6 Best Toaster Ovens Under $50 of 2026

This DASH Mini unit is a delightfully compact powerhouse, perfectly sized for tiny kitchens, dorm rooms, or single servings. Leading with its ultra-small footprint, it’s designed to handle more than just toast, tackling bagels, small pizzas, and even cookies with surprising ease. Its primary appeal lies in its sheer simplicity and portability, solving the common pain point of needing a quick cooking solution without the bulk or energy consumption of a full-sized oven or larger countertop appliance.

Performance aligns with its “mini” designation; it’s ideal for single portions or quick snacks. The 550-watt element heats up rapidly, though consistent toasting across multiple slices isn’t its strong suit – it’s built for one or two items at a time. The dial timer is straightforward, ensuring basic tasks are easy to manage, and its small interior (accommodating just a few slices or a single cookie) makes it energy-efficient for small jobs.

Compared to larger compact models like the Elite Gourmet ETO490, the DASH Mini sacrifices capacity for unmatched space-saving and simplicity. It’s the perfect companion for minimalist living or those who only need to occasionally toast or heat something small. While less versatile than the COMFEE’ Mini with its wider temperature range, the DASH excels in its specific niche of being incredibly small and easy to use, offering exceptional value for its size and basic functionality.

The COMFEE’ Mini 2-Slice stands out as a surprisingly versatile compact oven, earning its “Best Overall” designation by packing useful features into a small form factor. With 1000 watts of power and two heating tubes, it offers a broader temperature range (160~450°F) than many mini competitors, allowing for baking beyond just toast. The inclusion of an interior oven light is a premium touch rarely seen in this size and price category, adding convenience and monitoring capability.

Real-world testing shows this COMFEE’ unit handles baking tasks surprisingly well for its size, from small pizzas to broiling chicken wings, thanks to its adjustable temperature. Its 10.24 x 7.44 x 6.89-inch interior is compact but efficiently designed for 2 slices or small dishes. While the two simple knobs make operation easy, achieving perfectly even toasting across the entire rack can sometimes require rotating items, a common limitation in smaller ovens.

Positioned against the even smaller DASH Mini, the COMFEE’ offers significantly more cooking flexibility with its wider temperature control and higher wattage, justifying its slightly higher price point. It provides a better balance of size and performance than the Elite Gourmet ETO490 for those prioritizing function over maximum capacity in a compact design. This makes it ideal for individuals or couples needing more than just basic toasting, offering superior versatility in a small footprint.

The Elite Gourmet ETO490 positions itself as a robust compact option, offering a 9-liter capacity designed to handle up to 4 slices of toast or small baking tasks. Its compact design is a clear selling point, fitting neatly on counters where larger ovens won’t. With 800 watts of power and an adjustable temperature range from 200°F to 450°F, it provides the essential functions of baking, broiling, and toasting needed for everyday use, addressing the need for versatility in a smaller appliance.

In terms of performance, the ETO490 capably handles standard toasting and reheating tasks for small portions. The 30-minute timer with adjustable temperature offers sufficient control for simple baking or broiling. While 800 watts is adequate, it’s less powerful than the 1000W COMFEE’ Mini, potentially leading to slightly slower heating or cooking times for some tasks. Its 4-slice capacity is practical for small families or preparing multiple items simultaneously, a step up from the 2-slice mini models.

Compared to the COMFEE’ Countertop Oven CTO-E101A, the Elite Gourmet offers a similar capacity and function set but with slightly lower wattage. It provides a good balance of size and utility, making it suitable for individuals or small families who need more capacity than a 2-slice model but are limited on counter space. It delivers solid core functionality at a competitive price point, standing as a capable entry in the compact toaster oven market.

The COMFEE’ CTO-E101A emerges as a highly competitive “Best Budget Friendly” option, delivering impressive capacity and functionality for its price point. With a 10-liter interior capable of holding 4 slices or a 9-inch pizza, it strikes an excellent balance between size and utility. Offering bake, broil, and toast functions with a wide temperature range of 150°F to 450°F and 950 watts of power, it addresses the common user need for a versatile appliance that doesn’t consume excessive counter space or break the bank.

Performance is reliable for everyday cooking tasks. It heats up quickly thanks to the 950W element, and the adjustable temperature allows for baking a variety of items, from cookies to small casseroles. The 30-minute timer with a ‘stay-on’ feature adds useful flexibility for longer cooking times. Its capacity is a significant advantage over smaller mini ovens, making it practical for preparing meals for one or two people or handling larger snacks like a 9-inch pizza.

Directly comparing it to the Elite Gourmet ETO490, the COMFEE’ CTO-E101A offers slightly higher wattage (950W vs 800W) and a marginally larger capacity (10L vs 9L) while remaining firmly in the budget-friendly category. It provides a strong set of features typically found in slightly more expensive models, making it an excellent value proposition for those seeking maximum functionality on a tight budget. It’s an ideal choice for students, small apartments, or anyone needing a versatile secondary oven.

The BLACK+DECKER TO1745SSG-1A is designed for consistent performance, specifically highlighted by its “Best Even Toast” capability. Featuring EvenToast Technology, this 4-slice oven aims to deliver more uniform results than many budget competitors, a key pain point for users frustrated by unevenly toasted bread. Its stainless steel finish and compact design add a touch of style while offering four cooking functions: toast, bake, broil, and keep warm, providing everyday versatility.

Performance lives up to the “EvenToast” claim, producing noticeably more consistent browning across the rack compared to basic models. It comfortably fits 4 slices of bread or a 9″ pizza, making it suitable for small family needs. The 30-minute timer with a stay-on function is practical for various cooking tasks, and the clear glass door allows easy monitoring. While it sits slightly above the strict sub-$50 price point, its enhanced toasting quality and build justify the slight premium for many users.

Comparing it to the COMFEE’ Countertop Oven CTO-E101A, the BLACK+DECKER emphasizes toasting consistency and a slightly more refined finish, potentially at a slightly higher cost. It’s best suited for users who prioritize reliable toasting results and a familiar brand name over the absolute lowest price. This model offers a step up in performance and build quality for those willing to invest a little extra, providing a dependable everyday appliance.

The Proctor Silex 31260 positions itself as a straightforward and powerful option in the “Best Mid Range” category, offering essential functionality without unnecessary complexity. Boasting a substantial 1100 watts of power, it stands out among compact models for its ability to heat quickly and cook efficiently. Designed to toast up to 4 slices simultaneously, it focuses on the core needs of baking, toasting, and broiling, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

Performance is notably speedy thanks to the higher wattage, reducing cooking times for common tasks like reheating leftovers or making toast. The simple manual controls are a deliberate choice, appealing to users who prefer ease of use over digital interfaces or complex settings. While it lacks advanced features like convection or a wide temperature range, its direct heating power ensures consistent results for its intended functions. The 4-slice capacity is convenient for small families or preparing multiple servings.

When compared to the COMFEE’ Countertop Oven CTO-E101A, the Proctor Silex offers significantly higher wattage (1100W vs 950W), potentially leading to faster cooking, though often at a slightly higher price. It provides a no-frills, high-power solution ideal for users who value speed and simplicity above all else. It’s a reliable workhorse for essential toaster oven tasks, offering excellent heating performance for its size and price segment.