Are you, like me, searching for ways to add a touch of vintage charm to your modern kitchen? If so, a retro toaster might be just what you need. As someone who loves toast, I think a good toaster is a must-have in any kitchen. Not only does it need to look good on the countertop, but it should also offer reliable performance and convenience. Luckily, in 2023, we have an array of retro toasters to choose from, each with unique features that make them stand out.
In this article, I’ve rounded up the top five retro toasters for your kitchen that I believe offer the perfect combination of style and substance. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect retro toaster to elevate your breakfast routine!
What to Look for When Buying a Retro Toaster
When buying a retro toaster, there are a few key things to consider to ensure that you get a model that suits your needs and preferences. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Style and design: Retro toasters are known for their vintage aesthetic, so you’ll want to choose a model that fits your personal style and home decor. Consider factors like color, shape, and material to find a toaster that complements your kitchen.
- Size and capacity: Retro toasters can vary in size and capacity, so think about how much toast you typically make and whether you need a model that can accommodate larger slices of bread or bagels.
- Number of slots: Some retro toasters have two slots, while others have four. If you frequently make toast for multiple people, a four-slot model may be more convenient.
- Toasting settings: Look for a retro toaster with adjustable toasting settings, so you can customize the browning level for your toast. Some models also have special settings for bagels, defrosting frozen bread, and reheating toast.
- Safety features: Make sure the retro toaster you choose has safety features like automatic shut-off, a cool-touch exterior, and a removable crumb tray to make it easy to clean and prevent fires.
- Brand and quality: Consider the reputation of the brand you’re buying from and the quality of the materials used in the toaster. Reading reviews from other buyers can also give you a better sense of the toaster’s performance and durability.
- Price: Retro toasters can range in price, so set a budget and look for a model that offers the features you need within your price range.
By considering these factors, you can find a retro toaster that looks great, performs well, and meets your needs.
Related Article: 5 Best Microwave and Oven Combos of 2023
Top 5 Retro Toasters of the Year
If you’re in the market for a retro toaster that combines vintage style with modern functionality, look no further. After careful consideration, I’ve compiled a list of my top picks for retro toasters that are sure to add some character to your kitchen while producing perfectly toasted bread, bagels, and more. From sleek chrome models to bold pastel hues, there’s a toaster on this list to suit every taste and budget. So, whether you’re a toast connoisseur or just looking to add a touch of nostalgia to your home, these top picks are definitely worth considering.
5. Nostalgia Retro 3-in-1 Breakfast Station
I recently tried the Nostalgia Retro 3-in-1 Breakfast Station, and I have to say, I’m pretty impressed with it overall. This versatile tool lets me make coffee, toast, and eggs all at once, which speeds up and simplifies my morning routine. Plus, the compact design is perfect for my small apartment kitchen.
The non-stick griddle makes frying eggs, bacon, and other breakfast items a breeze, and the oven is the perfect size for toasting bread or heating up pastries. I also appreciate that the removable trays and griddle make for easy cleaning.
However, a few drawbacks to this gadget are worth mentioning. The coffee maker, while convenient, can be a bit finicky and requires some trial and error to get the hang of. Additionally, the toaster can be a bit uneven in its toasting, so it takes some experimentation to find the right settings for your preferred level of browning.
Overall, I would recommend the Nostalgia Retro 3-in-1 Breakfast Station for anyone looking to streamline their morning routine and save some counter space. While there are a few minor quirks to contend with, the convenience and versatility of this gadget make it a great addition to any kitchen.
Dimensions: 11.5 x 19.25 x 12 Inches | Weight: 13.97 Pounds | Capacity: 4 Cups
What I Like:
- The non-stick griddle
- Removable trays and griddle
- 3-in-1 function
What I Don’t Like:
- Learning curve
Promising Review:
“I love this 3 in one appliance because it’s compact. I use it in my home office so I can have a hot beverage and meal but don’t have to walk away from my work.” Teresa Louden, February 5, 2023, on Amazon
4. Keenstone 2 Slice Retro Toaster
One of my favorite aspects of this toaster is its retro design. The toaster has a sleek, vintage design that adds a touch of sophistication to my kitchen. It’s also very small, which is ideal for my limited countertop space.
The toaster has several browning settings, which is a convenient feature. My partner likes her toast to be darker brown, while I like mine to be lighter brown. This toaster works for both of us. The toaster also has a defrost setting, which is useful for defrosting frozen bread
One disadvantage of this toaster is that it is slow. It takes a little longer to toast bread than other toasters I’ve used. This isn’t a big deal for me, but if you’re in a rush in the morning, it could be annoying.
Another issue I’ve noticed is that the toaster does not always evenly toast the bread. It’s not uncommon for one side of the bread to be more toasted than the other. I’ve discovered that I need to keep an eye on the toast to ensure that it browns evenly.
Finally, the crumb tray can be challenging to remove and clean. It’s not a big deal, but it’s inconvenient.
Dimensions: 11.42 x 7.09 x 7.28 Inches | Weight: 3.08 Pounds | Wattage: 825.00
What I Like:
- Sleek, vintage design
- Defrost setting
- Several browning settings
What I Don’t Like:
- Doesn’t evenly toast
- A bit slow
- The tray is not easy to remove
Promising Review:
“Just as shown and advertised. Love it. Looks wonderful on my kitchen counter. It’s beautiful. You will not be disappointed with your purchase. Toasts bagels perfect!” – Stacy, February 6, 2023, on Amazon
3. BUYDEEM DT640 4-Slice Toaster
Having used the BUYDEEM DT640 4-Slice Toaster for a few months, I can confidently say that it is an excellent toaster for those who want to be able to prepare toast quickly and efficiently. The size of the toaster is perfect for my kitchen countertop, as it takes up minimal space without compromising performance.
I really like how versatile it is. For example, the toast settings are very flexible, so I can make my toast just the way I like it.
Whether I’m making classic slice bread or thicker artisanal bread, I can always adjust the settings accordingly and get perfectly cooked toast every single time. The extra wide slots are useful since they accommodate large pieces of bread with ease. There’s also a bagel-friendly option that allows you to heat one side of your bagel while keeping the other side cool—great for cream cheese lovers! The advanced reheat feature ensures that your toast stays warm regardless of how long you take to eat it, while the defrost setting quickly thaws frozen items.
One drawback, though, is that this model doesn’t come with a removable crumb tray nor has any temperature presets, which would make life easier when switching between different types of bread or pastries.
Additionally, there have been some reports about occasional burning during regular use which might be due to uneven heating distribution across all four slots. This could possibly be addressed by paying more attention to how close together you place items when you make multiple pieces of toast at once. Furthermore, its overall lifespan may not be up to par with some of the more expensive appliances on the market today.
Taking all these points into consideration, I’d still happily recommend this BUYDEEM DT640 4-Slice Toaster for anyone who needs an easy-to-use and convenient appliance that does its job well but doesn’t break the bank. It’s definitely worth taking a look at if you’re in need of a reliable piece of kitchenware that will provide consistent results whenever you need them!
Dimensions: 6.97 x 12.2 x 11.02 Inches | Weight: 7.83 Pounds | Wattage: 1800 Watts
What I Like:
- Quickly toasts
- Adjustable toast & bagel settings
- The advanced reheat feature
What I Don’t Like:
- No removable crumb tray
- Lack of temperature presets
- Short life span
Promising Review:
“I love this toaster. Works very well great wattage. Heard up in no time. Great product and great looking. Quality excellent.” Sue, February 3, 2023, on Amazon
2. Yabano Yellow 2-Slice Retro Toaster with Warming Rack
I was really excited when I first got my Yabano Yellow 2-Slice Retro Toaster with Warming Rack. The yellow color is vibrant and cheerful, and the stainless steel accents have an upscale look that’s definitely eye-catching.
The toaster itself is quite large, so it takes up a good bit of counter space, but the trade-off is worth it. It does an excellent job of quickly and evenly toasting bread, bagels, English muffins, and more. The crumb tray slides out for easy access and cleaning. And there’s a handy warming rack on top, which I love for keeping toast warm while I make the rest of breakfast.
However, this toaster isn’t perfect. Some people may find the price tag a bit steep for a two-slice toaster with no extra features like bagel or defrost settings. And there are reports that the cord is too short for some people’s needs—about 36 inches long—so if you have an outlet farther away than that, you may need an extension cord or another model entirely.
Overall, though, I’m glad about my usage; using the Yabano Yellow 2-Slice Retro Toaster with Warming Rack has been a pleasure every morning since I got it! It looks great in my kitchen and makes delicious toast, without fail every time. The quick heating element ensures that my food is ready in no time at all – so even on those days when I’m running late, I can still enjoy my favorite breakfast foods in no time at all!
Dimensions: 10.6 x 9.85 x 6.7 Inches | Weight: 3.5 Pounds | Wattage: 850 Watts
What I Like:
- Warming rack
- Easy cleaning crumb tray
- Quick heating element
What I Don’t Like:
- No bagel/defrost settings
- The cord is too short
Promising Review:
“It is so lovely! The color is perfect. It’s so sleek and very nice looking. Also, it make perfect toast and has easy features to adjust and use. I love that you can lift the toast higher so you can grab the slices easy without risking burning yourself! Worth every penny!” – Doreen P, January 7, 2023, on Amazon
1. Redmond 2-Slice Retro Stainless Steel Toaster
I love the fact that this toaster has a variety of toasting settings, which is helpful for customizing the level of toasting to my preferences. The browning dial is easy to use, and I appreciate that it offers a “bagel” setting for toasting one side of the bread. The defrost function is also a handy feature.
One thing I really love about this toaster is that it toasts bread evenly. I’ve used toasters in the past that would only toast one side of the bread, but this toaster does a great job of evenly browning both sides of the bread.
However, there are a few drawbacks to this toaster. Firstly, it can be a bit slow to toast the bread, especially if you have the dial set to a higher browning level. Additionally, the toaster is quite loud when it’s toasting, which can be a bit jarring early in the morning.
Finally, the crumb tray can be a bit tricky to remove and clean. It’s not a huge issue, but it can be a bit of a hassle.
Despite the few drawbacks, I really enjoyed using the Redmond 2-Slice Toaster Retro Stainless Steel Toaster. It has a stylish design, adjustable browning settings, and toasts bread evenly.
Dimensions: 10.8 x 6.9 x 7.4 Inches | Weight: 3.06 Pounds | Wattage: 825 Watts
What I Like:
- Toasts bread evenly
- Stylish design
- Adjustable browning settings
What I Don’t Like:
- A bit slow
- A bit loud
- The tray is a bit difficult to clean
Promising Review:
“This toaster is not only gorgeous and aesthetically pleasing, but it also operates incredibly well. It’s simple but oh, so practical. I also love that you can easily wrap the cord around at the bottom, making it easy to store away if you need to.” – Audrey, February 11, 2023, on Amazon
Conclusion
In conclusion, based on my personal experience, I highly recommend the Redmond 2-Slice Retro Stainless Steel Toaster as the best retro toaster. It stands out because of its sleek, modern design and the fact that you can change the browning settings and get even toasting. Although it can be a bit slow and loud while toasting, the overall quality of the toaster makes it worth the investment. With its sophisticated appearance and excellent performance, the Redmond toaster has become a beloved fixture in my kitchen.
FAQs Related to Retro Toasters
What is the lifespan of a toaster?
While toasters vary in price and features, most toasters have a six- to eight-year lifespan. Cleaning your appliance on a regular basis to remove excess breadcrumbs and other food particles can help it last longer.
What causes a toaster to stop working?
Shaking a toaster to remove crumbs, banging it around, or inserting sharp objects into the slots can all damage the delicate heating elements or electrical connections, causing the toaster to fail sooner. A toaster frequently fails due to a combination of these factors.
How do you clean an old toaster?
Most toasters have a crumb tray located on the bottom. Take it out and throw the crumbs in the trash. Wipe away any remaining crumbs on the tray with a damp paper towel or cloth. You can also clean the tray with warm, soapy water, but make sure it’s completely dry before reusing it in the toaster.
