The Quest for the Made in America Toaster

Or, The Toaster that Launched a Blog

Over two years ago, I decided I needed a new toaster. Tired of cheap, short-lived, made in China toasters, I was determined to buy a made in USA toaster. I figured I’d have to pay extra, but I was ready to pay for the quality that comes with American products. So began my quest for the made in America toaster—a journey that ultimately led to the Buying American Blog.

Searching for a Made in USA Toaster

Naively, I first went to my local big box stores and started checking labels. Surely, one of the brands I was familiar with would offer a made in America toaster.  Cuisinart? No. KitchenAid? Nope. Oster, Hamilton Beach, Breville? Not a chance. No matter what brand I looked at and no matter how high the price, none were made in America.

Fine. If the local retailers don’t want to sell me a made in America toaster, there was always my old friend Amazon. But a quick Amazon search only led me further down the rabbit hole. None of the toasters which specified where they were manufactured came from the USA. So I turned to Google to find out where the ominously unspecified ones were made. A week later (I don’t give up easily), I exhausted my Amazon options with no American made toaster in sight.

Surely someone, somewhere still made toasters in America.  Summoning my Google-Fu, I searched for any evidence such a mythical beast still existed. And finally, success! Kind of. I discovered two models of toasters still made in the good ole U. S. of A. But like all mythical beasts, these are rather exotic.

Holman Toastmaster

First, meet the Holman Toastmaster 409.

Made in America Toaster: Holman Toastmaster® TP409

Made in America Toaster: Holman Toastmaster® TP409

The Holman Toastmaster isn’t just a toaster, it is a gluten-fueled assault toaster. The Holman commercial toaster can toast 250 slices per hour. Of course, this kind of performance comes at a price. Specifically, a retail price of $1,295 (but you can find one for the bargain price of $550–$750).

The Polytron Two-Slice Toaster

My second discovery was less formidable, but still imposing. The 14-lb. Polytron toaster is a two-slice toaster based on a commercial model made by Hobart. Indeed, the four-slice version is not offered to mere mortals and is only available to businesses.

The civilian two-slice version costs $285. And, while it doesn’t have a bagel setting, this is the most affordable American-made toaster I could find on the market. This toaster used to be available from Toaster Central. But, he’s been having trouble getting this toaster from Hobart. And sadly, I haven’t been able to find an alternative.

Made in America Toaster: Polytron

Made in America Toaster: Polytron

Blasts from America’s Past

At this point, you may be thinking: “There must be other options!” Well, you’re partially right. Toaster Central offers refurbished antique American-made toasters from as far back as the 1920s. These toasters are monuments to the enduring quality of American manufacturing. While new products can die within a few years, these toasters are still going strong 90+ years later, with a bit of TLC, and many are also works of art. Browse these beauties at Toaster Central:

  • Westinghouse Turnover Toaster with Etched Doors (1920s)
  • Marion Giant Flip Flop Toaster (1930s)
  • Sunbeam Model T-20 Automatic Toaster (1940s)

And a blog is born

I started my search because I wanted a toaster.  Instead, I found something else: a passion for American-made products. I discovered how difficult it can be to find American-made products, even when one is (maniacally) determined to do so. Product listings often hide where products are made, or worse, are misleading. I was also surprised how rare US-made products have become in many product categories. More importantly, I discovered a deep appreciation for the quality and workmanship American products offer.

However, for American manufacturers to survive and thrive once again, people like you and I need to be able to find their products and to appreciate what they offer. So the Buying American Blog was born. If you’re also on a quest to find made in America products, you will find my Made in USA List which contains a growing list of manufacturers and retailers. You can also follow me on Twitter at @BuyingAmerican.

But . . . I still need a Made in USA toaster with a bagel setting. Any suggestions?

More Made in USA Kitchen Wares

Check out my Made in USA List under Kitchen for kitchen goods made in America by companies. Looking for heritage kitchenware crafted by American artisans and guaranteed for life? Browse over to Jacob Bromwell. And, be sure to check out the Genuine Pyramid Toaster!

To whet your appetite, here are a few randomly selected links from the Kitchen category:

104 Responses

  1. Sherry Holt says:

    Thank you. I’m on the road to a new toaster at last. You saved me a few hours of futile searching. I don’t require made in America, I just require something not be made in China. I highly recommend a book, Bitter Winds. It’s a memoir dedicated to the mantra of not buying made in china, particularly toys. The Swiss and German still export a number of good products too.
    I am gluten free by need, and gluten free bread is awful unless toasted.

    • Emily says:

      Thank you Sherry for the book recommendation & for buying American! Every little bit helps. I try to buy Made in Canada, Europe, or other democratic countries when I can’t buy American. Democratic countries do a better job taking care of workers and the environment than dictatorships! Wikipedia’s Democracy Index helps.

    • AStone says:

      I’ve been searching for MONTHS for a toaster NOT MADE IN CHINA and under $200 (incl. delivery). I think I may be getting warm using Google Translate and searching in German. If they could just SHIP the darn thing here for less than the price … I may end up taking a vacation in Berlin next year!

      • MB says:

        I’m amazed as well I can’t find one toaster oven proudly made in America or anywhere else but China! And my search has resulted in American companies that claim manufacturer USA but it’s really made in China. Purchased a humidifier that started USA box said made in China. I returned it but lost a few dollars on the return.

    • Stellat Pilot says:

      I just found and amazing used Dualit toaster, made in England, for $10 plus shipping on Facebook Marketplace. Amazing toaster, so well designed, so well built, looks great.

  2. Tony says:

    Interesting article. I am curious though, are the parts made in America as well or are they imported and the toaster is merely fabricated by American workers?

    • Emily says:

      Thanks for reading & for buying American, Tony! An unqualified “Made in the USA” claim means that the product must be “all or virtually all” made in the United States. This is regulated by the FTC. Here’s a good example from the FTC’s site: “A company produces propane barbecue grills at a plant in Nevada. The product’s major components include the gas valve, burner and aluminum housing, each of which is made in the U.S. The grill’s knobs and tubing are imported from Mexico. An unqualified Made in USA claim is not likely to be deceptive because the knobs and tubing make up a negligible portion of the product’s total manufacturing costs and are insignificant parts of the final product.” Read a bit more about it on my About the Made in USA page. And, if you have any questions about the Polytron, I’d reach out to Toaster Central at: pop@toasterCentral.com .

    • Shirley Robertson says:

      I worked at a Union shoe factory and they imported shoe uppers and soles fromTaiwan, and then sadly stamped a Union label on the tongue, put a sole with USA on it. People thought they were buying US. Buyer beware!!!

      • Buying American says:

        Yeah, that’s tricky. That shoe company cannot claim their products are “Made in USA” with key imported parts, but they could claim “Assembled in USA.” The good news is, they were still employing someone in the U.S. 😉 You find some information on this page helpful: How to Buy American. Thanks for trying, Shirley!

  3. John says:

    I landed here because I was looking to buy a toaster made in the USA! Sad to realize there are no affordable choices. A frying pan on the gas range still works fine.

  4. Johnny says:

    Hey everyone, landed here also looking for a USA made toaster – or at least one not made in China. After doing some research I found that Dualit brand toasters are made in the UK and start at $99. They seem to be available on Amazon and other websites but generally not in stores. Good luck with the search.

    • Daniel Freese says:

      According to information I gathered from my visit to William Sonoma today, Dualit has their low end toasters made in China, and the other toasters are assembled in the U. K. from imported parts (read China into that statement according to the sales staffer who did the research for me!).
      You get what you pay for; sometimes!!!

    • Gene says:

      Only the Classic is made in the UK. The $99 Studio is designed in the UK, Made in China.

    • Karen Granger says:

      Thanks for the suggestion. Anything but made in China.

  5. Emily says:

    All, I’ve updated the post with new links for Toaster Central, which can now accept credit cards! I’m excited to hear the American-made Polytron toaster is back in production. Put in your order now at Toaster Central!

  6. Virginia Theresa says:

    I found a toaster with an old name- “Kalorik”. I don’t know if the spelling is the same as the old electronics from my childhood, but I traced the manufacturer to Florida. Whether the building is just an office, a warehouse, or a manufacturing site I do not know. I would buy this if it was made in the USA, it is a nice toaster! Anyone in Florida could check it out for us: Team International Group of America Inc. 1400 NW 159th St # 102, Miami Gardens, FL 33169 (this is the “manufacturer”)

  7. Peter says:

    Sorry Johnny, Dualit Toasters are Designed in the UK and made in PRC. I have never seen an appliance say “Made in PRC” but I’m sure everyone knows what that means eh? Peoples Republic of China. Sorry Dualit, sorry Johhny, you been duped by a sneaky advertising ploy.

    • Emily says:

      Hi Peter! I see Dualit advertises on their site that their toasters are “Hand built in the UK … from start to finish.” That seems like a fairly strong claim, but I’m not sure what UK law states in terms of claims. You might check out this site for Made in UK info: https://makeitbritish.co.uk/ . I wonder if Dualit makes cheaper versions in PRC (not listed on their site) or perhaps you found a knock-off?

      • Aleksandr Kriuchkov says:

        Most likely items that are sold in UK are “Hand built in the UK”. Items sold in the US are built in China. Higher end models sold in the US are “assembled in the UK” from imported parts.

  8. Rachel says:

    Hi Johnny/Peter/Emily: Dualit “Classic” models are still made in England. They run about $200-$400. The other “NewGen” and “Design Series” models are made in China. I keep going back and forth on getting one because the slots are too narrow to toast bagels :/ but this is a great blog. Maybe we can all get together and start a toaster company! Or at least petition some American companies to convince them that consumers will pay a higher price for US-made products.

  9. Ray Tilkens says:

    Had the same problem with a manual can opener. Went thru 3 in 6 months. All made in China. Found an american made one 2 years ago and it still works like new. Remember American made pencil sharpeners that still work well today. Can’t find a decent toaster without spending Big $$. Grandpas 1950’s AM Travel-All battery radio which is like a tank, picks up stations 100 miles away with no external antenna. New radios with telescopic antenna can’t pick up most local stations. That is when America was Great

  10. Andy Wingert says:

    The closest I was able to come to buying a toaster that could handle bagels that served my desire to not simultaneously serve greedy corporate interests and the China syndrome was a Hatco toaster. While the toaster I bought from them was made in China when I bought it (five plus years ago) Hatco was a small employee owned company in the Midwest. At least my purchase benefitted them…The toaster was restaurant grade and has worked well.

  11. Rochelle Adam says:

    So I am joining the search for a US toaster. France, UK, or Germany are also good.

    Does anyone know about Magimix toasters? I know that Magimix food processors are made in France? Is this true for the toasters as well? They are very pricey, but I’m willing to pay this for a product that I intend to keep and hand on.

  12. Flint_jk says:

    Hi there, I am also on the quest for products Made in USA, or made in Europe, (but not France, can’t go there either). I found a UK company, Rowlett, that looks like the real deal. I think they are a local UK distributorship so have sent them an email to see how I can get one over here. I’ve taken to shopping at Thrift stores for the old USA made stuff, and found a 1950’s GE toaster that needed a little TLC, got it for $3.00. I took it home, took it apart and cleaned it up and it worked like a champ for another few years, until it was dropped, GASP! I tried to resurrect it again but it was too far gone at that point, and man was I sad when “Old Toasty” passed on.
    I used to ask my friends, who would laugh at my old toaster obsession, how many Chinese made toasters from the 1950’s are still out there working? The answer, of course, is that in the 1950’s the Chinese had no clue what a toaster was let alone how to build one…

    Good look on the quest. Lets keep the Blog going

  13. TerryL says:

    We also looked all over at several stores and were unable to locate a toaster made in the U.S. We were replacing our toaster because it only half toasted one side while toasting the other perfectly. So eventually we gave-in and bought a Sunbeam (yes made in China) and it still half-ass tpoasts one side ofthe bread. Do the Chinese have a problem with making a toaster that will toast both sides equally? WTH!

  14. Daniel Jacoby says:

    I am presently, designing a toaster that will be made in America and be price competitive with China. New technology is the answer.
    Every household buys a new toaster!

  15. M.Murphy says:

    Hello I have joined in the Quest also for other appliances like blender,toaster ovens etc. Glad I’m not alone. Used to be zoster and GE but no longer…

  16. Christine says:

    We were just having this conversation about toasters today! Sad that there are none USA made. This is the reason i purchased a vitamix over blendtec. 70 per cent made in USA and thats more than you can say for most things. Love your blog

  17. Michael says:

    I am in the same bind. I have a Breville that fails every few weeks. I have to shake it, blow it out, dislodge the carriage. I am ready to throw it out and have only had for a year. Don’t know what to do. Would prefer a new toaster but don’t want junk.

  18. Charles Moore says:

    Has anybody actually found a good toaster? Seems like no progress has been made since this article was written!

  19. Eric says:

    For the Hobart toaster, try contacting Polytron of Elkhart,IN. They make the toaster for Hobart.

  20. Thank you so much for this blog and the excellent information. I just found the refurbished American-made toaster of my partner’s dreams at Toaster Central. So happy to find people committed to “local” (that is, made at least on the continent) and repurposing the great stuff that’s already out there. Thank you!

  21. Debbie says:

    It’s so nice to hear I’m not the only one to take hours researching products in the quest for Not made in China. It’s sad that after all the research we can still be duped by some of the product lines being made in China. I bought the Dualit NewGen used. Also bought and returned a knife set by Wusthoff after learning it was made in China-the classic line is made in Germany. I did luck out with a company that sells glass wear/coffee cups in France that say they 100 percent made in France and always will be-Duralex.

  22. Ethan says:

    I’ve gone the vintage route for the last few years. I have acquired two 1930s models and an 80’s model. But my wife finally put her foot down and demanded a toaster with a bagel setting. So I guess I’m going to have to buy one from Europe or something. I know dualit has been mentioned, but I’ve heard negative things about them. Anybody with any other recommendations? Maybe a good German made product?

  23. jim cramer says:

    I bought the polytron 2 slice. Funny but you can buy 2 of the 2 slice toasters for less than the 4 slice toaster. My daughter hates it because it is not long enough slot for her favorite toast and doesn’t toast as evenly as she was used to. I however believe that this beast will be handed down to my grand children long after I have shuffled off this mortal coil. It is built like a tank. I bought it direct from the factory and once I found the setting I liked it works like a champ.

  24. Kevin says:

    You save me countless hours of searching with this blog and article. Here we are stuck at home thanks to Covid-19 and our toaster dies. During my weekly expedition for supplies, I thought I would just pick one up from the limited selection at the grocery store. But I could not in good conscience pay $40 for a toaster and I would just order one online. Then it hit me, I was damn sure not going to buy a toaster made in China and that might cost me more than $40 and I was OK with it. I only spent about 15 minutes on Amazon before doing a search and winding up here. I’m sure I will be coming back to this blog as I need to acquire and replace more items.

  25. fs says:

    I also refused to buy a toaster made in China.

  26. Susan says:

    I need a toaster, ANY made in USA, or even NOT CHINA??????Help

  27. Please check out Origin Maine. Their goods are 100% made and sourced in the USA.

  28. Zach says:

    I’ve gone on many searches just like yours, and it is always depressing when I find that the things we created are no longer made here. One of the few bright lights of this Wuhan virus crisis is that at least a few people are finally waking up and realizing that a nation that cannot provide for itself is not a nation. Hopefully more people realize this, hopefully one day the American people provide for themselves everything from socks to smart phones.

  29. Patsy says:

    Hello all, I landed here today seeking an American made belgian waffle iron. I so appreciate your blog and if anyone can recommend one please do, and many thanks to all contributing to this research. How we spend our money is our voice, and impacts so much more than a single purchase.

  30. Vicky says:

    Hi, do y’all think if we get a lot of consumers willing to pay more as long is made in USA, they would listen? I have so much problem to find items all parts fully made in USA. I’ve been on it since 2010, when I went to buy a present for myself, a pair of shoes, and every single one, didn’t matter the price, where made in China. So I’ve been having a dilema ever since to find USA made. I didn’t care to pay the price it is worth it.

  31. Rebekah says:

    Try SMEG (Italy), and Ritterwerk (Germany). Both claim they are made in country.

    • Buying American says:

      Gosh, this is always tricky. It looks like Ritterwerk is Made in Germany, but I don’t know if they make toasters for US power (indicates 220-240V; ~$550) and it doesn’t look like they have a US dealer. On the other hand, SMEG offers a line of relatively cheap toaster with US power (~$160). The SMEG two-slice is gorgeous, but if you look closer, it appears to be Made in China (noted on Amazon listing in the questions section). What a bummer! Maybe Ritterwerk will start making a US power version in the future!

  32. Desiree says:

    I have resorted to buying these types of items second hand purely to avoid spending money directly on Chinese goods.

    • Lori Smith says:

      That’s what I’m about to resort to. I cannot afford, at this time, to spend double, triple and more on these products. I could spend a few bucks at the thrift store, and if I have to replace it for another few bucks in a couple years, I can do that.

  33. Colleen says:

    Also I have spent countless hrs winding up here with no more luck than you.
    Totally frustrated… looking for a toaster made ANYWHERE but China..who knew this was such a huge time consuming project… help is appreciated …

  34. Steve says:

    Just found this blog. Thank you for creating it. Please list other kitchen items and appliances that are not made in China. We all need to wake up as Americans and realize that China is trying to sink us over the long run. We need to stop funding their rise.

  35. Jim Britton says:

    Great blog…glad to hear so many with the zeal. I’m looking for a toaster oven. It’s a similar problem, though I believe there’s a Black and Decker model made here. (try finding a cordless drill or coffee maker, too).

  36. Vanessa says:

    Like many others I am looking for a Made in USA toaster- I went through this with a simple dog harness – trying to find one made in USA but was deceived by the wording “assembled in CA” so it came from China- won’t do that again – thanks for this forum.

  37. Steven Cox says:

    Wow, this is amazing! Star MFG. in Smithville TN builds several brands of quality products including Toastmaster. Check it out and Buy American! Posted by a Made in America Veteran.

  38. Lisa says:

    It is a sad day indeed when Americans can not find a product as common as a household toaster, that is made in the USA. I need a toaster. I want one that is not made in China. It looks like I have come to the right place! Thank you for the information and research. It is just maddening that we went from customers to consumers, without most people realizing it. Everything that I buy is basically consumed, or disposable, or just not built to last. The mentality has turned in to pay $20 for a toaster, when it breaks in a year or so (if you are lucky) buy another. If you pay for an expensive name brand product then you expect it to last 5-10 years, no more lasts a lifetime or even 20 years like the old appliances. Even most automobiles only last until the last payment is made it seems. I absolutely hate it! I recently browsed for silverware that was made in the USA and found Liberty, the ONLY company, but very thankful for that nonetheless. I apologize for the rant, but I am glad that everyone here seems to feel the same! I will definitely bookmark your site and refer to it before I make my next purchase. I agree that our money is what will speak volumes, well and maybe a few emails and tweets wouldn’t hurt! 😉 Thanks again!

    • Buying American says:

      Thanks for buying American when you can, Lisa! Luckily there are lots of product areas where it’s easier to buy American, as long as you shop online. Be sure to check out my Made in USA List (or my post on retailers who only sell American-made goods). Clothing, shoes, bags, luggage, bedding, etc. If everyone tries to buy a few things from American manufacturers, we’ll create more jobs in our states and reduce shipping pollution while we’re at it. 🙂

    • Rob says:

      Well said and I couldnt agree more to everything you said. Maybe this pandemic will make people realize that we truly need to be more self sufficient (sadly probably not).

  39. Sunny says:

    i am in Canada and wanted a toaster. googled a lot to see if i can find a North American made toaster (I would settle even for a made in Mexico) BUT NEVER MADE IN CHINA
    Since i did not find one…, i would continue to use my cast iron pan to do my toast though it takes more time to get it done.

    This is really a shame!
    333 million + 33 million, Canada = 366 m

    For such a huge population and a basic appliance used by every household there is NONE produced here…

    I thought Trump would bring in “Made in America” back but it does not look like that.

    Also, i am in need of a Treadmill… if i look at the made in USA options have only 1 Landice which costs 2 times the one not made in USA

    Solo costs around approx 2000 CAD where as Landice basic one costs between 4000-5000 CAD

    Seems like the Chinese suppliers are making a ton of money with the demand for home fitness equipment going up rapidly.

    • Buying American says:

      It’s frustrating, isn’t it Sunny! But, anything you can buy that’s made ethically makes a big difference. Clothing is an easy category, but electronics are difficult. If you’re willing to pop for heirloom quality and have a gas stove, check out the non-electric Pyramid Toaster from Jacob Bromwell. Also, Jacob Bromwell does have sales from time to time, so you can keep an eye out for sales.

  40. katherine blanton says:

    Bless you for taking the time to do this blog!

  41. Bonn says:

    FOUND ONE!!!
    https://www.webstaurantstore.com/hatco-tpt-120-4-slice-commercial-toaster-1-1-4-slots-120v/413TPT120.html
    Hatco TPT-120 uses Standard American Plug (NEMA 5-15P).
    Hatco website lists it for $394. Webstaurant sells for $216.70.
    Does toast, bagels, waffles, Texas Toast!
    Loved this blog! 🙂

    • Buying American says:

      Thanks, Bonn! This is a tricky one, as I haven’t been able to see a “Made in USA” label as of yet. I agree that it’s worth investigating further!

    • Mark says:

      Ii just asked the folks at Hatco and they said the TPT-120 was made in China.
      Sad but the search goes on.

  42. Bonn says:

    HATCO is an Employee Owned company in Milwaukee.
    Hatcocorp.com

  43. Wanda says:

    I’m also on the quest for an American made toaster but I will accept any product not made in China. My current toaster is nearing its end as it occasionally only toasts one side of the bread. When this one croaks, and until I find a suitable replacement, I will just toast my bread on a pan under the broiler in the oven. That brings back fond memories of my WWII veteran dad making breakfast and singing army cadence. China can…….. we are done.

  44. Charlene Geary says:

    any updates for USA toasters yet? I’m on the hunt too.

  45. Verna says:

    I am also searching for a toaster that is not made in China.

  46. Gina Burnett says:

    I was up most of the night researching for a non-Chinese made toaster Nothing… Please let me know if you all find one. Thanks.

  47. Sandra says:

    Who knew it would be so hard to find a serviceable USA-made toaster? Bought a Cuisinart one last month; left a review on Amazon that it wasn’t worth a penny, and it was a shame to import this China-made junk to just end up in the landfill. It is tragic that our Made in American brands have been sold to China, and the product quality is now junk and no longer lives up to the American brand name that enticed China to buy the manufacturer name (Maytag, Kitchen-Aid, etc). Please somebody, start a company to make a great quality toaster in the USA– Per this blog, it is clear there is a market for it!

  48. Kathy says:

    Well I see i’m not alone in my quest for a toaster made in the USA, or at least not China. I’ve come the conclusion that they’re aren’t any. I promised myself after the “China virus” came here that I would never buy anything from there again. I have an old toaster oven I pulled out from storage and I’m using that. Don’t know where it was made, but I’ve had it for years. If anyone knows of any I would appreciate hearing from you, as would a lot of other people.

  49. Apparently, it’s even harder to find a union-made American toaster! The Machinists Union represents workers at GE. Maybe that’s a possibility.

  50. Lance Hartman says:

    If you are interested, Wayfair has some toasters by Love Life that are made in America!

  51. Page says:

    I scrolled through the comments and didn’t see Milan Toast listed, but it is possible someone mentioned it and I missed it since there are quite a few comments. It’s not made in USA, but at least it isn’t made in China… https://www.milantoast.com/en/aboutus/ Pricey, of course, but all the toasters not made in China seem to be. I have not found any reviews yet on the quality of this toaster which would be helpful before deciding whether or not to take a chance on a $400 toaster, plus shipping from Italy. I found a link on Amazon for purchasing this toaster with a $99 shipping fee. Is anyone familiar with this toaster?

    • Buying American says:

      Oh, great find Page! Gorgeous toasters . . . I hope someone will comment if they have bought this brand. Thanks for sharing!

      • virginia brambilla says:

        Hi everyone, I just saw this comment and I wanted to give you my honest opinion about these products. I live in Italy and in my country this brand is one the most popular ones. I have purchased many times from their website and I can confirm that they have very good quality products and 100% made in Italy. They are a family owned-company so they care a lot about the relationship with customers, and they have a very good customer service too!

  52. sun209 says:

    I’d love to see a well-made, U.S. manufactured, toaster! Of course, not buying from China on a large scale would create an economy where the least of my worries would be my kitchen gadgets. But there is a demand for better quality, U.S. products and some even exist, so why not a toaster?!

  53. Dale Hill says:

    Interesting subject. I just bought a vintage Hobart 2 slice toaster at a garage sale for $2.00. I figured it was a good deal, now I know it was! 110 volt Hobart ET12, made in USA!

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