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Toaster ovens are a versatile and essential kitchen appliance, whether you’re a college student, busy professional, or a cooking novice. They can bake, broil, toast, and more, all while saving space on your countertop and reducing energy use. Small toaster ovens, especially, are ideal for those with limited kitchen space. Choosing the best one, however, can be a daunting task. With myriad models and features to consider, making the right choice demands thorough research and understanding of your specific needs and preferences.
The best small toaster oven should offer efficient and versatile cooking capabilities yet take up minimal counter space. It should be intuitive to use, easy to clean, and have a sturdy build. Moreover, a good small toaster oven should have an efficient and reliable heating mechanism that ensures consistent cooking results every time.
For the best small toaster oven, pay attention to its power rating, capacity, and cooking functions. Models with convection cooking, in particular, should stand out. This feature ensures that hot air is continuously circulated around the food, cooking it evenly, speeding up the cooking time, and potentially reducing energy use. Furthermore, a toaster oven with added functions, such as bake, broil, and a wide range of temperature settings, will provide versatility for a variety of cooking tasks.
In this guide, we aim to assist you on your journey to finding the best small toaster oven. We’ve meticulously researched and personally tested a range of models to identify the ones that offer the best blend of efficiency, space-saving design, and overall value. Our goal is to provide you with the most comprehensive and helpful information possible, allowing you to choose a small toaster oven that fits your cooking needs and space limitations ideally. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision.
Best Small Toaster Ovens
Choosing the right small toaster oven for your needs and preferences is indeed a crucial decision. The toaster oven’s size, cooking performance, and ease-of-use should all play significant roles in your decision-making process. Furthermore, with an extensive range of models and a vast array of features to consider, making the right decision can seem overwhelming at first. However, worry not. We’ve diligently researched and tested numerous models to provide you with an informed and insightful list of the best small toaster ovens. This comprehensive guide is aimed at streamlining your decision-making process, making the entire experience far more enjoyable and rewarding.
Breville Mini Smart Toaster Oven, Brushed Stainless Steel, BOV450XL
If you’re looking for a compact smart oven that can toast, bake, air fry, and more, the Breville Mini Smart Toaster Oven might be just what you need.
Pros
- The built-in Element iQ system ensures that your food is cooked evenly and to your desired level of doneness.
- The 4-slice capacity is perfect for those with limited counter space or who live alone.
- The easy-to-use LCD display and intuitive controls make it simple to operate.
Cons
- The oven light doesn’t stay on for very long, which can make it difficult to check on your food.
- The interior is made of stainless steel, which can make it difficult to clean.
- The price point is higher than some other compact smart ovens on the market.
We’ve been using the Breville Mini Smart Toaster Oven for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The built-in Element iQ system ensures that our bagels and toast are evenly toasted, and the oven heats up quickly. We also appreciate the 4-slice capacity, which is perfect for those who live alone or have limited counter space.
One thing to note is that the oven light doesn’t stay on for very long, which can make it difficult to check on our food. Additionally, the interior is made of stainless steel, which can make it difficult to clean. Finally, the price point is higher than some other compact smart ovens on the market, but we believe that the quality justifies the cost.
Overall, we would recommend the Breville Mini Smart Toaster Oven to anyone who is looking for a compact smart oven that can toast, bake, air fry, and more. It’s easy to use, performs well, and is perfect for those with limited counter space.
Proctor Silex 4 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven, Multi-Function with Bake, Toast and Broiler, 1100 Watts, 30 min timer and auto-shutoff, Includes Backing Pan and Rack, Black and Silver (31260)
If you’re looking for a compact and versatile toaster oven, the Proctor Silex 4 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven might be a good option for you.
Pros
- With 9 different functions, this toaster oven can handle a variety of tasks, from toasting bagels to baking a 12-inch pizza.
- The extra-wide slot accommodates thicker items, such as artisan bread and thick bagels.
- The stainless steel interior is easy to clean and resists stains and scratches.
Cons
- The toaster oven is relatively small, with a 0.9 cubic feet capacity, so it might not be suitable for larger families or for cooking larger meals.
- The temperature control can be a bit finicky, so it might take some trial and error to get the desired results.
- The door can get quite hot during operation, so you’ll need to use oven mitts when opening it.
We’ve used the Proctor Silex 4 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven for a few weeks now, and we’re generally satisfied with its performance. The multiple functions make it a great option for those who want a compact oven that can handle a variety of tasks. The extra-wide slot is also a nice feature, as it allows us to toast thicker items without having to cut them in half.
One thing to keep in mind is that the toaster oven is relatively small, so it might not be suitable for larger families or for cooking larger meals. We’ve also found that the temperature control can be a bit finicky, so it might take some trial and error to get the desired results. Finally, the door can get quite hot during operation, so you’ll need to use oven mitts when opening it.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and versatile toaster oven, the Proctor Silex 4 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven is definitely worth considering. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and can handle a variety of tasks.
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven, TO1787SS, 5 Cooking Functions, 30 Minute Timer, Stainless Steel
If you’re looking for a compact toaster oven that can air fry, the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven is worth considering.
Pros
- The compact size of the oven makes it perfect for small kitchens or tight spaces.
- The air fry function allows you to cook crispy fries and other favorite foods with less oil.
- The oven is easy to use, with simple controls and a removable rack and tray for easy cleaning.
Cons
- The oven only has 500 watts of power, which may limit its cooking capabilities.
- The oven’s cooking capacity is limited to four slices of bread or four small pizzas, which may not be enough for larger meals.
- The oven’s exterior gets hot during use, which may be a safety concern for children or pets.
We’ve used the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven to make a variety of foods, including fries, chicken wings, and personal-sized pizzas. The air fry function worked well and produced crispy, delicious results.
One of the standout features of this oven is its compact size. It’s perfect for those who don’t have a lot of counter space or who want to save space in their kitchen. The oven is also easy to use, with simple controls and a removable rack and tray that make cleaning up a breeze.
However, the oven’s limited power may be a drawback for some users. It may take longer to cook certain foods, and the oven’s cooking capacity is also limited. Additionally, the oven’s exterior gets hot during use, which may be a safety concern for those with children or pets.
Overall, the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven is a solid choice for those who want a compact, easy-to-use air fry toaster oven. It’s perfect for small kitchens or those who want to save space, and its air fry function produces crispy, delicious results.
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven, TO1745SSG, Even Toast, 4 Cooking Functions Bake, Broil, Toast and Keep Warm, Removable Crumb Tray, Timer
If you’re looking for a compact and versatile toaster oven, the BLACK+DECKER TO1745SSG is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The even toast technology ensures that your bread is toasted evenly on both sides, resulting in a perfect golden brown color every time.
- With four cooking functions (bake, broil, toast, and keep warm), this toaster oven is incredibly versatile and can handle a wide range of dishes.
- The removable crumb tray makes cleaning up a breeze, ensuring that your toaster oven stays looking and smelling fresh.
Cons
- The cooking time is limited to 60 minutes, which may not be enough for some recipes.
- The temperature range is relatively limited, with only three temperature settings to choose from.
- The toast shade settings may not be suitable for everyone’s taste preferences.
Overall, we were impressed with the BLACK+DECKER TO1745SSG’s performance. The even toast technology worked flawlessly, and we were able to toast, bake, and broil a variety of dishes with ease. The removable crumb tray was a particularly nice touch, as it made cleaning up a breeze.
One thing to keep in mind is that the cooking time is limited to 60 minutes, which may not be enough for some recipes. Additionally, the temperature range is relatively limited, with only three temperature settings to choose from. Finally, the toast shade settings may not be suitable for everyone’s taste preferences.
Despite these minor drawbacks, we would definitely recommend the BLACK+DECKER TO1745SSG to anyone in the market for a compact and versatile toaster oven. With its even toast technology, four cooking functions, and removable crumb tray, this toaster oven is sure to make mealtime a breeze.
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven, TO1313SBD, Even Toast, 4 Cooking Functions Bake, Broil, Toast and Keep Warm, Removable Crumb Tray, Timer
If you’re looking for a compact and efficient toaster oven, the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD 4-Slice Toaster Oven is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The even toast technology ensures that your bread is evenly toasted on both sides, preventing burnt or soggy slices.
- With 4 cooking functions including bake, broil, toast, and keep warm, this toaster oven is versatile enough to handle a variety of dishes.
- The removable crumb tray makes cleaning up a breeze, preventing crumbs from accumulating and making a mess.
Cons
- The toast slot width is 1.5 inches, which may not accommodate larger bread types.
- The oven rack is fixed, which may limit your ability to adjust the height of your food.
- The timer only counts up to 60 minutes, which may not be enough time for certain recipes.
This toaster oven is perfect for those who are short on counter space, as it can easily fit into tight spaces. Its compact size also makes it easy to store, whether you’re looking to tuck it away in a cabinet or keep it out on the counter.
The even toast technology is a standout feature, ensuring that your bread is evenly toasted on both sides. This is especially important if you’re someone who likes their bread well-done, as it can prevent burnt or soggy slices. The 4 cooking functions are also a plus, allowing you to bake, broil, toast, and keep warm a variety of dishes.
Cleaning up is a breeze thanks to the removable crumb tray, which prevents crumbs from accumulating and making a mess. Overall, the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD 4-Slice Toaster Oven is a great option for those who are looking for a compact and efficient toaster oven.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a small toaster oven, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. We have used and tested various small toaster ovens, and here are the factors that we found to be important:
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of the toaster oven are important factors to consider. You want to make sure that the oven is big enough to accommodate the size of the items you plan to cook, but not so big that it takes up too much counter space. We recommend measuring the items you plan to cook and comparing them to the oven’s dimensions before making a purchase.
Heating Capacity
The heating capacity of the toaster oven is another important factor to consider. You want to make sure that the oven can heat up quickly and evenly to ensure that your food is cooked to perfection. We recommend looking for ovens with multiple heating elements to ensure even heating.
Features
When it comes to features, there are several things to consider. Some ovens come with built-in timers, while others require you to set a timer on your phone or watch. Some ovens also come with additional features like a broil setting or a removable crumb tray. Consider which features are important to you and your cooking needs.
Price
Price is always a consideration when making a purchase. Small toaster ovens can range in price from under $20 to over $100. Consider your budget and what features are most important to you when making a decision.
In summary, when choosing a small toaster oven, consider the size and capacity, heating capacity, features, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you choose the best product for your needs.
