Reina 
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You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a toaster that browns evenly, fits a thick bagel, and doesn’t quit on you after six months. I’ve been burned by cheap toasters before — literally. Uneven heating, stuck levers, crusts that come out pale while the center is burnt. So I set out to find the best toaster under $60 that actually delivers.
After testing the top contenders side-by-side, the Keenstone 4-Slice stands out as the best overall for most people. It packs a touchscreen, memory function, and wide slots without breaking the budget. If you only need two slots and want something sleek, the Mecity 2-Slice is a close second.
The short answer? You don’t need to spend more than $60 to get a great toaster — you just need to pick the right one for your kitchen.
Top Picks at a Glance
Here’s the quick version if you’re in a hurry. These are the three I’d recommend to a friend today.
What to Look for in the Best Toaster Under $60
Before I get into the individual reviews, here’s what I focused on while testing. These are the criteria that actually matter when you’re shopping on a budget.
Wattage and heating speed. A toaster with 1400W or more will toast faster and more evenly. Lower wattage models take longer and often leave you with hot spots. Slot width. If you eat bagels or artisan bread, you need at least 1.5-inch slots. Narrow slots will crush your bread and toast unevenly. Features that save time. Defrost, reheat, and bagel modes aren’t just gimmicks — they change the heating pattern so frozen waffles don’t come out burnt. A cancel button is non-negotiable. Build quality. Stainless steel exteriors last longer than plastic and are easier to clean. Removable crumb trays make cleanup much easier. Browning control. The best toasters have at least 6 settings. More isn’t always better if the increments don’t actually change the color from one click to the next.
One note: the Cuisinart CPT-T40P1 Touchscreen Toaster is a solid option many people love, but it’s well over our $60 budget. If you can stretch your budget, it’s worth considering. Otherwise, the options below all deliver great performance under $60.
The Best Toasters Under $60 – Tested and Ranked
I tested each of these toasters with white bread, whole wheat bagels, and frozen waffles. Here’s how they stacked up, ranked from best to worst value for your money.
1. Keenstone 4 Slice Touch Screen Toaster
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Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (799 reviews)
Key Specs: 1400W | 4-slice | Stainless Steel | Touchscreen Display | Removable Crumb Tray
I’ll be honest: I didn’t expect much from a touchscreen toaster at this price point. I thought it’d be a gimmick. But the Keenstone 4 Slice surprised me from the first use. The 1400W heating elements deliver fast, even browning. The touchscreen icons for bagel, waffle, pastry, and muffin aren’t just decorative — they actually adjust the heating pattern so your food comes out right.
The memory function is a lifesaver if you share the toaster with a partner who likes things darker. You can set it once and forget it. The wide slots easily fit Texas toast and thick bagels. And the single-slice mode is smarter than I expected — it adjusts the heating to toast just one slice evenly instead of blasting it.
What I didn’t love: The touchscreen can be finicky if your fingers are greasy from butter or cooking oil. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting. The plastic on some parts feels a bit less premium than the stainless steel front, though that’s typical at this price. A few users reported inconsistent browning on the first use, but I didn’t experience that after a few cycles.
Who should buy this: Anyone who wants the most features for their money. If you’re feeding a family or just want a 4-slice toaster that can handle everything, this is the best toaster under $60 you can buy.
2. Mecity 2 Slice Touch Screen Toaster
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Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (2,016 reviews)
Key Specs: 825W | 2-slice | Stainless Steel / ABS | 4.4-inch Touchscreen | Removable Crumb Tray
If you don’t need four slots, the Mecity is arguably the best-built toaster under $60. The mirror-finish stainless steel looks way more expensive than it is. The 4.4-inch touchscreen is bright and responsive — much better than I expected for a toaster in this range.
It toasted my gluten-free bread evenly on the first try, which is rare. Most budget toasters either burn the edges or leave the center pale. The Mecity gave me consistent golden-brown results. The 1.5-inch wide slots fit bagels and artisan bread without squishing them.
What I didn’t love: It’s only 825W, so it’s a bit slower than the Keenstone. You’ll wait an extra 30 seconds to a minute for your toast. There’s also no memory function, so you have to adjust the settings each time. And it’s strictly a 2-slice — if you’re feeding more than two people, you’ll be waiting for back-to-back cycles.
Who should buy this: Style-conscious users who want a premium-looking toaster without spending a lot. It’s perfect for couples or individuals who only need two slices and want a bright, easy-to-read display.
3. Amazon Basics 4 Slice Toaster
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Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (41,433 reviews)
Key Specs: 1500W | 4-slice | Metal/Plastic | 7 Browning Levels | Extra-Wide Slots
This is the people’s champion. Over 41,000 reviews don’t lie. The Amazon Basics 4 Slice is a workhorse. 1500W of power means it toasts fast and evenly. The 7 browning levels give you fine control — I found level 4 perfect for white bread, level 5 for whole wheat.
The extra-wide slots handle bagels and artisan bread with ease. And the price is hard to beat for a 4-slice toaster. It has cancel, defrost, and bagel buttons, plus a removable crumb tray. It’s the definition of reliable, straightforward performance.
What I didn’t love: The plastic exterior feels cheap. It’s not fragile, but it doesn’t look as nice on your counter as the Keenstone or Mecity. The bagel setting only toasts the cut side, which some users dislike — they expected both sides to toast. The buttons can feel a bit unresponsive if you don’t press firmly.
Who should buy this: Bargain hunters who prioritize capacity and even toasting over premium materials. If you need a 4-slice toaster on a tight budget, this is your best bet.
4. bella 4 Slice Slim Toaster
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Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (16,217 reviews)
Key Specs: 900W | 4-slice (long) | Metal/Plastic | 10-inch Long Slots | Slim Design
The bella is the specialist in this group. It has two long 10-inch slots, perfect for sourdough batards, baguettes, or artisan bread that won’t fit in standard toasters. It’s also slim, so it fits on tight countertops without taking up much space. The oatmilk color is a nice touch — it looks good in a modern kitchen.
The high-lift lever is useful for small slices of bread. You won’t have to fish them out with a fork. The 6 shade settings provide decent control, and the cancel button works well.
What I didn’t love: The 900W wattage is low for a 4-slice toaster. It takes noticeably longer to toast than the Keenstone or Amazon Basics. There’s no bagel or defrost mode, which limits its versatility. The plastic shell may scratch over time, especially if you clean it frequently.
Who should buy this: Users who need a 4-slice toaster but have limited counter space, or anyone who frequently toasts long artisan bread. If you mostly toast standard bread, the Amazon Basics is a better deal.
5. BLACK+DECKER 2 Slice Toaster
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Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (14,932 reviews)
Key Specs: 850W | 2-slice | Plastic | Extra-Wide 1.5-inch Slots | 6 Browning Settings
This is the classic budget pick. It’s simple, reliable, and cheap. The extra-wide 1.5-inch slots fit bagels and thick bread without issue. The 6 browning settings are consistent enough for daily use — I got the same results every time I used it.
It’s compact, so it won’t take up much counter space. The removable crumb tray makes cleaning easy. And the cancel button is a nice safety feature if you smell something starting to burn.
What I didn’t love: There’s no defrost or reheat function. If you’re toasting frozen waffles, you’ll have to guess the right setting. The plastic feels light and prone to scratches. The lever feels a bit flimsy compared to more expensive models. Browning can be uneven on the first cycle — I suggest running it empty once before first use.
Who should buy this: Minimalists who just need toast, bagels, or English muffins. It’s also a great choice for students, dorm rooms, or as a backup toaster. If you don’t need fancy modes, this will serve you well.
6. Elite Gourmet ECT1027G 2 Slice Toaster
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Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (11,366 reviews)
Key Specs: ~800W | 2-slice | Stainless Steel | 1.25-inch Slots | 6 Browning Settings
This is the absolute cheapest option that’s still worth buying. The stainless steel exterior looks decent, and the cool-touch feature is a nice safety touch — the outside doesn’t get too hot to handle. The gunmetal gray finish looks better than you’d expect at this price.
It has 6 shade settings and a cancel button. The removable crumb tray makes cleaning manageable. It’s compact and lightweight, easy to store or move around.
What I didn’t love: It’s slow. Toasting takes longer than any other toaster on this list. The 1.25-inch slots are narrow — they won’t fit thick Texas toast or artisan bread. The lever feels flimsy. There’s no defrost or reheat function. It’s best thought of as a functional placeholder.
Who should buy this: Someone who needs a temporary backup, or has an extremely tight budget. It’s also fine for a dorm room or RV where you don’t want to risk a more expensive toaster. But temper your expectations — it’s a basic toaster and performs like one.
Quick Decision Guide – Which One Should You Buy?
Here’s how to choose based on your specific situation:
- For the best overall under $60 (4-slice, feature-packed): Keenstone 4 Slice Touch Screen Toaster. Spend the full budget, get the most value.
- For the best 2-slice with style and precision: Mecity 2 Slice Touch Screen Toaster. Slightly cheaper, excellent ratings, premium look.
- For the best budget 4-slice (reliable and simple): Amazon Basics 4 Slice Toaster. Great for families who need four slots on a budget.
- For small countertops and long bread: bella 4 Slice Slim. Space-saver with long slots for artisan bread.
- For the lowest cost with decent performance: BLACK+DECKER 2 Slice. A safe, cheap bet that works.
- If you only have a very small budget: Elite Gourmet. A functional placeholder, but it’s fine for temporary use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find a good 4-slice toaster under $60?
Yes. The Keenstone 4 Slice is the best option if you want modern features like a touchscreen and memory function. The Amazon Basics 4 Slice is a solid budget-friendly alternative that has been tested by thousands of users.
Is a touchscreen toaster worth it under $60?
It depends on your priorities. Touchscreen toasters like the Keenstone and Mecity offer convenient presets and easy-to-read displays. However, mechanical dials are generally more durable over the long term. If you like having precise control, a touchscreen is worth considering.
How important is wattage for even toasting?
Very important. Higher wattage (1400W+) means faster, more even toasting. Lower wattage toasters (under 1000W) take longer and may leave you with hot spots. If you want consistent results, aim for at least 1400W for a 4-slice toaster.
What’s the most reliable toaster under $60?
The Amazon Basics 4 Slice has the most reviews of any toaster on this list — over 41,000 — and maintains a strong 4.3-star rating. The Keenstone and Mecity also have excellent reliability based on user feedback. The BLACK+DECKER 2 Slice is a proven classic if you just need basic toasting.
What’s the most important feature for even toasting?
Wattage and slot width. Higher wattage ensures even heating, while wider slots allow thick bread to toast evenly without being compressed. Browning level range matters too — 6 or 7 settings give you enough control to dial in your perfect toast.
Final Verdict – The Best Toaster Under $60
If I had to recommend just one toaster from this list, it would be the Keenstone 4 Slice Touch Screen Toaster. It gives you the most bang for your buck — a full touchscreen, memory function, wide slots, and 1400W of power. It’s the only toaster under $60 that combines all these features in one package.
For those who only need two slices, the Mecity 2 Slice is nearly perfect. It’s beautifully built, consistently toasts evenly, and has a bright touchscreen that’s easy to use.
Think about how you’ll actually use your toaster — how many slices per day, what type of bread, how much counter space you have — before making your final decision. Check current prices using the links above; they often fluctuate, and you might snag a deal even better than expected.
