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If you’re looking for an affordable toaster, the Beautiful 4-Slice Toaster with Touch-Activated Display is the strongest budget pick in RTINGS’ roundup updated September 11, 2026. It browns evenly and offers room for four slices, but its poor crumb containment can leave bits on the counter. If you’d prefer a no-frills model for the sake of paying as little as possible, consider the two-slice BLACK+DECKER T2569B; choose the Dash Clear View Long Slot instead if long slices of focaccia or sourdough are a regular part of breakfast.
These recommendations are based on US-focused coverage. Prices and availability can change, and similarly named models are not interchangeable.
How to choose an economical toaster
Prioritize how well a toaster browns bread over how many buttons it has. RTINGS identifies fast, even browning without drying bread as the key performance consideration. Capacity, slot dimensions, and cleanup then help determine which model suits your kitchen.
- Match capacity to your household: A two-slice toaster is a sensible fit for smaller households; four slots can handle more bread or a wider range of baked goods at once.
- Check the slots against your bread: Wide slots are useful for thicker slices. A long slot can accommodate bread that will not fit comfortably in a conventional toaster, such as a long slice of focaccia or sourdough.
- Read the bagel controls carefully: A bagel button may simply extend the cycle, rather than heat only the cut face. That distinction changes how the bagel comes out.
- Account for cleanup: A low price is less appealing if crumbs routinely escape onto the counter.
RTINGS says it tested more than 25 toaster models for its 2026 guide. The scores below are its reported ratings, not a guarantee that every slice or setting will produce the same result in every kitchen.
#1 Best Overall
- EVEN, CUSTOMIZABLE BROWNING: 6 adjustable shade settings let you toast from lightly golden to crispy dark. Self-centering guides help position bread for more consistent heat distribution. Start on level 2–3 for first use and adjust to your preference.
- XTRA WIDE 1.25” SLOTS: Easily fits bagels, waffles, English muffins, and thick-cut specialty breads without jamming or uneven edges.
- BUILT WITH SAFETY IN MIND: ETL certified and designed for safe countertop use with a cool-touch exterior and stable non-slip feet. For best performance, allow proper airflow during and after use.
- QUICK & EASY CLEANUP: Convenient slide-out crumb tray catches debris for fast wipe-away cleaning and less mess on your counter.
- COMPACT, SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: Perfect for apartments, dorm rooms, offices, campers, and small kitchens where counter space matters. Stylish black finish complements any setup.
Best budget toaster: Beautiful 4-Slice Toaster with Touch-Activated Display
This is the best choice for shoppers who want strong toast performance and four-slice capacity without moving to a premium model. RTINGS’ September 11, 2026 update describes four wide slots, seven shade settings, frozen and gluten-free buttons, a cycle countdown, and a bagel function that toasts one side.
In RTINGS’ testing, the Beautiful scored 9.5/10 for evenness, 8.1/10 for speed, 9.4/10 for bagels, and 8.5/10 for moisture retention. Those scores make it the most compelling all-round budget option here if toast quality is the priority.
Rank #2
- NOT JUST FOR TOAST: The extra wide 1.5" slots and 7 browning levels allow for toasting a variety of breakfasts and snacks; Toast bagels, waffles, specialty breads or puff pastry baked snacks
- COOL TOUCH: With easy to use push-down toasting lever and non-slip feet; The swing-out crumb tray has a simple wipe-away surface for quick cleaning
- PORTABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT: Easy to carry and lightweight, the Elite Gourmet Toaster is perfect for a small apartment, office kitchen, college dorm or camper/RV
- SELF-CENTERING: The automatic self-centering guides easily center the toast to allow even distribution of heat for perfect browning every time
- CANCEL FUNCTION: Easily cancel any toasting cycle in the middle of toasting by simply adjusting the knob. No need to push up on the lever to reduce the risk of damage
The tradeoff: crumbs
Its crumb-management score was 4.0/10 in the same RTINGS review. The review notes that crumbs can end up on the counter, so expect to wipe around the toaster more often than its feature list might suggest. If easy cleanup matters more than four slots or one-sided bagel toasting, the basic BLACK+DECKER is worth considering.
Best cheap, basic toaster: BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster T2569B
The RTINGS-reviewed T2569B is a straightforward option for smaller households and shoppers who want a two-slice toaster with simple controls. It has bagel, frozen, and stop-cycle buttons, but no cycle countdown. RTINGS reports scores of 9.6/10 for evenness, 8.1/10 for speed, 8.3/10 for moisture retention, and 7.0/10 for crumb management.
Rank #3
- SLIM DESIGN, BIG IMPACT: With a sleek 3.58" profile, the bella 2-Slice Slim Toaster fits comfortably on any countertop without taking up much space. Part of our Fits-anywhere kitchenware collection, it’s the perfect blend of style and practicality
- One Long Slot for Versatile Toasting: The extra-wide, 10-inch long slot accommodates two slices of bread side by side or thick artisan breads like bagels, baguettes, and Texas-style toasts. No more squeezing or cutting—just perfect toast, every time
- TOASTED PERFECTION: Six shade settings with a convenient cancel function allow you to customize your bread to your exact preference, from lightly golden to dark and crispy. Achieve your ideal toast with just a simple turn of the dial
- EASY CLEANUP & CLUTTER-FREE COUNTERTOP: The removable crumb tray slides out for quick cleaning, ensuring your toaster stays tidy and operates efficiently. Plus, the cord wrap feature keeps your countertop neat and free from tangled cords
- EFFORTLESS ACCESS: Retrieving smaller slices like English muffins is a breeze with the high-lift lever, giving you easy access without burning your fingers. It’s thoughtful details like these that make this appliance a must-have for every kitchen
Its bagel button does not toast one side only
On the T2569B, the bagel setting increases the timer; it does not switch off a set of heating elements. Both sides of the bagel toast. If you specifically want the cut face toasted while the outside stays softer, the Beautiful’s one-sided bagel function is the better fit.
Do not confuse T2569B with TR0025B
BLACK+DECKER’s official US product page is for model TR0025B, not the RTINGS-reviewed T2569B. The manufacturer page displayed $29.99 when accessed October 8, 2026, and lists extra-wide self-centering slots, seven shade settings, bagel/frozen/cancel controls, a high-lift lever, a pull-out crumb tray, a cord wrap, and a two-year limited warranty. Those are TR0025B specifications and should not be attributed to the T2569B. Check the manufacturer page for current pricing and warranty terms: BLACK+DECKER 2 Slice Toaster, model TR0025B.
Rank #4
- COOL-TOUCH COMPACT STYLE: Enjoy the modern functionality and performance of a kitchen mainstay. The glossy gunmetal gray finish adds sophistication to any kitchen.
- NOT JUST FOR TOAST: The extra wide 1.25" slots allow for toasting a variety of breakfast breads and snacks. It’s great for delicious bagels, waffles, specialty breads or pastry snacks.
- 6 ADJUSTABLE TOASTING SHADES: Customize your toast to perfection, from lightly warmed to dark and crispy, ensuring the ideal level of browning every time.
- SELF-CENTERING: The automatic self-centering guides easily center the toast to allow even distribution of heat for perfect browning every time.
- CONVENIENT CANCEL BUTTON: Interrupt the toasting cycle at any time with a quick press, releasing your toast immediately.
Best long-slot budget alternative: Dash Clear View Long Slot
Choose the Dash if bread fit is your main problem. Its single long, wide slot can hold two standard sandwich slices side by side or a longer slice of focaccia or sourdough, according to RTINGS. The guide reports 8.6/10 for evenness, 7.9/10 for speed, and 9.1/10 for bagels.
The Dash includes seven shade settings, frozen and bagel modes, and a viewing window. The glowing heating elements can make it difficult to judge toast visually through that window, and crumb management scored 5.0/10 in RTINGS’ review. Its long slot is a practical specialty advantage, not a reason to assume it outperforms the Beautiful or BLACK+DECKER in every respect.
Best Value
- Slim Design, Big Impact: With a sleek 3.58" profile, the bella 2-Slice Slim Toaster fits comfortably on any countertop without taking up much space. Part of our Fits-anywhere kitchenware collection, it’s the perfect blend of style and practicality
- One Long Slot for Versatile Toasting: The extra-wide, 10-inch long slot accommodates two slices of bread side by side or thick artisan breads like bagels, baguettes, and Texas-style toasts. No more squeezing or cutting—just perfect toast, every time
- Toasted Perfection: Six shade settings with a convenient cancel function allow you to customize your bread to your exact preference, from lightly golden to dark and crispy. Achieve your ideal toast with just a simple turn of the dial
- Easy Cleanup & Clutter-Free Countertop: The removable crumb tray slides out for quick cleaning, ensuring your smart toaster stays tidy and operates efficiently. Plus, the cord wrap feature keeps your countertop neat and free from tangled cords
- Effortless Access: Retrieving smaller slices like English muffins is a breeze with the high-lift lever, giving you easy access without burning your fingers. It’s thoughtful details like these that make this appliance a must-have for every kitchen
At-a-glance comparison
| Model | Best for | Reported performance | Bagel behavior | Cleanup note | Price information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beautiful 4-Slice Toaster with Touch-Activated Display | Four-slice capacity and a feature-rich budget pick | RTINGS: evenness 9.5/10; speed 8.1/10; bagels 9.4/10; moisture retention 8.5/10 | Toasts one side | Crumb management 4.0/10; crumbs can land on the counter | Current price not stated in the cited RTINGS guide |
| BLACK+DECKER T2569B | Basic two-slice use and smaller households | RTINGS: evenness 9.6/10; speed 8.1/10; moisture retention 8.3/10 | Extends the cycle; toasts both sides | Crumb management 7.0/10 | Current price not stated in the cited RTINGS guide |
| Dash Clear View Long Slot | Long slices and two standard slices side by side | RTINGS: evenness 8.6/10; speed 7.9/10; bagels 9.1/10 | Bagel mode included; one-sided behavior not stated in the cited RTINGS guide | Crumb management 5.0/10 | Current price not stated in the cited RTINGS guide |
RTINGS test scores and model descriptions come from its 2026 budget and cheap toaster guide, updated September 11, 2026. The price cells reflect what that cited guide establishes, not a claim that no retailer sells these models.
Other compact options and checking prices
Cuisinart’s official US toaster catalog showed the 2-Slice Compact Toaster at $39.95, the 4-Slice Compact Toaster at $59.95, and a 2-Slice XL Slot Stainless Steel Toaster at $39.95 when accessed October 8, 2026. These are catalog price snapshots, not verified street prices, and the catalog listing does not establish that those models toast better than the independently tested picks above. See the Cuisinart US toaster catalog for current listings.
Before buying, confirm the exact model number, current price, and warranty on the seller or manufacturer page. The TR0025B manufacturer listing should not be used as a price or specification source for the T2569B.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
