Finding everyday kitchen appliances that are truly made in the USA is no easy task. In fact, when it comes to household toasters, there are virtually no options currently manufactured domestically. Nearly all pop-up toasters designed for residential use are produced overseas, primarily in China. However, for commercial kitchens, a couple of American-made toaster options are still available. These toasters are built for durability, speed, and high-volume use – designed to serve diners, cafeterias, and restaurant kitchens with dependable performance. While these aren’t the typical countertop toasters found in most homes, supporting these manufacturers still means supporting American industry, jobs, and craftsmanship. Below, we highlight the brands that are keeping toaster production alive in the United States.
Complete List of Toaster Brands Made in the USA
Cadco is a well-respected name in the commercial kitchen equipment space, particularly known for its convection ovens, hot plates, and line of durable toasters. Based in Connecticut, Cadco manufactures several of its commercial-grade toasters in the USA. Their lineup includes heavy-duty conveyor toasters designed for foodservice professionals needing reliable equipment for high-volume bread or bagel toasting. While some components may be sourced globally, final assembly and manufacturing take place in the United States. Cadco maintains a strong commitment to quality control, which is reflected in the longevity and performance of its products.
Star Manufacturing, headquartered in Smithville, Tennessee, is a veteran in the commercial kitchen equipment industry. Now operating as a brand under the Middleby Corporation, Star has been manufacturing high-performance cooking appliances for over 90 years. Their American-made product line includes commercial pop-up and conveyor toasters designed for heavy-duty use in foodservice environments. Star’s toasters are built with stainless steel components, fast recovery times, and even heat distribution – all engineered in the USA. While some models may incorporate imported parts, the company clearly identifies which of its products are manufactured domestically. Star Manufacturing continues to support American jobs and innovation by maintaining a significant portion of its toaster production on U.S. soil.
How to Find Toasters Made in the USA
What Does “Made in the USA” Mean?
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a product labeled “Made in the USA” must be “all or virtually all” made in the United States. This includes the manufacturing, processing, and assembly of the product, and generally excludes foreign parts or labor. However, enforcement of these standards is limited, and misleading labels are common. Terms like “Designed in the USA” or “Assembled in the USA” do not meet the FTC’s threshold for a true Made in the USA claim.
To better understand these definitions and how to spot them, read our complete guide on spotting made in the USA products: https://allamerican.org/research/how-to-find-made-in-usa/.
Materials
Toasters are relatively simple appliances in terms of materials, but each component plays a key role in quality and performance. Below is a breakdown of the major materials used in toasters and where they typically come from.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the primary material used for the exteriors of commercial toasters and their internal heating elements. The United States has a robust stainless steel industry, particularly in states like Indiana and Ohio, which are home to some of the largest steel production facilities in the country. American-made stainless steel is known for its corrosion resistance and durability. However, many companies still source stainless steel from abroad, particularly from China and South Korea, where costs may be lower.
For buyers looking to support domestic industry, it’s worth asking manufacturers about the origin of the stainless steel used in their toasters. High-quality, U.S.-sourced steel will often be reflected in better long-term performance.
Heating Elements
Heating elements are typically made from nichrome wire, a nickel-chromium alloy known for its resistance to heat and oxidation. While the U.S. does produce nichrome, the global supply is largely dominated by China, Germany, and Sweden. Domestic sourcing is possible, but less common, so confirming the origin of heating elements may require direct inquiry with manufacturers.
Plastics and Insulation
Although less prevalent in commercial toasters, residential-style units often use plastic for knobs, handles, or housing. These plastics are typically petroleum-based polymers, such as polypropylene or ABS. The U.S. has strong domestic capacity for plastic production, particularly in the Gulf Coast states. Still, in the commercial segment, plastics are minimal, and most housing is stainless steel.
Insulating materials, such as mica or fiberglass, are used to separate heating components and ensure safety. The U.S. does produce these materials, but like other components, they are often sourced globally.
Labeling
Under U.S. law, specifically Title 19, Chapter 4, Section 1304, imported products must be marked with their country of origin. However, products made in the USA are not required to bear a specific label unless they make a marketing claim about their origin.
The FTC oversees such claims and requires that any product advertised as “Made in the USA” must be supported by evidence that the product is “all or virtually all” made domestically. Unfortunately, enforcement is inconsistent, and many products carry misleading labels like:
- “Designed in the USA”
- “Assembled in the USA”
- “Made in the USA with Imported Materials”
These phrases often indicate that significant manufacturing occurs overseas. To verify authenticity, look for detailed information on the company’s website or contact them directly. Ask specific questions about where manufacturing and sourcing occur.
Final Tips
If you’re a consumer or business looking for toasters that support American jobs, your best option lies in the commercial space. Brands like Cadco and Star Manufacturing continue to uphold American manufacturing in a category that has otherwise shifted overseas. Even if you don’t run a restaurant or café, consider reaching out to these companies to see if their products can be adapted for your home use. Supporting these brands helps keep American factories running and promotes higher labor standards, product transparency, and national resilience.
As always, do your homework: check product specifications, contact manufacturers directly, and avoid vague marketing language. Make sure your dollars are going to companies that genuinely support American industry.
Toaster Manufacturers Not Made in the USA
Below are some brands we encountered during our research that aren’t manufactured here.
- Breville: An Australian company, Breville manufactures most of its products in China.
- Smeg: An Italian brand known for its retro-style appliances, Smeg produces its toasters in China.
- Dualit: A British company, Dualit manufactures its toasters in China.
- Morphy Richards: This British brand has shifted all of its manufacturing to the Far East, primarily China.
- Kenwood: A British kitchen appliances manufacturer, Kenwood has been owned by Italy’s De’Longhi Group since 2001. While specific manufacturing locations can vary, many of their products are produced in China.
- Hamilton Beach: An American brand, Hamilton Beach manufactures its appliances in China.
- Galanz: A Chinese manufacturer, Galanz produces a significant portion of the world’s microwaves and other appliances, including toasters, in China.
- Stovekraft: An Indian company, Stovekraft manufactures toasters under brands like Pigeon and Gilma in India.
