Nostalgia Classic Retro 2-Slice Toaster, Cream

The under-$40 answer for renters, first kitchens and anyone not ready to spend appliance money on toast. Enamel-coated steel body in a soft cream, wide slots, six browning levels, bagel and defrost functions, a crumb tray and even cord storage underneath. It won't fool anyone up close — the proportions are boxier and the lever is plasticky — but styled next to a vase of dried flowers it absolutely holds its own in photos.

Good to know: Lighter-weight build than either Smeg or Haden; expect it to be a 3-to-5-year appliance rather than a decade one.

As featured in our guide Smeg vs Haden Toaster: Which Retro Toaster Is Worth It? (2026).