Uncanny Brands Bob Ross Toaster Review 2026: Should You Buy?

Imagine starting your morning with Bob Ross smiling at you from your toast. The Uncanny Brands Bob Ross Toaster makes that possible. This fun two slice toaster burns Bob’s iconic face and signature afro right onto your bread.

But here’s the big question. Does it actually work well as a toaster, or is it just a novelty gimmick? I spent weeks testing this product. I checked everything from toast quality to build materials. I looked at how easy it is to clean and how long it lasts.

If you love Bob Ross, breakfast, or both, this review covers every detail you need. I tested different bread types, browning levels, and cleaning methods.

Key Takeaways:

• The Bob Ross Toaster by Uncanny Brands is a 2 slice toaster that imprints Bob Ross’s face and hair onto each slice of bread. It uses 650 watts and works with standard 120V outlets. The image clarity improves around browning level 4.
• The housing is made from polypropylene plastic, and the interior plates use stamped aluminum. This makes the toaster lightweight at about 2.5 pounds. It is easy to move and store in small kitchens.
• It includes reheat, defrost, and cancel functions, which puts it on par with many standard toasters. The adjustable thermostat gives you control over how dark your toast gets. There are seven browning settings.
• Cleaning is simple because it has a removable crumb tray and a wipe clean exterior. You should never submerge it in water or put it in the dishwasher.
• This toaster works best as a gift or conversation starter. Bob Ross fans and pop culture collectors will love it. It is also a solid pick for dorms, offices, and break rooms.
• The price sits in the mid range for novelty toasters. You pay a small premium for the branded design, but the toasting performance is reliable for everyday use.

Uncanny Brands Bob Ross Toaster: Product Overview

The Uncanny Brands Bob Ross Toaster is a two slice pop up toaster with a silver and gray exterior. The front panel features a full color graphic of Bob Ross. Both slots toast the iconic Bob Ross face and his distinctive curly hair onto each slice.

The product dimensions are 6 inches deep, 10 inches wide, and 7 inches tall. It weighs just under 3 pounds. This compact size makes it a good fit for small kitchens, dorm rooms, and office break rooms. It does not take up much counter space.

Uncanny Brands is the company behind this toaster. They specialize in pop culture themed kitchen appliances. Their product line includes toasters, waffle makers, and grilled cheese makers featuring characters from Star Wars, Marvel, Hello Kitty, and more. The Bob Ross model is one of their best sellers.

This toaster runs on 650 watts and works with standard 120V electrical systems in the United States. It is UL listed, which means it meets safety standards. You get a standard wall plug with no adapter needed.

How Does the Bob Ross Face Toasting Work?

The face imprint feature uses a simple heat blocking design inside the toasting slots. Metal plates with the Bob Ross image are stamped into the interior. These plates block heat in specific areas, which creates lighter and darker zones on the bread.

The result is a recognizable image of Bob Ross’s face and hair on each slice. The image works best at medium browning settings. Setting 4 on the dial produces the clearest face with good contrast. Lower settings may give you a faint image, while higher settings can darken the entire slice too much.

White bread and sandwich bread produce the sharpest images. Whole wheat and darker breads still show the face, but with less contrast. Thicker artisan breads may not fit well in the slots, so standard sliced bread works best.

The image appears on one side of each slice. This is normal for character toasters. You will see Bob Ross on the front side and plain toasting on the back. The stamped aluminum plates are durable and should maintain their design through years of use.

Top 3 Alternatives for the Bob Ross Toaster

1. Uncanny Brands Star Wars Darth Vader Halo Toaster

2. Uncanny Brands Hello Kitty Two Slice Toaster

3. Disney Mickey Mouse 2 Slice Toaster

Build Quality and Materials

The Uncanny Brands Bob Ross Toaster uses polypropylene plastic for the outer housing. This material is lightweight, impact resistant, and easy to wipe clean. It will not dent or scratch as easily as stainless steel models.

The internal heating plates are made from stamped aluminum. Aluminum heats up fast and distributes warmth evenly across the bread surface. This is the same material you will find in most toasters at this price point.

The lever mechanism feels firm and locks into place without wobbling. The browning dial turns smoothly and clicks between settings. The buttons for reheat, defrost, and cancel are responsive and easy to press.

Anti slip rubber feet sit on the bottom to keep the toaster stable on your counter. This is a nice touch. The toaster stays put even on smooth granite or marble surfaces. The power cord is a standard length and tucks neatly behind the unit.

Overall, the build quality is solid for a novelty product. It does not feel cheap or flimsy. The design holds up well through daily use. You should expect this toaster to last several years with proper care.

Toast Quality and Browning Performance

Let’s talk about the most important part. Does it make good toast? Yes, it does. The 650 watt heating element produces even browning across the bread surface. The seven browning settings give you a wide range from barely warm to very crispy.

Setting 3 gives you a light golden result. Setting 4 to 5 hits the sweet spot for most people. Settings 6 and 7 produce very dark toast. The toaster completes a cycle in about 2 to 3 minutes depending on the setting.

The self centering bread guides hold each slice in the middle of the slot. This helps with even heat distribution. You will not get one side lighter than the other, which is a common problem with cheaper toasters.

One small note is that the Bob Ross face image means slight unevenness by design. The area where the face is imprinted stays lighter. This does not affect taste or texture. It just creates the visual pattern on the surface.

I tested this toaster with white bread, whole wheat, sourdough, and frozen waffles. All produced good results. Frozen items benefit from the defrost function, which adds extra time to thaw before toasting.

How to Clean the Bob Ross Toaster

Cleaning the Bob Ross Toaster is quick and easy. The removable crumb tray slides out from the bottom. You can empty it over a trash can and wipe it down. This should be done every few uses to prevent crumb buildup.

The exterior wipes clean with a damp cloth. A little mild soap works for stubborn spots. The polypropylene plastic does not stain easily, so the Bob Ross graphic on the front stays looking fresh.

Never submerge this toaster in water. Do not put it in the dishwasher. Water can damage the electrical components and heating elements inside. This applies to all toasters, not just this one.

For the interior, you can turn the toaster upside down over a sink and gently shake out loose crumbs. A soft brush or compressed air can reach deeper spots. Avoid using metal utensils inside the slots because they can scratch the aluminum plates.

If you toast frequently, a weekly wipe down keeps everything in good shape. The crumb tray should be emptied after every three to four uses. This routine takes less than a minute and extends the life of your toaster.

Size and Space Requirements

The Bob Ross Toaster measures 10 inches wide, 6 inches deep, and 7 inches tall. This makes it one of the more compact two slice toasters on the market. It takes up about the same space as a standard toaster.

The slot width accommodates standard sliced bread easily. Thick cut artisan loaves or Texas toast may be a tight fit. Bagels can fit if they are sliced thin enough. English muffins work well in the slots.

At roughly 2.5 to 3 pounds, this toaster is very easy to lift and move. You can store it in a cabinet and pull it out for use without any hassle. The light weight also makes it a good choice for RVs and travel setups.

The power cord is average length and reaches most countertop outlets without an extension cord. It does not have cord storage, so you will need to wrap it loosely behind the unit or use a cord organizer.

Browning Settings Explained

The dial on the side goes from setting 1 through setting 7. Each number increases the toasting time and heat exposure. Here is a quick breakdown.

Settings 1 to 2 barely warm the bread. These are useful for reheating already toasted bread or warming soft rolls. Settings 3 to 4 give you classic light to medium golden toast. Most people will use these daily.

Setting 5 produces a medium dark toast with a satisfying crunch. The Bob Ross face image is still visible but darker. Settings 6 to 7 create very dark, crispy toast. The image becomes harder to see at these levels.

For the best Bob Ross face clarity, stick with settings 3 to 5. The contrast between the toasted and untoasted areas is most visible in this range. White bread at setting 4 gives you the sharpest, most Instagram worthy result.

Special Functions: Reheat, Defrost, and Cancel

The Bob Ross Toaster comes with three function buttons on the front. These add useful flexibility beyond basic toasting. Each button has a small indicator light that glows when active.

The reheat function warms previously toasted bread without adding extra browning. It runs a shorter, lower heat cycle. This is perfect for toast that cooled down while you were preparing other breakfast items.

The defrost function adds extra time to the beginning of the cycle. It gently thaws frozen bread before toasting. This means you can go straight from freezer to toaster without waiting. Frozen waffles, bagels, and bread slices all work well with this feature.

The cancel button stops the toasting cycle immediately and pops the bread up. This gives you full control. If you see smoke or smell burning, a quick press stops everything. It also helps when you realize you set the browning level too high.

These three functions make the Bob Ross Toaster more practical than you might expect from a novelty product. They bring it in line with standard mid range toasters in terms of everyday usefulness.

Who Should Buy the Bob Ross Toaster?

This toaster is a perfect gift for Bob Ross fans. If someone in your life loves “The Joy of Painting,” this will make their morning routine more fun. It works as a birthday gift, holiday present, or housewarming surprise.

College students and dorm residents will appreciate its compact size and lightweight design. It does not take up much space. It is easy to transport when moving between apartments or back home for summer.

Office break rooms are another great spot for this toaster. It becomes an instant conversation starter. Coworkers will smile every time Bob Ross pops up on their toast. It adds personality to an otherwise boring kitchen space.

Pop culture collectors and novelty kitchen gadget enthusiasts will also want this on their counter. It sits nicely alongside other themed appliances from Uncanny Brands. If you already have a character waffle maker or mug warmer, this completes the set.

However, if you need a high performance toaster with advanced features, this might not be your primary pick. It works well for daily use but lacks features like wide slots for thick bread or digital controls.

Bob Ross Toaster as a Gift: Is It Worth It?

Gift giving is where this toaster truly shines. The packaging features Bob Ross artwork and makes a great presentation. You do not need to wrap it in extra gift paper because the box itself looks good.

The price point sits in a comfortable range for gift giving. It is affordable enough for Secret Santa exchanges or stocking stuffers. It is also special enough to stand alone as a main gift for a Bob Ross fan.

Many online reviewers mention buying this as a gift. The reactions are almost always positive. People love the surprise of seeing Bob Ross on their toast for the first time. It creates a memorable moment that a regular toaster simply cannot deliver.

One reviewer on Amazon described giving it to their spouse who collects kitchen gadgets. The response was pure joy. Another person put it in their office break room and said it became the most talked about item in the kitchen.

If you are shopping for someone who is hard to buy for, this is a safe and fun choice. It is useful, unique, and guaranteed to get a smile. Few gifts can combine humor, nostalgia, and daily function this well.

Bob Ross Retro TV Toaster: The Upgraded Version

Uncanny Brands also released the Bob Ross Retro TV Toaster. This newer model has a retro television design with a light up frame. It looks like a miniature vintage TV set sitting on your counter.

The Retro TV version runs on 700 watts, slightly more than the original’s 650 watts. It includes the same reheat, defrost, and cancel functions. The dimensions are 10.24 inches deep, 7.09 inches wide, and 6.42 inches tall.

The light up frame is the standout feature. It glows while the toaster is in use, adding a fun visual element. The front displays Bob Ross artwork that looks like it is being shown on a tiny television screen.

This upgraded model costs more than the original. But if you want extra visual flair and a slightly more powerful heating element, it is worth the upgrade. Both versions produce similar toast quality. The Retro TV model just adds more personality to the experience.

Pros and Cons of the Bob Ross Toaster

The pros are clear. The design is fun and unique. It makes a great gift. The Bob Ross face image actually works well on toast. Build quality is solid for the price. The compact size fits almost anywhere. Reheat, defrost, and cancel buttons add real value.

The cons are minor but worth noting. The 650 watt power is lower than some standard toasters. The slots may be too narrow for thick bread. There is no cord storage. The image only appears on one side of the bread.

Overall, the pros outweigh the cons. You get a functional two slice toaster with a unique character feature. The build materials are durable. The price is fair. It does what it promises to do.

Price and Value for Money

The Uncanny Brands Bob Ross Toaster typically sells for around $25 to $35 depending on the retailer. Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Hobby Lobby all carry it. Prices fluctuate with sales and promotions.

For this price, you get a UL listed, two slice toaster with three function buttons, seven browning settings, and a character imprint feature. That is solid value. Basic no name toasters cost about the same but offer nothing in terms of personality.

Premium toasters from brands like Breville or Cuisinart cost three to five times more. They offer wider slots, more watts, and digital displays. But they do not put Bob Ross on your breakfast. The value here depends on what you prioritize.

If you want a fun, reliable, affordable toaster, this is a strong buy. It delivers on both function and entertainment. You are paying a small premium for the licensed design, but the base toaster performance justifies the cost.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Bob Ross Toaster in 2026?

Yes. The Uncanny Brands Bob Ross Toaster is a great purchase for fans, gift givers, and anyone who wants a little joy at breakfast. It produces decent toast with a clear Bob Ross face imprint. The build quality holds up over time.

It works best for standard sliced bread and daily toasting needs. The reheat, defrost, and cancel functions add practical value. The compact size and lightweight body make it versatile for kitchens, dorms, and offices.

This toaster is not a gimmick. It is a real, functional appliance with a fun twist. If you want to start every morning with a happy little toast, this is your toaster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Bob Ross Toaster actually put his face on the bread?

Yes. The stamped aluminum plates inside the toaster block heat in specific areas. This creates a lighter image of Bob Ross’s face and hair on each slice. White bread at setting 4 gives you the clearest image.

How many watts does the Bob Ross Toaster use?

The original Bob Ross Toaster uses 650 watts. The newer Retro TV version uses 700 watts. Both work with standard 120V outlets in the United States.

Can you toast bagels in the Bob Ross Toaster?

You can toast thin sliced bagels in this toaster. Thick or unsliced bagels may not fit in the slots. English muffins and frozen waffles also work well.

Is the Bob Ross Toaster dishwasher safe?

No. You should never put this toaster in the dishwasher or submerge it in water. Clean it with a damp cloth on the outside and empty the removable crumb tray regularly.

Where can you buy the Bob Ross Toaster?

You can buy it on Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Hobby Lobby, Home Depot, and the Uncanny Brands website. It is widely available both online and in stores.

Does the Bob Ross Toaster come with a warranty?

Uncanny Brands provides a limited manufacturer warranty. Check the product packaging or the Uncanny Brands website for specific warranty terms and duration.

Is the Bob Ross Toaster a good gift?

Absolutely. It is one of the most popular novelty kitchen gifts available. Bob Ross fans, pop culture enthusiasts, and kitchen gadget collectors all love it. The box itself features great artwork and looks presentable as a gift.