Some kitchen appliances earn their place through everyday use, and a toaster is one of them. It handles breakfast before work, a quick snack in the afternoon and the occasional late-night slice.
But getting evenly browned toast without taking up too much counter space is not always as simple as it sounds.
Best toasters under $30 to consider
Gadinsider has compiled five affordable two-slice toasters to help you choose. The list includes slim models, extra-wide slots and options with dedicated bagel and defrost settings. Each offers a slightly different approach to making everyday toast.
1. bella Fits-Anywhere 2-Slice Slim Toaster
The bella Fits-Anywhere is a slim two-slice toaster designed to save countertop space without limiting the type of bread you can toast.
Its 10-inch-long slot accommodates two slices side by side, as well as thicker options such as bagels, baguettes and Texas-style toast. It also offers six browning settings and a removable crumb tray.
Key features and specs
- Brand: BELLA
- Capacity: Two slices
- Slot design: One 10-inch-long, extra-wide slot
- Browning settings: Six
- Materials: Aluminium and stainless steel
- Controls: Shade selector dial and cancel function
- Extras: High-lift lever and cord wrap
- Cleaning: Removable crumb tray
Performance
The long-slot design is the main feature that sets this bella toaster apart. Rather than using two separate slots, it has one extended opening that can hold two regular slices side by side or accommodate longer pieces of bread. This makes it useful for bagels and thicker artisan loaves that may not fit comfortably in a conventional toaster.
Pros
- Slim design takes up less counter space
- Long slot accommodates different bread sizes
- Six browning settings
- High-lift lever for smaller slices
Cons
- One long slot may not suit users who prefer two separate openings
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bella Fits-Anywhere 2-Slice Slim Toaster — View at Amazon
2. BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster with Extra-Wide Slots
The BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster is a straightforward option for everyday breakfast preparation. It features two extra-wide slots designed to accommodate bagels, thick artisan bread, waffles and English muffins.
Key features and specs
- Capacity: Two slices
- Slot design: Two extra-wide slots
- Browning settings: Six
- Material: Plastic
- Controls: Adjustable shade selector and cancel button
- Extras: Compact countertop design
- Cleaning: Removable slide-out crumb tray
Performance
This BLACK+DECKER model focuses on simple toasting with enough room for thicker bread. Its extra-wide slots are intended to prevent bagels, waffles and English muffins from getting stuck during the toasting cycle.
Pros
- Extra-wide slots for thicker bread and bagels
- Six adjustable shade settings
- Cancel function for stopping cycles
- Compact countertop design
Cons
- No dedicated bagel or defrost settin
- No high-lift lever
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BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster with Extra-Wide Slots — View at Amazon
3. Hamilton Beach Extra-Wide Slot 2-Slice Toaster
The Hamilton Beach Extra-Wide Slot Toaster combines everyday toasting functions with dedicated settings for bagels and frozen bread. It has two wide slots, seven browning levels and a shade selector dial.
Key features and specs
- Capacity: Two slices
- Slot design: Two extra-wide slots
- Browning settings: Seven
- Material: Stainless steel
- Colour: Kitchen Makeover Blue
- Controls: Shade selector dial and cancel button
- Special settings: Bagel and defrost functions
Performance
The Hamilton Beach toaster offers a little more control than a basic model, with seven browning levels instead of six. Its extra-wide slots are designed for bagels and thick-cut bread, while the dedicated bagel button extends the toasting time to help warm bagels.
Pros
- Seven browning settings
- Extra-wide slots for bagels and thick bread
- Dedicated bagel and defrost functions
- Cancel button for added control
Cons
- No removable crumb tray
- No high-lift lever
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Hamilton Beach Extra-Wide Slot 2-Slice Toaster — View at Amazon
4. Elite Gourmet 2-Slice Cool-Touch Toaster
The Elite Gourmet 2-Slice Cool-Touch Toaster is a compact model designed for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, offices and other spaces where counter room is limited.
It has two 1.25-inch-wide slots, six browning settings and self-centering guides intended to position bread for more consistent toasting.
Key features and specs
- Capacity: Two slices
- Slot width: 1.25 inches
- Browning settings: Six
- Material: Polycarbonate
- Exterior: Cool-touch design
- Safety: ETL certified and non-slip feet
- Extras: Self-centering guides
- Cleaning: Slide-out crumb tray
Performance
The Elite Gourmet toaster is designed for users who want a basic appliance that does not occupy much counter space. Its 1.25-inch-wide slots can accommodate bagels, waffles and English muffins, while the self-centering guides help keep bread positioned during the heating cycle.
Pros
- Compact design for smaller spaces
- Six adjustable browning settings
- Wide slots for bagels and waffles
Cons
- No dedicated bagel or defrost buttons
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Elite Gourmet 2-Slice Cool-Touch Toaster — View at Amazon
5. Amazon Basics 2-Slice Toaster
The Amazon Basics 2-Slice Toaster is a simple everyday option with six shade settings and extra-wide slots for regular bread, bagels and thicker slices.
It also includes dedicated bagel and frozen settings, along with a cancel function and an extra-lift lever. Its 900W heating system is designed for preparing one or two slices at a time.
Key features and specs
- Capacity: Two slices
- Power: 900W
- Browning settings: Six
- Special settings: Bagel and frozen
- Controls: Cancel function and illuminated buttons
- Extras: Extra-lift lever and cord wrap
- Cleaning: Removable rear crumb tray
Performance
The Amazon Basics toaster offers several useful functions at an affordable price point. Its two extra-wide slots measure 5.25 inches long and 1.25 inches wide, providing room for bagels and thicker slices of bread.
Pros
- 900W power for everyday toasting
- Extra-wide slots with specified dimensions
- Dedicated bagel and frozen settings
Cons
- No seven-level browning control
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Amazon Basics 2-Slice Toaster — View at Amazon