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18 Best Toaster Ovens for Home Use in March 2024

Denise Lowe
  Mar 19, 2024 9:44 AM

Over the past few years, customers everywhere surely have familiarized themselves with the concept of a toaster oven. Like what the name suggests, this kitchen appliance combines the traditional oven and the portable toaster. As a result, it brings you the best of both worlds, being highly functional while at the same time compact enough to be kept in any kitchen.

In today’s article, we will talk about the Best Toaster Ovens available at the moment and how to shop for one. Let’s start right away.

With the support from 110,431 objective reviews of consumers, we ranked the top 18 products you may be keen on. Listed below, you will see major brands as calphalon, cuisinart, hamilton-beach, comfee, blackdecker, emeril-lagasse, mueller-austria, toshiba, breville, oster, panasonic.


Types

To accurately determine which is the best toaster oven for you, first, we need to identify the different types of this product. Depending on the method utilized to process foods, toaster ovens are generally divided into four main groups: Standard Toaster Ovens, Convection Toaster Ovens, Rotisserie Toaster Ovens, and Infrared Toaster Ovens.

1. Standard (or Regular) Toaster Ovens

A standard toaster oven is, pretty straightforward, a common product type. It was invented before any other line of the device and was the basis for more recent products.

You can guess from this that standard toaster ovens are the most basic ones used widely and commonly encountered. They have heating elements implemented at the bottom or on top of the oven (sometimes placed in both positions), making it suitable for cooking in small batches.

Because they’re the original group designed to handle primary tasks like pre-heating, browning, toasting, and broiling, for its simple design and operation principle, it’s a real winner when it comes to convenience.

A remarkable standard toaster oven that definitely deserves your attention is the De’Longhi EO141040S Livenza Digital Compact Oven. Despite adopting the conventional method of releasing heat, this model from De’Longhi features an innovative heat lock system with insulated components and a double glass door that promotes heat maintenance.

Cooking has never been that easy when you have seven pre-programmed functions at your disposal to help you with any basic recipe, as well as a user-friendly digital screen to control the whole process better.

Another advantage of standard toaster ovens is their affordability. You don’t have to pay through the nose for an appliance yet still get a helpful assistant in the kitchen. The model suggested above is already quite cost-effective, but if you want to save up some more, don’t miss out on the Hamilton Beach Countertop Toaster Oven 31127D.

It offers you three settings: baking, broiling, and toasting, so overall, it’s an adequate product. You can also choose from two sizes, one that can fit four slices of bread and the other can fit six, with the latter slightly higher-priced than the former. 

In general, standard toaster ovens are a safe choice for those who want to settle on simplicity in the kitchen, and you get a broad array of choices from models to suppliers. However, their functioning range is pretty restricted, and heat is not distributed evenly (due to heating element placement), so if you want a more versatile appliance, you may want to keep an eye on the next product type.

2. Convection Toaster Ovens

Convection toaster ovens are those that implement the mechanism of convection, which is a well-known method of heat transfer, one that’s highly regarded for its even heat distribution. A convection toaster oven is characterized by a built-in fan that helps regulate heat more thoroughly inside the cooking chamber.

Consequently, foods processed by this product line are typically more evenly cooked, and it also takes customers less time to cook with a convection toaster oven than it does with a standard model.

Talking about the convection product group will by no means be complete if you do not mention the Oster Toaster Oven. Coming with 7 presets (bake, convection bake, toast, broil, defrost, warm, pizza) and a temperature range of 150 to 450°F, the Oster machine has customers worldwide going crazy for its versatility. Although the cooking functions are already set, you can still freely adjust both temperature and time to customize your dishes according to your needs. The results are exceptional all the time.

Besides cooking food faster and more evenly, the convection toaster oven also saves you a great deal of money thanks to its lower generated heat. You can use this kitchen appliance to make whatever you want without constantly worrying over the electricity bills. 

For convection toaster ovens, we have several different manufacturers, each having its own perks. Among the leading brands, we’ve found out that Cuisinart is a strong competitor, with two outstanding models: the Cuisinart TOB-260N1 Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven and the Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven. Breville is also a worthy choice with the signature product of the Breville BOV800XL Smart Convection Toaster Oven

In summary, a convection toaster oven takes less time to cook, and their food quality is unparalleled. It tends to cost you a bit more at first to buy a product of this group. Still, the using process charges you less for electricity since convection toaster ovens are usually more energy-saving, so in the long run, your budget may indeed benefit. Most significantly, they’re way more flexible in functionalities. 

3. Rotisserie Toaster Ovens

Rotisserie oven is uniquely used for cooking meat. The meat is attached to a rotating spit and then cooked inside the chamber. For its special function, the design is also different. Normally a rotisserie toaster oven is much larger than products of other groups because they are designed to handle one (some models can even hold two) whole chicken.

A telling example of rotisserie toaster ovens that can occupy two chickens is the Black+Decker WCR-076 Rotisserie Toaster Oven. The size of this model is slightly bigger than others, 18 inches wide and 13 inches wide, but with those dimensions, you can still store it anywhere without creating new space. 

The downside to this type is already shown in its name. Because it’s rotisserie toaster ovens, it can only work with meat and nothing else. Therefore, we don’t think it’s a toaster oven flexible enough to be kept in the kitchen if you wish to find a multifunctional one. If you prefer versatility, you can choose products of other types that also have rotisserie function going with them

4. Infrared Toaster Ovens

The name says it all: infrared toaster ovens use the infrared light ray for cooking food. This adoption reduces the time during which the toaster oven heats up. Therefore, units with infrared heating are the most suitable for dealing with frozen foods like pizzas or biscuits.

Over the past few years, infrared heating has taken the world by storm. We can introduce one phenomenal infrared toaster oven, the Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P, a model equipped with double infrared heating.

Unlike standard toaster ovens where heating elements are put on top or at the bottom, the infrared elements in this model are constructed symmetrical, with one in the front and the other in the back. Because of this smart structure, food is cooked more evenly. Furthermore, the implementation of two instead of one heating significantly cuts down the cooking time by 40%.

Infrared toaster ovens are a relatively new product line, so they’re not as available as other groups. Hopefully, infrared ovens can get more well-known in the future so anyone from any region can have the chance to use them because they deliver surprisingly great performances.

You may also be interested in Best Bread Machines


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Buying Guides

Many factors should be taken into consideration when you’re thinking about purchasing a toaster oven. In this section, we list out some pivotal ones and suggest models that, in our opinion, are most suited to each of them. Read on to discover our recommendations!

1. Size

The size of a toaster oven refers to its measurements, thus its ability to fit in your kitchen. It goes without saying that each house has a limited amount of space dedicated to the kitchen appliances, so a bulky toaster oven might not sit well with your counter space.

On the other hand, a machine that’s too small may fall short of your expectations as they fail to complete all the tasks assigned or cannot make enough food to 100% accommodate your needs. Therefore, finding the best toaster oven is actually finding one that can balance between sufficiently tackling cooking jobs and neatly fitting in the space given. 

Our advice is to always check the dimensions of the toaster oven in advance. With the current development of online shopping, many companies provide this piece of information on the Internet, so you’ll have no difficulty doing your research.

In addition, don’t forget to check the measurements of where you plan to keep your toaster oven as well, for example, your countertop, to avoid any possible miscalculations.

Living in a tight space yet still want to own a toaster oven? No worries, because the Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart has come to the rescue. This model from Breville may look small, but it has everything similar to other larger products from the same supplier. With 8 pre-programmed functions, the BOV450XL can take your cooking to a whole new level, from the most traditional tasks of toasting and broiling to more special ones like making bagels and pizzas. 

Another compact device is the Hamilton Beach Easy Reach. This device is always rated high on online selling sites; the average score is always over 4 out of 5 stars. With dimensions of 11.93 x 16.12 x 8.97 inches, the model from Hamilton is a top choice for those that have size on the top of their priority list.

2. Capacity

Capacity is defined as the amount of food that your toaster oven can hold. While many people think size determines capacity and vice-versa, the truth is that it’s not always the problem. In most cases, a bigger toaster oven can handle more ingredients thrown at them, but there are small-sized ovens that are spacious as well, so you need to distinguish between these two factors clearly.

How much you want your toaster oven actually depends on your consumption. If you are a singleton or only in charge of cooking for a family of two to three, then capacity won’t be that big of an issue.

Nevertheless, if you need to regularly feed a large family or host parties, the KitchenAid KCO255BM is made for you. With elevated interior design, the KCO255BM can cook 2 chickens of 3.6 pounds at a time. And thanks to its dual convection bake, the chickens are cooked 20% faster! Incredible, isn’t it?

3. Price

Despite some certain exceptions, in most cases, the price of a toaster oven is directly proportional to the benefits that it offers. However, the question here is that do you really need all of those perks? Are they necessities, or just some add-ons that you can live without?

Your answers to these questions will determine the amount of money you’re willing to spend on a device, which in turn helps you pick out the most suitable model.

If the price is not a problem for you, then you can choose whatever you want. But if you’re on a budget and need something more cost-effective, make sure to look at the Hamilton Beach 31401 Toaster Oven. Hamilton is well-known for affordable yet decent devices, and the 31401 toaster oven is the proof for that statement. 

Another suggestion is the Black + Decker TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, which costs you under $50 but still allows for four preset functions, including bake, broil, toast, and keep warm. It comes in two different colors, silver, and stainless steel, so you can easily choose the one that goes better with the overall theme of your kitchen.

Customers also bought: Best Microwave Ovens

4. Extra Accessories and Cooking Features

It’s not obligatory to have accessories to go with your toaster oven, but it’s surely better to have some. These accessories can be additional racks or trays, etc., which are promised to make cooking more interesting. 

If you’re a fan of these accessories, take a look at the KitchenAid KCO275SS. This model from KitchenAid features a 12-inch non-stick multipurpose pan, a 12-inch boiling rack, a cooling rack, and a non-stick drip tray.

You have the choice of a standard white toaster oven; you cannot go wrong with such a basic color; or you can choose something more fun, the aqua sky-colored oven. No matter which color you choose, you still have the same collection of accessories.

Nonetheless, bear in mind that more accessories mean more time and effort must be put into cleaning, so if you prefer the ease of cleaning over the idea of having more tools and gadgets, opt for more simple devices.

Regarding cooking features, all toaster ovens are now designed to have various pre-programmed settings. Although the set of settings varies from model to model, from suppliers to suppliers, some basic ones appear on every device, such as toasting, baking, and broiling. 

The integration of extra cooking features depends, once again, on the amount of money you pay. Currently, there are two exclusive features that are sometimes featured in more high-end models: air-fry and infrared.

Some models are manufactured so that they can function like an air-fryer to give you more cooking choices under some circumstances. It can fry your chicken wings or some snacks to perfect crispiness without the use of added fat, just like an air fryer does, so it’s a great bonus to have on your device.

If you find it worth the money, take a look at the Cuisinart TOA-65 Digital Convection Toaster Oven Airfryer, a model that’s highly rated for being multifunctional.


FAQs

1. What types of food can I make in a toaster oven?

Like we’ve said, a toaster oven is a powerful alternative to a conventional oven, so it’s a fairly versatile device. You can make whatever you want in a traditional oven with a toaster oven, and with the recent integration of air-frying choices, some toaster ovens can substitute an air fryer as well.

We summarize all the available functions of toaster ovens in five headings below, and we hope you can get a rough idea of what a toaster oven is capable of. Remember that these are for a standard model; with more presets included, you’ll get more options:

  • Toasting bread

  • Roasting meat, fish, vegetables, etc.

  • Make baked goods (bread, cakes, cookies,...).

  • Reheating leftovers

  • Keeping foods warm before serving

2. Is the cooking time of a toaster oven the same as that of a conventional oven?

Cooking time depends on many things, from dishes to your own preference. 

However, in general, a toaster oven takes less time to prepare your dishes than a conventional oven. The reason is that toaster ovens are smaller in size, so they tend to heat up more quickly, and the heat is kept and utilized more efficiently.

3. How does a toaster oven differ from a microwave?

The difference between toaster ovens and microwaves lies in the operating principles of these two kitchen appliances.

Toaster ovens utilize heating components to create hot air inside the cooking chamber, and this hot air itself cooks food thoroughly. Microwaves, on the other hand, make use of electromagnetic waves. 

Due to the dissimilarity in methods used, the ways ingredients are processed inside these two appliances are also different.

With a microwave, everything is heated simultaneously, but only to a certain degree. As a result, it can only reheat and defrost rather than cook the entire dish from scratch. Meanwhile, a toaster oven cooks food from the outside, and the air inside is constantly heated up, allowing the heat to work with the ingredients more efficiently. Thus, you can cook a variety of dishes in a toaster oven.

4. Is there any rule I need to follow while using a toaster oven to ensure safety?

Toaster ovens, like many other appliances, are extremely safe when used correctly. 

The main risk concerning a toaster oven is a fire hazard. When you use your machine, be alert, not anxious. As long as you follow the rules listed below, you won’t have to be nervous:

  • Don’t put anything on top of your toaster oven during operation. Although toaster ovens have been designed to generate less heat than conventional ovens, they generally release heat when they’re in use. Store items on top of them, especially those that are easy to melt, can cause the heat to mess with them.

  • Please stay by the toaster oven’s side when it's functioning. By doing this, you can make sure that you are there for damage control if there’s an unfortunate incident. If you have other tasks requiring you to move away from the toaster oven, make sure that you finish them fast and do not leave the oven unchecked for a long time.

  • Unplug when not in use. This avoids electricity-related problems, which, when they happen, can catch you off-guard.

  • Always clean your machine after every use. Cleaning your toaster oven regularly allows you to remove the crumbs as well as any leftovers that, if left there, can accumulate and cause your device to malfunction. This reduces the risk of issues that occur because there’s a component being blocked and prolongs the machine’s durability and lifespan. 

5. How to clean a toaster oven?

In general, the process of cleaning proceeds as follows:

  • Unplug the machine when you no longer use it.

  • Open the toaster oven door to let it cool down.

  • Remove crumbs and leftovers. 

  • Remove accessories and clean them separately with soap.

  • Let them dry on their own. You can use a dry piece of cloth to soak up all the excess water.

  • Scrub the interior walls gently with a soft, damp cloth. Remember that you can use soap for the entire surface except for the heating area.

  • Wipe the exterior with a soft, damp cloth.

  • If you store your toaster oven at a different place, make sure it has dried out before storage.


Final Thoughts

The fact that so many models and suppliers are on the market makes finding the best toaster ovens no easy task. After discussing and providing so much information to help you the best we can, we would want to round it up to two ultimate winners of today’s article: the KitchenAid KCO255BM and the Oster Toaster Oven.

The KitchenAid KCO255BM features dual convection elements that let you create delicious meals in the comfort of your home with a shortened amount of time. With 12 presets included, this versatile machine from KitchenAid allows you to finish all the cooking tasks.

No matter if it’s toasting, baking, or even dough proofing, whichever mission this model is assigned with it will tackle at ease. A digital display paired with interior lights makes the machine easier to use, so even when you’re not really tech-savvy, you can still make use of it with little to no problem. 

The Oster Toaster Oven is also an excellent choice for whoever’s searching for the best toaster oven. Although there are fewer functions on the Oster model compared to that from KitchenAid, 7 for the former and 12 for the latter, the Oster machine allows users to freely tailor it to their needs when it offers a temperature range of 150 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The accessories accompanied include a durable baking pan that makes baking less challenging and a crumb tray that can be removed for better cleaning.

Besides the two models above, there are other wonderful choices as well. Based on what you prioritize, you can easily pick what you need.

By reading this article, we hope that you’ve gained enough information to decide on which toaster oven is the most suitable for you. If you want premium-quality devices, you can choose from one of the models that we’ve mentioned. Thank you so much for being so attentive, and have fun with your toaster oven.


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