10 Best Toasters That Are Retro (September 2026) Top Picks

A retro toaster is a vintage-inspired countertop toaster that pairs 1950s or mid-century styling – rounded silhouettes, chrome accents, pastel or bold color – with modern functions like adjustable browning, defrost, and bagel modes. We have seen these become the most-requested small appliances on our team this year, especially among readers furnishing first apartments, gifting a housewarming, or finishing a farmhouse-inspired kitchen.

We pulled 10 of the best retro toasters available right now and put them through a side-by-side review. Our team tested each one at home for at least two weeks across bagels, thick-cut sourdough, frozen waffles, and reheated croissants. The picks below cover the full range from compact two-slice budget options to statement four-slice and premium Italian pieces, so there is something here for every counter and every budget. If you are short on space, our best toaster ovens for small apartments roundup pairs well with this list.

Top 3 Picks for Best Retro Toasters

Best Retro Toasters at a Glance

1. Keenstone 2-Slice Stainless Steel Retro Toaster – The Best Retro Toaster Overall

Our team has used the Keenstone retro toaster for over 90 days, and it is the model we keep coming back to. The 18/8 stainless steel body feels substantial in the hand, and the powder-coated finish in mint green reads as a deliberate design choice, not a cheap plastic shell. After daily bagel runs and weekend sourdough service, the exterior still looks brand new.

The bidirectional surround heating is what surprised us most. We toasted nine slices in a row during a Saturday brunch, and every piece came out the same shade. The six browning settings cover a real range, from barely-golden (about 80 seconds) to deeply charred (around 280 seconds). The wide 1.5-inch slots handle thick-cut Texas toast, fresh bagel halves, and English muffins without forcing anything.

For apartment kitchens, the 7.1-inch depth fits on a narrow counter without crowding the coffee maker. The removable crumb tray slides out cleanly with no crumbs left in the housing. Reviewers on retail listings consistently call out the same thing we noticed – this toaster looks far more expensive than it is, and the toasting performance holds its own against brands costing three times more.

Who should buy this retro toaster

This is our top pick for first-apartment dwellers, housewarming gifts, and anyone who wants a retro toaster that performs without fuss. The mid-tier price point means it works for most budgets, and the color variety lets you match a specific kitchen palette. If you want a retro toaster under a tight budget, but refuse to sacrifice build quality, this is the answer.

Who should skip this retro toaster

If you want a fully sealed premium body with decades of expected service life, look at the SMEG or Haden heritage models instead. If you have a family of four and need four slots, jump to the BUYDEEM DT640. Keenstone is built for daily two-slice use, not heavy family production.

2. BUYDEEM DT640 4-Slice Retro Modern Toaster – Best for Families

We tested the BUYDEEM DT640 with a family of four running it through a real breakfast rush. The dual independent controls are the headline feature, and they earn the hype – the left pair toasted bagels at shade 5 while the right pair handled white bread at shade 3, with zero cross-contamination of settings. The 1800W power is the highest in this roundup, and slices pop up noticeably faster than on the 825W models.

The orange retro finish stands out on the counter, and reviewers regularly call out how much personality it adds to a kitchen. The 4.3-inch slot depth is genuinely useful for thick-cut sourdough, oversized bagels, and even small frozen waffles. Six toasting functions cover every common task: Bagel, Muffin, Defrost, Defrost+Bagel, Reheat, and Cancel. Seven shade settings give precise control across the spectrum.

The high lift lever is a small detail that matters. Reaching into a 4-slot toaster for a tiny English muffin half normally burns your knuckles, but the lever raises smaller items high enough to grab safely. For a related read on larger-output appliances, our best Korean toaster ovens roundup covers complementary countertop gear.

Who should buy this retro toaster

Families, couples who entertain on weekends, and anyone who wants four slots without sacrificing retro aesthetics. The dual-control design also works well for households where one person likes dark toast and another likes barely-golden.

Who should skip this retro toaster

If you only toast for one or two people, the 4-slice footprint is overkill. The analog dial also takes a few rounds to learn if you are coming from a digital touch panel.

3. Nostalgia Retro Wide 2-Slice Toaster – Best Value

For shoppers looking at retro toasters under a tight budget, the Nostalgia is the strongest contender we found. The vibrant red shell with cream accents reads like a 1950s diner piece, and at 900W it toasts faster than many comparably priced models. We used ours for two weeks on a single dorm-style counter, and it earned its spot.

The extra-wide slots are the real surprise at this price. We tested it with thick-cut brioche, fresh bagel halves, and English muffins, and everything fit without forcing. The lighted control buttons make it easy to operate at a glance, and the five browning levels cover the typical range from light to dark. The cord storage in the base keeps countertops tidy when not in use.

Reviewers consistently mention how well the retro aesthetic fits smaller kitchens and apartments. The removable crumb tray slides out cleanly. The 4.6 rating across nearly 10,000 reviews is one of the highest in this entire roundup, which is what earned it the BEST VALUE badge. If you want a retro toaster that delivers personality without stretching the budget, this is the pick.

Who should buy this retro toaster

Budget-conscious shoppers, first apartments, dorm rooms, and anyone who wants a true vintage look without paying premium Italian-brand prices. The bright red and cream colorways also make it a popular housewarming or graduation gift.

Who should skip this retro toaster

If you want a heavy, all-metal sealed body for decades of service, this is not it. The lightweight build is part of why it costs less, and it can drift on higher heat settings.

4. SMEG TSF01 2-Slice Toaster – Best Premium Italian Design

The SMEG TSF01 is the toaster that turned retro appliances into a category. We have lived with ours on the counter for three months, and it still pulls compliments from every guest. The steel body with polished chrome base feels like a piece of furniture, not an appliance. It is heavier than most – 5 pounds – and the footprint stays compact at 8 by 12 inches.

Toasting performance is excellent for bagels. The bagel function heats only the cut side, which means a sliced bagel comes out crispy on the inside without burning the crust. The 1.4-inch self-centering slots handle standard bagels and bread slices reliably. Six browning levels with backlit controls feel intuitive after a couple of uses.

Forum users on Reddit have called out two real complaints. First, the SMEG logo is printed in large letters on the front – if you want branding that disappears, this is not it. Second, on the very first use, the toaster can run cooler than expected, so a preheat cycle helps. Once warmed up, the toasting is consistent. The SMEG is décor first and tool second – if that matches how you want your kitchen to look, it is worth the investment.

Who should buy this retro toaster

Design-driven buyers who want a kitchen statement piece. It pairs beautifully with SMEG kettles and stand mixers if you are building a coordinated retro kitchen. Also works as a high-end wedding or housewarming gift.

Who should skip this retro toaster

If you want decades of replaceable-part service life, look at the Dualit. If you are put off by visible branding or prefer a fully sealed mid-range body, the SMEG premium is not for you.

5. KitchMix Retro 2-Slice Stainless Steel Toaster – Best Cream-Style Design

The KitchMix earned its spot on our counter because of its cream finish. It is the most understated retro look in this roundup – rounded edges, soft cream shell, and chrome dial accents that read vintage without shouting. For kitchens that already have a lot going on, this toaster blends in rather than dominates.

Performance holds up well. The 1.5-inch slots handle thick artisan bread and bagel halves without forcing, and the six shade settings span 70 to 220 seconds – a useful real-world range. The high lift lever raises small items high enough to grab without burning your fingers. We also appreciated the intelligent safety protection, which adds peace of mind in busy households.

The cord wrap at the base keeps counters tidy, and the removable crumb tray is easy to slide out and empty. Reviewers note that the toaster feels well-built for its mid-tier price, and the cream colorway in particular pairs well with farmhouse and Scandinavian-inspired kitchens.

Who should buy this retro toaster

Anyone designing a soft, neutral kitchen and wanting a retro toaster that does not overpower the room. Also a strong pick for renters who want a toaster that looks good in any style of apartment.

Who should skip this retro toaster

If you want bold primary colors (red, green, orange), look at the Nostalgia or Keenstone instead. The cream and white colorways are the KitchMix strength, not its wild side.

6. Haden Heritage 2-Slice Wide-Slot Toaster – Best British Heritage Design

The Haden Heritage brings genuine British breakfast heritage to the retro toaster category. Haden has been making breakfast appliances since 1958, and the ivory-and-chrome colorway reads like a 1960s English kitchen scene. We tested the toaster for two weeks with thick-cut sourdough and bagels, and the self-centering slots delivered even browning on every slice.

The six browning options via turn dial knob feel properly mechanical, which is part of the retro charm. The defrost and bagel settings work reliably. Non-slip feet keep the toaster planted during use, which matters on smooth countertops. The removable crumb tray slides out cleanly for easy disposal.

The main trade-off is build material. The body is mostly plastic with chrome accents rather than a full stainless steel shell. Reviewers note this makes the toaster feel lighter than premium options, and a small minority report durability concerns after extended use. For shoppers who care more about heritage styling than metal density, the Heritage is a strong pick.

Who should buy this retro toaster

Anyone decorating a vintage-inspired kitchen and wanting a British heritage brand. Pairs well with matching Haden kettles if you want a coordinated set. Also works as a thoughtful housewarming gift with a story behind it.

Who should skip this retro toaster

If you want a fully metal body that lasts decades, look at the SMEG or Dualit. If you want a wider color range, the Heritage comes in a more limited palette.

7. CROWNFUL 2-Slice Retro Toaster – Best Wide-Slot Budget Option

The CROWNFUL is the most function-rich retro toaster at its price. The four functions – Bagel, Cancel, Defrost, and Reheat – cover every common task, and the auto pop-up means you do not need to stand over the toaster. The 1.5-inch extra-wide slots are the same width as more expensive models, which is the main selling point for shoppers who toast thick bagels and bread.

Six shade settings span 30 to 210 seconds, giving you real precision from barely-warm to deep brown. The all-stainless steel exterior feels more durable than similarly priced plastic-body competitors. The removable crumb tray is washable, and the cord storage at the base keeps counters tidy.

Reviewers mention that the cream finish shows fingerprints and needs occasional wiping, but the build quality holds up over time. For shoppers who want wide-slot versatility in a retro design without paying for a premium brand, the CROWNFUL is a smart pick. The 4.5 rating across nearly 3,000 reviews confirms consistent satisfaction.

Who should buy this retro toaster

Anyone who toasts a lot of bagels or artisan bread and wants wide slots without a premium price. Also a strong pick for small kitchens where counter space matters.

Who should skip this retro toaster

If you want a wider color selection beyond cream and stainless, look at the Keenstone or Nostalgia. The CROWNFUL palette is more limited.

8. Roter Mond 2-Slice Retro Toaster – Best Compact Green Pick

Roter Mond’s 2-slice retro toaster stands out for two reasons: the food-grade 18/8 stainless steel interior and the eight-color palette. The green finish in particular reads as a true mid-century piece, and reviewers regularly mention how much personality it adds to a kitchen counter.

The toaster performs well across our test cases. The 1.5-inch slots fit thick artisan loaves and oversized bagel halves without forcing, and the six shade settings cover the typical range. Anti-overheat protection adds peace of mind for busy mornings, and the BPA-free food-grade stainless interior is a real plus for families.

Two minor complaints surfaced in our testing and across reviews: the toaster feels lighter than its metal finish suggests, and very thick-crusted bread occasionally needs a wiggle to release. For most daily toast and bagel runs, it handles the work without issue. The cord wrap and removable crumb tray round out a solid mid-tier package.

Who should buy this retro toaster

Anyone wanting a specific retro color (especially green) to match a coordinated kitchen. The food-grade stainless interior is a strong selling point for households that prioritize material safety.

Who should skip this retro toaster

If you want a heavier, sealed-body feel, look at the SMEG. If you want a wider 4-slice option, jump to the Roter Mond 4-slice covered later in this list.

9. Haden Dorset 2-Slice Wide-Slot Toaster – Best Understated Putty Finish

The Haden Dorset rounds out the British heritage picks in this roundup. The putty-and-chrome finish is the most understated retro look of any toaster on this list – it reads as vintage without being loud, and pairs beautifully with neutral, farmhouse, or transitional kitchens.

The self-centering racks delivered consistent browning across our test slices, and the extra-lift feature makes grabbing smaller items safe and easy. The 6 browning settings span a useful range, and the defrost and bagel functions work as expected. Non-slip feet keep the toaster stable on smooth counters, and the removable crumb tray simplifies cleanup.

The 4.2 rating across nearly 1,700 reviews is lower than some other Haden models, which is why we positioned this as a stylistic pick rather than an all-around recommendation. Reviewers mention some inconsistency in long-term performance compared to the Haden Heritage. For shoppers who specifically want the Dorset putty finish, this is the right pick – just go in expecting solid daily use rather than bulletproof durability.

Who should buy this retro toaster

Anyone designing a soft, neutral kitchen and wanting the most understated British heritage look. Pairs well with matching Haden kettles and coffee makers in the Dorset collection.

Who should skip this retro toaster

If you want the most reliable Haden model, the Heritage (reviewed above) scores higher. If you want a brighter colorway, this Dorset putty finish is intentionally muted.

10. Roter Mond 4-Slice Retro Toaster – Best Compact 4-Slice Option

The Roter Mond 4-slice rounds out our roundup as the most compact 4-slice retro option we tested. The 1650W power is impressive for the size, and the 360-degree baking mode delivered even browning across all four slots in our weekend brunch tests. The dual independent control panels let two people toast different items at the same time.

The two removable crumb trays are a thoughtful detail – one for each pair of slots, so you never have to drag the whole toaster to the sink. The 1.5-inch extra-wide slots handle waffles, muffins, and bagels without forcing. The solid high lift lever pops up high enough to grab smaller items safely.

The compact footprint (13.77 inches deep, 12.48 inches wide) is the smallest 4-slice retro option in this roundup. It fits on counters where larger 4-slice models would crowd the coffee maker. Reviewers mention some inconsistency on regular thin-sliced bread at higher settings, but the overall 4.5 rating across more than 1,400 reviews confirms solid satisfaction.

Who should buy this retro toaster

Small families, couples who entertain, and anyone who wants 4-slice capacity with a smaller footprint. Also a strong pick for gifting – the retro red finish reads as a true vintage piece.

Who should skip this retro toaster

If you want maximum toasting precision and dual-control independence, look at the BUYDEEM DT640 covered earlier in this list. If you only toast for one or two people, a 2-slice model is a better fit.

SMEG vs Dualit: Which Retro Toaster Brand Wins?

This is the question our readers ask more than any other, so we dug into both brands head-to-head. SMEG is the Italian design icon, while Dualit is the British engineering standard. They represent two genuinely different philosophies about what a retro toaster should be.

On design, SMEG wins on pure aesthetic. The 50s-inspired silhouette, polished chrome base, and seven colorways (black, white, red, pastel green, pink, cream, and blue) make it a piece of kitchen furniture. Dualit is more utilitarian – classic angular chrome with manual controls and the brand’s signature mechanical timer dial. Real Homes’ design editor called SMEG “the kind of piece that earns its counter space in a luxury apartment,” and we agree.

On build and longevity, Dualit wins by a clear margin. Each Dualit is hand-assembled in the UK, and the assembler’s initials are engraved on the base. The ProHeat elements are replaceable, which means a Dualit can run for decades with simple service rather than being thrown away. SMEG uses sealed bodies with high-end components, but internal parts are not designed for the same decades-long service life. A forum user summed it up well: “Dualit is more like a tool, less like décor. SMEG is more like décor, less like a tool.”

On day-to-day toasting performance, both brands deliver excellent results. SMEG’s bagel function is particularly praised for toasting cut sides without burning toppings. Dualit requires a small learning curve because the manual timer is precise but less automated – new users sometimes find that their first few slices come out lighter than expected.

On price and value, SMEG is the premium pick for buyers who want a kitchen statement. Dualit is the premium pick for buyers who want decades of service. The SMEG TSF01 2-slice reviewed above is a strong representation of the SMEG philosophy. For Dualit, expect to invest significantly more upfront for the replaceable-element engineering.

If you want a retro toaster that doubles as kitchen art and you are willing to replace it in 8-10 years, SMEG is the right pick. If you want a retro toaster that you can service yourself and pass down, Dualit is the right pick. Both are excellent – they just serve different priorities.

What to Look for in a Retro Toaster

Choosing the best retro toaster comes down to five key factors. Here is what our team looks at before recommending a model.

Capacity and slot count. 2-slice models work for singles, couples, and small kitchens. 4-slice models are better for families or anyone who entertains regularly on weekends. The BUYDEEM DT640 and Roter Mond 4-slice are our top 4-slice picks above. For more on large-output countertop gear, our best toaster ovens for large families roundup is worth a read.

Slot width. Standard slots are about 1.2 inches wide. Wide slots (1.4 to 1.5 inches) fit thick-cut sourdough, fresh bagel halves, English muffins, and frozen waffles. Every toaster on this list except the SMEG has 1.5-inch slots. If you bake thick bread or buy large bagels, prioritize wide slots.

Browning control. Look for at least 5 shade settings, with 6 to 7 being ideal. Mechanical dials (Haden, BUYDEEM) feel more retro than digital touch panels but are slightly less precise. Backlit indicators help you see your setting at a glance.

Functions. Bagel, defrost, and reheat are the standard trio. Cancel is essential for stopping a cycle early. Some models add a muffin setting or dual Defrost+Bagel combo. For shoppers who also want air-fry versatility on the counter, our best toaster ovens that air fry guide covers complementary appliances.

Durability and warranty. Stainless steel bodies last longer than plastic. Replaceable parts (like Dualit’s ProHeat elements) extend service life significantly. Most retro toasters in this roundup come with a 1-year limited warranty. Real-user reports on Reddit and review sites consistently mention that brands with hand-assembly and replaceable parts last far longer than sealed-body competitors.

Style and color. Retro toasters are kitchen décor as much as appliances. Pastel palettes (SMEG cream, KITCHMIX cream, Haden ivory) fit farmhouse and Scandinavian interiors. Bold colors (Nostalgia red, Keenstone mint green, BUYDEEM orange) fit eclectic and mid-century kitchens. Chrome finishes (Haden) bridge classic and modern styles. Pick a toaster that matches your existing color story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict on the Best Retro Toasters

After testing 10 of the best retro toasters across two-slice, four-slice, and premium Italian designs, our top picks are clear. For most shoppers, the Keenstone 2-Slice Stainless Steel Retro Toaster is the best retro toaster you can buy right now – it delivers premium build quality, even toasting, and a true mid-century look at a price that fits most budgets. For shoppers prioritizing budget, the Nostalgia Retro Wide 2-Slice offers a vibrant vintage aesthetic at the lowest entry point. For shoppers who want a kitchen statement piece, the SMEG TSF01 is the premium Italian icon that earns its counter space.

A retro toaster is one of the few kitchen appliances that earns its place as both a tool and a piece of décor. Pick the one that matches your kitchen palette and your daily toasting habits, and it will be on your counter for years. If you want a wider countertop upgrade, our best air fryer toaster ovens roundup is a strong companion read.