9 Best Cheap Toaster Oven | No More Burnt Toast at a Budget Price

The hunt for a cheap toaster oven that doesn’t scorch your bagel or undercook your pizza is a real kitchen struggle. You need a countertop oven that heats evenly, fits your budget, and doesn’t demand a PhD in knob-twisting to operate.

I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind AirfryerBite. I spend my days analyzing small appliance specs, comparing heating element designs, and reading through hundreds of real user reviews to separate the toast-winning ovens from the smoldering disasters.

In this no-nonsense guide, I’ve tested the specs and customer feedback on the market’s most affordable models to help you find the cheap toaster oven that actually delivers consistent results without breaking the bank.

How To Choose The Best Cheap Toaster Oven

When you’re shopping for a cheap toaster oven, the temptation is to grab the lowest price tag and call it a day. But a truly good budget toaster oven strikes a balance between heating power, usable capacity, and ease of cleaning. Here’s what to look at before you click “add to cart.”

Wattage Is Your First Clue to Even Heating

A 750-watt cheap toaster oven will toast slowly and can struggle to hit higher temperatures like 450°F. For consistently golden toast and proper browning, look for models with at least 1000 watts. The heating element material — quartz glass tubing versus metal coils — also affects how evenly heat spreads across the interior. Higher wattage paired with good element design prevents those dreaded burnt stripes on your bread.

Rack Positions and Interior Clearance

Budget toaster ovens often skimp on rack position options. A model with only two rack positions forces you to choose between “too close to the top” or “too close to the bottom,” which is a recipe for burnt tops or raw bottoms. Three or four rack positions give you real flexibility to adjust based on food height and desired browning level.

Air Fry Function: Real Crisp or Marketing Gimmick?

Some cheap toaster ovens include an air fry setting, but the fan power and basket design vary wildly. At a budget price point, expect moderate air circulation rather than the high-velocity fan found in standalone air fryers. The benefit is convenience — one appliance doing double duty — but don’t expect the same level of crispiness on frozen fries.

Quick Comparison

On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.

Model Category Best For Key Spec Amazon
Gourmia Toaster Oven Digital Air Fryer Digital Air Fryer Combo Multi-function presets 12 presets, 10 qt capacity Amazon
BLACK+DECKER 1150W Crisp N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven EvenToast technology 1150 watts, 5 functions Amazon
Hamilton Beach 6 Slice Roll-Top Large Capacity Family batches 1400 watts, 6 slice capacity Amazon
BLACK+DECKER TO1787SS-RFP 5-in-1 Air Fryer Oven Compact air frying EvenToast, 9″ pizza fit Amazon
OSAMKO 13QT Steam Oven Steam Injection Oven Moisture retention 6-in-1, 900 watts Amazon
Elite Gourmet Americana ETO147M Retro Style Kitchen aesthetics 1000 watts, 60-min timer Amazon
Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp 31403 Air Fryer Combo Budget air frying 4-slice, 9″ pizza Amazon
OVENTE 8L Compact Mini Oven Small spaces 750 watts, 60-min timer Amazon
Elite Gourmet ETO490 9L Basic Toaster Oven Simple cooking tasks 4-slice, 30-min timer Amazon

In‑Depth Reviews

Best Overall

1. Gourmia Toaster Oven Digital Air Fryer

12 Presets10 Qt Capacity

This Gourmia model stands out in the cheap toaster oven category because it packs 12 digital presets including air fry, bagel, dehydrate, and popcorn — features typically reserved for pricier units. The FryForce 360° rapid airflow system moves heat efficiently across the 10-quart interior, producing noticeably crispier results than basic still-air ovens. With three rack positions, you can stack multiple items or adjust the height to control browning, a flexibility rare at this price tier.

The digital push-button controls are intuitive, and the stainless steel inner material resists staining better than painted interiors found on cheaper models. Users consistently praise the toast function for even browning across all four slices, and the air fry preset delivers solid crunch on frozen fries and wings without needing extra oil. The included accessories — air fry basket, baking pan, oven rack, and crumb tray — cover most cooking scenarios out of the box.

One area to note: the 10-quart capacity fits a 9-inch pizza comfortably, but larger baking dishes may not fit. The popcorn preset requires some trial and error to avoid burnt kernels. Overall, this oven delivers the best feature-per-dollar ratio among cheap toaster ovens, especially if you want digital precision and an air fry function in one compact package.

Why it’s great

  • 12 presets simplify operation for everyday meals.
  • FryForce 360° air circulation gives crispy texture without excess oil.
  • Three adjustable rack positions for flexible cooking.

Good to know

  • Popcorn preset can be inconsistent.
  • Larger baking dishes may not fit the 10-quart interior.
Even Toast Choice

2. BLACK+DECKER 1150W Crisp N Bake Air Fryer Toaster Oven

1150 Watts5 Functions

The BLACK+DECKER 1150-watt Crisp N Bake is engineered around EvenToast technology, which uses balanced heating elements to eliminate hot spots — a common flaw in cheap toaster ovens. This model delivers five cooking functions: air fry, bake, broil, toast, and keep warm. The 1150-watt output is notably higher than many entry-level ovens, translating to faster preheating and more consistent browning across the 4-slice interior.

Its compact footprint fits small countertops, yet the interior accommodates a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread. The non-stick interior and removable crumb tray simplify cleanup, and the included air fry mesh tray, bake pan, and rack give you options for different cooking methods. Users report that the toast function produces evenly colored slices without the striped burns typical of cheaper units.

Worth noting: the capacity is listed at 9 cubic inches, which is quite small. This oven suits singles, couples, or small-batch cooking but won’t handle a full sheet pan or a 6-slice batch. The air fry function works best for small portions — fries for one or two people.

Why it’s great

  • EvenToast technology prevents burnt stripes on bread.
  • 1150 watts for faster preheating than typical budget models.
  • Non-stick interior and removable crumb tray for easy cleaning.

Good to know

  • Small interior suitable for limited batch sizes.
  • Air fry capacity works best for single servings.
Big Batch

3. Hamilton Beach 6 Slice Roll-Top Toaster Oven 31127D

1400 WattsRoll-Top Door

If family-sized capacity is your priority, the Hamilton Beach 6 Slice Roll-Top is a standout in the cheap toaster oven segment. It features a unique roll-top door that slides up and out of the way, eliminating the need to reach over a hot drop-down door — a thoughtful design for busy kitchens. The 1400-watt heating element powers a spacious interior that fits a 12-inch pizza or a 9×11-inch bake pan, making it the largest capacity option on this list.

The manual controls are refreshingly simple: a temperature dial spanning 150 to 450°F, a function knob for bake, broil, or toast, and a 30-minute timer with a “stay on” setting for longer cooking. The two rack positions are adequate but limited compared to pricier models. The slide-out crumb tray and removable door make cleaning manageable, even after greasy cooking sessions.

Be aware that this is a purely conventional toaster oven — no air fry function, no digital presets. The roll-top door design means you lose some countertop space above the oven when the door is open. For straightforward toasting, baking, and broiling in large batches, this model delivers solid value.

Why it’s great

  • 1400 watts and large interior for family-sized meals.
  • Roll-top door improves counter access and reduces cleaning hassle.
  • Simple manual controls with “stay on” timer function.

Good to know

  • No air fry or digital presets.
  • Roll-top door needs clearance space above the oven.
Compact Air Fry

4. BLACK+DECKER TO1787SS-RFP Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven

5-in-1EvenToast

This BLACK+DECKER model combines five functions — air fry, bake, broil, toast, and keep warm — in a compact stainless steel body. The EvenToast technology is the same reliable system found in the brand’s larger ovens, delivering consistent browning without hot spots. The 30-minute timer and removable crumb/drip tray add convenience, and the included bake pan, air fry mesh tray, and wire rack cover multiple cooking styles out of the box.

The interior fits a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread, making it suitable for small households. The air fry function uses a mesh tray that allows hot air to circulate around food, producing crisp results with minimal oil. Users appreciate the straightforward knob controls — no complex menus — and the compact footprint that fits neatly on tight countertops.

It’s worth noting that the 1-pound capacity rating is modest. This oven is best for small batches, not family-sized meals. The air fry function, while effective, does not reach the same peak crispiness as a dedicated air fryer with higher fan RPM.

Why it’s great

  • Five functions in a compact, counter-friendly size.
  • EvenToast technology provides consistent browning.
  • Includes air fry mesh tray, bake pan, and wire rack.

Good to know

  • Limited to small batch cooking; 1-pound capacity.
  • Air fry crispiness is good but not equal to standalone air fryers.
Steam Infusion

5. OSAMKO 13QT Compact 6-in-1 Steam Oven

Light Steam6-in-1

The OSAMKO 13QT brings a unique feature to the cheap toaster oven battlefield: light steam injection technology. This function injects moisture during cooking, helping meats stay juicy and breads develop a better crust. The 6-in-1 capability covers air frying, baking, roasting, broiling, reheating, and steaming, all controlled through a transparent viewing window that lets you monitor progress without opening the door.

With a 900-watt output and a maximum temperature of 400°F, this unit prioritizes moisture retention over high-heat searing. The stainless steel construction looks sleek and resists rust, and the four included accessories (air fry basket, baking tray, food handle, oven rack) give good starting coverage. The large window is a practical advantage over many budget ovens that force you to open the door and lose heat during cooking.

Bear in mind that this oven is not dishwasher safe, and the non-stick coating is absent on the interior — hand washing is required. The 13-quart capacity is decent but the lack of a non-stick surface means baked-on food needs more scrubbing. The steam function works best for roasting meats and reheating leftovers rather than crisping.

Why it’s great

  • Light steam injection locks in moisture for tender results.
  • Large transparent window for monitoring without heat loss.
  • 6-in-1 functionality covers steam, air fry, and roast.

Good to know

  • Not dishwasher safe; hand washing required.
  • No non-stick interior — stuck-on food needs scrubbing.
Retro Design

6. Elite Gourmet Americana ETO147M Retro Toaster Oven

1000 Watts60-Min Timer

The Elite Gourmet Americana ETO147M blends 1950s diner aesthetics with modern 1000-watt heating. Available in a mint finish that adds visual personality to any kitchen, this 2-slice oven features a 60-minute timer with bell alert and adjustable temperature control. The glass tubing heating rods distribute heat more evenly than exposed metal coils, reducing the risk of hot spots during toasting and baking.

Inside, you get three rack positions — a welcome upgrade over many budget ovens stuck with two. The included enamel-coated bake pan and wire rack are functional, and the slide-out crumb tray simplifies cleanup. Despite the retro look, the controls are purely manual: temperature knob, function knob, and timer knob. There’s no air fry mode or digital display, so you get straightforward toast, bake, and broil functions.

The 2-slice capacity is limiting if you cook for more than one or two people. The painted finish, while charming, shows fingerprints and smudges more readily than stainless steel. For anyone prioritizing kitchen aesthetics over maximum capacity, this retro toaster oven delivers charm and solid basic performance.

Why it’s great

  • Vintage mint design stands out on any countertop.
  • Glass tubing heating elements provide even heat distribution.
  • Three rack positions for better cooking flexibility.

Good to know

  • 2-slice capacity is small for households of three or more.
  • Painted finish shows smudges and requires regular wiping.
Budget Air Fry

7. Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Air Fryer Toaster Oven 31403

Convection4-Slice

The Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp 31403 brings air frying capability to the cheap toaster oven segment using powerful convection circulation. This 4-slice model fits a 9-inch pizza and includes a metal air-fry basket, bake pan, and broil rack. The temperature range spans 200 to 450°F, giving you flexibility for toasting, baking, broiling, and air frying.

The convection fan moves air around the 11.4-liter interior, producing evenly browned food with less oil than conventional cooking. Users report good results on chicken wings, fries, and vegetables, though the air fry crispiness falls slightly short of a dedicated high-wattage air fryer. The manual controls — temperature and function knobs — are simple to operate, and the auto shutoff provides peace of mind.

The 4-slice capacity fits small families, but the two rack positions limit height adjustment. The crumb tray is slide-out for easy cleanup, but the interior can be tricky to wipe down after greasy air fry sessions. For a budget-friendly entry into air fryer toaster oven combos, this Hamilton Beach offers solid performance.

Why it’s great

  • Convection air circulation for crispy results with less oil.
  • Includes air-fry basket, bake pan, and broil rack.
  • Auto shutoff and manual controls are user-friendly.

Good to know

  • Two rack positions limit height adjustment.
  • Air fry crispiness not as intense as standalone air fryers.
Compact Starter

8. OVENTE 8L Compact Toaster Oven TO2808B

750 Watts8L Capacity

The OVENTE 8L is an entry-level cheap toaster oven designed for dorm rooms, RVs, and tight countertops. At 750 watts, it’s the lowest wattage unit on this list, which means slower preheating and less browning power compared to higher-wattage models. The temperature dial spans 150 to 450°F, and the 60-minute timer with bell alert covers basic toasting and baking needs.

The compact size — 13.5 inches wide, 9.4 inches deep — fits into narrow spaces easily. The stainless steel exterior looks clean, and the glass drop-down door provides a clear cooking view. Two adjustable rack positions offer some flexibility, but the limited interior height can make it difficult to fit taller items like small roast chickens or thick casserole dishes.

User reviews highlight the space-saving design and light weight, but some note that the two rack positions are either too close to the top or bottom, leading to uneven browning. The broil function is absent, which disappointed some users expecting that feature. For simple toasting and reheating in a very small footprint, this OVENTE gets the job done without fuss.

Why it’s great

  • Ultra-compact size fits dorm rooms, RVs, and small kitchens.
  • Lightweight and easy to move or store.
  • Simple knob controls with a 60-minute timer.

Good to know

  • 750 watts leads to slower preheating and less browning power.
  • No dedicated broil function.
Budget Basic

9. Elite Gourmet ETO490 9L Toaster Oven

9L Capacity30-Min Timer

The Elite Gourmet ETO490 is a no-frills cheap toaster oven that focuses on core functionality: baking, broiling, and toasting in a 9-liter, 4-slice capacity. The 30-minute timer and adjustable temperature control keep operation straightforward. The black exterior is unobtrusive, and the included baking pan and wire rack allow you to start cooking immediately.

This model is best suited for users who want the absolute lowest entry price for basic toasting and reheating tasks. The heating elements are standard metal coils, which can produce uneven browning if food is not positioned carefully. The two rack positions provide minimal adjustment, but for simple jobs like toasting bagels or reheating pizza slices, it works adequately.

The build quality reflects the price point — lighter construction and fewer features than mid-range options. There’s no air fry, no convection fan, and no digital display. Cleaning is manageable thanks to the slide-out crumb tray, but the interior can accumulate baked-on residue. If your budget is extremely tight and you need a simple oven for basic tasks, the ETO490 fits the bill.

Why it’s great

  • Lowest entry price for basic toasting and baking.
  • Simple knob controls with adjustable temperature and 30-minute timer.
  • Includes baking pan and wire rack.

Good to know

  • Heating elements can produce uneven browning.
  • No air fry, convection, or digital features.

FAQ

What wattage is best for a cheap toaster oven to avoid burning food?
Look for at least 1000 watts. Lower wattage ovens, like 750-watt models, tend to heat unevenly, creating hot spots that burn the edges of bread before the center is toasted. Higher wattage combined with quartz glass tubing elements provides more consistent heat across the interior.
Can a cheap toaster oven really replace an air fryer?
Not entirely. Budget toaster ovens with air fry settings use convection fans that circulate hot air, but the fan speed and power are lower than dedicated air fryers. You’ll get crispier results than a standard oven, but expect moderate crispiness rather than the deep-fry texture of a high-wattage standalone air fryer.
How many rack positions do I actually need in a budget toaster oven?
Three rack positions are ideal. Two positions often leave you with a choice between “too close to the top” and “too close to the bottom,” which leads to uneven cooking. A third middle position gives you better control over browning and allows you to cook taller foods without burning the top.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

For most users, the cheap toaster oven winner is the Gourmia Toaster Oven Digital Air Fryer because it offers 12 presets, digital controls, and effective air fry technology at a very accessible price point. If you prioritize even toast without stripes, grab the BLACK+DECKER 1150W Crisp N Bake. And for large family batches with a roll-top convenience door, nothing beats the Hamilton Beach 6 Slice Roll-Top.