The 5 Best Toaster Ovens of 2024: Tested and Reviewed

The world of toaster ovens has evolved, rendering traditional models obsolete. These multifunctional kitchen appliances now bake, broil, roast, reheat, and even air fry, making them indispensable in modern kitchens. With so many options on the market, it’s crucial to find a toaster oven that truly delivers. In this review, we explore the top picks after rigorous testing, making your choice a breeze. Whether you need a compact toaster oven for small spaces or a larger one for versatile cooking, we’ve got you covered.

Cuisinart Toa60 Toaster Oven

Transform your kitchen with the Cuisinart Toa60 Toaster Oven. Crafted from stainless steel, its sleek design complements any decor. With dimensions of 15.5 inches in diameter, 16 inches in width, and 14 inches in height, this versatile appliance fits seamlessly into your culinary space.

Boasting 1800 watts of power, this toaster oven features an AirFry setting, along with toast, convection bake, bake, convection broil, broil, and warming functions. Its spacious interior can accommodate up to 6 slices of bread, a 12-inch pizza, or a 4-pound chicken. Equipped with a toast shade selector, adjustable temperature dial, and 60-minute timer with auto-shutoff, precision cooking is effortless. Plus, the included oven light, oven rack, baking pan, and AirFry basket make meal preparation a breeze. Experience superior performance and convenience with the Cuisinart Toa60 Toaster Oven.

Pros:

• Powerful 1800-watt toaster oven with AirFryer functionality
• Versatile cooking options: toast, air fry, bake, convection bake, broil, and warm
• Adjustable temperature dial and a 60-minute timer for precision
• Generous 3-pound capacity for various culinary creations
• Nonstick, easy-clean interior and included accessories simplify cleanup
• Whisper Quiet Operation for a peaceful cooking environment
• The stylish Steel design adds a modern touch to your kitchen
• Includes oven light for enhanced visibility during cooking
• It comes with a limited 3-year warranty for added peace of mind

Cons:

• The Steel exterior may show fingerprints
• Relatively larger footprint compared to basic toaster ovens

Hamilton Beach 31344d Toaster Oven

Elevate your kitchen experience with the Hamilton Beach 31344d Toaster Oven. Its sleek silver design adds a modern touch to your countertop, while its compact dimensions of 8.97 inches in depth, 16.12 inches in width, and 11.93 inches in height ensure it fits snugly into any kitchen space. Crafted from durable alloy steel with a polished finish, this toaster oven is built to last.

With its Easy Reach roll-top door, accessing your food is effortless, while its 1200 watts of power provide efficient cooking performance. Whether you’re toasting four slices of bread or baking a 9-inch pizza, this toaster oven offers versatility with its three cooking functions: bake, broil, and toast. Simple manual controls make operation a breeze, and cleaning up is hassle-free with the removable roll-top door and slide-out crumb tray. Experience convenience and efficiency with the Hamilton Beach 31344d Toaster Oven, perfect for everyday cooking tasks.

Pros:

• Easy access with the innovative Easy Reach roll-top door
• Versatile cooking options: bake, broil, and toast
• The compact design fits 4 slices or a 9-inch pizza
• Simple manual controls for user-friendly operation
• Convenient 30-minute timer with Stay On function
• Easy to clean with removable roll-top door and slide-out crumb tray

Cons:

• Limited temperature range (200–450 °F)
• Manual controls may not suit those seeking advanced features
• There is no mention of specific cooking presets for certain dishes

Comfee Cfo-Bb101 Toaster Oven

Compact and versatile, the Comfee Cfo-Bb101 Toaster Oven in pristine white seamlessly fits into any kitchen. With dimensions of 11.4 inches in diameter, 14.6 inches in width, and 8 inches in height, this stainless steel marvel boasts three essential cooking functions: baking, broiling, and toasting. Perfect for small spaces, its 10-liter capacity and two rack levels accommodate 2 to 4 slices of bread or a 9-inch pizza, catering to family-sized appetites.

Featuring intuitive controls and a 30-minute timer with precise toast shade preferences, this toaster oven offers temperatures ranging from 150°F to 450°F. The easy-to-use dials allow for effortless temperature and cooking mode adjustments. Additionally, it comes with three handy accessories—a non-stick baking rack, a baking pan, and a detachable crumb tray—for convenient cleaning after every use. Backed by a one-year warranty and lifetime technical consultation, the Comfee Cfo-Bb101 Toaster Oven ensures worry-free cooking for years to come.

Pros:

• 3-in-1 versatile cooking functions (Bake, Broil, Toast)
• A compact design is ideal for small spaces
• 2 rack levels for flexibility
• Easy-to-use built-in timer with precise controls
• Wide temperature range (150°F to 450°F)
• It comes with three useful accessories for easy cleaning
• One-year warranty and lifetime technical consultation

Cons:

• Limited capacity is suitable for small portions
• The manual control type may not appeal to everyone
• May not be suitable for large families or extensive cooking needs

Panasonic Flashxpress Toaster Oven

Elevate your kitchen prowess with the Panasonic Flashxpress Toaster Oven in sleek white. Crafted with double infrared heating elements, it evenly toasts, bakes, and reheats your favorite dishes. With precise temperature control, effortlessly whip up piping hot breads, sides, and hors d’oeuvres. The see-through glass door adds convenience, smoothly pulling out the rack as it opens. Compact yet powerful, its stainless steel build blends seamlessly with any decor. Plus, with a square inner tray, it accommodates pizzas up to 9 inches or four slices of bread, making it a versatile must-have for any culinary enthusiast.

Unleash culinary creativity with the touch-controlled Panasonic Flashxpress Toaster Oven. Its compact design belies its powerful 1300-watt performance, efficiently crisping and cooking with its quartz and ceramic infrared heating elements. Equipped with a manual temperature control sensor, it’s perfect for precise baking. The clean, modern design fits seamlessly into any kitchen, while the removable crumb trays ensure easy cleanup. Whether you’re baking, toasting, or reheating, this toaster oven promises perfection in every dish, making it an essential addition to your culinary arsenal.

Pros:

• Double infrared heating for even toasting and baking
• Precise temperature control with touch interface
• A compact design complements any kitchen decor
• See-through glass door for monitoring cooking progress
• Lightweight at 7.5 pounds for easy maneuverability
• A versatile square-shaped inner tray fits pizzas up to 9 inches
• Removable crumb trays for easy cleanup

Cons:

• Manual control may require some learning.
• A limited capacity (1 gallon) may not suit large cooking needs

Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven

Discover culinary freedom with the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven. Precision-controlled temperature, airflow, and heat source ensure optimum cooking performance. This 8-in-1 powerhouse offers versatility like no other, from air fry to dehydrate, all in one sleek, stainless steel appliance. Indulge guilt-free with up to 75% less fat than traditional deep frying, thanks to its Digital Crisp Control Technology.

Experience lightning-fast cooking with up to 60% quicker results than a conventional oven. Its spacious interior fits a 13″ pizza or 9 slices of toast, while its compact design saves valuable counter space. With customizable toast darkness and easy cleaning features, enjoy convenience in every meal preparation.

Pros:

• Digital Crisp Control Technology for precise cooking
• 8-in-1 functionality for versatile meal options
• Up to 75% less fat with Air Fry function
• 60% faster cooking with air-roasted
• 45% larger cooking area than comparable models
• Space-saving design takes up 50% less counter space
• Customizable toast and bagel settings
• Easy cleaning with removable crumb tray and accessible back panel
• The package includes essential accessories for a variety of cooking options

Cons:

• Interior height is limited to approximately 3 inches
• Specific design may not suit all kitchen aesthetics

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The Ultimate Buying Guide for the Best Toaster Ovens

Toaster ovens are a popular small appliance for baking, broiling, and toasting. They offer many of the functions of a full-sized oven in a compact countertop unit. This buying guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when shopping for the best toaster oven for your needs.

Size and Capacity

One of the first things to decide is what size toaster oven you need. Standard toaster ovens range from 0.5 cubic feet up to around 1.5 cubic feet. Consider how much food you typically cook at once and choose accordingly. If you plan to use it for larger items like a 12-inch pizza or rotisserie chicken, look for an oven with at least 1 cubic foot of capacity. Also, check the interior dimensions to ensure your bakeware will fit.

Controls and Settings

Look for an oven with adjustable temperature settings, typically ranging from warm-up to 450°F, for versatility. Digital controls tend to be more accurate than dial controls. Make sure it has settings for toast, bake, broil, convection if desired, and any other cooking functions you want. The more pre-programmed settings available, the easier it will be to use for everything from frozen snacks to homemade meals.

Power and Performance

Higher wattage usually means faster preheating and cooking, while lower wattage can mean slower cooking but uses less energy. Most full-size toaster ovens range from 1,200 to 1,800 watts. Convection fans can improve heat circulation for faster, more even cooking. Look for elements on both top and bottom for optimal performance.

Additional Features

Added functions like built-in rotisseries, pizza stones, warming trays, or air fryer baskets can expand what you can make. Timers help prevent overcooking or undercooking. Auto shut-off is a safety feature if you forget food inside. Digital displays can count down cooking time. Those with “A Bit More” buttons provide extra cooking time in short bursts.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Look for easy-to-use and accurate controls, clear displays, and audible alerts. Removable crumb trays, oven racks, and drip pans make cleanup simpler. Nonstick or porcelain interiors are easier to wipe down. Some ovens are fully self-cleaning, while others have steam clean or aqua clean functions to help loosen baked-on spills.

Design and Durability

Stainless steel exteriors look modern and resist smudges. Double-layered glass doors maintain exterior temperature and improve visibility. Metal or ceramic-coated interiors are more durable than nonstick. Heat-resistant handles stay cool while baking. A cord storage system keeps countertops neat. Also check that the door opens easily and that components like racks seem sturdy.

Safety Considerations

Auto shut-off if the door is opened during broiling is an important safety feature. Units that have a cool-touch exterior prevent burns. Certifications like UL or ETL ensure electrical safety standards are met. Carefully read over any warranty and safety information provided.

Conclusion

The right toaster oven for you depends on your cooking needs, available space, and budget. Determine what size and functions are most useful for you. Look for one with accurate, easy-to-use controls, quality construction, and bonus features that add value. Focus on usability, performance, and safety ratings over brand names or exterior design. With so many options available, take the time to choose the best toaster oven for your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Question

What key features should I consider when looking for the best toaster ovens?

When searching for the best toaster ovens, consider features such as cooking capacity, convection cooking capabilities, adjustable temperature controls, multiple cooking functions, ease of cleaning, and user-friendly interfaces. Look for additional features like interior lights, removable crumb trays, and advanced heating elements for optimal performance.

Are toaster ovens suitable for baking, broiling, and toasting, or are they limited to specific cooking tasks?

Toaster ovens are versatile appliances that can handle various cooking tasks, including baking, broiling, toasting, and more. The best toaster ovens offer multiple cooking functions to accommodate different recipes. Check the product specifications to ensure the oven meets your specific cooking needs.

What size toaster oven is suitable for different kitchen spaces and cooking requirements?

Toaster ovens come in various sizes, from compact models suitable for small kitchens to larger ones with more cooking capacity. Consider your kitchen space and the types of meals you plan to prepare to determine the ideal size for your needs.

How do toaster ovens compare to traditional ovens in terms of energy efficiency?

Toaster ovens are generally more energy-efficient than traditional ovens because they have smaller interior spaces and heat up more quickly. However, individual models may vary in energy efficiency, so look for features such as convection cooking and adjustable cooking settings to optimize energy usage.

What maintenance and cleaning steps are required for toaster ovens?

Maintaining a toaster oven involves regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance and hygiene. Look for models with easy-to-clean features like non-stick interiors and removable crumb trays. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and avoid using abrasive materials that could damage the toaster oven’s surfaces.