Best Toaster Oven Reviews With Buying Guide
Toaster ovens are known to be brilliant and unique appliances, especially when you consider that their size alone is enough to draw people to them. They are versatile and perfect for saving space when you have a small kitchen, or when you only need to prepare small meals.
You also need to consider the fact that the latest advances in heat technology have made toaster ovens just as practical as the standard ovens that we are all used to.
The one downside is that it can be difficult to find the one toaster oven that is right for you - this is because toaster ovens have a wide range of different features. They can be used to do everything from toasting bread to baking; the one true limitation that they usually have is their size.
In this article, you will be able to find all of the information that you need to make an informed buying decision - as well as some of our favorite toaster oven reviews.
Toaster Oven Quick Comparison
Rank | Image | Make & Model | Rating | Capacity | Functions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |  | Breville BOV450XL | 4.5 / 5 | 4 Slice | 8 presets | |
2 |  | Panasonic NB-G110PW | 4.5 / 5 | 4 Slice | 6 presets | |
3 |  | Hamilton Beach Proctor Silex 31118R | 4.5 / 5 | 4 Slice | 3 presets | |
4 |  | Oster TSSTTVMNDG-SHP-2 | 4.4 / 5 | 6 Slice | 10 presets | |
5 |  | Cuisinart TOB-260N1 | 4.4 / 5 | 9 Slice | 15 presets | |
6 |  | Breville BOV650XL | 4.4 / 5 | 4 Slice | 8 presets | |
7 |  | Black+Decker CTO6335S | 4.1 / 5 | 6 Slice | 8 presets | |
8 |  | Hamilton Beach 22720 | 4.1 / 5 | 2 Slice | 9 presets | |
9 |  | Oster TSSTTVVG01 | 4.1 / 5 | 4 Slice | 3 presets | |
10 |  | West Bend TEM4500W | 4.1 / 5 | 4 Slice | 2 presets |
Toaster Oven Reviews
Here are our toaster oven reviews. These are in ascending order, so you can find our favorite at the very bottom.
10. West Bend Toaster Oven Breakfast Station
If you are looking for a toaster oven that you can use to make simple meals like breakfast, then the West Bend Toaster Oven Breakfast Station could be perfect for you. It has been designed specifically with food items like eggs and muffins in mind, making it the ideal breakfast station. The tray inside of the toaster oven can also be used to warm meats.
This toaster oven is quite possibly the best way of making breakfast in a morning, as the whole breakfast can be quickly made using the same station. It is also incredibly lightweight, so it would be perfect for taking on a road or a camping trip (if there is an electricity supply, that is).
While this particular model is limited in what it can do, it makes up for that in a variety of ways. It features a browning control dial, some super easy-to-clean slots and either a silver or a black finish.
Toasting bread is actually one of the easiest things to do with this device, as it features a self-aligning mechanism that ensures that your bread is evenly toasted. You will never end up with bread that is only half toasted when you use this particular model. There are also four different slots for toasting, so you could cook breakfast for multiple people at once.
9. Oster TSSTTVVG01 4-Slice Toaster Oven
Oster is a brand that most people will be familiar with if they already own a toaster oven. This particular model can offer the user a large amount of flexibility and durability, with toasting, baking and broiling options. The timer also offers you enough time to cook a range of complex recipes without having to run in and reset it every half an hour.
The oven itself can be heated all the way up to 450°F and you have complete control over the temperature within the oven. The door handle on the Oster 4-Slice Toaster Oven has been designed in such a way that it will not heat up, even when the temperature inside of the toaster oven is at a maximum.
This toaster oven also has a number of useful features - including a removable crumb tray, several different cooking options and two different rack positions that can accommodate a wide variety of food. It is also incredibly easy to use, with just two dials to control everything from the temperature of the oven and the functions to the timer and the shade at which your toast will pop.
8. Hamilton Beach Toastation 2-Slice Toaster & Countertop Oven
The Hamilton Beach Toastation 2-Slice Toaster and Countertop Oven is a 2-in-1 device that can really save you some space if you have a small kitchen. It does not come with an array of different modes and functions, but it can be used to successfully complete a number of different basic jobs.
It is really easy to use this 2-in-1 station, as there is a lever that you can use to slide between either the toaster or the toaster oven. This model also only features a two-mode operation, so you don’t have to worry about having a multitude of different options to choose from.
When you use the Toastation to toast your bread, you get to choose your perfect shade of toast. You can also fit bagels or English muffins into the slots, which means that this can be perfect for an early morning breakfast rush. Some people also use the shelves to cook individual 16” pizza slices.
7. BLACK + DECKER CTO6335S Countertop Convection Toaster Oven
If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive toaster oven, then you should take a look at the toaster ovens that are designed and manufactured by BLACK + DECKER. They're usually much cheaper than the toaster ovens that come from their rivals. However, they have a lot of the same features that you can find on expensive models.
It is worth noting that there is some room for improvement with this particular model. Many users found the 8 one-touch functions quite complicated to use. It can be used to either bake, broil, toast, cook bagels, cook pizza, defrost frozen snacks, cook potatoes, or bake cookies. Those are the 8 different options that you can choose from, so you can probably see why this particular device can be quite confusing.
The extra deep interior of the BLACK + DECKER CTO6335S Countertop Convection Oven makes it the perfect option for families. You could use it to cook everything from a 12” pizza to a whole chicken and the convection function ensures that everything is cooked thoroughly. You can find everything from a removable crumb tray to an effective timer on this particular model.
6. Breville BOV650XL the Compact Smart Oven
Most people will recognize the Breville brand name, as they are known for producing a number of different high-quality appliances. This particular model is actually a slightly larger version of the Breville BOV650XL Mini Smart Oven with Element IQ that can be found further down our list of reviews.
It is worth noting that this model could be considered quite expensive when compared to other toaster ovens. However, it does have a number of different functions that make up for the extra expense. For example, it features a sophisticated heat sensing and distribution system that is based on 4 quartz heating elements. These elements result in the toaster oven heating up much quicker than others would.
You will find a number of different features on the Breville BOV650XL the Compact Smart Oven - including an LCD display, 8 different pre-sets that you can choose from, 3 different rack height slots and a removable crumb tray.
5. Cuisinart TOB-260N1 Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven
Cuisinart is a well-known brand that a lot of different people will be familiar with. This particular toaster oven, the Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven, is perfect for people who need a little bit of versatility. This is because it features a whopping 15 different features and a high maximum capacity. You could even fit a 13” pizza into this toaster oven.
It should be noted that one of the few flaws that we found with this machine is that the light bulb is completely inaccessible for most people. If it does burn out, it cannot be replaced unless it is sent away for repair. This can be quite problematic, as most people would like to replace it on their own without the need to wait for an unpredictable number of days.
One of the great things about this toaster oven is that it enables you to use two different racks at once. The timer also has a lengthy 2-hour limit, meaning that you do not have to keep resetting it over and over again. Five different quartz heating elements can be found within the toaster oven, meaning that it heats up incredibly quickly. Due to this, it runs on 1875 watts, so it isn’t as energy efficient as some people might like it to be.
4. Oster Large Capacity Countertop 6-Slice Digital Convection Toaster Oven
The Oster Large Capacity Countertop 6-Slice Digital Convection Toaster Oven is a perfect option for families, as it can be used to cook or bake a lot of food at once. This makes it a convenient option for people who are looking to cook meals, as the timer also runs for a total of an hour and a half before it needs to be reset.
This model is really easy to clean and maintain. It contains a removable crumb tray that is known to be effective, catching everything that falls from the shelves above. Given that this oven features two different rack positions, the bottom of the oven would end up covered in crumbs without this tray.
It should be noted that while this model is attractive, lightweight and has a number of brilliant features, it can also be difficult to use until you get used to it. This is because the instructions are not as clear as they should be, so you do have to spend some time working them all out.
3. Hamilton Beach Proctor Silex 4-Slice Toaster Oven
If you are looking for an appliance that is affordable and durable, then you should look no further than the Modern Toaster Oven from Proctor Silex. It is known for offering users a number of different cooking options while also providing them with precision performance - something that can sometimes be sacrificed as more options are added.
On the front of this model, you can find a wide variety of different time settings and temperature controls. You can also find three different pre-sets for toasting, broiling and baking. These adjustable settings allow you to fully customize all of your own cooking settings so that your food comes out perfect.
One great safety feature is also present on this machine. It features an automatic shutoff that allows you to cook a number of different food types without the need for constant monitoring. This can also be great in the homes of people who struggle with medical conditions like memory loss and epilepsy, where they might not always be able to get to their oven once it has finished.
2. Panasonic PAN-NB-G110PW Flash Xpress Toaster Oven
Is there really anything that Panasonic cannot make well? The Panasonic PAN-NB-G110PW Flash Xpress Toaster Oven works using infrared, something that results in your food cooking quickly, while leaving a very small footprint on the environment. It can be used to toast bread, re-heat food and cook a number of different simple meals.
It is worth noting that this model will also cut down on cooking time substantially if you are used to using standard toaster ovens. Essentially, it ends up cooking food around 40% faster than a standard toaster oven would.
The six different auto-cook options are beautifully illustrated, showing images for toast, bread, pizza, frozen foods and an option for re-heating. It is worth remembering that there is no broil function, so if you are looking to broil food, then you will need to look at other toaster ovens. The timer is also quite short, with a maximum of 25 minutes before it needs to be reset.
1. Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven with Element IQ
Last but not least, our favorite toaster oven would have to be the Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven with Element IQ. It is slightly more expensive than your typical toaster oven, but it makes up for that with a number of different functions. You can use this particular toaster oven to perform a number of different tasks in your kitchen.
The Element IQ technology that is present within this appliance is something that you should take note of, as it enables you to increase and decrease the power of the elements by just turning a knob. There is also a dimmer on the light switch.
This IQ technology is important as it can quickly and efficiently cook any food that you place inside of your toaster oven. This model even has an “a bit more time” button that you can use to toast your bread or bake cake for a little bit longer. The 8 different pre-sets cover everything from baking and broiling to roasting and re-heating food. You can also fit quite a lot into this toaster oven, as it has three different rack positions.
Toaster Oven Buying Guide
There are a number of different and important features that you should look for when you come to purchase a toaster oven. This is because certain features will determine whether or not the product that you are looking at is suitable for you. Some of the main features that you should look for are:
What is the total capacity of the toaster oven?
No matter who you are, you should always consider the maximum capacity of the toaster oven that you are looking at.
- If you are looking to re-heat or cook single servings of food, then a small toaster oven would more than likely be perfect for you.
- If you are looking to cook for a number of different people at once, then you should try to look for a relatively large toaster oven.
Large toaster ovens obviously take up more space than small toaster ovens, so you do need to think carefully about this if you only have a limited amount of space in your kitchen.
Does the toaster oven have a removable crumb tray?
If you want a toaster oven that is incredibly easy to clean, then you should look for a toaster oven that features a removable crumb tray. This small detail makes cleaning a lot easier, as the tray actually covers the entire base of the oven.
This means that any crumbs or small pieces of food that fall can all be caught by the tray. You simply have to pull the tray out afterward and empty it.
What controls and functions does the toaster oven have?
The perfect toaster oven will be really easy for you to use. One feature that you need to think about is whether you want a toaster oven that has a dial or a touch pad.
People with larger hands or any problems with regards to their own movement would probably find a dial much easier to use than a touch pad. Most of the advanced models feature touch pads, but there are some exceptions.
A lot of toaster ovens also feature images on each of the options, making them much easier to use.
Most of them include images for:
- De-frosting
- Toasting
- Baking
- Broiling
- Re-heating
Also, the majority of toaster ovens have displays that are also backlit to make them easier to read.
What is the wattage of the toaster oven that you are looking at?
If you are looking to save money with your purchase, then you should look into whether or not a toaster oven runs using a low or a high wattage. It is worth noting that ovens that run with a low wattage cook food slower, but they are much cheaper to run.
Most toaster ovens tend to land somewhere in the wattage range of 1200-1600, but some do feature wattage that can be as high as 1800 watts. These are known to cook food fast.
Unfortunately, a higher wattage means that your device will be less energy efficient due to the high energy consumption.
Does the toaster oven feature a timer?
We always recommend that you look for a toaster oven that does feature a timer, as a timer can make everything easier for you.
You don’t have to sit and watch the clock, nor do you have to worry about accidentally cooking your food for too long. Rather than doing either of these two things, you can just relax until your timer alerts you when your food is ready.
It is worth noting that some toaster ovens feature timers that only time up to an hour, while others feature timers that time anywhere up to two hours. This is worth paying attention to, especially if you plan on cooking different recipes with your toaster oven, as half an hour might not be a sufficient amount of time.
Why do people use toaster ovens?
It is safe to say that toaster ovens can generally be used for almost anything, depending on the exact make and model. Some people use their toaster ovens to complete simple tasks, like toasting bread and re-heating some leftover food. Other people are known to use their toaster ovens to cook full-sized meals.
As an appliance, these miniature ovens are highly desirable and sought after. They are relatively affordable when they are compared to other products that are available on the market. Their size alone is also important, as they can easily fit into a number of different environments, including the small kitchens that a standard oven would generally not fit into.
How do people use toaster ovens?
People use toaster ovens for a number of different reasons and purposes. A lot of people use them to make quick meals, while other people use them for cooking full meals for multiple people at once.
The way in which people use their own toaster oven can vary quite dramatically. One example of the sheer practicality of a toaster oven comes with the fact that you can cook your eggs and toast your bread at the same time, opposed to doing one and then the other.
Most toaster ovens actually come with their own LCD displays that can be programmed with the user’s desired settings.
A number of them also feature a timer that will let you know when your food has finished cooking/toasting/broiling/re-heating. This means that you will not have to try and guess when enough time has passed, a feature that a number of people really like.
Final Verdict
In our opinion, the Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven with Element IQ is an ideal toaster oven that could be used by a multitude of different people. It is large enough to cook meals in, has a number of different features that enable it to cook food quickly and evenly, converts between Fahrenheit and Celsius, and is really easy to clean. It is slightly more expensive than other models, but it makes up for that expense with a number of additional features.
