If you are low on budget or if you are just looking for an economical toaster oven for simple culinary tasks, then there is no need to spend on extravagant products.
Toaster ovens are generally priced based on a few factors such as their size, their mode of operation i.e manual or digital, the amount of cooking features they offer and, often times, on their overall looks.
In this article, we will look at the bear minimum toaster ovens. If you just need a minimal toaster oven to toast bread, reheat pizza, or to do very small scale cooking, then you will find the following best budget toaster ovens appealing.
Also Read: Best Mini Toaster Ovens
Top 3 Budget Toaster Ovens
4.9/5
[Best Overall]
It offers a simple look, with a minimal roll top door for easy access, compact form factor and two manual knobs for setting the temperature and the timer.
It can fit about 4 slices of bread or a single 9 inch pizza which is generally known as small size pizza.
4.8/5
[Best for the Money]
This oven offers the familiar cubic shape which can be easily fitted into cabinets and counter-spaces.
It has capacity to fit 4 toasts at a time. The one distinguishing feature here is that it offers 3 manual knob controls. One for setting temperature, one for timer and the last for setting the mode i.e bake, broil or toast.
4.7/5
[Best Digital Option]
A digital toaster oven is as simple to use and as intuitive as a microwave oven. Most digital ovens come with cooking presets. This oven, for example, comes with preset for pizza as well as toast.
Other than that, there are dedicated buttons for bake, broil, warm, reheat and defrost functions as well.
List of Best Budget Toaster Ovens in 2023
The following standout from the rest as far as budget price range is concerned.
- Hamilton Beach 31344D – For Very Basic Use
- Mueller Toaster Oven – Compact and Affordable Stainless Steel
- Oster TSSTTVMNDG-SHP – Budget Digital Toaster Oven
- Hamilton Beach 31123D – Recommended 6 Slice Budget Option
- Hamilton Beach 31107D – Affordable Dual Rack Option
1. Hamilton Beach 31344D – For Very Basic Use
This is as simple as it gets. It features only the most functional features to can get you going with your toasting and reheating tasks.
There are no bells and whistles. It offers a simple look, with a minimal roll top door for easy access, compact form factor and two manual knobs for setting the temperature and the timer.
It can fit about 4 slices of bread or a single 9 inch pizza which is generally known as small size pizza.
While the oven does give you 2 rack positions, it can be occupied by a single rack at a time.
The oven's limited 30-minute timer indicates that it may not be suitable for preparing full meals; however, it excels at reheating leftover or frozen snacks and making morning toast.
Considering its modest price point, this toaster oven is a commendable choice. Its roll-top design sets it apart from others, providing easier access to the food while reducing the risk of accidentally touching a hot surface.
The removable top further enhances convenience during cleaning. Notably, this toaster oven has received high praise, with one user mentioning how their son loved it during their stay
Overall, the oven is well-constructed, easy to use, and offers the added benefit of visibility to monitor the toasting process without the need to bend over. All in all, if you need the bear minimum, then we recommend this as the best budget toaster oven.
2. Mueller Toaster Oven – Compact and Affordable Stainless Steel
This is yet another minimal oven, however, unlike the option above, this offers the familiar cubic shape which can be easily fitted into cabinets and counter-spaces.
This too has capacity to fit 4 toasts at a time. The one distinguishing feature here is that it offers 3 manual knob controls. One for setting temperature, one for timer and the last for setting the mode i.e bake, broil or toast.
One important feature that this oven boasts is the natural convection. The interior of this oven is designed in a way that it promotes hot air to circulate evenly inside.
While it lacks a dedicated convection fan, Mueller asserts that the natural convection in this model aids in achieving even cooking and reducing cooking time. This compact and elegant convection oven fits seamlessly on my countertop.
It functions flawlessly without unnecessary complexities. In toast mode, it performs admirably, although it is slightly smaller than described.
The measurements, however, are accurate, so it's a matter of interpretation.
However, it is the perfect addition to my limited counter space. The setup process is effortless, and considering the features it offers, it provides excellent value for the price. The inclusion of a cookbook was a thoughtful bonus.
In the end, this is the best budget toaster oven for those who are looking for a common cubic shape with minimal features.
3. Oster TSSTTVMNDG-SHP – Budget Digital Toaster Oven
The two toaster ovens we reviewed above were both manual ovens. If you are looking for something more modern with easier controls, then we recommend this digital option.
A digital toaster oven is as simple to use and as intuitive as a microwave oven. Most digital ovens come with cooking presets. This oven, for example, comes with preset for pizza as well as toast.
Other than that, there are dedicated buttons for bake, broil, warm, reheat and defrost functions as well.
A digital toaster oven likes this take out the hassle of setting the temperature and the timer from you. Therefore, as far as quality of life improvement goes, this Oster oven is far better thBean the two reviewed above.
Apart from its sleek design and excellent performance, this toaster oven stands out with two unique features.
Firstly, it can fit up to six slices of bread, unlike the previously mentioned ovens which can only fit four. This means that it has a more spacious interior that can handle larger meals with ease.
I just like this oven's versatility and convection feature, which heats food quickly and cooks everything to perfection. The digital interface is also a plus, making it easier to use than traditional knob-controlled ovens.
This compact appliance can hold a full-size 9x13 pan and is perfect for cooking casseroles, reheating leftovers, and more.
Secondly, it has convection feature as well. The convection fan allows the oven to actively circulate hot air inside and thus promoting consistent textures and lower power usage.
If you came here looking for a digital model, then this is the best budget toaster oven in our opinion. Just be warned that this IS more expensive than the budget options we reviewed above.
Overall, it's an excellent purchase that's perfect for anyone looking for a high-quality toaster oven.
Also Read: Best Digital Toaster Ovens
4. Hamilton Beach 31123D – Recommended 6 Slice Budget Option
This toaster oven has the same capacity as the Oster TSSTTVMNDG-SHP above however instead of featuring digital controls, this offers the good old manual knob controls.
Therefore, if you are a fan of simple looking toaster ovens with easy to access roll top door, fewer bells and whistles and the ability to toast 6 slices of bread or a single 12″ pizza, then this may appeal to you.
Like the rest of the manual ovens we saw above, this too has a limited 30 mins timer which is indicative of the fact that this is built for low key tasks such as reheating or preparing frozen snacks at max.
It is also worth noting that this toaster oven offers the convection feature, which is not included in the smaller options we saw earlier. The convection fan, as mentioned previously, reduces cooking time and improves the consistency of texture.
Additionally, the timer function is a convenient feature that automatically turns off the oven when the timer goes off. This toaster oven has received positive reviews, with users praising its performance and appearance.
Furthermore, the instruction manual is easy to follow, and the broiler/elements heat up quickly.
Another design feature appreciated by users is the smooth sliding of the baking/broiling pan under the top rack.
Overall, this toaster oven is highly recommended for its functionality, aesthetics, and user-friendly features. If you're a fan of straightforward models but require a relatively larger interior capacity, then look no further, as this budget-friendly toaster oven is the ideal choice.
5. Hamilton Beach 31107D – Affordable Dual Rack Option
Hamilton Beach 31107D is the largest oven in this list. But if you are in need of a budget family size toaster oven, then this is the right option in our opinion.
For starters, this oven has two racks capable of fitting 2 x 12″ pizza or about 12 slices of bread. Therefore, as far as the capacity goes, this has ample for a family.
Other than the size, the most lucrative feature it offers is the rotisserie function which can handle a 5 lb chicken. Therefore, if you are a fan of roasting, this will come as a delight for you.
Additional aspects to take note of is the fact that this is a manual oven not a digital one, it has convection feature, and it is also the most expensive model in this list due to its size.
However, for its size category, it is among the cheapest. If you're looking for a family-sized option on a budget, this is the best toaster oven for you.
It not only looks exactly as pictured but also performs well. The size of the oven is perfect, accommodating everything I need to cook. It heats up quickly and offers plenty of room inside.
Personally, I prefer the dial temperature adjustment over digital because it allows for more precise adjustments in smaller increments. I am very satisfied with this oven as it is spacious enough to reheat items on a plate or pan.
Additionally, it bakes well, as I have successfully made several pans of biscuits and cornbread in it.
Why Go For Budget Toaster Ovens
There are plenty of reasons why going for an affordable toaster oven would make the most sense.
Great for Singles / Students
If you are a student, individual or a even a couple, then a small toaster oven for your would do just fine. Remember that the price of a toaster oven is directly related to its size.
The bigger the size, the more expensive it would be. Alternatively, the smaller the size, the cheaper toaster oven would be.
Therefore, the first thing to judge should be how many you want to serve. If you are answer is not many, then a small model would help you save up.
Simple Tasks
Budget toaster ovens are great for simple tasks like reheating and toasting slices of bread.
Toaster ovens come with a varying range of features. The more features a toaster oven has i.e rotisserie, Air Fryer, cooking presets, digital controls etc, the more expensive it would be.
Therefore, if you are striving the get the cheapest most option, then you should go for a manual knob controlled toaster oven.
Compact
One of the benefits of budget toaster ovens is that they are highly compact. Therefore, if you are challenged for space, then it would not be a hassle to fit them.
Furthermore, since these toaster ovens are compact, they also heat up fairly quickly and therefore reduce your reheating or toasting times. This in turn saves up on your energy bills in the long run.
Also Read: Best Toaster Ovens for Small Spaces
Final Words
Not all toaster ovens are created equally. While some are simple, others are complete multi-cookers suitable for chefs and hence are quite expensive too.
As such, if you are short on budget, or if you are looking for a model for simplest tasks, then going for one of the best budget toaster ovens would be the most frugal choice.
Fortunately, there are plenty of budget toaster ovens out there, albeit, digital models are more expensive.
FAQs
1. What is the best inexpensive toaster oven?
Here are the Top 3 Budget Toaster Ovens that we can recommend.
1. Hamilton Beach 31344D - It offers a simple look, with a minimal roll top door for easy access, compact form factor and two manual knobs for setting the temperature and the timer.
2. Mueller Toaster Oven - This oven offers the familiar cubic shape which can be easily fitted into cabinets and counter-spaces.
3. Oster TSSTTVMNDG-SHP - A digital toaster oven is as simple to use and as intuitive as a microwave oven. Most digital ovens come with cooking presets. This oven, for example, comes with preset for pizza as well as toast.
2. Can a toaster oven replace an oven?
A toaster oven can't replace an oven, but it can do some things an oven can't. A toaster oven is good for small items like pizzas or cookies, while an oven is better for larger items like a roast.
3. Is it worth buying a toaster oven?
A toaster oven can be a great addition to your kitchen, especially if you don't have a lot of space. They're smaller and more compact than a traditional oven, and they can do a lot of the same things. They're perfect for toasting bread, baking cookies, and reheating food.
Before you buy a toaster oven, make sure to read the reviews and figure out which one is best for your needs.
4. Are toaster ovens better than toasters?
There are pros and cons to both toaster ovens and toasters. Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for in a small appliance. I recommend a toaster oven if you want: versatility (you can bake, broil, and roast), more even cooking, energy efficiency, or a smaller appliance footprint. If you’re mostly looking for a quick way to toast bread, then a traditional toaster is the better option.
5. Can you cook raw meat in a toaster oven?
Yes, you can cook raw meat in a toaster oven. You can either cook it on a baking sheet or in a dish.