Today’s toaster ovens are essentially compact versions of full-size ovens, offering much more than just toasting bread. They preheat quickly, often in just a few minutes, and can handle tasks ranging from reheating leftovers to baking cakes. Larger models are even capable of roasting a perfectly golden-brown chicken. With so many options available, choosing the best toaster oven can be a challenge. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve curated a list of the top 8 toaster ovens, selected based on their performance, features, and overall value.
1. Breville BOV450XL Mini Toaster Oven
The Breville BOV450XL Mini Toaster Oven, with its sleek brushed stainless steel design, is our top pick for the best small toaster oven. While not without its flaws, it delivered the best results in our performance tests compared to other mini toaster ovens. The BOV450XL stands out with its high build quality, using durable materials for construction, and offers unique features at a reasonable price. It’s a solid choice for those looking for a compact, reliable toaster oven that delivers excellent performance.
Key Features
- Element IQ Technology
The BOV450XL uses Breville’s signature Element IQ technology, which adjusts the heating elements to distribute heat where it’s most needed, ensuring even cooking and precision for a variety of tasks.
- Compact Size
Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 9 inches
Fits four slices of toast or an 11-inch pizza.
Ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or as a secondary oven.
- Preset Cooking Functions
Includes 8 pre-set functions: Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, and Reheat. These functions make it easy to cook a range of dishes with minimal effort.
- LCD Display and Easy Controls
The intuitive LCD screen displays cooking settings, and the dials allow quick adjustments for time and temperature.
- Non-Stick Interior
The interior is easy to clean, with a non-stick coating and a pull-out crumb tray for hassle-free maintenance.
Things We Like –
Unique Feature Buttons: The BOV450XL comes with intuitive buttons for easy operation, allowing you to quickly select the desired cooking function.
Non-Stick Interior: The interior is coated with a non-stick surface, making it easier to clean and maintain.
High-Contrast Digital Display: The toaster oven features a high-contrast digital display that provides clear and easy-to-read information for precise control over cooking settings.
Sturdy Construction: Built with high-quality materials, the BOV450XL is designed to be durable and long-lasting, ensuring it can withstand regular use.
Cool-Touch Door Handle: The door handle stays cool to the touch, offering safety and convenience when opening or closing the oven.
Easy-to-Clean Stainless Steel Exterior: The exterior is made from stainless steel, not only providing a sleek look but also making it easy to wipe clean after use.
Convenient Slide-Out Crumb Tray: The crumb tray slides out easily for quick cleaning, preventing the buildup of crumbs and ensuring the oven stays neat.
Things We Don’t Like:
No Interior Lighting: The BOV450XL lacks an interior light, making it harder to monitor food while it’s cooking, especially in low-light conditions.
No Convection Fan: Unlike some higher-end toaster ovens, this model does not include a convection fan, which can result in less even cooking and longer cooking times.
Inconsistent Heating Elements: Some users have noted that the heating elements can be inconsistent at times, leading to uneven cooking, especially for certain foods.
2. Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Digital
The Panasonic NB-G110P stands out for its efficient heating elements, which help reduce cooking time. It also earned some of the highest scores in our tests for pizza, chicken, and fries among small toaster ovens.
However, the oven does have a downside: uneven heat distribution. This could be improved by reducing the portion size, as limited space for heat circulation was a key factor that hindered its performance in our Whole Roasted Chicken test.
Key Features
- Dual Infrared Heating
The FlashXpress uses quartz and ceramic infrared heating elements to cook food quickly and evenly. These elements eliminate the need for preheating, making it perfect for fast-paced kitchens.
- Compact Design
Dimensions: 12 x 13 x 10.25 inches
Fits four slices of toast or a 9-inch pizza.
It’s great for small spaces, dorm rooms, or as a secondary appliance.
- Digital Controls with Presets
Six pre-programmed cooking modes (Toast, Waffle, Roll, Pizza, Quick Reheat, and Hash Brown) simplify cooking various foods with the press of a button.
- Precise Temperature Control
Offers manual temperature adjustment from 250°F to 500°F, allowing flexibility for custom recipes.
- Bright Interior Light
A built-in light allows you to monitor food without opening the door, enhancing the cooking experience.
- Accessories Included
Comes with a square baking tray for added versatility.
Things We Like:
Energy-Efficient Quartz and Ceramic Heating Elements: The Panasonic NB-G110P uses a combination of quartz and ceramic heating elements, which are designed to heat up quickly and efficiently, saving energy and reducing cooking time.
High-Contrast Digital Display: The toaster oven features a high-contrast digital display, making it easy to read and control cooking settings.
Internal Lighting: Equipped with internal lighting, the Panasonic allows you to easily monitor your food as it cooks without opening the door.
Sturdy Construction: Built with durable materials, the NB-G110P offers a strong and reliable structure for long-lasting use.
Easy-to-Clean Stainless Steel Exterior: The exterior is made of stainless steel, which not only gives it a sleek look but is also easy to clean after use.
Cool-Touch Door Handle: The cool-touch door handle ensures safety by preventing burns when opening or closing the oven.
Convenient Slide-Out Crumb Tray: The oven features a slide-out crumb tray for easy cleanup, helping to keep your kitchen mess-free.
Things We Don’t Like:
No Safety Mechanism for the Door: The Panasonic NB-G110P lacks a safety feature to prevent the door from accidentally opening during operation, which could be a concern for some users.
Only One Tray Level: The oven has only one tray level, limiting the flexibility in cooking multiple items at once or cooking larger portions.
Not Particularly Budget-Friendly: Compared to other toaster ovens in its class, the Panasonic NB-G110P is on the pricier side, which may not be ideal for those looking for a more affordable option.
3. Cosori CO130-AO Toaster Oven
The Cosori didn’t achieve the top score for making toast, unlike the Ninja Foodi XL Pro or the Cuisinart TOA-60. However, its toast performance still ranks in the second-highest tier. The four slices of bread came out with a mostly beautiful golden-brown color, a crispy surface, and a soft, moist interior.
Most of the Cosori’s performance scores also fall in the second-highest tier. While some of our other top picks excelled in certain areas but underperformed in others, the Cosori consistently delivers solid results, earning its place as our top recommendation.
Key Features
- 12-in-1 Functionality
The Cosori CO130-AO offers 12 cooking presets, including Toast, Bagel, Bake, Broil, Roast, Pizza, Cookies, Rotisserie, Dehydrate, Ferment, Keep Warm, and Air Fry. These presets simplify cooking and make it incredibly versatile.
- Air Frying Technology
With a built-in air fryer, it uses rapid air circulation to cook crispy, low-oil meals. Perfect for healthier versions of fried favorites.
- Large Capacity
Fits a 13-inch pizza, six slices of toast, or a 5-pound chicken.
Ideal for families or those who entertain frequently.
- User-Friendly Interface
Features an LED display, intuitive knobs, and touch buttons for easy operation.
An interior light lets you monitor food as it cooks.
- Durable Accessories
Comes with several accessories, including a rotisserie fork set, baking tray, wire rack, crumb tray, and air fryer basket.
- Temperature and Time Range
Adjustable temperature range from 80°F to 450°F, with precise control for a variety of recipes.
Things We Like:
Exceptional value with versatile functionality and included accessories: This toaster oven offers a range of features and comes with useful accessories, providing great value for the price. It can handle various cooking tasks, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.
Simple and intuitive controls for ease of use: The controls are designed to be straightforward, ensuring that even beginners can operate the toaster oven without confusion.
Convenient toggle switches for precise adjustments: The toggles allow for easy and accurate setting adjustments, enhancing the overall cooking experience.
High-contrast digital display for clear readability: The bright, high-contrast display makes it easy to read settings and monitor progress, even in low-light conditions.
Durable and robust construction: Built with high-quality materials, this toaster oven is sturdy and reliable, ensuring it can withstand regular use over time.
Easy-to-maintain stainless steel exterior: The stainless steel finish not only looks sleek but is also resistant to smudges and easy to clean, maintaining its appearance with minimal effort.
Safe cool-touch door handle: The door handle stays cool to the touch during operation, preventing accidental burns and adding an extra layer of safety.
Large cooking chamber for greater versatility: With its spacious interior, this toaster oven can accommodate larger items like pizzas or multiple slices of bread, making it suitable for a variety of cooking needs.
Things We Don’t Like:
No safety mechanism for the door: The door lacks built-in safety features, which could pose a risk of accidental burns or injuries, especially when opening it during operation.
Convection fan isn’t all-applicable: The convection fan cannot be used with every function or setting, limiting its versatility and effectiveness for certain types of cooking.
4. Instant Omni Plus 18L Air Fryer Oven
This oven excels at air frying, delivering crispy, evenly golden fries in just 15 minutes, thanks to its powerful convection system. Equipped with smart features like a touchscreen, status bar, and automatic reminders, it’s perfect for anyone looking for convenience and efficiency in the kitchen.
Key Features
- 10-in-1 Functionality
The Omni Plus offers ten cooking presets, including Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Toast, Reheat, Dehydrate, Proof Dough, Slow Cook, and Rotisserie. This makes it a versatile appliance for a wide range of recipes.
- Large Capacity
The 18-liter interior can fit a 12-inch pizza, six slices of bread, or a 4-pound chicken.
Compact enough for most countertops but spacious for family-sized meals.
- EvenCrisp Technology
Ensures crispy and golden textures for air-fried foods while using minimal oil, promoting healthier cooking.
- User-Friendly Design
Features a bright LCD display, easy-to-use control knobs, and a transparent window for monitoring food.
- Built-In Safety Features
Includes overheating protection and auto shut-off for safe and worry-free cooking.
- Accessories Included
Comes with an air fryer basket, oven rack, baking tray, rotisserie lift, and rotisserie spit for diverse cooking needs.
Things We Like:
Informative and eye-catching package: The packaging is designed to grab attention and provide detailed information about the product’s features, making it easier for buyers to understand its benefits.
Smart Programs and Cooking Status Bar: This oven includes intelligent cooking programs and a status bar that tracks progress, ensuring a seamless cooking experience.
Electrical safety feature for the door: An integrated safety mechanism prevents electrical hazards when the door is opened during operation, enhancing user safety.
Convenient removable oven bottom tray: The bottom tray is easily removable, simplifying cleanup and maintenance.
Safeguards for bottom heating elements: Protective measures are in place to prevent damage to the bottom heating elements, ensuring durability and safe operation.
Complimentary app with detailed instructions and numerous recipes: The included app offers step-by-step guidance and a variety of recipes, helping users make the most of the oven’s capabilities.
Helpful toggles: Easy-to-use toggles provide precise control over settings, making adjustments straightforward.
Easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior: The sleek stainless steel finish resists smudges and stains, making it simple to keep the oven looking like new.
Things We Don’t Like:
Touchscreen digital displays need more contrast: The digital touchscreen could benefit from improved contrast to enhance visibility, especially in low-light environments or for users with visual impairments.
The master-control knob can be confusing: The master-control knob may not be intuitive for all users, potentially leading to confusion when navigating or adjusting settings.
5. Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer
The silver stainless steel Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer stood out in our performance tests, delivering consistently excellent results, thanks to its reliable convection system. This consistent performance was a key factor in naming it the best convection toaster oven to buy.
What’s even more impressive is that the TOA-60 is a fully analog toaster oven. Analog models typically don’t match the reliability of digital ones, but the TOA-60 breaks the mold. Its straightforward design makes it an excellent choice for seasoned home cooks who value simplicity and are willing to invest in a robust, effective, and long-lasting appliance.
Key Features
- 7-in-1 Functionality
The TOA-60 offers seven cooking functions: Air Fry, Convection Bake, Convection Broil, Bake, Broil, Warm, and Toast. These functions cover a wide range of cooking needs, from crisping fries to baking cookies.
- Air Frying Technology
Uses a powerful fan to circulate hot air, creating crispy, golden textures with minimal oil for healthier meals.
- Convection Cooking
The convection bake and broil modes ensure even heat distribution, making it great for roasting meats, baking desserts, or broiling fish.
- Large Capacity
Fits a 12-inch pizza, six slices of toast, or a 3-pound chicken.
Ideal for small to medium-sized households.
- User-Friendly Design
Adjustable temperature (up to 450°F) and a 60-minute timer with auto shut-off.
Intuitive knobs for easy control over cooking settings.
- Accessories Included
Comes with an oven rack, baking pan, and air fryer basket.
Things We Like:
Simple and straight-to-the-point control knobs: The easy-to-use control knobs provide straightforward operation without unnecessary complexity.
Sturdy design and durable material: Built with a strong, durable design, this toaster oven is made to withstand regular use and provide long-lasting performance.
Convection fan is all-applicable: The convection fan can be used with all cooking functions, ensuring even cooking and optimal results every time.
Electrical safety feature for the door: An integrated safety feature helps prevent electrical hazards when opening the door, enhancing overall safety during use.
Convenient removable oven bottom tray: The oven includes a removable bottom tray for easy cleaning and maintenance, preventing buildup of crumbs and grease.
Easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior: The sleek stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints and is simple to wipe clean, maintaining its polished look.
Plenty of recipes included in the user manual: The user manual comes with a variety of recipes, offering inspiration and guidance to get the most out of your toaster oven.
Things We Don’t Like:
Opening the door also turns off the light: When the door is opened, the light inside the oven automatically turns off, which may be inconvenient when trying to check on food.
A bit heavier and taller than other ovens of the same type: This toaster oven is slightly bulkier than similar models, making it less ideal for those with limited counter space.
Not very budget-friendly: Compared to other toaster ovens, this model is on the pricier side, making it less accessible for those on a tighter budget.
6. Cosori Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The shiny stainless steel Cosori CO130-AO Countertop Convection Air Fryer Toaster Oven earned some of the highest scores in our tests, all at a very reasonable price. This spacious toaster oven consistently delivered excellent results, including perfectly toasted bread. Its user-friendly design makes it suitable for cooks of all skill levels. For these reasons, it was selected as our top choice for the best-value convection toaster oven.
Key Features
- 12-in-1 Functionality
Offers 12 cooking presets: Air Fry, Bake, Toast, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, Pizza, Cookies, Rotisserie, Bagel, Reheat, and Keep Warm. This makes it a versatile tool for diverse cooking needs.
- Air Frying Technology
Uses rapid air circulation to produce crispy textures with up to 85% less oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying.
- Large Capacity
The 32-quart interior fits a 13-inch pizza, six slices of toast, or a 5-pound chicken.
Suitable for families or meal prepping.
- Digital Control Panel
Features an intuitive LED screen with easy-to-use touch controls for temperature, time, and preset selection.
- Convection Cooking
A convection fan ensures even heat distribution for perfectly cooked meals in less time.
- Accessories Included
Comes with a wire rack, food tray, fry basket, rotisserie fork, and crumb tray for versatile cooking options.
Things We Like:
Great value in terms of functionality and accessories: This toaster oven offers excellent functionality along with helpful accessories, making it a great investment for its price.
Straightforward controls: The controls are simple and easy to use, allowing for quick and efficient operation.
Useful toggles: The toggles are designed to offer precise control, making it easier to adjust settings accurately.
High-contrast digital display: The high-contrast digital display ensures clear readability, even in low-light conditions.
Sturdy construction: Built with durable materials, this toaster oven is designed to last and withstand regular use.
Easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior: The stainless steel exterior is both sleek and simple to clean, maintaining its appearance with minimal effort.
Cool-touch door handle: The cool-touch door handle ensures safety by staying cool to the touch during operation.
Spacious cooking chamber: The large cooking chamber allows for more food to be cooked at once, adding to the toaster oven’s versatility.
Things We Don’t Like:
Lacks a safety mechanism for the door: The toaster oven does not have any built-in safety features to prevent accidental burns or injuries from the door, such as heat shields or child locks.
Convection fan is not universally compatible: The convection fan, which helps circulate heat for even cooking, may not work optimally with all types of food or cooking settings, limiting its effectiveness in some cases.
7. Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The stainless steel Ninja DT201 Foodi XL Pro Air Convection Air Fryer Toaster Oven stands out not only for its impressive capacity but also for earning one of the highest overall scores on our tests. Its 2-level even cooking function makes it an exceptional choice for preparing meals for large gatherings, ensuring consistent results across multiple levels. This combination of performance and size made it our top pick for the best large toaster oven.
Key Features
- 10-in-1 Functionality
Offers 10 cooking presets: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, Pizza, Reheat, and Whole Roast. This versatility makes it a comprehensive solution for a variety of cooking tasks.
- Extra-Large Capacity
Fits two 12-inch pizzas, a 5-pound chicken, or a 12-pound turkey.
Perfect for large families, meal prep, or entertaining.
- True Surround Convection
Utilizes up to 10x the convection power of traditional ovens for faster, even cooking. This technology ensures perfect crispness and thorough cooking for all types of dishes.
- Dual Heat Zones
Features two independent cooking racks that allow you to cook multiple items at different temperatures simultaneously.
- Digital Control Panel
A user-friendly digital display with precise time and temperature settings for easy operation.
- Premium Accessories
Comes with two sheet pans, two wire racks, an air fry basket, and a roast tray for versatile cooking.
Things We Like:
Straightforward and informative control panel: The control panel is simple to use and clearly displays all cooking options and settings for easy operation.
Tailored cooking functions: Offers specialized functions designed for different cooking needs, ensuring optimal results.
Family-sized capacity: Large enough to accommodate bigger meals, making it perfect for families or gatherings.
Tray-level suggestions: Provides guidance on optimal rack positions for even cooking and best results.
Sturdy construction: Built with high-quality materials for durability and long-lasting performance.
Well-designed accessories: Includes thoughtfully designed tools and trays that enhance cooking convenience.
Easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior: The sleek stainless steel exterior resists stains and is simple to wipe down.
Cool-touch door handle: The handle remains cool to the touch during cooking, ensuring safe operation.
Things We Don’t Like:
The door lacks a safety mechanism: This means there is no feature or system in place to ensure the door operates safely, potentially posing a hazard during use.
The interior light in the unit we received is faulty: The light inside the unit does not function as intended, which could make it difficult to see the interior or use the unit effectively.
8. Black+Decker CTO6335S Toaster Oven
The Black+Decker CTO6335S stands out for its impressive design, usability, and performance, especially considering its affordable price. Unlike most similarly priced models, which tend to be medium or small, this toaster oven offers a spacious interior. As a result, it earned our top spot as the best budget-friendly large toaster oven.
Key Features
- Convection Technology
The built-in convection fan circulates hot air for faster and more even cooking, making it ideal for baking, toasting, and roasting.
- Large Interior Capacity
Fits a 12-inch pizza, six slices of toast, or a casserole dish.
Spacious enough for small to medium-sized households.
- Digital Controls
Features a user-friendly digital display with one-touch buttons for precise control of cooking functions, time, and temperature.
- Cooking Presets
Offers a variety of pre-programmed settings, including Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Pizza, and Frozen Snacks, simplifying common cooking tasks.
- Adjustable Timer and Temperature
The 120-minute timer with auto shut-off and adjustable temperature range provide flexibility for different recipes.
- Accessories Included
Comes with a baking pan, broil rack, and removable crumb tray for easy cleanup.
Things We Like:
Large Capacity: Offers ample space for cooking, accommodating larger meals or multiple servings.
Highly Affordable: Provides excellent value for its price, making it accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
Easy-to-Clean Stainless Steel Exterior: The sleek stainless steel surface resists stains and is simple to maintain.
High-Contrast Digital Display: Ensures clear visibility of settings and timer, even in low-light conditions.
Sturdy Exterior: Built with durable materials to withstand regular use and maintain its appearance over time.
Cool-Touch Door Handle: Designed to stay cool during operation, ensuring safe handling while cooking.
Convenient Slide-Out Crumb Tray: Makes cleaning up crumbs and debris hassle-free.
Things We Don’t Like:
Convection Fan Isn’t All-Applicable: The convection fan may not be suitable or effective for all cooking tasks, limiting its versatility.
No Internal Lighting: The lack of interior lighting makes it difficult to monitor food while it’s cooking.
Buttons Not Reliably Responsive: The control buttons may occasionally fail to register inputs, affecting ease of use.
How We Tested Toaster Ovens
Toaster ovens are versatile appliances capable of baking, roasting, broiling, defrosting, and toasting bread—some even go beyond these basic functions. To assess their performance, we tested each model on a variety of tasks:
Cooking Tests
Toast:
We began by toasting two slices of bread on each toaster’s medium setting, observing how evenly they browned. Following this, we filled the toaster oven to maximum capacity (ranging from four to nine slices, depending on the model) to see if performance remained consistent across a larger batch. We timed each round and noted if residual heat from the first batch affected the second. Consistency in browning was our key indicator of the oven’s overall cooking performance.
Cookies:
Using homemade chocolate chip cookie dough, we portioned and froze the cookies overnight before baking four at a time on each oven’s included baking sheet. This test measured how evenly the heat distributed for delicate baking tasks.
Pizza:
Personal frozen pizzas were prepared according to box instructions. If an oven had a preset “pizza” setting, we used it; otherwise, we manually adjusted temperature and cooking times. For ovens without preheat indicators, we preheated them for five minutes before baking. The ideal pizza featured a crispy bottom, evenly melted cheese, and a browned crust.
Frozen Foods:
For models advertised as air fryer–toaster oven combos, we tested their ability to crisp frozen tater tots and chicken tenders directly from the freezer.
Chicken:
Toaster ovens that performed well in the initial tests were further evaluated by roasting chicken thighs and legs. Each piece was coated with olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, and roasted to check for crispy, golden skin and juicy, evenly cooked meat.
Evaluation Factors
Toasting Capability:
Since making toast is a toaster oven’s primary function, we assessed how evenly each model toasted bread on both sides and whether consecutive batches resulted in burning or inconsistent results.
Cooking Performance:
We evaluated how evenly, consistently, and efficiently each model cooked different foods. Golden cookie edges, juicy chicken, and crispy pizza crust were all marks of excellence. We also assessed the accuracy and reliability of preset functions.
Accessories:
Each oven’s included accessories were reviewed. Some offered only a basic rack, while others came with additional trays, air-fry baskets, or roasting pans, enhancing their versatility.
Ease of Use:
We preferred models with intuitive controls—such as backlit LCDs or easy-to-read knobs—and simple cleaning mechanisms, like easily removable crumb trays.
Size and Countertop Appeal:
Given their semi-permanent place on kitchen counters, toaster ovens should justify their footprint. Larger models were assessed for versatility and whether they could replace other appliances, like air fryers or full-sized ovens.
These comprehensive tests helped identify the best toaster ovens based on their cooking performance, usability, and value for everyday use.
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to choosing the best kitchen appliances, including toaster ovens, we understand how important it is to have reliable, well-researched recommendations. Our reviews are informed by professionals in the field, including chefs, home cooks, and appliance experts. We also stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in kitchen appliances to bring you the most current and accurate advice.
