(checked 2026-10-10)
Wirecutter's budget pick toasts better than any oven it tested under $100, but it runs cool for baking. Amazon owners report uneven bottom heat, units failing within a year, and some flame or burn incidents.
Top complaints
- Uneven or cool heating
Amazon's summary says heat output is problematic, with the lower element not heating evenly and food not cooking properly. Wirecutter found it runs cool and says to add about 25°F when baking.
- Safety and durability reports
Amazon's summary says customers report safety concerns, including flames coming out of the oven and burnt hands, and units breaking within a year.
- Awkward toast dial and weak door spring
Wirecutter says the toast-shade setting on the timer dial is hard to judge, you must lower it for back-to-back batches, there is no preheat alert, and the door lacks a strong spring, so it can fall open.
Source: Wirecutter (toaster ovens)
What owners love
- Best toast under $100
Wirecutter says it toasted bread faster and more evenly than any other oven it has tested under $100.
Source: Wirecutter (toaster ovens) - Simple manual controls
Wirecutter calls the knobs easy to use; Amazon shoppers say it is easy to use and maintain with a simple design.
- Good value
Amazon shoppers cite good value for money, and two Wirecutter staffers used it for three years without issues.
- You bake often
- You want a preheat alert or presets
- You want something built to last years
- Toast and frozen snacks on a budget
- People who want simple knobs
- Small counters
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick that toasts better than other sub-$100 ovens; it runs cool, has an awkward toast dial and a weak door spring, and comes with a 1-year warranty.