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Best Toaster Ovens: 6 Top Picks for Perfect Toast Every Time
Looking for the best toaster oven? You’ve come to the right place! Toaster ovens are super handy in the kitchen, helping you bake, toast, and even roast your favorite meals with ease. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just love cooking, a good toaster oven can make life simpler.
6 Best Toaster Ovens for Busy Homes
1. Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Toaster Oven
The Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Toaster Oven is a compact and user-friendly kitchen appliance that can toast, bake, brown, and reheat food to perfection without the need for preheating. Equipped with two infrared heating elements positioned at the front and back, it ensures even heat distribution for maximum efficiency. Whether you’re making toast, pizza, or reheating leftovers, this toaster oven offers quick and consistent results every time.
This toaster oven comes with six one-touch controls, providing preset cooking functions for a variety of foods, such as toast, pizza, and baked goods. In addition to these presets, it also features options to reheat and defrost, making it a versatile choice for meal prep and snacks. The ability to quickly choose the right function for your food eliminates guesswork and streamlines your cooking process.
Safety features are built into the design, including a baking rack that smoothly pulls out toward you when the door is opened, offering easy access to your food. The auto shut-off function ensures that the oven automatically turns off once the cooking cycle is complete, preventing overcooking and burning. These features make the FlashXpress a safe and reliable option for any kitchen.
With manual temperature control and a built-in timer, this toaster oven is not just limited to toasting. It can handle a wide range of cooking tasks, from baking snacks to preparing full meals. Its compact design makes it an excellent choice for kitchens with limited space.
2. Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines convection and air frying in one. Featuring 100% super convection technology, it delivers quicker and crispier results with every use. Whether you’re roasting, baking, or air frying, this appliance ensures evenly cooked food every time, making it ideal for a variety of meal options. Its temperature range spans from 50°F to 500°F, giving you the flexibility to prepare a wide range of dishes.
This toaster oven has 100 preset cooking functions, allowing you to select the perfect setting for different meals, from roasting chicken to baking desserts. The multi-layer cooking system ensures that you can cook multiple items at once without compromising on quality. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing snacks, this appliance can handle it all with ease.
Equipped with a smart probe, the Nuwave Bravo XL Pro monitors the internal temperature of your food, ensuring it’s cooked to perfection every time. This feature eliminates the guesswork in cooking, making it perfect for even complex dishes. Additionally, this toaster oven is PFAS-free, ensuring that your meals are prepared without harmful chemicals, offering a healthier cooking experience.
With a 30-quart capacity, this appliance is spacious enough for large meals, making it ideal for cooking for a group or meal prepping for the week. Whether you’re making a pizza, baking a cake, or air frying some crispy chicken, this oven’s capacity and versatility will meet your needs.
3. Ninja SP351 Toaster Oven
The Ninja SP351 Toaster Oven is a powerhouse in the kitchen, designed to handle a wide variety of cooking tasks with its Dual Heat Technology. Featuring a SearPlate and rapid cyclonic air, it can heat up to 500°F, which allows for searing and crisping food simultaneously. Whether you’re air frying, baking, roasting, or even making pizza, this toaster oven delivers excellent results every time.
With 13 functions, the Ninja SP351 can do it all. From air frying, searing, and baking to dehydrating, broiling, and toasting, this oven offers a range of cooking options to suit your needs. The Smart Cook System takes the guesswork out of cooking, thanks to the Foodi Smart Thermometer that helps you achieve the perfect doneness at the touch of a button.
The air fry function is a standout feature, using up to 75% less fat compared to traditional deep frying. This makes it a healthier option for cooking crispy foods like fries, wings, and other fried favorites. Plus, this oven is incredibly fast, cooking up to 65% quicker than a full-size electric oven, with its Air Oven functions ready in just 60 seconds.
This powerful 1800-watt appliance ensures your cooking experience is quicker, easier, and healthier. Whether you’re cooking a quick snack or preparing a full meal, the Ninja SP351 makes every task simple and efficient.
4. Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Extra Large Air Fryer and Convection Toaster Oven
The Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Extra Large Air Fryer and Convection Toaster Oven is a versatile kitchen appliance designed to tackle a variety of cooking tasks. With its 26-quart capacity, it’s perfect for cooking meals for 4-6 people. From air frying quick snacks to roasting a whole chicken, this oven can handle it all. The dual-speed fan and 360-degree superheated air circulation ensure crispy, golden results with every dish.
This toaster oven includes 25 cooking presets, covering a wide range of functions like roasting, baking, toasting, slow cooking, and more. You can easily select the right preset for your meal, and the oven will do the rest. The indicator light changes from red to blue once your toast is perfectly done, preventing the common problem of overcooked toast.
With its French doors that open with a single pull, the stainless steel exterior adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen. The interior light allows you to monitor your food as it cooks, ensuring the perfect result every time. Whether you’re cooking a small snack or preparing a large meal, this oven offers the space and versatility needed to get the job done.
Designed for families or anyone who loves cooking in large batches, the Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer and Convection Oven is an excellent addition to any kitchen. Its ease of use, advanced features, and spacious interior make it a standout choice for busy households.
5. Black+Decker CTO6335S Countertop Convection Toaster Oven
The Black+Decker CTO6335S Countertop Convection Toaster Oven offers a convenient cooking experience with a variety of features. Equipped with eight one-touch presets, this oven can handle everything from baking and broiling to making pizza and toast. The convection baking feature circulates hot air around your food for even cooking, ensuring that everything comes out perfectly.
This toaster oven’s extra-deep interior allows you to cook up to a 12-inch pizza, as well as casseroles, whole chickens, or any large dishes. The dual-position rack gives you the flexibility to adjust the cooking space, whether you need more room for larger items or want to position food closer to the broiler for a crisp finish.
The 120-minute timer allows you to set cooking times for both quick and slow bakes, with the oven automatically turning off when the time is up. Whether you’re toasting a slice of bread or baking a cake, this feature ensures you never have to worry about overcooking. The auto-shutoff function further enhances safety and convenience.
With its spacious interior and versatile presets, the Black+Decker CTO6335S is a great option for anyone who needs a reliable countertop oven for everyday cooking, from quick snacks to larger meals.
6. Hamilton Beach Digital Toaster Oven Air Fryer
The Hamilton Beach Digital Toaster Oven Air Fryer is a multifunctional kitchen gadget that combines the power of an air fryer and a toaster oven. 1800 watts of power ensure quick cooking times, with this appliance baking 28% quicker and using 60% less energy than traditional ovens. It’s a great solution for those looking to prepare meals quickly without sacrificing quality.
This toaster oven offers 10 cooking modes, including air fry, bake, broil, dehydrate, and more. Whether you want to air fry your favorite dishes or bake a cake, the digital control panel makes it easy to select your desired mode. Plus, it remembers your last settings, making everyday cooking even more convenient.
With four air fry presets, it’s perfect for making crispy French fries, chicken wings, steak, and veggies with little to no oil. This makes it a healthier alternative to traditional frying, while still delivering delicious results. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this toaster oven air fryer combo ensures your meals are prepared quickly and efficiently.
For those who want a healthy and convenient cooking solution, the Hamilton Beach Digital Toaster Oven Air Fryer is a great choice. It’s versatile, fast, and energy-efficient, making it a must-have in any kitchen.
What to Look for When Buying a Toaster Oven
A toaster oven can be a very handy appliance in your kitchen. It can do much more than just toast bread. Many people use toaster ovens to bake, broil, roast, and even cook meals in a way that saves time and energy compared to using a regular oven. If you’re planning to buy a toaster oven, it’s important to understand the different features and factors to look for. This will help you make the best decision, so you get the right toaster oven for your needs. Here are some important things to consider when buying a toaster oven.
1. Size and Space
When buying a toaster oven, the first thing to consider is its size. Toaster ovens come in different sizes, and it’s important to pick one that fits your kitchen space. You need to check how much space you have on your countertop to place the toaster oven. Measure the area where you want to put it to make sure it will fit comfortably.
Also, think about the amount of food you plan to cook. If you are living alone or cooking for just one or two people, a smaller toaster oven with a compact size should be enough. These are usually easier to store and take up less space. However, if you have a family or like to cook larger meals, you might want to get a bigger toaster oven. A larger toaster oven can fit bigger trays, pizzas, and dishes, allowing you to cook more food at once. The size of the toaster oven can also affect how evenly the food cooks, so make sure you pick the size that suits your cooking needs.
2. Heating Elements and Power
Another important feature to consider when buying a toaster oven is how it heats up. Most toaster ovens have either metal coils or ceramic heating elements. These elements heat up the air inside the toaster oven and cook your food. It’s essential to look at the type and number of heating elements in the toaster oven. Some toaster ovens have two heating coils (one at the top and one at the bottom), but others have more coils to provide better and more even heat distribution.
The number of heating elements can affect the cooking performance. The more elements there are, the more evenly the toaster oven can cook the food. To get better cooking results, consider a toaster oven with more heating elements. You should also pay attention to the power of the toaster oven, which is measured in watts. A toaster oven with higher wattage will cook food faster and at a higher temperature. A toaster oven with 1500 watts or more is usually a good option. More power means faster cooking, which can save you time, especially when you are in a hurry.
3. Cooking Functions and Settings
Different toaster ovens offer different cooking functions. It’s important to check what cooking options the toaster oven provides. Basic toaster ovens often only have a toast setting, but others offer a variety of settings for different types of cooking. If you want a toaster oven that can do more than just toast bread, look for one that has different cooking functions such as baking, broiling, and roasting.
Some toaster ovens even have extra features, like a pizza function, which helps cook pizzas perfectly. Others may have a convection setting that circulates hot air to cook food faster and more evenly. If you like to bake small cakes, muffins, or cookies, a toaster oven with a bake function is a great choice. Consider how you will use the toaster oven most often and choose one that has the right functions for your needs.
4. Temperature Range
The temperature range of a toaster oven is another key factor to consider. Toaster ovens can heat up to different temperatures, and the range can affect how well they cook different types of food. For example, if you like to bake, you need a toaster oven that can reach higher temperatures. A good toaster oven should have a temperature range of around 150°F to 450°F. This way, you can cook a variety of foods, from low-temperature items like warming up food to high-temperature foods like baking pizzas or broiling meat.
Some toaster ovens come with easy-to-read dials, while others have digital displays to show the exact temperature. Choose one that fits your preferences, whether you prefer a simple dial or a more precise digital control. Also, make sure the toaster oven has good temperature control to ensure your food is cooked the way you want it. This feature will help avoid overcooking or undercooking your food.
5. Easy to Clean
No one likes cleaning up after cooking, but it’s something you have to do to keep your toaster oven in good condition. Some toaster ovens are easier to clean than others, and that’s something to consider when making your purchase. To make cleaning easier, look for a toaster oven that has removable parts like trays and racks. These can be taken out and cleaned separately. Many toaster ovens also have a crumb tray that slides out easily. This tray helps catch crumbs and other food bits, so your toaster oven stays cleaner for longer.
The interior of the toaster oven is also important to check. Some toaster ovens have non-stick interiors, which make them much easier to wipe clean. Non-stick surfaces can help prevent food from sticking, and they are easier to maintain. When looking for a toaster oven, try to find one that is simple to clean, as it will save you time and effort in the long run.
6. Price and Warranty
The price of a toaster oven can vary greatly depending on its size, features, and brand. Basic toaster ovens are generally more affordable, while advanced models with extra features like convection cooking or smart controls can be more expensive. Before you start shopping, set a budget based on how much you are willing to spend. Keep in mind that spending a little extra money might get you a toaster oven that will last longer and offer better cooking results.
It’s also a good idea to look at the warranty that comes with the toaster oven. A warranty will give you peace of mind in case something goes wrong with the toaster oven after you purchase it. Many toaster ovens come with a one-year warranty, but some offer longer protection. If the toaster oven is more expensive, it might come with a longer warranty, which can be a good sign that it’s built to last. Always check the warranty and return policy before buying to make sure you are covered in case you need repairs or a replacement.
By thinking carefully about these features, you can find the toaster oven that is perfect for your cooking needs and budget. Whether you need it for simple toasting or more advanced baking and roasting, a good toaster oven can make your kitchen experience much easier and more enjoyable.
Are these Questions in Your Mind?
Is it safe to leave a toaster oven on while I’m away?
Toaster ovens should not be left on while you are away, as this can be a fire hazard. Always turn off the toaster oven when not in use, and ensure you follow all safety guidelines in the user manual.
Can I cook frozen food in a toaster oven?
Yes, you can cook frozen food in a toaster oven. Many toaster ovens have settings specifically for frozen foods, like frozen pizzas or meals, allowing you to cook them properly by adjusting the temperature and time.
Do I need to preheat a toaster oven before cooking?
Preheating a toaster oven is generally recommended for baking and roasting to ensure your food cooks evenly. However, for toasting or reheating, you may not need to preheat it.
Can a toaster oven replace a regular oven?
While a toaster oven can handle many tasks that a regular oven can, it may not have the same capacity or versatility. It’s great for smaller meals, quick cooking, and saving energy, but for large meals, a full-size oven may still be necessary.
Is it easy to adjust the temperature on a toaster oven?
Most toaster ovens allow you to adjust the temperature, either with a dial or digital controls. It’s easy to use, but some models with advanced settings might have more complex controls.
Do I need special cookware for a toaster oven?
You don’t need special cookware for a toaster oven, but it’s best to use smaller pans or trays that fit inside the oven. Many people use metal or glass cookware, but make sure the materials are safe for high heat.
Can a toaster oven cook a whole chicken?
Yes, a toaster oven can cook a whole chicken, depending on the size of the toaster oven. For larger chickens, look for a toaster oven with a larger capacity and features like convection cooking for even heat.
Is it difficult to clean a toaster oven with a non-stick surface?
No, toaster ovens with non-stick surfaces are easier to clean. The non-stick coating helps prevent food from sticking, so you can wipe it down quickly without needing harsh scrubbing.
Do I need to use the toaster oven’s timer function?
Using the timer function is not always necessary, but it can help ensure your food doesn’t overcook. The timer will automatically turn off the toaster oven after the set time, preventing accidents.
Can I use a toaster oven for baking cakes or cookies?
Yes, you can use a toaster oven for baking cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature, as toaster ovens often cook faster than regular ovens.