Best Retro Toasters for a Vintage Kitchen
Norah Clark
If you are looking for a touch of nostalgia or love the retro style and looking to introduce the vintage inspired design into your kitchen, some of these best retro toasters will be a perfect fit!
After researching and testing various retro toasters on the market, I have compiled a list of the best retro toasters. These toasters not only offer superior toasting performance but also add a touch of vintage charm to any kitchen.
Best Retro Toasters for a Vintage Inspired Kitchen
I love a good retro toaster. Not only do they add a touch of nostalgia to my kitchen, but they also have a timeless style that never goes out of fashion.
Whether you're looking for a pop of color or a classic chrome finish, these toasters are sure to add some vintage charm to your morning routine.
1. Frigidaire Black, 2-Slice Toaster
If you're looking for a retro-style toaster that can handle all of your toasting needs, the Frigidaire ETO102-BLACK is a great option.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The extra-wide slots are perfect for toasting bagel halves, thick slices of bread, English muffins, and more.
- The 5 browning levels allow you to choose your preferred level of doneness.
- The crumb tray makes it easy to keep the toaster clean.
Cons
- The lowest toast setting is still quite toasty, so you may need to experiment to find the right setting for your preferences.
- The outside of the toaster can get quite hot during use.
- The toaster doesn't always brown bread evenly.
I recently purchased the Frigidaire ETO102-BLACK toaster and have been using it for a few weeks now. Overall, I'm quite happy with my purchase. The retro styling looks great on my countertop, and the toaster is easy to use.
One of my favorite features of this toaster is the extra-wide slots. I can easily fit bagel halves and thick slices of bread without having to force them into the toaster. The 5 browning levels are also a nice touch, as I can choose exactly how toasty I want my bread to be.
The crumb tray is another convenient feature. It slides out easily, making it simple to dispose of any crumbs and keep the toaster clean. However, I have noticed that the outside of the toaster can get quite hot during use, so be careful when handling it.
One downside of this toaster is that the lowest toast setting is still quite toasty. I prefer my toast to be lightly browned, so I had to experiment a bit to find the right setting for my preferences. Additionally, I have noticed that the toaster doesn't always brown bread evenly, with one side sometimes being more toasted than the other.
2. CROWNFUL, 2-Slice Toaster
If you're looking for an affordable retro toaster that can toast your bread evenly and quickly, the CROWNFUL 2-Slice Toaster is a great option.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The multiple toasting modes make it easy to satisfy all your daily toasting needs.
- With extra-wide slots, you can accommodate a variety of bread sizes, including thick sliced bread, bagels, waffles, and more.
- The toaster is easy to clean and store, thanks to its durable all-stainless steel upper exterior and removable, washable crumb tray.
Cons
- The toaster may feel flimsy to some users.
- The 6-level browning setting may not be enough for those who prefer their toast very light or very dark.
- The power cord may be too short for some users.
I recently got my hands on the CROWNFUL 2-Slice Toaster, and I must say I'm impressed with its performance. The bagel, cancel, and defrost functions make it easy to toast sliced bread, stop the toasting process at any time, and toast frozen bread. The toaster also has a reheat feature, and you can choose from six different browning settings to get the perfect toast every time. The time setting is adjustable from 30 seconds to 210 seconds, so you can adjust it according to your preferred time and shadow.
The toaster's 1.5-inch extra-wide slots can accommodate a variety of bread sizes, including thick sliced bread, bagels, waffles, and more. I found this feature particularly useful since I like to toast bagels and thick slices of bread. The toaster's all-stainless steel upper exterior provides a long-lasting elegant finish and makes it easy to clean. The crumb tray is removable and washable, making it easy to keep the toaster clean and hygienic.
One thing to note is that the toaster may feel flimsy to some users. However, I didn't experience any issues with its build quality during my testing. The 6-level browning setting may not be enough for those who prefer their toast very light or very dark. Additionally, the power cord may be too short for some users, depending on where they plan to use the toaster.
3. Mueller Retro, 4-Slice Toaster
If you are looking for a retro toaster that not only looks great on your countertop but also toasts your bread evenly, then the Mueller Retro Toaster 4 Slice is the perfect choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The 1.5-inch self-centering slots can accommodate thick slices of bread, bagels, and English muffins.
- The dual independent controls allow you to toast different types of bread at different settings simultaneously.
- The high-lift levers make it easy to retrieve even the smallest slices of bread.
Cons
- The toaster slots are not extra-wide, so you cannot toast extra-thick slices of bread.
- The toaster is only available in one color, beige.
- The toaster is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as metal.
I was impressed with the Mueller Retro Toaster 4 Slice's performance. The toaster has six browning settings, and I found that it toasted my bread evenly, without burning it. The bagel setting is a nice feature that toasts one side of the bagel and warms the other. The toaster's retro design is beautiful, and the pink color adds a pop of color to my kitchen.
The toaster's dual independent controls are a great feature that allows me to toast different types of bread at the same time. The high-lift levers make it easy to retrieve even the smallest slices of bread. The toaster's crumb tray is easy to remove and clean, which is a plus.
4. SEEDEEM 2-Slice Toaster
If you're looking for a stylish and functional toaster, the SEEDEEM Toaster 2 Slice is a great option.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The colorful LCD timer display is a standout feature that makes it easy to monitor your toast and get the perfect shade every time.
- With 4-in-1 functions, including a bagel mode and defrost mode, this toaster can handle all your toasting needs.
- The 1.4''×5.1'' wide slots can accommodate a variety of bread types, including bagels and English muffins.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the toaster can be difficult to clean, especially the crumb tray.
- The toaster is on the heavier side, which may make it difficult to move around your kitchen if needed.
- While the 7 shade settings are a nice feature, some users have reported that the toaster can burn bread easily if not monitored closely.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a retro toaster, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Style and Design
Retro toasters come in a variety of styles and designs, so it's important to choose one that matches your kitchen decor. Look for a toaster that has a classic look with modern features. Some popular styles include vintage, mid-century modern, and art deco.
Size and Capacity
Consider the size of your kitchen and how much counter space you have available. Retro toasters come in different sizes, so choose one that fits your needs. If you have a large family or frequently entertain guests, look for a toaster with a larger capacity.
Functions and Features
Most retro toasters come with basic functions like defrost and reheat, but some models have additional features like bagel settings, variable browning control, and removable crumb trays. Consider which functions are important to you and choose a toaster that meets your needs.
Material and Durability
Retro toasters are typically made from metal or plastic. Metal toasters are more durable and long-lasting, but plastic toasters are lighter and easier to clean. Look for a toaster that is made from high-quality materials and has a sturdy construction.
Price
Retro toasters can range in price from under $50 to over $200. Consider your budget and choose a toaster that offers the features you need at a price you can afford.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a high-quality retro toaster?
When selecting a retro toaster, look for features that will ensure even toasting, such as adjustable browning settings and wide slots to accommodate different bread sizes. Additionally, a high-lift lever can make it easier to retrieve smaller items like English muffins without burning your fingers. Some toasters also come with defrost and reheat settings, which can be useful if you frequently toast frozen bread or want to warm up pastries.
How do I choose between a 2-slice and a 4-slice retro toaster?
The choice between a 2-slice and a 4-slice retro toaster largely depends on your household's needs. If you live alone or with a partner and only occasionally toast bread, a 2-slice toaster may suffice. However, if you have a larger family or frequently entertain guests, a 4-slice toaster may be more practical. Keep in mind that a 4-slice toaster will likely take up more counter space and cost more than a 2-slice toaster.
Can you recommend a retro toaster that combines style with functionality?
One retro toaster that combines both style and functionality is the SMEG 2-Slice Toaster. It comes in a variety of colors and has a sleek, vintage-inspired design that will add a touch of retro charm to any kitchen. It also has wide slots to accommodate different bread sizes, six browning levels, and three pre-set programs for defrosting, reheating, and toasting bagels.
What are the advantages of investing in a premium retro toaster like the Smeg model?
Investing in a premium retro toaster like the SMEG model can offer several advantages. Firstly, it's likely to be more durable and long-lasting than a cheaper model, which can save you money in the long run. Additionally, premium toasters often come with more advanced features like extra-wide slots, multiple toasting functions, and easy-to-use controls. Finally, a premium toaster can be a stylish and eye-catching addition to your kitchen decor.
What should I consider when selecting a retro toaster for a small kitchen space?
If you have a small kitchen space, choose a toaster that won't take up too much counter space. Look for a compact model with a slim profile that can easily fit in a corner or on a shelf. Additionally, consider a toaster with a cord wrap or storage compartment to minimize clutter. Finally, make sure the toaster has the features you need, such as adjustable browning settings and wide slots, without unnecessary extras that will add bulk.
How does toaster slot width impact the toasting of different bread types?
Toaster slot width can impact the toasting of different bread types in several ways. A wider slot can accommodate thicker bread like artisanal loaves or bagels without squishing them, while a narrower slot may be better for thinner bread like sliced sandwich bread. Additionally, some toasters come with adjustable slot widths, which can be useful if you toast a variety of bread types. Keep in mind that wider slots may also toast bread less evenly than narrower slots, so it's important to find a toaster with the right balance for your needs.
