5 Best Toasters Under $40 to Buy in 2026

The bella 2-Slice Slim Toaster is a game-changer for cramped kitchens, boasting an incredibly slender 3.58-inch profile. Its standout feature is the unique 10-inch long slot, capable of toasting two standard slices side-by-side or handling substantial artisan breads and baguettes in a single go. The high-lift lever is another practical touch, making it easy to grab smaller items without reaching into hot slots.

With 900 watts of power, this bella unit heats up quickly, offering six shade settings for customizable results. The long slot design, while great for specific bread types, means two standard slices share one heating element zone, which could potentially lead to slight variations compared to independent dual slots. The removable crumb tray and integrated cord wrap contribute to a tidy countertop.

Compared to standard 2-slice toasters like the Hamilton Beach, the bella sacrifices some traditional slot layout for its remarkable space-saving design. It’s significantly slimmer than the Elite Gourmet 4-slice model. This toaster is purpose-built for those prioritizing minimal footprint above all else, perfect for dorms, small apartments, or RVs. It offers a unique blend of compact size and versatile slot design not found in typical toasters.

For households that demand high capacity and flexibility, the Elite Gourmet ECT4123 is a compelling choice. Its two extra-large slots, measuring a generous 1.5 inches wide, 10 inches long, and 5.1 inches deep, are specifically designed to accommodate up to four standard slices or handle exceptionally thick bagels, artisan breads, and waffles with ease. Dedicated Bagel, Defrost, and Reheat functions provide convenient one-touch operation for common tasks.

This Elite Gourmet model offers six adjustable toasting levels, allowing users to achieve their desired browning from light to dark. The long slot design ensures even coverage for elongated bread types. While its larger capacity is a major advantage, the physical footprint is consequently bigger than a standard 2-slice unit like the BLACK+DECKER. The 4-slice capability makes it highly efficient for families or entertaining.

Positioned as a versatile, high-capacity workhorse, this toaster stands in contrast to smaller units like the Ovente or space-saving Bella Slim. It directly competes with standard 4-slice models but offers the long slot design for added versatility with specialty breads. It’s the ideal choice for users who frequently toast multiple items or large, irregular-shaped loaves. It provides significantly more capacity and bread flexibility than any 2-slice model.

Bringing a touch of modern convenience to the countertop, this 2-slice toaster stands out with its bright LCD digital countdown timer. This feature eliminates guesswork, letting you see exactly how much time remains until your toast is ready. The 1.5-inch extra-wide slots are well-equipped to handle bagels, thicker muffins, and Texas toast without jamming, catering to diverse breakfast needs.

Beyond the timer, this unit offers nine adjustable browning controls, providing a wider range of crispness options than many competitors. It includes essential functions like Bagel, Defrost, Reheat, and Cancel. Performance is generally reliable for a standard 2-slice unit, fitting standard slices centrally within the wide slots for potentially more even heating. The built-in cord storage helps keep counters neat.

Compared to traditional dial-based toasters like the Hamilton Beach or BLACK+DECKER, this model’s digital timer and nine shade settings offer enhanced precision and user experience. It provides more granular control than the 6-shade Ovente or Elite Gourmet. This toaster is best suited for users who appreciate modern features, precise control, and visual feedback on the toasting process, offering more tech-savvy features than most toasters in its class.

A straightforward and dependable option, the BLACK+DECKER T2569B focuses on core functionality, particularly excelling with specific presets. Its extra-wide slots are designed to accommodate thicker items like bagels and artisan bread slices without issues. The dedicated Bagel and Frozen buttons take the guesswork out of two common toasting tasks, automatically adjusting the cycle for optimal results.

Powered by 850 watts, this BLACK+DECKER model provides sufficient heat for quick toasting. It offers six shade settings via a simple dial, covering the basic range from light to dark. While it lacks a high-lift lever, the mechanism is standard for retrieving toast. The slide-out crumb tray is easily accessible for cleaning, helping maintain hygiene and prevent burnt smells.

Positioned as a reliable, no-nonsense appliance, this BLACK+DECKER is simpler than the feature-rich Toaster with its digital display or the versatile Elite Gourmet 4-slice unit. It’s comparable to the Hamilton Beach in capacity but emphasizes specific presets over a wide shade range or Toast Boost. It’s an excellent choice for users who primarily toast standard bread, bagels, or frozen items and value simplicity and dedicated function buttons over extensive customization options.

The OVENTE TP2210B is designed with extreme compactness and simplicity in mind, making it an ideal fit for spaces where every inch counts. Its minimalist design and lightweight build are perfect for dorm rooms, small apartments, or even taking on the go. The 2-slice capacity is standard for single users or couples, and the operation is refreshingly straightforward with a single dial for shade selection and cancellation.

Operating at 700 watts, this OVENTE toaster handles basic toasting tasks quickly enough for busy mornings. It offers six shade settings via the rotary dial, allowing for customization from lightly warmed to crispy. While it lacks dedicated buttons for Bagel or Defrost functions found on models like the BLACK+DECKER or Hamilton Beach, its core purpose is simple bread toasting. The removable crumb tray and cord wrap aid in keeping the area tidy.

As the most space-efficient and basic option in the lineup, the OVENTE stands apart from larger or more feature-laden models like the Elite Gourmet or the Toaster with its digital display. It’s even more compact than the Bella Slim, though less versatile with slot size. This unit is tailored for users who need a bare-bones, reliable toaster for standard bread slices and prioritize maximum counter space savings above all other features.