to get started.
Convection is the reason I rank it above cheaper 4-slice models. The fan noticeably reduces the dark corner at the back of the cavity, which is where a lot of budget ovens lose a piece of toast on every single use.
Who this oven suits best?
It suits people who want the classic analog toaster oven and nothing else. There is no menu system, no screen and no preset programme to learn, which makes it a good fit for a first kitchen, a rental and a house move.
It also suits anyone who wants a two-year warranty without stepping up to a body twice the size. The 16.9 inch width is wider than the top pick, so check that the shelf or counter is deep enough.
Where it falls short?
Knob controls do not give digital temperature precision, so if you are following a recipe that specifies 375 F exactly, expect to learn the oven’s personality. The convection fan adds a low hum you will stop hearing after a day.
It is a 4-slice unit in a wider case, so the cavity is smaller than the 16.9 inch width suggests. If you regularly cook for five or six, move up a size rather than cramming thicker bread in and getting uneven results.
4. BLACK+DECKER TO3250XSBD – Best for 9×13 Pans and Family Cooking
BLACK+DECKER TO3250XSBD 8-Slice Extra Wide Convection Countertop Toaster Oven, Includes Bake Pan, Broil Rack & Toasting Rack, Stainless Steel/Black
8L extra-wide cavity
Fits 9x13 pans
1500W convection
3 rack positions
Pros
- Fits standard 9x13 inch pans with handles
- Bake and broil pan plus toasting rack included
- Three rack positions
- 60-minute timer with stay-on
- Dedicated toast shade timer
Cons
- Heavy at 17.5 pounds and 22 inches wide
- Dial readings overshoot before settling
- Three rack positions needs a large counter
This is the only oven in the roundup that takes a standard 9 by 13 inch pan with handles. That single fact changes what you can cook, because most of your existing bakeware finally works instead of sitting in a cupboard.
It is also the most capable baker here. A 1500 watt convection fan drives heat through a 14.5 by 22 by 11.5 inch cavity with three rack positions, a 60-minute timer with stay-on, and a separate toast shade timer. The included baking and broiling pan and toasting rack mean you can make a full tray of cookies on day one.
Owners rate it 4.3 from 11k+ reviews, with most praise aimed squarely at pan fit and interior room. For holiday baking in a small home, or for anyone who cooks a side dish for six while the main oven is busy, the three rack positions are the deciding feature.
It runs 250 to 450 F, which is the narrowest temperature range in the group, and the dial is calibrated so that the oven reads lower than the set point because of the advanced elements. In practice that means you set a familiar number and get a familiar result, but it is worth knowing.
Cleaning is straightforward with a removable crumb tray, and the wide cavity is easier to wipe than a cramped one. The stainless and black finish is the most neutral of the nine, which matters if the oven is living in the open.
Who this oven suits best?
It suits a family, a holiday baker, or anyone who already owns 9 by 13 pans and does not want to buy a second set of cookware. It also suits people who want to run two dishes at different rack heights at the same time.
It suits a garage, a basement kitchen or a rental with a long counter, because the 22 inch width is only a problem in a tight galley kitchen. Anywhere the counter is at least 23 inches deep, this is a comfortable fit.
Where it falls short?
At 17.5 pounds this is by far the heaviest unit in the roundup, and moving it with one hand is not realistic. The width is the dealbreaker in a dorm or a studio apartment, where the compact bodies simply fit better.
Temperature also drifts, with the dial overshooting the set point before settling. If you are new to toaster ovens, that takes a week to learn and one wasted tray while you learn it.
5. Hamilton Beach 4 Slice Air Fryer Combo – Best for Air Frying on a Budget
Hamilton Beach 4 Slice Countertop Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
11.4L 4-slice cavity
Toast bake air fry and broil
1120W
200-450F
Pros
- Four functions in one compact unit
- Fits a 9-inch pizza or a 3 lb chicken
- Air fry basket plus bake pan and broil rack included
- Convection fan cooks without hot spots
Cons
- Highest 1-star share in the group at 9 percent
- Mesh air fry basket is hard to clean
- Convection fan noise
This is the pick for anyone who wants an air fryer and a toaster oven without buying two appliances. One unit toasts, bakes, air fries and broils, and the 11.4 liter cavity holds four slices, a 9-inch pizza, a 3 lb chicken in an 8 by 8 pan, or a 9 by 5 loaf pan.
For price per feature, nothing else in the roundup compares. The accessory set alone, with a metal air fry basket, bake pan, broil rack and slide-out crumb tray, would cost most of the oven by itself at a big-box store.
Where I would temper expectations is crispness. At 1120 watts, this unit crisps chicken wings and fries convincingly, but it will not produce the aggressive crunch of a dedicated 1500 watt air fryer. Expect good, not exceptional.
It also runs the lowest average rating of the nine at 4.1 from 4.7k+ reviews, and the reasons are consistent. The mesh basket is the most complained-about part, staining over time and resisting a quick wash, and the fan adds noticeable noise compared with a non-convection oven.
It is 8.3 pounds and 15 by 11.5 by 8.5 inches, so it stores easily and works in a kitchen where a full air fryer basket machine would crowd the counter. The one-year warranty is the shortest useful one among the larger models here.
Who this oven suits best?
It suits students, first apartments and anyone who was about to buy both a toaster oven and a small air fryer. The combination removes a whole shelf of counter space and a second power draw from your kitchen.
It also suits cooks who want one appliance for weeknight chicken, frozen fries and toast, and who value included accessories over premium internal components. At 4.1 stars it is not the highest rated, but it covers the widest set of meals per dollar.
Where it falls short?
The 1-star share is the highest in the group at 9 percent, which points to durability and control complaints rather than cooking failures. If you want an appliance that stays on your counter for a decade, this is a riskier bet than a 22k-review classic.
The mesh basket and the fan noise are the two everyday annoyances. Expect to hand-wash the basket regularly, and expect the oven to be audible while it cooks.
6. Cuisinart 0.5 cu ft Toaster Oven Broiler – Best for Raw Power and 6-Slice Baking
Cuisinart Toaster Oven Broiler, 1800W Countertop Design, 0.5 cu. ft.
1800W
0.5 cu ft interior
6 slices or 11-inch pizza
Even Shade Control
Pros
- Highest wattage in the roundup at 1800W
- Toasts 6 slices or 4 bagel halves
- Even Shade Control adjusts time automatically
- Auto-slide rack with cool-touch handle
- Longest warranty here at 3 years
Cons
- No dedicated timer so it does not schedule shutoff
- Heating element failure is a recurring long-term complaint
This Cuisinart is the most powerful oven in the roundup at 1800 watts, and that number matters more than it sounds. A toaster oven that draws 1800 watts preheats faster and recovers temperature faster when you open the door mid-bake, which is exactly when smaller budget units stall.
At 0.5 cubic feet, it is also the largest cavity here at 16 inches wide by 12 deep by 9 high. It toasts six slices, holds four bagel halves, bakes an 11-inch pizza and takes a family-sized casserole.
Two details make it pleasant in daily use. Even Shade Control watches the toasting temperature and adjusts the time so the second slice browns like the first, and the auto-slide rack pulls forward with a cool-touch handle so you do not reach into a hot cavity.
The accessory list is complete: wire rack, broiling rack, baking and drip pan, and a front removable crumb tray with a cool-touch grip, plus a recipe book. Two shelves let you brown a top and bottom at the same time.
It rates 4.2 from 7.6k+ reviews, and the loyalty is strong because the model has been on sale for years. Owners consistently call it the just-right middle size, with analog-style simplicity and a small footprint.
Who this oven suits best?
It suits households that want six slices and a 1800 watt element in an oven that is not much bigger than a microwave. If you bake regularly and dislike waiting for a preheat, the wattage is the reason to pick this one.
It also suits anyone who wants a long warranty. The limited 3-year warranty is the strongest coverage in this roundup, which is meaningful when your main worry is an element failing rather than a button dying.
Where it falls short?
There is no dedicated timer, so it does not schedule its own shutoff the way the others do. Auto shutoff exists, but a cook who forgets about a bake has less margin than on a 30 or 60-minute timer model.
The more serious issue is longevity. Several long-term owners describe the heating element deforming or failing after roughly three years, and replacement parts for this model are harder to source than for the Black+Decker units. Buy it for power and capacity, not for a decade-long plan.
7. Gourmia 4-Slice Digital – Best for Digital Presets and Precise Control
Gourmia Toaster Oven – 4-Slice Capacity, Digital Display, Black
10 quart cavity
12 one-touch presets
90-450F
1000W convection
Pros
- Only oven here with a digital display and presets
- Six modes including air fry and dehydrate
- 90-450F range is the widest here
- Air fry basket and rack are dishwasher safe
- Glass viewing window
Cons
- Only 165 reviews so long-term durability is unproven
- Digital panels are a common failure point
This is the pick if you want a screen. Twelve one-touch presets cover air fry, bake, roast, broil, toast, dehydrate, popcorn and more, and you can also set temperature by hand anywhere from 90 to 450 F, the widest range in the roundup.
The 90 F floor is genuinely useful for slow drying and warming without scorching, and the glass viewing window means you can check food without opening the door and dropping the temperature. A preheat prompt and an add-food prompt take some of the guesswork out of first-time use.
FryForce 360 degree convection at 1000 watts handles the air frying, and the accessory set is the best in the group for cleaning convenience: air fry basket, baking pan, oven rack and crumb tray, with the basket and oven rack safe on the top rack of a dishwasher.
One forum source specifically flags the crumb tray and drip pan on air fryer combos as the messiest part to wash, and that is a fair warning for any model in this class, digital or analog. Slide the crumb tray out while the oven is still slightly warm and it rinses clean; leave it overnight and it does not.
At 10.5 by 15 by 8.5 inches outside and 8.5 by 10.5 by 6.5 inside, it is compact, though the interior is smaller than the 15 inch width suggests. Toast up to four slices and bake an 8-inch pizza.
Who this oven suits best?
It suits people who are put off by dials, and anyone cooking who wants exact temperature steps rather than an approximation. The presets also suit a beginner who does not yet know what temperature a frozen pizza needs.
It suits small kitchens, dorms and RVs, which is where the manufacturer aims this model. At 6.8 pounds and 1000 watts it is the easiest combination of features and footprint here to live with.
Where it falls short?
The review base is 165, the thinnest in the roundup by a wide margin, which means there is simply no long-term reliability data. Every other pick here has thousands of reviews documenting how the oven holds up after a year of daily use.
Digital panels are also a more common failure point than mechanical dials, and a dead button can strand the whole oven. If you want a five-year appliance, buy the review count rather than the screen.
8. Elite Gourmet ETO236 – Best Budget Pick for Tiny Spaces
Elite Gourmet ETO236 Compact 2-Slice Toaster Oven, 15-Min Timer, Black
2-slice cavity
650W
200-450F
15-minute timer
Pros
- Smallest footprint at 7.5 by 13.25 by 6.5 inches
- Only 4.5 pounds so it stores anywhere
- 200-450F dial control for toast warm and bake
- Non-stick back pan and wire rack included
Cons
- 2-slice capacity and 15-minute timer limit it
- 650W is the lowest wattage here so baking is slow
This is the smallest and lightest oven in the roundup, and in a dorm, a camper van or a kitchen with 13 inches of counter, size is the entire argument. At 7.5 by 13.25 by 6.5 inches and 4.5 pounds, it is the one you can actually move one-handed to clear the counter for dinner.
It handles the core jobs. Two slices of toast, a warming dish, and small bakes from 200 to 450 F, with a 15-minute timer, a non-stick back pan and a wire rack included. The 650 watt element maintains even heat via a built-in thermostat.
Be honest about what 650 watts means. It is a third of the power of the Cuisinart in this roundup, so a bake takes roughly twice as long and recovery after opening the door is slow. For toast and reheating that is invisible, because the cavity is tiny and heats almost instantly.
It rates 4.0 from 4.3k+ reviews, the lowest average here, with a 13 percent one-star share, the widest spread in the group. Complaints cluster around capacity, the 15-minute timer ceiling and the slow element rather than anything unsafe or badly made.
The single rack position and lack of a listed broil or convection fan are the structural limits. This is a toaster oven with a small oven attached, not a baking appliance.
Who this oven suits best?
It suits one person, a dorm resident, an RV or camper owner, and anyone who wants toast and reheating without permanently losing counter space. It also suits a second household appliance, since a break room or guest suite needs almost nothing more than this.
It suits buyers who want to spend very little and get a working, well-reviewed oven rather than a novelty. At 4.3k+ reviews it is not an untested gamble, which is more than can be said for most ovens in its weight class.
Where it falls short?
Two slices and a 15-minute timer are the real constraints. If you are cooking for a family, this will frustrate you within a week, and the gap between it and a 4-slice model is only a few inches of counter.
Its 4.0 rating and 13 percent one-star share also mean quality control is inconsistent. Some units heat evenly, others do not, and the 650 watt element is the slow factor in most of the complaints.
9. Proctor Silex 4 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven – Best for Fast Preheat
Proctor Silex 4 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven
4-slice cavity
1100W
30-min timer with auto-shutoff
Glass door
Pros
- Exterior stays cooler than most competitors
- Heats up fast with essentially no preheat
- Toast broil and bake in one unit
- Bake pan and oven rack included
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Four slices only fit with smaller than typical bread
- Auto-shutoff does not always engage at zero
Proctor Silex is the quiet value option. The 4.2 star average from 1.3k+ reviews sits comfortably in the middle of the group, and what owners mention most is speed: the 1100 watt element comes to temperature fast, with essentially no preheat needed for simple snacks.
The second thing owners mention is that the exterior stays cooler than most competing budget ovens. That matters more than it sounds, because a hot outer casing next to a laminate counter or a wooden cutting board is a real annoyance in a small kitchen.
It toasts, broils and bakes, with a 30-minute timer, a ready bell, auto shutoff, a glass door for watching progress, and an included bake pan and oven rack. The crumb tray drops down from the front, which is the single cleanest design in this roundup for routine toaster cleanup.
The three-year warranty is tied for the best coverage here, and at 3.7 kg it is one of the lighter large-format bodies. Footprint is 8.07 by 15.2 by 11.3 inches, so it is compact in width but taller than the slim units.
Reliability is the caveat. Several reviewers report units ceasing to work within months, and some describe the auto shutoff failing to stop the heat when the timer reached zero. Treat that as a real pattern in the reviews rather than a rare defect.
Who this oven suits best?
It suits anyone whose priority is a fast, hot breakfast appliance rather than a baking oven. Toast, reheating and broiling are what it does well, and the glass door means you can watch browning without opening the door and losing heat.
It also suits buyers who want the longest warranty available at a low wattage-adjacent price, and anyone who has been burned by an oven that made the surrounding counter too hot to touch.
Where it falls short?
Four standard slices only fit if the bread is smaller than typical store-bought slices, and a thick artisan loaf will not go in at all. Check your usual bread before buying.
The reliability reports and the auto shutoff concerns are the dealbreakers for anyone who leaves food cooking unattended. If safety timing matters to you, choose a model with a large review base and a well-documented auto shutoff.
How to Choose a Toaster Oven Under 100?
Capacity and fit come first, because every other feature is irrelevant if your pan does not go in. The compact 4-slice bodies here fit a 9-inch pizza and four slices of bread. The Cuisinart at 0.5 cubic feet handles six slices, four bagel halves and an 11-inch pizza. Only the extra-wide Black+Decker takes a standard 9 by 13 inch pan, and if you already own that pan, start there.
Measure your counter before you measure anything else. The range across this roundup runs from 13.25 inches wide on the Elite Gourmet to 22 inches on the extra-wide model, with depths from 7.5 to 15.24 inches. Add a few inches of clearance above and behind, because every oven here runs hot on the outside.
Next, decide how you actually cook. Convection is a real upgrade for a small oven, because a rear fan removes the cold corner that makes budget toaster ovens toast unevenly. Both 4-slice Black+Decker models and the extra-wide model have one. The Hamilton Beach 6-slice and the Cuisinart do not, and you will notice it if you brown two trays at once.
Air fryer mode is a different question. A 1000 watt combo with a convection fan will crisp chicken and fries, but it is not a substitute for a dedicated 1500 watt air fryer. If crispness is the point, expect a compromise at this ceiling.
Controls are about who is cooking. Manual dials with a 30-minute timer and a stay-on option are more durable and faster to set, and they are what most of the higher-reviewed models use. A digital display with presets, like the Gourmia, is better for exact temperatures and for beginners, at the cost of a more failure-prone panel.
Wattage decides speed. The Elite Gourmet runs 650 watts, the Hamilton Beach air fryer combo 1120, the two 4-slice Black+Decker models 1150, the Hamilton Beach 6-slice 1400, the extra-wide Black+Decker 1500 and the Cuisinart 1800. Higher wattage means faster preheat and faster recovery, and it also means a dedicated circuit is worth checking in a dorm or an older apartment.
Finally, check the door and the crumb tray, because these are the parts you touch every day. A roll-top door that lifts out of the way, like the Hamilton Beach 6-slice, keeps drips off the glass and keeps your hand away from the broil element. A front drop-down tray is far easier to clean than one you reach into from above.
Our guide to toaster ovens for healthy cooking goes deeper on convection versus air frying, which is the same trade-off in a different context. If your counter space is the real constraint, our roundup of small-space appliances under 100 covers the same budget thinking for heating.
What You Give Up Below 100 Dollars?
The honest version: below 100 dollars you buy capacity per dollar, not precision. Premium smart ovens add probe thermometers, exact digital temperature control, dedicated air fry at higher wattage, insulated cavities and better door glass, and those features are not cheap at any budget.
What you rarely lose is core function. Every oven in this roundup toasts, broils and bakes, most hold four to six slices, and several carry a two- or three-year warranty. A budget oven that fails is usually failing at the element or the controls rather than at the concept.
Where budget does show up is heat distribution. Hot spots and uneven toasting are the most repeated complaint in budget oven reviews, and the fix is usually the convection fan, not the price. Where you do gain is capacity, because a 6-slice oven with a 9 by 11 inch pan inside costs a fraction of a premium oven with a smaller cavity.
If your budget stretched to the 150 to 300 dollar range, the upgrades you would actually notice are faster preheat, a more even cavity and a door that stays cooler to the touch. None of that is essential for a family of two cooking a 9-inch pizza on a weeknight.
What to Avoid Under 20 Dollars?
Single-knob novelty units under 20 dollars are not toaster ovens in any useful sense. They typically have no real thermostat, no broil and no crumb tray, and the only control is one dial that swings from off to full power. There is no timer, so nothing shuts itself off.
The failure modes are predictable: no temperature regulation means burning one side of the bread while the other stays pale, and a cavity with no crumb tray means crumbs bake onto the floor permanently. Reviews of that tier concentrate on a single recurring complaint, and uneven toasting is it.
Our floor for this roundup is the Elite Gourmet at 4.0 stars from 4.3k+ reviews. It is genuinely small, but it has an adjustable temperature, a timer, an included pan and a wire rack, and buyers have written enough reviews over the years to tell you what it does well. The step up from a novelty unit is not expensive.
For the wider healthy-cooking angle on compact appliances, our picks for hot air brushes under 100 follow the same logic we applied here, which is that verified ratings and a documented accessory set matter more than a headline wattage number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best toaster oven for my money?
The BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD is the best toaster oven for the money under 100 dollars. It carries a 4.3 star average from 22k+ reviews, fits a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread, and includes convection, broil, toast, keep warm, a 30-minute timer with stay-on and a slide-out crumb tray in a 14.5 by 10.8 by 8.8 inch body.
What is the best rated toaster oven under 100?
By average rating, the Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 6 Slice leads this roundup at 4.5 stars from nearly 8k reviews, thanks to its roll-top door and removable door and crumb tray. The best rated is not automatically the best choice: its 18.7 inch width, hot roof and lack of a convection fan make the Black+Decker TO1313SBD the better all-rounder.
What is a good inexpensive toaster oven?
A good inexpensive toaster oven still needs three things: an adjustable thermostat, a real timer with auto shutoff and a removable crumb tray. The Elite Gourmet ETO236 meets all three at 2 slices, and the Hamilton Beach air fryer combo adds convection and four cooking functions. Avoid anything under 20 dollars, which typically has no thermostat and no tray.
Can a toaster oven under 100 air fry as well as a dedicated air fryer?
Yes, with a caveat. The Hamilton Beach 4 Slice combo and the Gourmia digital model both use a convection fan and a mesh basket to crisp food with little or no oil. But they run 1120 and 1000 watts, so they crisp rather than aggressively fry. For darker, crunchier results you need a dedicated 1500 watt air fryer, which sits above this budget.
How many watts does a toaster oven use, and will it work in a dorm or RV?
Wattage across this roundup runs from 650W on the Elite Gourmet to 1800W on the Cuisinart, with most 4-slice models between 1100W and 1150W. A 1150W oven draws about 9.6 amps at 120 volts, which fits a standard 15-amp kitchen circuit. In a dorm or RV, plug it into a dedicated outlet and never share it with a microwave on the same circuit.
Is a toaster oven under 20 dollars worth buying?
Generally no. Units under 20 dollars usually have a single power dial with no adjustable thermostat, no timer, no broil and no removable crumb tray. That combination produces uneven toasting, food that never shuts off and a floor that bakes on permanently. Spending a little more on a model with a dial thermostat, a timer and a slide-out tray solves all three problems.
Which Toaster Oven Under 100 Should You Buy?
Buy the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD if you want one oven that handles almost everything: it is compact, it has convection, it toasts evenly across four slices and it holds a 4.3 star average across the largest review base in the group. It is the best toaster oven under 100 dollars for a couple, a family breakfast of four, or a small kitchen with limited counter depth.
Step up to the Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 6 Slice for six slices, a 9 by 11 inch pan, a 12-inch pizza and the easiest door in the roundup, and to the extra-wide Black+Decker if a 9 by 13 inch pan is non-negotiable. For air frying on a budget, the Hamilton Beach combo and the Gourmia digital cover it, and for a dorm or an RV, the Elite Gourmet at 4.5 pounds is the only sensible choice.
All of it is a genuine step below premium smart ovens in precision and even heating. None of it is a bad appliance, and every pick here has a documented weakness you should know about before you buy.