Imagine a kitchen helper that can toast your bread perfectly, bake a small batch of cookies, and even roast a few chicken wings, all without heating up your big oven. Sound too good to be true? It’s not! It’s the magic of the countertop toaster oven, a small appliance that can transform your cooking routine.
But with so many different models on the market, picking the right one can feel like a puzzle. Do you need a convection fan? How big should it be? These questions can make your head spin, and you might end up feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to buy. You want a helpful tool, not another source of kitchen stress!
This post is here to guide you through the wonderful world of countertop toaster ovens. We’ll break down what makes each one special, what features really matter, and how to find the perfect fit for your kitchen and your cooking style. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing an appliance that will make your meals easier and tastier.
Ready to discover your new favorite kitchen appliance? Let’s dive in and explore the best countertop toaster ovens available.
Our Top 5 Counter Top Toaster Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Counter Top Toaster Oven Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Convection Oven
Rating: 8.5/10
The BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Convection Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great on any counter. This oven is great for small kitchens or for people who don’t need a big oven.
What We Like:
- It can cook a 9-inch pizza and up to 4 slices of bread at once.
- The curved interior helps fit larger items.
- It has four useful cooking functions: bake, broil, toast, and keep warm.
- The 30-minute timer has easy toast settings and a stay-on option.
- Cleaning is simple thanks to the removable crumb tray.
- Its compact size (16.4 x 11.3 x 9.4 inches) makes it fit almost anywhere.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 30-minute timer might not be long enough for some recipes.
- While it fits a 9-inch pizza, larger pizzas won’t fit.
This BLACK+DECKER toaster oven is a solid choice for quick meals and snacks. It offers good value for its features and compact size.
2. BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Countertop Convection Toaster Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
The BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Countertop Convection Toaster Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It can do five different cooking jobs: air fry, bake, broil, toast, and keep food warm. This means you can make lots of different meals with just one appliance. It’s made of stainless steel and looks good on your counter.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 cooker, so you can air fry, bake, broil, toast, and keep food warm.
- The air fry feature cooks food with little oil, making it a healthier choice.
- EvenToast technology makes sure your toast is browned perfectly and evenly.
- It’s compact but still fits a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread.
- It comes with a 30-minute timer and easy-to-clean accessories.
What Could Be Improved:
- The timer only goes up to 30 minutes, which might not be enough for some recipes.
- The “medium capacity” might be too small for larger families or big meals.
This toaster oven is a great addition to any kitchen, especially for those who want healthier options and more cooking versatility. It’s a smart choice for everyday meals and snacks.
3. BLACK+DECKER 8-Slice Extra Wide Convection Toaster Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The BLACK+DECKER 8-Slice Extra Wide Convection Toaster Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It’s designed to fit on your countertop and looks great with its stainless steel finish. This oven can do a lot, from toasting bread to baking full meals.
What We Like:
- The convection fan cooks food fast and evenly.
- It fits large 9″x13″ oven pans and a 12″ pizza, so you can cook more at once.
- It has multiple cooking functions: bake, toast, broil, and keep warm.
- The 60-minute timer has a stay-on option for longer cooking.
- There are three rack positions for flexibility.
- The dedicated toast timer helps you get the perfect toast shade every time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The oven’s actual temperature might be a bit lower than what you set it to.
- You might need to adjust cooking times or temperatures based on the oven’s heating elements.
Overall, this toaster oven is a handy appliance that can handle many of your cooking needs. It offers great flexibility for its size.
4. Ninja Flip Toaster Oven&Air Fryer
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer, a kitchen powerhouse that’s about to change how you cook. This 1800-watt appliance, model SP151, is designed to save you space and time. Its unique flip-up feature is a game-changer for small kitchens. You can easily store it against your backsplash, freeing up valuable counter space. This isn’t just a toaster oven; it’s an 8-in-1 wonder that can air fry, roast, broil, bake, make pizza, toast, handle bagels, and even dehydrate. With its OvenCrisp Technology, it uses infrared heat and fast-moving air for perfectly cooked food every time.
What We Like:
- Reclaims counter space with its smart flip-up design.
- Versatile 8-in-1 functionality handles many cooking needs.
- Cooks large family meals quickly, feeding up to 4 people in about 20 minutes.
- Uses 75% less fat for healthier air-fried favorites.
- Energy efficient, using less power than a full-size oven.
- Wide temperature range from 85°F to 450°F for various recipes.
- Cooks food 50% faster than a traditional oven.
- Generous capacity for air frying, roasting, baking pizzas, and toasting.
- Includes essential accessories: air fry basket, sheet pan, wire rack, and crumb tray.
What Could Be Improved:
- The flip-up mechanism might require a bit of learning for some users.
- Some users might find the 1800-watt power draw significant for their electrical setup.
This Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer is an excellent addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and versatility. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cooking experience and save space.
5. Breville BOV650XL the Compact Smart Oven Countertop Toaster Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
The Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven is a versatile kitchen appliance that offers big oven performance in a small package. Its brushed stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop. This oven is perfect for making all sorts of meals, from breakfast toast to dinner roasts.
What We Like:
- The Element iQ System uses smart technology to cook food perfectly. It directs power where and when it’s needed.
- It has 8 cooking functions: Toast, Bagel, Bake, Broil, Pizza, Roast, Cookies, and Reheat. This makes it great for many different recipes.
- The oven preheats quickly in just 1800 watts, so you can serve meals faster.
- Its compact size fits well in any kitchen, big or small.
- The interior has a non-stick coating, making it super easy to clean up after cooking.
- It comes with a 10×10 inch baking pan and a broiling rack.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s compact, some users might find the interior capacity a bit limiting for larger meals or multiple dishes at once.
- The 1-year limited warranty is standard, but a longer warranty would offer more peace of mind.
This Breville oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering smart cooking features and great versatility in a compact design. It makes everyday cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Choosing the Perfect Countertop Toaster Oven: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
A countertop toaster oven is a versatile kitchen appliance. It can toast bread, bake small meals, and reheat leftovers. It’s smaller than a regular oven, making it great for kitchens with limited space. This guide helps you find the best one for your needs.
What to Look For: Key Features to Consider
When you shop for a toaster oven, several features make a big difference.
Capacity: How Much Can It Hold?
- Size: Toaster ovens come in various sizes. Think about what you usually cook. A small one is good for toasting a few slices of bread or reheating a single serving. A larger one can bake a small pizza or roast a chicken.
- Internal Dimensions: Check the height, width, and depth. This helps you know if your favorite baking dish will fit.
Functions: What Can It Do?
- Toast: Most toaster ovens toast bread. Some have settings for different browning levels.
- Bake: This function works like a small oven. It’s perfect for cookies, muffins, or small casseroles.
- Broil: This uses intense top heat. It’s great for melting cheese or browning the tops of dishes.
- Convection: This feature uses a fan to circulate hot air. It cooks food faster and more evenly. This is a big plus for many users.
- Other Settings: Some ovens have special settings for pizza, bagels, or even dehydrating food.
Temperature Control: Getting it Just Right
- Range: Look for a wide temperature range. This lets you cook many different types of food.
- Accuracy: A good toaster oven maintains the set temperature well. This leads to better cooking results.
Ease of Use: Simple and Convenient
- Controls: Simple knobs or digital displays make it easy to set the temperature and timer.
- Timer: A clear timer with an auto-shutoff feature is important for safety and convenience.
- Cleaning: Non-stick interiors and removable crumb trays make cleaning much easier.
Materials Matter: What Your Toaster Oven is Made Of
The materials used in a toaster oven affect its durability and how well it cooks.
Exterior and Interior
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice for exteriors. It looks nice and is easy to clean. It also holds up well over time.
- Plastic: Some parts might be plastic. Look for sturdy, heat-resistant plastic.
- Non-stick Coating: A good non-stick interior helps prevent food from sticking and makes cleaning a breeze.
Heating Elements
- Quartz vs. Metal: Quartz heating elements heat up faster than metal ones. They can also provide more even heat.
Quality: What Makes a Toaster Oven Great (or Not So Great)
Several things can make a toaster oven perform better or worse.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Even Heating: A good toaster oven heats food evenly. This means no burnt edges and perfectly cooked centers.
- Precise Temperature Control: The oven maintains the temperature you set. This is crucial for baking and roasting.
- Durable Construction: Well-made ovens last longer. They don’t feel flimsy.
- Convection Fan: A good convection fan makes a big difference in cooking speed and evenness.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Uneven Heating: This is a common problem. Some parts of your food might be burnt while others are undercooked.
- Inaccurate Temperature: The oven runs hotter or colder than you set it. This ruins recipes.
- Cheap Materials: Flimsy plastic or thin metal can break easily.
- Difficult Cleaning: If it’s hard to clean, you’ll be less likely to use it.
User Experience: Making Your Kitchen Life Easier
A good toaster oven should simplify your cooking.
Use Cases: What Can You Cook?
- Breakfast: Toasting bagels, making waffles, or reheating pastries.
- Lunch: Warming up sandwiches, reheating soup, or baking a small pizza.
- Dinner: Roasting vegetables, baking chicken tenders, or cooking small casseroles.
- Snacks: Making cookies, reheating leftovers, or toasting nuts.
Think about how you will use it most often. This will help you choose the right size and features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main advantage of a countertop toaster oven?
A: The main advantage is its versatility. It can do many things a regular oven can, but it’s smaller and heats up faster. It’s also great for small kitchens.
Q: Do toaster ovens cook as well as regular ovens?
A: For many tasks, yes. They are excellent for toasting, baking small items, and reheating. For very large meals or complex baking, a full-size oven might be better.
Q: Is a convection toaster oven worth the extra cost?
A: Yes, if you plan to bake or roast often. The convection fan cooks food faster and more evenly. It can also make things crispier.
Q: How do I clean a toaster oven?
A: Most have removable crumb trays that catch crumbs. You can usually wipe the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Always unplug the oven first.
Q: What size toaster oven do I need?
A: Consider what you cook most. A 4-slice toaster oven is good for basic toasting. A 6-slice or larger can handle small pizzas and baking dishes.
Q: Can I bake a cake in a toaster oven?
A: You can bake small cakes or cupcakes. You will need a small baking pan that fits inside the oven.
Q: How long do toaster ovens last?
A: A good quality toaster oven can last for many years, typically 5 to 10 years or more, with proper care.
Q: Should I worry about the heat coming from the toaster oven?
A: Toaster ovens get hot, just like regular ovens. Keep them away from curtains or other flammable materials. Always use oven mitts when removing food.
Q: What is a good temperature range for a toaster oven?
A: A good range is from around 150°F (65°C) to 450°F (230°C). This allows for a variety of cooking tasks.
Q: Can I leave a toaster oven unattended while it’s on?
A: It is generally not recommended to leave any heating appliance unattended, especially while cooking. Always supervise your toaster oven when in use.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!