When you open your power bill and see some painful numbers, you may start looking into ways to conserve energy. Though your oven isn’t likely the culprit for energy hog in the home, it does use more power than you probably need. And in the summer, the heat it spreads throughout your home is going to make your AC work overtime. When you take these into mind, the need for a toaster oven becomes a bit more obvious.
We reviewed dozens of toaster ovens to identify the best of the best. We looked at large capacity toaster ovens and compact ones that fit on virtually any countertop. We found the toaster ovens that pull double duty as air fryers, too and the toaster ovens that will toast to perfection. No matter what type of toaster oven you need, we have the best one for you.
For those without an oven, a toaster oven may not be enough to supplement. If that’s thew case you may be interested in The Best Countertop Burners.
The Breville Smart Oven Pro stands out among its peers so obviously, it was the clear winner of our top pick spot. With the ten preset cooking functions, reasonable cost, and compact design that still lets you cook an entire pizza, this is as good as toaster ovens get.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Toaster Ovens
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Toaster Oven Overall | Breville Smart Oven Pro | 4.5 |
| Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven | Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 Digital Toaster | 4.7 |
| Best Budget Toaster Oven | Hamilton Beach Countertop Toaster Oven | 4.2 |
| Best Large Capacity Toaster Oven | Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Air Fryer | 4.4 |
| Best Compact Toaster Oven | Breville the Compact Smart Oven | 4.5 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Toaster Oven Overall: Breville Smart Oven Pro
The Breville Smart Oven Pro is everything you’ve ever wanted in a toaster oven. It’s compact enough that you can easily fit it on your counter, yet a large enough capacity to feed your family. You can fit up to a thirteen-inch pizza or six slices of toast all at once, and that’s going to keep a lot of resentment for who gets their toast first. As an 1800 watts oven, your food will be getting plenty of power to make sure it’s done and fast.
The built-in convection fan will circulate the hot air within the oven speeding up the cooking time and making sure your food cooks consistently and thoroughly. The nonstick cavity within will also keep your food from getting stuck and falling apart, and that’s a big deal for both presentation and overall cooking satisfaction.
With an overall rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon, you have a reasonable expectation of quality in this toaster oven, and with that rating being awarded by over 3,000 customer reviews, then you’re not going to be disappointed.
Breville Smart Oven Pro Key Features:
- 18.5″W x 14.5″D x 11″H
- 2 color options
- 10 preset cooking functions
Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 Digital Toaster
The Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 Digital Toaster will handle a large quantity of food with ease with its extra-large capacity that’s approximately 45% larger than another leading toaster oven. If you want plenty of ability for your cooking without worrying about the heat and energy that an oven will use, this could be just what you need in your kitchen.
When countertop real estate is such a valuable commodity, this toaster oven has so many uses that you’re not going to have to lose any function and you may actually gain some of your counters back. Because it does it all, you can skip on as many as eight other common kitchen appliances, so toss them, recycle them, or donate them. Whatever you choose to do, you won’t need a roaster and air fryer also when you purchase this toaster oven.
There are over 850 customer reviews for this toaster oven on Amazon and that’s quite impressive when you consider that makes the overall rating of 4.7 stars reliable and trustworthy.
Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 Digital Toaster Key Features:
- XL: Fits 13″ pizza, or 9 slices of toast
- 60-second preheat
- 1800 watt appliance
Best Budget Toaster Oven: Hamilton Beach Countertop Toaster Oven
The Hamilton Beach Countertop Toaster Oven will give you plenty of customization with its three control knobs that will adjust the temperature and the function as well as the timer to control when the machine is powered and when it shuts off. You’ll avoid burning food this way, as well as appreciate the ding! reminder that the food should be ready. (If your empty stomach wasn’t reminder enough.)
The surface of this toaster oven is stainless steel, making it an easy wipe clean exterior and the interior is cleaned easily as well, with the removable crumb tray that catches all the stray crumbs and food that falls. It’s also compact enough that you can place it on your counter and still have plenty of room in front of it to prepare your foods and recipes.
There’s plenty to sway you on this toaster oven; it has an overall rating of 4.2 stars on Amazon with right around 3,000 customer reviews. But the biggest convincing factor for this toaster oven is absolutely the cost: you can pick this one up for under $60!
Hamilton Beach Countertop Toaster Oven Key Features:
- 15″W x 11.5″D x 8.7″H
- 30-minute timer
- 3 cook functions: bake, broil, toast
Best Large Capacity Toaster Oven: Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster
The Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster has a large 0.6 cubic feet capacity which means you’ll still be able to feed a large family with this oven – and without heating up your home, or wasting time doing it in the larger oven. This toaster oven even looks like an actual oven, and with the customizable dials, you’ll control how your food is cooked just the same, too. You can use it for full meals, as well, or just crisping up a food that came out a bit more mushy than you’d like (chicken wings, for example).
It comes with an oven rack, baking pan, and basket that will let you cook, bake and air fry directly with in the oven. The 60-minute auto-shut off and convection fan cut your cook time into a fraction of the normal time, so you’ll be eating sooner.
This toaster oven has an overall rating of 4.4 stars which was earned by over 3,400 customer reviews on Amazon. We think that’s enough to simultaneously tempt you to purchase and convince you of the quality.
Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Key Features:
- 1800 watt oven
- 4 color options
- 15.5″W x 16″D x 14″H
Best Compact Toaster Oven: Breville the Compact Smart Oven
The Breville the Compact Smart Oven has It also has a convenient fast-stop cancel button that you’ll love when you peek through the glass door and see your food is cooking faster than you had planned. The nonstick internal cavity will keep you from scrubbing to clean up and will keep your food from falling apart. The smart element IQ will utilize 4 quartz heating elements for consistent and thorough heating, cooking your food better and faster than ever before.
If you are in need of a smaller toaster oven, then you won’t want to overlook this one. Its footprint on your kitchen counter is one you’ll appreciate whether you have limited space or you just don’t like a cluttered-looking counter. Its dimensions are just fifteen inches deep by seventeen inches long and 10 inches tall, but it can still fit a twelve-inch pizza, making it the best of both worlds.
You can be sure you’re getting a quality product with this toaster oven after all literal thousands of people can’t be wrong, can they? Because that’s what you’ll see on this listing on Amazon; an overall rating of 4.5 stars given by over 2,400 customers.
Breville the Compact Smart Oven Key Features:
- 8 cooking functions
- Easy-read, backlit LCD display
- 1800-watt oven
Who Should Buy a Toaster Oven
A toaster oven “preheats” almost instantly, so the wait to put your food in is no longer an issue. Not only will it take less time because of the preheat time, but it takes significantly less time to heat a smaller interior and that means your food will cook faster. Sometimes a full-size oven is just overkill for your smaller meals and you simply don’t want to spend the extra money and time operating such a big machine for a small task. Toaster ovens often operate on timers, so if you find yourself consistently forgetting to turn off the oven, the toaster oven is going to save your memory the trouble. It may go without saying, but it bears repeating – the less time it takes means it will use more energy and less power consumed means less overall cost.
The heat that an oven releases into your home means that you’ll spend more time comfortably in your own home. If you use the oven in the winter, that extra heat may be comfortable, but the summer means you’ll want to avoid extra heat wherever you can. Rather than heating up the whole house, a toaster oven can be a big lifesaver – or at least a comfort saver.
Important Features to Consider
A toaster oven should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting a toaster oven for your home:
- Capacity. The capacity is possibly the biggest pro and the biggest con of a toaster oven. Because it’s smaller than your oven, you obviously won’t be able to cook the same amount of food in it. But what food you do cook will be cooked more efficiently and heat your house up less. If you plan on using the toaster oven to prepare foods for your large family, you may find it difficult. However, if you have a smaller family, or you want to just cook a few chicken nuggets for the picky eater in your house, then the toaster oven can save a lot!
- Multi-purpose. Counter space is a valuable commodity in a kitchen and if you can find one appliance that pulls double duty, all the better. Most often in conjunction with a toaster oven, you’ll see the appliance may also feature an air fryer. Considering an air fryer is a tiny convection oven, and a toaster oven is a less uniform convection oven, it’s not that big of a stretch to have them both in one unit.
- Timers. As we mentioned above, often toaster ovens will include a timer, that will maintain a controlled temperature in your oven for a set period of time. You can usually check through a glass door to see how the food is progressing, and adjust the time accordingly. However, if you want to make sure you don’t overcook your food, then a timer will prevent you from forgetting it’s on and burning it.
- Wattage. While it may not necessarily be an indicator of quality, the wattage does pretty accurately depict how quickly the oven will reach the desired temperature. Keep in mind that the wattage will have very, very little impact on your electric bill so don’t stress the wattage in terms of energy used. You may not notice the difference at all.
- Removable crumb tray. Though a toaster oven is big on conveniences, there’s one thing they can’t eradicate and that’s crumbs. If you put food in it, there’s likely going to be little bits that stay behind when you pull it out. Much like a toaster, there are often crumb trays that will catch the falling debris and make cleaning so much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a toaster oven and how does it work?
A toaster oven is a kitchen appliance compact enough, in most cases, to fit on your counter and under your cabinets. It’s a smaller unit that will use less energy and release less heat into your home. They will typically have enough space for only a couple servings of your desired food, but those two servings will be ready much more quickly than in a traditional oven. They will usually have a 30-minute timer and anything that cooks within that window is fair game. They’re incredibly convenient to have in your home. Depending on your model of the toaster oven, you may be able to use one appliance as convection, toaster, rotisserie, broiler, or even air fryer.
Are toaster ovens better than toasters?
A toaster oven may be better than a toaster if your situation is a certain type. A toaster oven is certainly more versatile than a toaster, that’s for sure. Where you can use your toaster oven to do anything from french fries to cookies, a toaster can handle only two things we can think of: bread and breakfast pastries. If you’re looking for something to help you kick your sandwich game up a notch, don’t miss The Best Sandwich Presses.
However, if you’re particular about your toast, you may not want to get rid of the toaster just yet. A toaster oven can absolutely toast your bread, but you won’t have the control to customize your toast as easily and every time it may seem like you’re gambling with how the toast actually turns out.
Absolutely! In theory, anything you can cook in a standard oven can be cooked in a toaster oven, as well. You will have to adjust and monitor temperatures a bit more often than you do your oven, so it’s not as simple as you may think. Yes, it will go faster, but it is ultimately more work for you. Note: Always check your food has reached safe temperatures before eating. If you plan on using a toaster oven to cook meat, for example, you may want to invest in a meat thermometer to make sure you’re being safe.
Are toaster ovens dangerous?
Bottom line, upfront? If you adhere to the instructions, a toaster oven is not dangerous. Keep it off when not in use, locate somewhere away from water, and watch your fingers; it is hot. Just because it’s little doesn’t mean you can’t burn yourself, nor does it mean it’s not utilizing fire-susceptible electricity. Though you may find it a bit of a bother, the safest practice is to unplug the toaster oven when not in use. (Same goes for any countertop appliance, too.) It’s not common, especially not with higher quality models, but your toaster oven could fail to turn off at the end of a cycle and if that’s the case, it does allow for extra danger you won’t love.
Other Toaster Ovens We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other toaster ovens. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best toaster ovens list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your kitchen. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Air Fryer Toaster Ovens
Chefman Air Fryer Toaster Oven
You can get crispy chicken wings, or pizza with a firm crust with this air frying toaster oven.
Key Features:
- 200-450-degree range
- 1-year assurance warranty
- 25-liter capacity
Cost: $170
COSORI 12-in-1 Oven Air Fryer Combo
If you want your food with a glorious crunch but without the fatty oils used in frying, this toaster oven is up to the task.
Key Features:
- 12 presets
- 30 L capacity
- 1800 watts of power
Cost: $170
Emeril Lagasse Power AirFryer Toaster Oven 360
You’ll have your choice of crisp and cooking when you use the variety of trays that come with this toaster oven air fryer combo.
Key Features:
- 12 cooking functions
- LCD display
- 1500-watt
Cost: $160
This toaster oven and air fryer’s glass door will let you see how your food is coming along and that means you won’t need to open the door, releasing heat, to check on it.
Key Features:
- 360-degree air circulation
- Include 6 accessories: 2 mesh racks, 6 skewers, 1 rotisserie basket, 1 drip tray, 1 rotisserie shaft, and removal tool
- 10 presets
Cost: $120
Iconites 11-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven
This is a big enough toaster oven/air fryer combination that you can quickly cook just about anything – yes, even muffins as pictured.
Key Features:
- 20 L capacity
- 11 cooking functions
- LED display
Cost: $170
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 7-in-1 Air Fryer, Toaster Oven, and Rotisserie Oven
If you’ve ever tasted a fried rotisserie chicken, you’ll be sure to appreciate that same great taste with a bit of an extra-crisp, all cooked even faster than you would expect.
Key Features:
- 3 designs available
- 3 size options
- 7 cook settings
Cost: $110
Soing Air Fryer Oven Family Size
This family-sized air frying toaster oven will make sure your entire family eats at the same time by cooking enough at once you won’t have to eat in shifts.
Key Features:
- 2 colors available
- 8 presets
- 50 recipes included
Large Capacity Toaster Ovens
With double doors, you’ll have a bit more concern with air sealing, but it handles it well, and if you’re looking for testing the doneness without releasing all the heat, you can check by only opening one of the doors.
Key Features:
- Smaller oven available
- 60-minute timer
- 16.4″W x 15.8″D x 8.5″H
Cost: $120
Maxi-Matic Countertop Toaster Oven
Make your meat and veggies all at once with the stovetop cooking surface on top of this toaster oven.
Key Features:
- 3 models available
- 150 to 450-degree range
- Rotisserie cooking
Cost: $60
Nostalgia Large-Capacity Functioning Retro Convection Toaster Oven
This retro-styled toaster oven is big enough for two pizzas and will fit into your vintage kitchen or decor.
Key Features:
- 2 color options
- 60-minute timer
- 0.7 cu ft capacity
Cost: $100
Oster Extra Large Digital Countertop Convection Oven
You’ll easily be able to feed your family of four with this large capacity toaster oven that will toast up to 18-slices of bread at once.
Key Features:
- 15.75″W x 16.36″D x 8.91″H
- 2 oven racks, baking pan, and broiling rack included
- 90-minute timer
Roll-Top Toaster Ovens
Hamilton Beach 6-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with Easy Reach Roll-Top Door
With a roll-top door, your toaster oven won’t encroach into the counter space you need for other dinner foods, making it ideal for a crowded or smaller kitchen.
Key Features:
- 2 rack positions
- Contoured control knobs
- Removable crumb tray
Cost: $55
Hamilton Beach With Roll-Top Door Toaster Oven
This toaster oven is especially easy to clean with a removable crumb tray and the door that comes completely off and is washed easily in your sink.
Key Features:
- 3 functions; bake, broil, toast
- 2 models available
- 2 rack positions
Other Toaster Ovens
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Toaster Oven
This toaster oven is wide enough to fit a standard nine by thirteen-inch pan, making it easy to bake just about anything within.
Key Features:
- 4 cook settings
- Internal dimensions 16.5″W X 12.5″D X 9.5″H
- 1500 watts of power
Cost: $70
Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven
With a smart element IQ, the Breville mini toaster oven will heat your food consistently and intelligently across four quarts elements.
Key Features:
- 8 cooking functions
- 1800 watts of power
- 1-year warranty
Cost: $160
Calphalon TSCLTRDG1 Quartz Heat Countertop Toaster Oven
You’ll be able to customize this toaster oven’s cook to match your food to the exact specifications you need and do so with ease with the thorough display.
Key Features:
- LCD display
- Includes baking pan, pizza pan, dehydrator rack, and wire rack
- 11 preset functions
Cost: $195
Cuisinart Deluxe Convection Toaster Oven Broiler
With a 0.6 cubic foot capacity, you’ll be able to use this toaster oven to toast six slices of bread at once or an entire twelve-inch pizza.
Key Features:
- Backlit blue display
- 2-hour timer
- Removable crumb tray
Cost: $120
Cuisinart TOB-195 Exact Heat Toaster Oven
This convection toaster oven will allow you to toast, bake, broil, reheat, or even defrost all within the same handy machine.
Key Features:
- Buy more and save; 2 packaging options
- 0.6 cu ft capacity
- Touchpad controls
Cost: $170
This versatile toaster oven is all the easier to maintain and keep clean with the removable crumb tray and the stainless steel surface.
Key Features:
- 60-minute timer
- 150-450-degree F range
- 2-rack positions
Cost: $80
Oster French Convection Countertop
With double doors, you’ll easily be able to access your food and do so without encroaching too terribly much onto your valuable counter space.
Key Features:
- 2 colors available
- 90-minute timer
- 2 rack positions
Cost: $200
