The best toaster or toaster oven delivers versatile countertop cooking, perfect for small kitchens or those seeking convenience. Whether you’re toasting bagels, crisping pizzas, or reheating leftovers, the right appliance can significantly elevate your daily meals and save valuable time. However, with numerous models boasting different functionalities and capacities, choosing the wrong one can lead to disappointing results and wasted space.
Some ovens excel at convection baking, while others offer superior broiling power or precise toasting. Our curated selection of top-rated models will help you navigate the options and find the perfect fit for your culinary demands, ensuring delicious outcomes every time.
The best toaster or toaster oven offers versatile cooking functions and a compact footprint. Options like the BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Countertop Convection Toaster Oven provide 5-in-1 versatility, including air fry, bake, broil, toast, and keep warm. The Ninja Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo stands out for its space-saving flip-up storage and 8-in-1 functionality, accommodating tasks from air frying to dehydrating.
Best Toaster or Toaster Oven Picks, Compared
| Image | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
Best Pick 1  | BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver Best for: Everyday countertop cooking | Check Price |
Best Pick 2  | BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Countertop Convection Toaster Oven, Best for: Crisp and baked meals | Check Price |
Best Pick 3  | Ninja Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo | 8-in-1 Functionality | Best for: Versatile kitchen tasks | Check Price |
Best Pick 4  | Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven, Small, Best for: Small batch baking | Check Price |
Best Pick 5  | Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Best for: Family-sized meals | Check Price |
How We Picked
To determine the best toaster or toaster oven, we prioritized build quality, real-world performance, and durability. We evaluated each model’s capacity, like the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice TO1760SS accommodating a 9 pizza, alongside unique features. Safety was key, noting mechanisms like the Panasonic FlashXpress’s connected rack and auto shut-off.
We ruled out models lacking essential functions or demonstrating poor construction, focusing on appliances offering consistent results across baking, broiling, and toasting. Standout features, such as the Ninja Air Fryer Toaster Oven’s space-saving design, also weighed into our final selections for overall value and user satisfaction.
What Most Buyers Get Wrong
Convection vs. Conventional: What’s the Real Difference?
Many toaster ovens boast convection cooking, but what does that mean for your food? Convection uses a fan to circulate hot air, leading to faster, more even cooking and crispier results. It’s especially beneficial for anything you want browned, like roasted vegetables or baked goods.
Models like the BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fryer Countertop Convection Toaster Oven (product #2 & #6) and the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven with Natural Convection (product #8) highlight this feature. Consider if you prioritize speed and crispiness when deciding.
Pizza Size is a Key Consideration
Don’t get caught with a toaster oven too small for your favorite pie! When choosing, think about the maximum pizza size you’d want to cook. Many compact models, like the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD (product #1) or the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven (product #8), can accommodate up to a 9-inch pizza.
For larger gatherings, or if pizza nights are frequent, you might look at even more spacious options to avoid disappointment and ensure perfect crispy crusts every time.
1. BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver
Best for: Compact capacity for small kitchens.
This 15.47-inch toaster oven’s curved interior fits a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread, letting you easily toast, bake, or reheat single meals or small batches.
Featuring four versatile cooking functions—baking, broiling, toasting, and warming—it utilizes natural convection airflow. For optimal results, preheating for 10 minutes ensures consistent cooking and crisp textures.
Pros
- Accommodates 9-inch pizza
- Fits 4 slices of bread
- Four cooking functions
- Natural convection airflow
Cons
- Requires 10-minute preheat for best results.
This BLACK+DECKER model is ideal for individuals or couples needing a basic toaster oven for everyday tasks. It’s a good choice for reheating leftovers or making small snacks.
2. BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Countertop Convection Toaster Oven,
Best for: Healthy frying with multi-functionality.
With its healthy air frying technology and Eventoast feature, this BLACK+DECKER appliance cooks crispy, delicious meals with little to no oil, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried foods.
This 5-in-1 multifunctional cooker boasts Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, and Keep Warm settings. The included rack, pan, and mesh basket allow for versatile preparation, from crispy fries to perfectly baked pizzas.
Pros
- Air frying technology for healthy meals
- Eventoast for perfect toast
- 5-in-1 cooking versatility
- Includes rack, pan, and mesh basket
Cons
- Limited 2-year warranty.
Choose this BLACK+DECKER air fryer toaster oven when you want guilt-free crispy snacks and versatile cooking options. It’s perfect for health-conscious individuals seeking fried food flavor without the oil.
3. Ninja Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo | 8-in-1 Functionality |
Best for: Space-saving design with large capacity.
This Ninja Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo reclaims 50% of your counter space when flipped up and away for storage, yet its large capacity accommodates an 12” pizza or 6 slices of bread.
Its 8-in-1 functionality includes Air fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Pizza, Toast, Bagel, and Dehydrate, powered by OvenCrisp Technology for edge-to-edge even cooking. It also fits 6 chicken breasts or up to 4 lbs of ingredients for roasting.
Pros
- Flippable design saves counter space
- 8-in-1 cooking functions
- OvenCrisp technology for even cooking
- Large capacity for family meals
Cons
- Flip-up storage requires backsplash clearance.
The Ninja Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo is built for busy families who need a versatile appliance that doesn’t dominate their kitchen. Its space-saving storage is a major benefit for smaller kitchens.
4. Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven, Small,
Best for: Precision cooking for small-batch gourmet.
The Breville Mini Smart Countertop Oven’s Element iQ System uses 5 independent quartz elements and smart algorithms to steer power for precise cooking, ideal for mastering pizza, cookies, and toast.
This compact yet powerful 1800-watt oven offers 8 cooking functions, including a fast 1800-watt preheat. It comes with a 10″x10″ enamel baking pan, enabling custom cooking environments tailored to specific recipes.
Pros
- Element iQ System for precision
- 5 independent quartz elements
- Fast 1800W preheat
- 8 cooking functions
Cons
- Limited 1-year product warranty.
This Breville Mini Smart Oven is for the discerning home cook focused on quality results for challenging recipes. It’s perfect for those who appreciate precise temperature control for baking and toasting.
5. Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Best for: Extra large capacity french door design.
The Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven offers a versatile multi-cooker experience, elevating meals from quick snacks to large gatherings with its spacious design.
This 1700-watt appliance features a dual-speed fan for 360º superheated air circulation, ensuring golden-fried crispness. It includes an automatic shut-off when the toast countdown timer ends, preventing burnt toast.
Pros
- 1700 Watts of power
- Dual-speed fan for crisping
- Automatic toast shut-off
- French door design
Cons
- Large footprint may not suit very small counters.
This Emeril Lagasse appliance is ideal for households that entertain frequently or prepare large meals. The french door design and extensive capacity make it a central cooking tool for gatherings.
6. BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fryer Countertop Convection Toaster Oven,
Best for: Large capacity for family-sized portions.
This BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fryer Countertop Convection Toaster Oven fits a 12-inch pizza or six slices of toast, making it suitable for family dinners and larger batch cooking.
Its 5-in-1 cooking versatility covers Air fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, and Keep Warm functions. Air Fry Technology delivers crispy results with up to 75% less fat by using hot air circulation without excess oil.
Pros
- Accommodates a 12-inch pizza
- Fits six slices of toast
- Up to 75% less fat with air frying
- 5-in-1 cooking versatility
Cons
- Manufactured in 2022, with a standard 2-year warranty.
This BLACK+DECKER model is excellent for families who enjoy crispy, air-fried foods and need a toaster oven for larger meals. Its capacity is perfect for cooking for multiple people at once.
7. Cuisinart Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler, 1800 Watt Countertop Toaster
Best for: High-power cooking with precise toasting.
With 1800 watts of high-performance power, this Cuisinart Custom Classic Toaster Oven offers versatile cooking for toast, bagels, baking, broiling, and pizza, ensuring precise results.
Its 0.5-cubic feet interior capacity allows toasting 6 slices of bread or 4 bagel halves, baking an 11-inch pizza, or roasting a family-sized casserole. Always Even Shade Control monitors and adjusts toasting temperature for consistent browning.
Pros
- 1800 watts for faster cooking
- 0.5 cu ft interior capacity
- Always Even Shade Control
- Accommodates 6 toast slices
Cons
- Limited 2-year warranty.
This Cuisinart Custom Classic Toaster Oven is best for those who want a powerful and precise oven for everyday cooking and perfectly browned toast. Its spacious interior handles various family meal preparations.
8. BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven with Natural Convection, Stainless Steel, TO1760SS
Best for: Compact convection for even heating.
This BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven’s natural convection technology circulates hot air for fast, even cooking, fitting a 9″ pizza or four slices of bread within its compact design.
It offers four cooking functions: convection bake, broil, toast, and keep warm, with a 1150W power output. The 30-minute timer includes a stay-on function for longer baking tasks, and it comes with an included rack and pan.
Pros
- Natural convection for even cooking
- Accommodates 9″ pizza
- 1150W power output
- 30-minute timer with stay-on feature
Cons
- Only 2-year limited warranty.
This BLACK+DECKER 4-slice toaster oven is ideal for small families or individuals seeking consistent results for toast, baking, and reheating. Its compact size makes it a great fit for limited counter space.
9. Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 Countertop Toaster Oven and Long Slot 2
Best for: 2-in-1 functionality saves space.
Replace both your standalone toaster and countertop oven with this Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 appliance, which bakes, broils, and toasts, offering versatility for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Its 16.5 L interior provides ample cooking space for one-pan meals, with 2 rack positions. It can hold a 9″ pizza or 3/4 lb. of fries, and includes a 60-minute timer with automatic shutoff and a shade selector for perfect toast.
Pros
- Replaces 2 appliances
- 16.5 L interior space
- 2 rack positions
- 60-minute timer with auto shutoff
Cons
- Only 1-year warranty.
This Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 toaster oven is perfect for those looking to consolidate appliances and save space without sacrificing cooking versatility. It handles everything from toast to small meals efficiently.
10. Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven Countertop, 4-Slice Small Toaster Oven Compact
Best for: Compact with dual infrared heating.
The Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven uses double infrared heating to toast, bake, brown, and reheat to perfection, all within a compact, user-friendly design featuring six 1-touch controls.
This 1300W unit ensures safety with a baking rack connected to the oven door for smooth pull-out and an auto shut-off feature to prevent overcooking. It includes a removable 9-inch inner baking tray for easy cleaning.
Pros
- Double infrared heating
- Six 1-touch controls
- Automatic shut-off
- Rack connected to door
Cons
- Limited to 4 slices of bread capacity.
This Panasonic FlashXpress is ideal for individuals or couples who need a fast, efficient, and compact toaster oven for everyday tasks. Its intuitive controls and safety features make it easy to use.
Countertop Ovens: Bake, Broil, Toast – And That’s It?
The fundamental decision for any buyer looking at a countertop oven is whether they require true convection cooking or if basic heating elements will suffice. While many appliances like the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver, and the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven with Natural Convection, Stainless Steel, TO1760SS, promise versatility, the presence of a convection fan dramatically alters the outcome, particularly for browning and crisping.
A convection fan, as found in the BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Countertop Convection Toaster Oven and its sibling, the BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fryer Countertop Convection Toaster Oven, actively circulates hot air. This means more even cooking and the ability to achieve genuine crispiness, differentiating it from models without this feature. For example, achieving a truly crispy air-fried potato wedge, a capability highlighted by the Ninja Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, is all but impossible in a non-convection unit.
This distinction is crucial when considering applications beyond simple toast. The Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven, while compact and offering precise temperature control with its Element iQ System, primarily relies on radiant heat. This is excellent for baking cookies or making toast where direct heat is key.
However, for tasks where moisture evaporation is paramount – like rendering chicken skin or achieving a crackling roast – it falls short compared to a convection model.
The Cuisinart Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler and the Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven Countertop are excellent for their core functions, but their heating paradigms are fundamentally different from true convection. The Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven, with its extensive capacity and French door design, leans into air frying and convection, showcasing what’s possible when space is less of a constraint and advanced airflow is prioritized. The Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 Countertop Toaster Oven and Long Slot 2 offers a compact solution for basic toasting and baking, but again, the lack of a fan limits its potential for true crisping.
Ultimately, if your aspiration extends to anything with a texture that requires significant browning or crisping – from roasted vegetables to substantial air-fried items – then an appliance specifically touting convection or air fry capabilities is essential. For those prioritizing simply warming, toasting, or basic baking, simpler models suffice, but investing in a convection fan provides a tangible upgrade in cooking results for the best toaster or toaster oven experience that goes beyond mere heating. For achieving genuinely crispy foods, the BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Countertop Convection Toaster Oven is a compelling entry point.
What to Look for in a Best Toaster or Toaster Oven
Capacity and size
For individuals and couples, a standard two-slice toaster is perfectly sufficient, offering a compact footprint that conserves valuable counter space. Those serving larger families or frequently hosting guests should opt for a four-slice toaster or a toaster oven with internal dimensions at least 12 inches wide for versatile meal preparation. A toaster oven’s footprint is a critical consideration; measure your counter before purchasing to avoid an oversized appliance.
Choose capacity based on household size; a two-slice model is best for one or two people, while a four-slice or small toaster oven serves up to four.
Specialized features
When selecting a toaster oven, prioritize features that simplify everyday cooking. A dedicated bagel setting toasts the cut side of bagels while gently warming the rounded exterior, a distinct advantage over standard toasting. The defrost function is essential for efficiently toasting frozen breads and pastries.
For occasional reheating needs, a simple reheat button saves energy and time. Convection heating, found in many toaster ovens, circulates hot air for faster, more even cooking, making it a superior choice for baking and roasting small items.
Acquire a bagel setting and defrost for maximum toaster utility, and select convection for a truly versatile toaster oven.
Heating elements and controls
The performance of your toaster or toaster oven hinges on its heating elements and controls. Nichrome wire elements are standard and provide good browning, but quartz or ceramic elements heat faster and offer more even results. Precise browning control is indicated by a wide range of settings, from light golden to deep brown, avoiding burnt edges.
Look for a reliable timer with an auto-shutoff feature for safety and convenience. For consistent toasting, quartz elements and a wide range of browning settings are ideal.
A precise timer with auto-shutoff ensures perfect results every time and prevents accidents.
Ease of cleaning
Maintaining your appliance is straightforward with a well-designed model. A removable crumb tray, easily accessible from the front or bottom, is a must-have for quick cleanup of burnt-on residue. Nonstick interior coatings in toaster ovens prevent food from sticking, simplifying the removal of spills and splatters.
Wipeable exterior materials, such as brushed stainless steel or smooth enamel, resist fingerprints and are easy to clean with a damp cloth. To ensure effortless maintenance, always choose a toaster with a slide-out crumb tray and a toaster oven with nonstick interiors and a readily wiped exterior.
Which Should You Choose?
- If you primarily need to toast bread and bagels, choose a compact, 2-4 slice toaster oven with dedicated toast and bagel settings.
- If you want to cook small meals, reheat leftovers, or bake small items like cookies, choose a versatile toaster oven with bake, broil, and toast functions, and a capacity for at least a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread.
- If you’re looking to replace multiple appliances and want to cook a wider variety of foods including crispy fries, choose a multifunction toaster oven with air fry capabilities and various cooking modes like bake, broil, toast, and keep warm.
- If counter space is a major concern and you want to maximize utility, choose a compact toaster oven that offers multiple functions or a design that allows for vertical storage.
Quick Best Toaster Or Toaster Oven Buying Checklist
- Check Capacity: Ensure it fits your typical needs, whether just bread slices or larger items.
- Evaluate Heating: Look for even browning and adjustable settings for your preferred toastiness.
- Consider Convection: If opting for a toaster oven, convection can significantly speed up cooking.
- Factor in Size: Measure your counter space to ensure a good fit.
- Verify Cleaning Ease: Removable crumb trays and non-stick interiors simplify maintenance.
- Review Extra Features: Bagel, defrost, and reheat functions add convenience for daily use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Primary Purpose Of A Bagel Setting On A Toaster?
The bagel setting on a toaster is designed to toast the cut side of the bagel more intensely while gently warming the rounded side. This ensures a perfectly crisp interior and a soft exterior, enhancing the overall bagel experience beyond standard toasting.
How Does A Convection Feature Improve Toaster Oven Performance?
A convection feature in a toaster oven enhances performance by circulating hot air within the oven cavity. This even distribution of heat leads to faster cooking times and more uniformly browned or crisped food compared to a standard toaster oven.
Why Is A Removable Crumb Tray Important For Toaster Maintenance?
A removable crumb tray is crucial for toaster maintenance as it simplifies the cleaning process significantly. It allows you to easily collect and discard accumulated crumbs, preventing buildup and potential fire hazards while keeping your appliance tidy.
What Is The Benefit Of Precise Browning Control On A Toaster?
Precise browning control on a toaster allows users to customize their toast exactly to their liking, from lightly golden to deeply brown. This feature ensures consistent results with every use, catering to individual preferences for toast texture and color.
Can A Toaster Oven Effectively Replace A Full-Sized Oven For Small Tasks?
Yes, a toaster oven can indeed replace a full-sized oven for many small tasks like reheating leftovers, toasting bread, or baking small batches of cookies. Its compact size and quicker preheating make it an efficient and convenient alternative for everyday needs.
Final Words
Choosing the best toaster or toaster oven can bring remarkable convenience and versatility to your kitchen routine. With options for precise browning, quick heating, and even extra functions, these appliances elevate everyday meals. Invest in a quality model to enjoy consistently perfect toast and more for years to come.