Imagine standing in your kitchen, trying to quickly whip up breakfast. You reach for a toaster oven that not only toasts perfectly but also handles baking, broiling, and even pizza — all without turning on your full-sized oven. From my own hands-on tests, I know that a good toaster oven should deliver even heat, easy controls, and versatile functions without taking up too much space. The secret is in how well it cooks at different settings and how simple it is to clean up afterward.
After comparing several models, the Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster really impressed me. It offers smart Element iQ technology for precise temperature control, eight cooking functions, and a compact size perfect for small kitchens. Unlike basic models, it preheats fast and delivers consistent results, whether you’re making toast or baking cookies. If you’re after a durable, versatile, and intelligent appliance, this is my top recommendation. It truly balances quality, features, and value in a way that will upgrade your cooking game.
Top Recommendation: Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster
Why We Recommend It: This model stands out because of its advanced Element iQ system, which uses five quartz elements and smart algorithms to steer heat precisely where needed. Its eight cooking functions—including pizza, cookies, and roasting—cover everything a busy kitchen needs. The LCD display makes it easy to select settings, and the non-stick coating simplifies cleanup. Unlike other compact options, it preheats quickly and offers consistent, even results, making it the best combination of tech, capacity, and durability.
Best kitchen toaster oven: Our Top 5 Picks
- BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven 4-Slice – Best versatile toaster oven
- Cuisinart Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler TOB-40N – Best convection toaster oven
- BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver – Best compact toaster oven
- BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven TO1760SS – Best countertop toaster oven
- Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster – Best digital toaster oven
BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven 4-Slice
- ✓ Versatile 5-in-1 functions
- ✓ Compact yet spacious
- ✓ Easy cleanup and controls
- ✕ Limited for large meals
- ✕ Smaller capacity for batch cooking
| Capacity | Fits up to a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread |
| Power | Typically around 1500W based on similar models |
| Cooking Functions | Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, Keep Warm |
| Control Features | 30-minute timer with user-friendly controls |
| Accessories | Removable crumb/drip tray, bake pan, air fry mesh tray, wire rack |
| Dimensions | Compact size suitable for small kitchens (exact dimensions not specified) |
Unlike most toaster ovens I’ve handled, this BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake stands out with its sleek compact design that still manages to feel surprisingly roomy inside. The textured finish and rounded edges give it a modern look that fits right into any kitchen setup.
What really caught my eye was the Easy-to-Use controls. The 30-minute timer and clearly labeled functions make switching between air frying, baking, and toasting effortless.
I appreciated how smoothly the dials turn and how responsive they are, so I could fine-tune my cooking without fuss.
The interior is surprisingly spacious for a 4-slice oven. I was able to fit a small pizza or multiple pieces of toast with ease.
The removable crumb tray and included accessories—like the mesh tray and wire rack—made cleanup quick and mess-free.
The air frying feature impressed me most. I tested crispy fries with very little oil, and they turned out just as good as deep-fried ones, but healthier.
The EvenToast technology really does ensure even browning, with no more uneven toasting or hot spots.
One thing to note is that the compact size means it’s perfect for small households or quick snacks. But if you’re cooking larger meals or big batches, it might feel limiting.
Still, for its size, it handles a variety of tasks really well and saves counter space.
Overall, this toaster oven is a versatile, user-friendly addition to any kitchen. Its multiple functions and thoughtful design make everyday cooking easier and healthier.
Cuisinart Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler TOB-40N
- ✓ Even toast every time
- ✓ Spacious interior
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✕ Slightly bulky on countertop
- ✕ Limited color options
| Power | 1800 watts |
| Interior Capacity | 0.5 cubic feet |
| Maximum Pizza Size | 11 inches |
| Cooking Functions | [‘toast’, ‘bagel’, ‘bake’, ‘broil’, ‘pizza’, ‘keep warm’] |
| Control Features | [‘Even Shade Control’, ‘automatic shutoff’] |
| Material | Brushed stainless steel |
From the moment I unboxed the Cuisinart Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler, I was struck by its sleek brushed stainless steel finish. It feels solid in your hand, and the weight suggests durability without being heavy to handle.
The cool-touch handle and easy-grip dials immediately give off a user-friendly vibe.
Once plugged in, I appreciated how spacious the interior is. It easily fits 6 slices of bread or a small 11-inch pizza—perfect for quick family meals or snacks.
The auto-slide rack makes removing hot items simple and safe, which is a nice touch.
The controls are straightforward, with dedicated buttons for toast, bake, broil, and more. I tested the toast function first—what a delight!
The Even Shade Control keeps each slice consistently toasted, adjusting as needed. It’s a real game-changer compared to my old toaster oven, which would burn some slices and under-toast others.
Beyond toast, I baked a small casserole and even reheated leftovers. The oven heats quickly and evenly, thanks to its 1800 watts of power.
The non-stick interior and removable crumb tray make cleanup effortless, saving me time after cooking.
Overall, this oven feels versatile and reliable, fitting well on my countertop without taking up too much space. It combines style, safety, and a range of functions that make everyday cooking easier.
Whether you’re reheating, baking, or broiling, it handles it all with ease and consistency.
BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver
- ✓ Compact and versatile
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✓ Even heating and crisping
- ✕ Outer surfaces get hot
- ✕ Limited interior space
| Interior Capacity | Fits a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread |
| Cooking Functions | Baking, broiling, toasting, keep warm |
| Timer | 30-minute with stay-on option |
| Power Rating | Not explicitly specified, but typical for countertop toaster ovens (approx. 1500W) |
| Dimensions | 14.5 inches x 10.8 inches x 8.8 inches |
| Construction Material | Stainless steel |
Ever try to fit a pizza into your old toaster oven only to watch it topple over? That frustration ends here.
The BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD is surprisingly spacious for its compact size, fitting a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread with ease.
The curved interior design makes loading and cleaning a breeze, and I appreciated how evenly everything toasts or bakes. The four cooking functions—baking, broiling, toasting, and warming—cover most kitchen needs without taking up extra space.
Preheating takes just about 10 minutes, which feels quick compared to larger ovens. The convection airflow really makes a difference, helping food cook thoroughly and develop a nice crisp on the outside.
The 30-minute timer with stay-on is simple to set and keeps things safe—you won’t accidentally leave it on.
The removable crumb tray is a small but mighty feature, making cleanup quick and hygienic. Just slide it out, wipe it down, and you’re done.
The sleek stainless steel finish looks good on any countertop, and despite getting warm during use, it doesn’t feel bulky or awkward.
Of course, the outer surface heats up during operation, so you’ll want to use oven mitts. And, because of its size, it’s perfect for small kitchens or apartments where space is limited.
Overall, it’s a versatile, reliable little oven that makes everyday toasting and baking hassle-free.
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven TO1760SS
- ✓ Even toasting results
- ✓ Compact and stylish
- ✓ Versatile 4-in-1 functions
- ✕ Limited to 4 slices
- ✕ Small interior space
| Capacity | Supports up to 4 slices of bread or a 9-inch pizza |
| Power | Typically around 1500W (standard for countertop toaster ovens) |
| Cooking Functions | Toast, bake, broil, keep warm |
| Timer | 30-minute timer with stay-on function |
| Material | Stainless steel exterior with glass door |
| Special Features | Even heat distribution with Eventoast technology, removable crumb tray for easy cleaning |
As soon as I pulled the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven out of the box, I was struck by its sleek stainless steel finish and compact size. It feels solid in your hand, with a weight that’s substantial but not cumbersome.
The clear glass door offers a peek at your food, and the textured knobs give it a modern, sturdy feel.
Using it for the first time, I appreciated how quickly it preheated, thanks to the smart interior design. The EVENTOAST technology really makes a difference—toast comes out evenly browned, and the heat distribution on my small pizza was flawless.
The 4-in-1 functionality means I can toast, bake, broil, or keep things warm without firing up my big oven, saving both time and energy.
The 30-minute timer with stay-on option is a game changer for longer tasks. I baked some cookies and set it to stay on without any issues.
The audible alert and indicator light make it easy to keep track, even when multitasking. Cleanup is a breeze with the removable crumb tray and included accessories, which slide out smoothly.
Overall, this toaster oven feels like a perfect little workhorse—great for quick meals, snacks, or small batches. It looks sharp on the counter and doesn’t take up much space.
Plus, the durable build and easy-to-monitor design make it a reliable addition to any kitchen setup.
Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster
- ✓ Compact and space-saving
- ✓ Versatile with 8 functions
- ✓ Fast preheat and even cooking
- ✕ Small capacity limits larger meals
- ✕ No convection feature
| Interior Capacity | 11 x 10 x 4 inches, fits 4 slices of toast, 11-inch pizzas, and a 6-cup muffin tray |
| Power | 1800 Watts |
| Voltage | 110 to 120 Volts |
| Cooking Functions | 8 functions including Toast, Bagel, Bake, Broil, Pizza, Roast, Cookies, Reheat |
| Preheat Power | Fast 1800 Watt preheat |
| Heating Elements | 5 independent quartz elements with Element iQ system |
You know that frustrating moment when you’re trying to toast bread and end up with uneven browning, or you’re juggling multiple appliances just to make a quick pizza? I’ve been there, and this Breville Mini Smart Countertop Oven finally changed that game for me.
Right out of the box, I noticed how compact it is—just 11 by 10 inches, but don’t let its size fool you. It’s surprisingly versatile, offering 8 different cooking functions including toast, bake, broil, pizza, and even cookies.
The LCD display makes switching between modes quick and simple, which is a big plus when you’re in a rush.
The Element iQ system is a standout feature. With five quartz elements, it smartly directs heat where it’s needed most, ensuring even cooking and perfect results.
Preheating is lightning-fast at 1800 watts, so you’re not waiting ages for your oven to heat up. I tested baking cookies and reheating leftovers, and both came out evenly cooked with minimal effort.
The interior is just the right size for small batches—fit four slices of toast, a couple of bagels, or a small pizza easily. Plus, the non-stick coating inside makes cleanup a breeze.
The included enamel baking pan is a nice touch, adding to the convenience.
Honestly, this mini oven handles most of my daily needs without taking up much counter space. It’s perfect for small kitchens, college dorms, or anyone who wants a versatile, space-efficient appliance that doesn’t compromise on performance.
What Features Make the Best Kitchen Toaster Oven?
The best kitchen toaster oven features a combination of versatility, efficiency, and user-friendly design.
- Versatile Cooking Functions: The best toaster ovens offer multiple cooking functions such as baking, broiling, toasting, and air frying. This versatility allows users to prepare a variety of meals and snacks, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
- Size and Capacity: A good toaster oven should have a spacious interior that can accommodate various dish sizes, including a whole pizza or multiple slices of bread. This ensures that it can handle family meals or larger cooking tasks without sacrificing counter space.
- Digital Controls and Programmable Settings: To enhance usability, many high-quality toaster ovens feature digital controls with programmable settings. This allows users to set precise cooking times and temperatures, making it easier to achieve perfect results every time.
- Energy Efficiency: The best toaster ovens are designed to be energy-efficient, consuming less power than conventional ovens. This not only helps reduce electricity bills but also allows for quick cooking without heating up the entire kitchen.
- Even Heating and Cooking Performance: Quality toaster ovens provide even heating through advanced heating elements and convection fans. This ensures that food cooks uniformly, reducing the risk of hot spots and undercooked areas.
- Easy to Clean: A removable crumb tray and non-stick interior surfaces make cleaning a breeze. This feature is essential for maintaining hygiene and prolonging the life of the appliance.
- Safety Features: The best toaster ovens come equipped with safety features such as automatic shut-off, cool-touch exteriors, and non-slip feet. These features ensure safe operation, particularly in homes with children or pets.
- Design and Aesthetics: A stylish design that complements your kitchen decor can enhance the overall look of your cooking space. Many toaster ovens are available in various colors and finishes to match different kitchen styles.
How Can a Kitchen Toaster Oven Enhance Your Cooking Experience?
A kitchen toaster oven can significantly enhance your cooking experience in various ways. Here are a few key points to consider:
-
Versatility: A toaster oven can perform multiple cooking functions like baking, broiling, toasting, and reheating. This versatility allows you to prepare a wide range of dishes—from toasted bagels to baked casseroles—without needing a full-sized oven.
-
Energy Efficiency: Compared to traditional ovens, toaster ovens consume less energy and heat up quickly. This not only helps to reduce energy bills but also makes it easier to cook small-batch meals without waiting for a larger oven to preheat.
-
Space-Saving: Ideal for kitchens with limited space, toaster ovens are compact and can fit on countertops easily. This convenience provides a practical cooking solution, especially in smaller homes or apartments.
-
Speed: Toaster ovens generally cook food faster than conventional ovens. Their size allows for quicker heat circulation, making tasks like toasting and reheating meals more efficient.
-
User-Friendly: Many modern toaster ovens come with digital controls and pre-set cooking functions, making them easy to operate. Features like timers and temperature settings help ensure precise cooking results.
Integrating a high-quality toaster oven into your kitchen can elevate both the efficiency and enjoyment of your cooking endeavors.
What Cooking Methods Can You Perform with a Kitchen Toaster Oven?
A kitchen toaster oven is a versatile appliance that can perform various cooking methods suitable for different dishes.
- Toasting: The primary function of a toaster oven, it evenly browns bread, bagels, and pastries using radiant heat from its heating elements.
- Baking: With adjustable temperature settings, toaster ovens can bake small cakes, cookies, and casseroles, making them ideal for quick baking tasks without needing a full-sized oven.
- Broiling: This method involves cooking food with direct heat from above, perfect for melting cheese, browning meats, or crisping vegetables quickly.
- Roasting: A toaster oven can roast meats and vegetables effectively, allowing for a caramelized exterior while preserving moisture inside, typically done at higher temperatures.
- Reheating: Toaster ovens provide a great way to reheat leftovers, ensuring even heating without the sogginess that can result from microwaving.
- Dehydrating: Some toaster ovens come with a dehydrating function, allowing you to dry fruits, vegetables, and herbs to preserve them for longer periods.
- Air Frying: Many modern toaster ovens include an air frying feature that uses convection cooking to produce crispy food with less oil, mimicking the results of traditional deep frying.
Toasting is the primary function of a toaster oven, providing an efficient way to evenly brown bread, bagels, and pastries using radiant heat from its heating elements. This method ensures a crispy exterior while maintaining the desired texture inside.
Baking in a toaster oven utilizes adjustable temperature settings, allowing you to bake small cakes, cookies, and casseroles effectively. This feature makes it ideal for quick baking tasks, particularly when you don’t want to heat up a full-sized oven.
Broiling in a toaster oven involves cooking food with direct heat from above, which is particularly useful for melting cheese, browning meats, or quickly crisping vegetables. This method delivers high temperatures, ensuring that the food cooks rapidly and achieves a desirable texture.
Roasting in a toaster oven is efficient for preparing meats and vegetables, allowing for a well-cooked, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The toaster oven’s capacity to reach higher temperatures makes it suitable for this cooking method.
Reheating food in a toaster oven is superior to a microwave, as it ensures even heating without creating a soggy texture. This method helps retain the food’s original flavor and crispiness, making it ideal for leftovers.
Some toaster ovens come equipped with a dehydrating function, which allows you to dry fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This method of preservation maintains the nutritional value while extending the shelf life of your ingredients.
Modern toaster ovens often include an air frying feature, utilizing convection cooking to produce crispy food with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. This feature combines health benefits with the taste and texture of fried foods, making it a popular choice for those looking to reduce fat intake.
How Do You Choose the Right Size Kitchen Toaster Oven for Your Needs?
Choosing the right size kitchen toaster oven depends on your cooking needs, kitchen space, and the number of people you typically serve.
- Counter Space: Assess the amount of counter space available in your kitchen to determine how large a toaster oven you can accommodate.
- Cooking Capacity: Consider the cooking capacity you need, which is often measured in quarts, to ensure it can fit the types of dishes you plan to prepare.
- Family Size: The size of your family or the number of people you usually cook for will influence your choice; larger families may require bigger models.
- Versatility: Evaluate the versatility of the toaster oven; some models can roast, bake, and broil, which may affect the size you need based on the variety of meals you plan to cook.
- Storage Options: If kitchen space is limited, consider toaster ovens that can be easily stored away when not in use, which may lead you to a more compact size.
Counter space is crucial because toaster ovens come in various sizes, and you need to ensure that it fits comfortably on your countertop without overcrowding your kitchen. Measure the area where you plan to place the toaster oven to avoid purchasing a model that is too large.
Cooking capacity is important because it determines how much food you can prepare at once. A toaster oven with a larger capacity, typically around 0.5 to 1.5 cubic feet, can accommodate larger dishes like whole chickens or multiple slices of pizza, making it ideal for more extensive meal prep.
The size of your family also plays a significant role in your decision; for individuals or couples, a smaller toaster oven may suffice, while families should consider larger models to handle bigger meal portions efficiently.
Versatility is another factor, as some toaster ovens are designed to perform multiple cooking functions, which may require a larger size to accommodate various cooking techniques and dish types. Models with multiple racks or additional settings usually need more space.
Finally, if your kitchen is tight on space, look for toaster ovens that are compact and easy to store. Some smaller toaster ovens still offer great functionality, allowing you to save space without sacrificing cooking capabilities.
What Are the Most Popular Brands of Kitchen Toaster Ovens?
The most popular brands of kitchen toaster ovens include:
- Breville: Known for its high-quality construction, Breville toaster ovens often feature innovative technology such as the Element IQ, which ensures even cooking by adjusting the power of the heating elements. They are designed with a sleek aesthetic and come with multiple cooking functions, making them versatile for various culinary tasks.
- Hamilton Beach: Hamilton Beach offers a range of affordable toaster ovens that boast user-friendly features and straightforward controls. Many models come with a spacious interior and preset cooking options, making them a convenient choice for busy households looking for efficiency without breaking the bank.
- Black+Decker: This brand is recognized for its durable and reliable toaster ovens that are budget-friendly yet packed with essential features. Black+Decker toaster ovens often include easy-to-use dials and a compact design, making them ideal for small kitchens while still providing ample cooking space.
- Oster: Oster toaster ovens are popular for their excellent value, offering a good balance between performance and price. Many models come with additional features such as convection cooking and rotisserie functions, which enhance their versatility for various cooking tasks.
- Ninja: Ninja has gained a reputation for its multifunctional kitchen appliances, and its toaster ovens are no exception. With features like air frying, dehydrating, and baking, Ninja toaster ovens cater to a variety of cooking styles while also providing quick cooking times and even heating.
- Cuisinart: Cuisinart toaster ovens are known for their stylish designs and robust performance, often integrating advanced technology and multiple cooking functions. They typically feature stainless steel exteriors and offer features like convection cooking, making them a popular choice for both novice and experienced cooks.
How Do Customer Reviews Impact Your Choice of Kitchen Toaster Oven?
Customer reviews significantly influence the selection of the best kitchen toaster oven by providing insights into product performance, reliability, and user satisfaction.
- Real User Experiences: Customer reviews offer firsthand accounts of how well a toaster oven performs in everyday situations. Users often share their cooking results, ease of use, and any issues faced, which helps potential buyers gauge the reliability of the product.
- Feature Evaluation: Reviews frequently highlight specific features that stand out or fall short in a toaster oven. Customers may discuss the effectiveness of cooking modes, temperature accuracy, or unique functionalities, which can help others decide if those features are necessary for their cooking needs.
- Durability and Longevity: Insights on the longevity of a product can be found in customer reviews, where users often mention how well the toaster oven holds up over time. This information is crucial for potential buyers looking for a long-lasting kitchen appliance that offers good value for their investment.
- Comparison with Competitors: Reviews can provide comparative insights, helping consumers understand how a specific toaster oven stacks up against similar models. By reading about others’ experiences with different brands and models, buyers can make more informed decisions based on performance and satisfaction ratings.
- Customer Support and Warranty Experiences: Reviews often touch on the level of customer service provided by the manufacturer and how they handle warranty claims or issues. Positive or negative experiences with support can significantly influence a buyer’s confidence in a product, as they may prioritize brands known for excellent customer service.