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Best Toasters for Elderly People? Safe and Easy Cooking for Breakfast and More!

Best Toasters for Elderly People? Safe and Easy Cooking for Breakfast and More!

To find the safest, easiest-to-use toasters for elderly users, look for models with large print controls, auto-eject functions, cool-touch exteriors, audible alerts, and other senior-friendly features that reduce injury risk and accommodate age-related dexterity and vision changes.
Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®
Last Updated:
Best Toasters For Elderly People Featured Image
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Income Disclosure.
Best Toasters For Elderly People Featured Image

Struggling to find a toaster that’s easy for you to use safely? Operating a typical toaster with reduced vision, grip strength, and dexterity can be frustrating and dangerous for some older adults.

Here are my top recommendations:

BUYDEEM DT620 2-Slice Toaster

Large, easy-to-read controls, a flat activation lever that's easy on arthritic hands, and an "extra lift" function that raises toast higher for safer removal.

$59.99
$75.99
in stock
1 used from $53.54
as of 03/18/2024 2:53 am
Amazon.com
Hamilton Beach Easy Reach Toaster Oven

Unique roll-top door that provides safe, easy access to food and large, easy-to-turn knobs that accommodate limited dexterity.

$64.99
in stock
2 new from $64.99
10 used from $37.85
as of 03/18/2024 2:53 am
Amazon.com
Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Toaster #22363

Affordable option for seniors because it has a cool exterior to prevent burns, wide slots to accommodate different breads, and an extra lift lever for safe toast removal.

$33.98
in stock
5 new from $19.83
5 used from $16.98
as of 03/18/2024 2:53 am
Amazon.com

But you can make perfect toast safely when you choose the right model.

  • Look for toasters with large, bold controls you can read easily.
  • Seek out ones with flat, easy-press buttons that don’t require much strength or coordination to lower the bread.
  • Auto-eject and lift functions let you remove toast without reaching inside.
  • And be sure to get a toaster with loud alerts that remind you when your toast is ready so you don’t have to monitor it constantly.

With the right features, you can enjoy delicious toast again without fear of burns or other toaster injuries.

Safe and Simple Toasters for Seniors

Based on my experience working with seniors and hours of research, the best toasters for seniors are:

buydeem toaster product image

Buydeem DT620 Toaster

from $47.99

Outside stays cool to the touch

Easy-to-use controls

Flat button is easier on arthritic joints and fingers

“Extra Lift” function exposes more of the food for safer removal

Familiar, vintage design in 3 colors plus 2 and 4-slice options

The folks over at Buydeem sent me one of their nostalgic and simple toasters to try out, and I was pretty impressed. There are a lot of great features here to help out older adults and the elderly.

First, you’ll probably notice this toaster has a very familiar design that brings to mind the toaster of the 50s and 60s. It is available in this green color plus a mellow yellow and basic stainless. There is also a 2-slice and 4-slice option.

buydeem closeup of front

But it’s more than just an “old-looking” toaster. You will quickly appreciate the clear and easy-to-use controls and simple functions. There are seven settings, so you can toast as much (or as little as you like). Plus, there is a bagel/muffin setting that toasts one side only for people who hate to burn the bottom of their bagels and English muffins. The package includes a defrost (for frozen pastries) and reheat function.

The wording on the toaster is easy to see and understand. The ring around the button also lights up when the toaster is used. The shade setting dial on the bottom is easy to grasp and turn, which people with arthritis will appreciate.

buy deem toaster button
Buydeem Toaster Activation Lever

People with arthritis will also love the large flat activation lever to start the toaster. You can use this same lever as an “extra lift” function to get food out of the toaster more safely. Simply push the lever up, and it helps raise the food out of the toaster.

The outside of the unit stays cool to the touch when the toaster is being used, except for the metal parts at the top. Watch out for those – this is where the “extra lift” function comes in handy. I did notice that this toaster works fast and heats up quickly. I recommend you start at a lower setting than usual until you figure out your optimal setting.

While this is an easy-to-use toaster, I do not recommend it for any older adult with cognitive decline. Because the metal area at the top gets hot, there is a higher chance of burn injuries with this one.


Cuisinart CPT-420 Touch to Toast Leverless 2-Slice Toaster, Brushed Stainless Steel

Touch to Toast 2-Slice Silver Wide Slot Toaster with Crumb Tray

$99.99
as of 03/18/2024 2:53 am

7 shade control settings to make perfect toast every time

Bagel, defrost, and reheat cooking functions mean you can use this toaster to make much more than just toast!

Digital display, countdown timer, and beeping alarm ensure your safety.

This toaster has a wide range (7!) of different cooking settings, allowing you to customize the browning level on your toast.

Its bagel function will also provide bagels with crispy tops and soft bottoms. It also features defrost and reheat functions, letting you cook more than just toast!

The defrost setting makes this a great option to cook frozen pancakes, waffles, and other refrigerated breads and pastries.

This toaster features extra-wide slots, which can fit items such as sliced bread, French toast, pancakes, and other pastries.

Clean-up is made simple thanks to a removable crumb tray. A cord wrap is hidden under the toaster so that power cords aren’t left hanging around your counter when you’re not using the toaster.

A motorized, leverless lifting mechanism will ensure your toast always pops up quickly and doesn’t get stuck. There is no need to fool with a lever to lower or raise the food.

The toaster also features a digital interface with easy-to-use buttons and a countdown time for extra safety.

This gadget will also emit a beeping sound to let you know when your toast is ready! These additional features make this one of the best and safest toasters for elderly people you will find online.

Here’s a quick demo of this easy-to-use toaster from Cuisinart:

Cuisinart Touch to Toast™ Leverless Toasters CPT 420 & CPT 440

Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Toaster #22363

Hamilton Beach Cool Wall 2-Slice Toaster (22623)

$33.98
as of 03/18/2024 2:53 am

Affordable price and great quality.

Wide slots let you toast all sorts of bread and other baked goods.

A removable crumb tray will let you clean up in no time!

Choose your favorite browning level from 7 different options.

This toaster is simple but will cover all your toasting needs.

Choose from seven different toast shades by turning a knob to ensure your toast comes out exactly as you like it. Its self-centering guides will ensure that no matter the width of your bread, it will stay in the perfect toasting position.

Cleaning this toaster is simple, thanks to its swing-down crumb tray, which will keep your countertops neat and tidy. One-touch buttons will let you select your desired cooking function in just a second.

The lever on this toaster can be lifted an additional inch to provide easy and safe access to your toast once it’s done.


Dash 2 Slice, Extra Wide Slot Easy Toaster with Cool Touch + Defrost Feature, for Bagels, Specialty Breads & other Baked Goods - Aqua

Dash Easy Cool Touch Toaster (DEZT001RD)

$29.99
as of 03/18/2024 2:53 am
  • Very lightweight – only two pounds
  • Easy to use with a large knob and easy-to-read printing
  • Cool touch design to reduce burns
  • Cancel button stops the toaster if there is a problem or it is burning
  • Slide out crumb tray for cleaning.

This Dash Cool Touch toaster stays cool on the outside to reduce the chances of burning. There are two colors to choose from, too.

It is also easy to operate with the large black knob and easy-to-read white print. There is even a cancel button front and center in case anything goes wrong.

The lever could be more apparent, though. For design purposes, it meets the upper edge of the toaster and blends in even though it is a different color. This could confuse some elderly people.

It is very lightweight – only 2 lbs. So, if the user has to move it frequently or lift it often, this one won’t be a problem.


Safe and Simple Toaster Ovens for Seniors

Based on my research and experience working with seniors, the best toaster ovens for seniors are:

Hamilton Beach Digital Countertop Toaster Oven with Easy Reach Roll-Top Door, 6-Slice, With Bake Pan, Stainless Steel (31128)

6 Slice Easy Reach® Digital Toaster Oven with Roll-Top Door

 Roll-Top door allows you to take your food out of the oven easily.

 Ready bell and auto shutoff will keep you safe while cooking.

 Five cooking settings maximize the versatility of this gadget.

 Easy-to-use digital display.

This sleek, modern toaster oven/broiler from Hamilton Beach is a great option for your elderly loved one.

The unique Roll-Top door is the reason this is one of my favorites. It provides a large opening and makes it safe to reach in for food. This door moves up and out of the way to allow easy access to food even while it’s still cooking.

It also makes it easier to take your food out of the toaster oven and onto your plate once it’s done. All of this reduces the chance of a burn while using it.

This toaster oven model features five different cooking settings: convection, toast, bake, broil, and pizza.

Activating the convection cooking setting will make a fan circulate heated air continuously around the food. This feature reduces average cooking time by up to 25%.

Check out the next model down for the simplified version of this model with fewer features.

This smart oven has a digital display that makes it easy to choose your desired setting. Its 60-minute timer with a ready bell and auto-shutoff will keep its users safe while they cook.

The digital display is very easy to read and handle.

This toaster oven is also easy to clean, which is a big plus for many buyers. The Roll-Top door is removable and makes it easier to clean the toaster oven. There is also a removable crumb tray that will make clean-up a breeze.


Hamilton Beach Easy Reach Toaster Oven

Easy Reach® Toaster Oven with Roll-Top Door

$64.99
as of 03/18/2024 2:53 am

This is the simplified version of the Hamilton Beach toaster oven above. It is just about the safest toaster oven you’ll find.

It still has that great roll-top door that I love and a built-in timer with automatic shutoff for safety.

But it has simple-to-use knobs instead of digital button controls. The knobs are large and easy to turn too, so elderly hands won’t have problems using them. The print is a bit small, though.

Also, it has fewer functions, which makes it easy to use. There is no convection oven feature. It just does basic broiling, baking, and toasting.

Here’s a quick video from Hamilton Beach showing these features and options:

Toaster Oven | Hamilton Beach® | Easy Reach® Toaster Oven with Roll-Top Door (31334)

Zojirushi 619988-ET-WMC22 ET-WMC22 Toaster Oven, Black

Zojirushi 2-Slice Toaster Oven (ET-WMC22)

  • Big knobs that are easy to turn.
  •  Bold and contrasted printing on the front is larger than most ad easy to read.
  •  Dings when the time is done and shuts itself off.
  •  The door, cooking rack, and crumb tray come off easily for cleaning.
  •  Uses a mesh rack to promote even toasting and keep food from falling through.

I like this option for a basic, simple toaster oven, too.

First, I love the knobs on the front; they are large and easy to turn – even for seniors with arthritic hands. The white print around the buttons also contrasts nicely with the black. This printing is also larger than others, so it will be easier to read.

This model cooks for up to 30 minutes, sounds a DING, and turns itself off when the time is up. It has a handy built-in cheat sheet inside the door that reminds you at what temperature you should cook certain foods and for how long.

Finally, clean up is easy on the one. The door, mesh rack, and crumb tray are all removable for quick and easy cleaning.


BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Convection Oven, Stainless Steel, Curved Interior fits a 9 Inch Pizza, TO1313SBD

BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven

$49.99
as of 03/18/2024 2:53 am

Knobs are large and easy to turn.

Warm setting is good for heating up buns and more delicate items.

30 minute timer with auto-shot off at the end

“Stay On” feature could be dangerous for forgetful seniors or those with dementia or Alzheimers

 Print around knobs is readable but could be larger.

This is your basic toaster oven for warming, making toast, frozen pizzas and the senior’s favorite snacks. Not many bells and whistles. But, for most senior and elderly people, that’s just what you want.

The knobs are good-sized and easy for seniors to use. The print around them could be bigger and bolder. It’s a bit difficult to read, I think.

It has a warm setting for quickly warming hamburger buns and more delicate items. There is a 30-minute timer that dings and shuts off when the time is up.

One caution for you: this toaster oven does have a “Stay On” setting. If you turn the bottom knob to the right, it works as a timer.

But, if you turn it all the way to the left, it will stay on until you turn it off. This could be hazardous for some seniors – especially if they are at risk of walking off and forgetting about it. At best, the food will burn. At worst, there could be a fire.

Cleaning is a bit more difficult for this one, too. The door is not removable, but there is a removable crumb catcher.


Combination Models: Toasters with Multiple Functions

Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 Countertop Toaster Oven and Long Slot 2 Slice Toaster, 60 Minute Timer and Automatic Shut Off, Shade Selector, Stainless Steel (31156)

Hamilton Beach Combo Toaster/Toaster Oven

$104.99
as of 03/18/2024 2:53 am

60-minute timer with automatic shut-off

Thick chunky knobs that are easy for weak or arthritic hands to turn.

Print contrasts well and is readable for most seniors

Space saver design to take up less room on the countertop

It does have a stay-on setting that could be a problem for seniors with dementia or who are forgetful.

 Some seniors might get confused switching between toaster and oven modes.

This two-in-one combination combines a toaster oven with a standard “pop-up” toaster on the top.

This model has a toaster built right into the top that toasts the way most seniors are familiar with. There is a simple, well-labeled switch at the top right of the oven that changes mode.

The toaster has several settings, from lightly toasted to darker toasts.

The oven has the basic toaster oven features that I’ve talked about with the other models. Careful, though; this one does have a “stay on” setting if the bottom knob is turned all the way.

Check out this video to see it in action:

Toaster Oven | Hamilton Beach® | 2 in 1 Oven and Toaster (31156)

Nostalgia 3-in-1 Breakfast Station - Includes Coffee Maker, Non-Stick Griddle, and 4-Slice Toaster Oven - Versatile Breakfast Maker with Timer - Red

Nostalgia Electrics Breakfast Station

from $63.98

Here’s a fun item that some seniors will love. This all-in-one breakfast station is a staple in dorm rooms but has some uses as a gift in the kitchens of seniors, too.

With this device, you can make coffee, cook meats and eggs on the griddle, and make toast or biscuits in the oven.

While this is a very convenient option, there are a few caveats.

Look closely at the controls. They are easy for most seniors to understand, but multiple knobs and switches must be used properly. Otherwise, the product may not work correctly or at all.

I’d encourage you to watch this video and ensure you or the senior in your life can use it safely.

BSET300BLUE | Retro 3-in-1 Breakfast Station

Recommended Toaster Safety Features

  • Auto shutoff feature, timer, and beeping alarms to ensure safety.
  • Removable crumb trays make cleaning your toaster or oven simple after cooking. This reduces the chance of a fire.
  • Large displays, buttons, or dials to make sure your elderly loved one can customize the toaster’s settings exactly to their preferences.
  • An auto-eject wire rack will allow users to remove their food without fear of getting burned while the toaster is still hot.
  • Various settings –from browning levels to bagels and defrost features- turn a simple toaster into a versatile gadget that can cook many different kinds of food.

Toaster Safety Tips

  1. Unplug your toaster when unused, and regularly check the wall socket for burn marks.
  2. To clean your toaster, wipe it regularly. You should never submerge your toaster – or any other electrical gadget – in water or liquid.
  3. Make sure to clean your crumb tray regularly to avoid fires.
  4. Don’t leave your toaster or oven unattended for long periods, and always ensure it’s turned off before leaving the house.
  5. Don’t place anything but food inside the toaster’s bread slots.

How Can Toasters Help Elderly People?

two slices of perfectly toasted toast coming out of the top of a toaster

Toast is a common part of breakfast for many elderly people, and, of course, the elderly must eat breakfast every day. So, quickly – and safely – making a slice or two of toast is also important.

Being able to cook their meals will afford your elderly loved one a greater sense of independence and accomplishment. Cooking can even become their new hobby! Toasters and toaster ovens provide a safe alternative to hot pots and pans, which can cause accidents and injuries.

Today, most toasters have various features, allowing them to cook more than simply toasted bread.

This gadget will let your loved one choose from various baked goods, from heating crispy bagels to defrosting waffles and pancakes. Combined with different fillings and toppings, these foods make for a balanced, hearty meal.

Toaster ovens are even more versatile. A toaster oven can do the same things as a traditional oven – with less risk. These electric ovens will let your loved one make cakes, muffins, pizzas, cookies, and even broil chicken and other types of meat!

Their small size makes them easier to clean, and seniors with back pain won’t have to bend over to take their food out of the oven.

Features such as timers, alarms, and automatic shut off will help keep your elderly loved one safe while they cook delicious meals.

These gadgets are also useful if you eat frozen foods. Simply touch a few buttons and wait while your frozen meal heats up. After that, it’s ready for you to enjoy! These are all wonderful reasons to hunt for the best toaster for elderly people.

Special Note: Toasters for Dementia and Alzheimer’s

toaster sitting on top of a white toaster on a gray background

If your elderly loved one suffers from a neurodegenerative disease such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, make sure to keep an eye on them while they are in the kitchen.

Depending on the severity of their condition, they might still be able to prepare some recipes independently. However, you should never leave them to handle any kitchen gadgets unattended.

Something as simple as placing a finger or fork inside the toaster could lead to a preventable accident.

You can cook meals together if they are still in the early stages of their disease. This allows them a certain degree of autonomy over their dietary choices, but you can help keep an eye on things.

For seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s, look for gadgets that have simple settings and buttons. Also, features like auto shutoff systems are best for these folks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Differences Between Toasters and Toaster Ovens?

A toaster will do exactly what its name suggests: toast bread. However, these simple gadgets have evolved, and you can use them to toast or thaw different frozen baked goods.

Some models offer large capacities, letting you toast 4 to 8 slices of bread simultaneously. However, they are still much simpler than toaster ovens since they make perfect toast every time.

On the other hand, toaster ovens are bigger gadgets that have the functionalities of both toasters and traditional ovens.

You can still make toast in these ovens but bake, broil, and cook various meals. Thus, they tend to have more features than simple toasters.

What Are the Dangers of Using a Toaster?

Even though toasters are electrical devices, some dangers are still inherent to their use.

  • Placing anything inside the toaster’s slots can lead to a severe electric shock, which could even endanger your life.
  • Letting bread crumbs accumulate inside the crumb tray can lead to a fire.
  • Submerging a toaster in water can generate electric shocks.

Do Toaster Ovens Save Electricity?

According to First Choice Power, they do use less electricity than a standard electric oven. They also say microwave ovens use less electricity than toaster ovens and standard oven ranges.

Summary and Final Recommendations

So, there you have it! Some of the best toasters for elderly people. Owning a toaster or toaster oven will allow seniors to add variety to their diet and make their meals.

These are all great options, but I just love the Cuisinart CPT-420. It is a bit pricier than some of its competitors, but the quality and amount of features mean that this will be a great investment.

Of course, there are many other great options in the market.

Now that you know which features to look for, choosing a toaster that will keep your loved ones safe while letting them enjoy cooking will be much easier! Do you have a toaster that you recommend for seniors? Let us know in the comments below.

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Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®

Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®

With over 20 years of experience and certifications as a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® and Senior Home Safety Specialist (SHSS)®, Scott Grant provides reliable recommendations to help seniors maintain independence through informed product and service choices for safe, comfortable living.

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3 thoughts on “Best Toasters for Elderly People? Safe and Easy Cooking for Breakfast and More!”

  1. Shannon Hurtubise

    Thank you for providing these recommendations.

  2. Bob F.

    I don’t understand why a toaster doesn’t exist that needs a 4 digit code to start , as a caregiver I need this or an electric extension that does the same thing

    • Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

      That’s a great idea Bob. I’ll pass it along to some of the companies I work with.

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