6 Best Retro Toasters to Buy in 2026

Step into the future of toast with the striking Keenstone Smart Touch Screen toaster, a standout model that marries classic retro aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. Its intuitive touch screen interface offers a level of modern convenience rarely seen in this category, making selecting your ideal toast level effortlessly precise. Crafted from premium stainless steel, it boasts a durable build that looks sophisticated on any counter while promising longevity, directly addressing the need for appliances that are both beautiful and built to last.

This 2-slice unit delivers consistent performance across its 6 browning levels, easily handling everything from thin sandwich bread to thicker bagels thanks to its 1.5-inch wide slots. We found the reheat and defrost functions worked as expected, reviving frozen slices without turning them into charcoal. While the touch screen is a novel addition, it requires a quick learning curve compared to traditional levers, though cleanup is simple with the removable crumb tray.

Positioned as our Best Overall pick, the Keenstone stands apart with its smart features, offering a more technologically advanced experience than the basic Toaster 2 Slice (B07TRQ4PQV). While it lacks the unique design flair of the Hazel Quinn (B0CKPD6XTJ), its blend of retro style and digital control targets users who appreciate modern functionality alongside vintage looks. This model offers a premium feel and unique interface compared to more traditional options.

The Toaster 2 Slice Retro is a dependable workhorse that focuses on delivering consistent toasting with a classic retro appeal. Its external 18/8 stainless steel build feels robust and designed to last, resisting wear even under frequent high-temperature use. The internal bidirectional surround heating technology is a key feature, ensuring that bread is baked evenly from top to bottom, a common pain point with less advanced models.

This unit handles standard toasting duties with competence, offering 6 shade settings that range from lightly warmed to deeply browned, catering to diverse preferences. The 1.5-inch extra wide slots comfortably accommodate thicker items like bagels and artisan bread, while dedicated bagel and defrost functions add versatility. Its straightforward operation, primarily through simple buttons, makes it highly accessible for everyday use.

Designated as our Best Basic choice, this model provides reliable performance without unnecessary complexity, making it a solid counterpoint to the feature-rich Hamilton Beach (B09B45NYDB). While it doesn’t offer the smart tech of the Keenstone (B0D7PVGCM6), its durable construction and even toasting capability make it an excellent value for those seeking a no-frills retro toaster. It delivers essential functionality reliably compared to more complex, pricier alternatives.

For those who view kitchen appliances as pieces of art, the Hazel Quinn X Eduardo Recife Collaboration toaster is a true statement piece. This model stands out immediately with its unique, artistic design, a direct result of the collaboration, transforming a mundane appliance into a conversation starter. Beyond aesthetics, its automatic centering feature ensures that slices, whether thick or thin, are held perfectly in place for consistently even toasting, a crucial detail for perfect results every time.

Functionally, it provides the core features expected in a quality 2-slice toaster, including 6 browning levels and essential defrost, reheat, and cancel functions. The 1.5-inch extra wide slots are standard for accommodating various bread types, from bagels to thicker artisan loaves. While its feature set is practical and effective for daily use, the primary appeal undeniably lies in its distinctive visual identity.

Awarded Best Design, the Hazel Quinn prioritizes form alongside function, offering a more visually compelling option than the purely utilitarian Toaster 2 Slice (B07TRQ4PQV). It lacks the smart tech of the Keenstone (B0D7PVGCM6) but compensates with a unique aesthetic that justifies its position for design-conscious buyers. Its artistic collaboration sets it apart from standard retro models at a comparable price point.

The Hamilton Beach Retro Toaster (22782) is a feature-packed contender in the 2-slice category, specifically engineered for optimal toasting results. Its headline feature, Sure-Toast technology, promises even browning on both sides of the bread, consistently delivering toast that looks and tastes perfect, addressing a common frustration with unevenly toasted slices. The Toast Boost feature is another clever addition, lifting smaller items higher for easier retrieval, preventing burnt fingertips.

Equipped with a detailed 9-shade dial, this toaster offers superior control over browning compared to models with fewer settings, allowing users to fine-tune their toast shade precisely. Dedicated bagel and defrost settings provide tailored cooking cycles for specific needs. While its retro styling is present, the focus here is clearly on enhanced toasting performance and user convenience features.

Recognized as Best Feature Rich, the Hamilton Beach (22782) provides more nuanced control and user-friendly features than the Best Basic Toaster 2 Slice (B07TRQ4PQV). Compared to the 4-slice Mueller (B0CCFPVN7D), it sacrifices capacity for specialized 2-slice features like Sure-Toast and Toast Boost, making it ideal for users who prioritize precise toasting over volume. It offers advanced functionality typically found in higher-priced models without the larger footprint.

For families or those with higher toast demands, the Mueller Retro Toaster is a game-changer with its 4-slice capacity and dual independent controls. This allows users to toast two different items or shades simultaneously, significantly speeding up breakfast prep and catering to individual preferences without compromise. Its 1.5-inch extra wide slots are ready for anything, from thick Texas toast to multiple bagels at once.

Beyond capacity, it offers solid performance with 6 browning levels and standard bagel, defrost, and cancel functions. The high lift levers are a practical addition, making it easy to retrieve smaller toasted items safely. Constructed from quality, BPA-free materials with stainless steel accents, it combines functionality with a charming vintage aesthetic, particularly in the Sage Green finish.

Positioned as our Best Mid Range pick, the Mueller 4-slice offers a step up in capacity and convenience compared to 2-slice models like the Hamilton Beach (B09B45NYDB), which focuses more on individual slice features. While it doesn’t boast a smart screen like the Keenstone (B0D7PVGCM6), its dual controls and higher volume capability make it exceptionally practical for larger households. It provides significant capacity and flexibility at a competitive point.

The Aigostar Retro Toaster offers a highly accessible entry into the world of stylish vintage appliances, proving that retro charm doesn’t have to break the bank. A standout feature is its generous 1.6-inch extra wide and 5.5-inch long slots, which are slightly larger than average, ensuring even the most awkwardly shaped artisan bread or thick bagels fit comfortably. This directly addresses the common problem of oversized slices getting stuck.

Despite its budget-friendly positioning, this 2-slice model includes a practical 4-in-1 function set (Defrost, Reheat, Cancel, Bagel) and 6 browning levels, covering all essential toasting needs. Safety features like heat insulation around the body and a high lift mechanism are thoughtful additions, enhancing user safety during operation. Its aqua green finish adds a pleasant pop of retro color to the kitchen.

Designated as our Best Budget Friendly option, the Aigostar provides excellent value by including features often found in more expensive models, like the extra wide/long slots that surpass even the Best Basic Toaster 2 Slice (B07TRQ4PQV). While it may not have the advanced features of the Hamilton Beach (B09B45NYDB), its combination of functionality, safety, and slot size makes it a smart choice for value-conscious buyers. It delivers essential retro style and utility at a very competitive price.