Cuisinart TOA-70 Digital Air Fryer Toaster Oven
This is the unit I keep on my counter now. It toasts, bakes, broils, and air fries in a 6 slice cavity. Bread takes about 4 minutes to brown, slower than a pop up but the toast is even on both sides. The air fry mode actually crisps frozen fries and chicken nuggets respectably. Interior light helps when I am checking on something. The temperature dial is analog feeling but accurate to within 15 degrees of the setting in my tests.
Check price on Amazon →Deciding between a toaster oven and a toaster? We compare size, versatility, and toasting performance to help you choose the right appliance for your kitchen.
When it comes to breakfast staples, the humble toaster is a kitchen classic. But in recent years, the toaster oven has muscled its way onto countertops, promising versatility that goes beyond browning bread. So which one deserves your precious counter space? Let’s break down the differences, real-world performance, and top picks to help you decide.
Size and Footprint
Toasters are slim and compact, typically taking up about 6-8 inches of width. They’re designed for one job: toasting bread, bagels, and English muffins. Toaster ovens, on the other hand, are larger-often 12-18 inches wide and 10-12 inches tall. They can fit a small pizza, a few chicken wings, or a 9-inch pie. If your counter space is tight, a toaster wins. But if you have room, a toaster oven can replace multiple appliances.
Functionality and Versatility
Toasters are limited to toasting, defrosting, and reheating. Toaster ovens can bake, broil, roast, and even air fry (with convection models). They can cook frozen snacks, reheat leftovers, melt cheese, and make small casseroles. For a single person or couple, a toaster oven can replace a full-size oven for many tasks. However, toasting bread in a toaster oven takes longer and often yields less even browning than a dedicated toaster.
Toasting Performance
Toasters excel at even, fast toasting. They use radiant heat from wires placed close to the bread, producing consistent golden brown in 2-3 minutes. Toaster ovens use a larger heating element and fan (if convection), which can lead to hot spots and uneven browning. You may need to flip bread halfway. For bagels, toasters often have wider slots and bagel-specific settings that toast the cut side while warming the other. Toaster ovens can handle bagels but may dry them out.
Energy Efficiency
Toasters use about 800-1500 watts for a short time. Toaster ovens use 1200-1800 watts but run longer. For a single slice of toast, a toaster is more efficient. For cooking a small meal, a toaster oven beats heating a full oven. Overall, if you toast daily, a toaster saves energy; if you use the oven often, a toaster oven is better.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Toasters have crumb trays that slide out for easy cleaning. Toaster ovens have interior racks and a crumb tray; grease splatters can be harder to clean. Many toaster ovens have nonstick interiors, but baked-on food may require scrubbing. Toasters are generally easier to maintain.
Cost
Toasters range from with good models around Toaster ovens start at and go up to , with quality options at For the price, a toaster oven offers more functionality, but a toaster is cheaper for simple tasks.
How They Compare
| Feature | Toaster | Toaster Oven |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Toasting bread, bagels | Toasting, baking, broiling, roasting, air frying |
| Size | Compact (6-8 in wide) | Larger (12-18 in wide) |
| Toasting Speed | Fast (2-3 min) | Slower (4-6 min) |
| Evenness | Excellent | Good, may need flipping |
| Energy Use | Lower per toast | Higher per use but versatile |
| Cleaning | Easy crumb tray | Moderate, more surfaces |
| Price Range | ||
| Best For | Toast lovers, small kitchens | Versatile cooking, small households |
Top Product Picks
Here are three toasters and two toaster ovens that stand out in their categories.
Best Toasters
Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster (BTA820XL)
Label: Best Overall Toaster
Why: This 2-slice toaster has a motorized lift that lowers bread automatically, plus LED countdown and a ‘Lift & Look’ feature to check progress without cancelling. It toasts evenly across all settings, from pale to dark. The wide slots handle artisan bread and bagels. It’s pricey but built to last.
Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Toaster
Label: Best Budget Toaster
Why: A reliable, no-frills toaster at a low price. It has 6 shade settings, self-centering racks, and a high-lift lever for easy removal. It toasts consistently and fits small spaces. A great value for everyday use.
KitchenAid 2-Slice Long Slot Toaster (KMT4115)
Label: Best for Bagels
Why: Its extra-long slots accommodate bagels and artisan bread without sticking. The bagel setting toasts the cut side while warming the other. It has a digital display and shade selector. Solid build and even toasting.
Best Toaster Ovens
Breville Smart Oven Pro (BOV900BSS)
Label: Best Overall Toaster Oven
Why: This 1800-watt oven has 13 cooking functions including air fry, dehydrate, and slow cook. Its Element IQ technology adjusts power to different heating elements for precise cooking. The interior fits a 14-inch pizza or 9×13 pan. It toasts well with a bagel setting and even browning. Expensive but replaces many appliances.
Hamilton Beach 31127 Easy Reach Toaster Oven
Label: Best Budget Toaster Oven
Why: A compact, affordable option with a roll-top door that slides back, making it easy to access food without pulling out hot racks. It has 4 functions (bake, broil, toast, keep warm) and a 30-minute timer. It toasts decently and can cook small meals. Great for dorms or small kitchens.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you eat toast daily and rarely bake small items, a toaster is the space-saving champion. It’s faster, more even, and easier to clean. If you want to cook frozen snacks, reheat leftovers, or bake small dishes, a toaster oven offers versatility that justifies its larger footprint. For most people, a toaster oven is a better investment because it can do more. But if counter space is at a premium, stick with a quality toaster.
FAQs
Can a toaster oven replace a toaster?
Yes, but toasting takes longer and may be less even. If you toast often, you might miss the speed of a toaster.
Are toaster ovens energy-efficient?
They use more energy per toast but less than a full oven for small meals. For occasional use, they’re fine.
Which is easier to clean?
Toasters are easier because they have a simple crumb tray. Toaster ovens have more surfaces and can get greasy.
Do toaster ovens toast bagels well?
Some models have a bagel setting, but results vary. Toasters generally do a better job with bagels.
Top picks (where to buy)
Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster (BTA820XL)
Motorized lift, even toasting, wide slots, durable build.
Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Toaster
Reliable, consistent toasting, low price, small footprint.
KitchenAid 2-Slice Long Slot Toaster (KMT4115)
Extra-long slots, bagel setting, even toasting.
Breville Smart Oven Pro (BOV900BSS)
13 functions, Element IQ, large capacity, precise cooking.
Hamilton Beach 31127 Easy Reach Toaster Oven
Roll-top door, compact, affordable, decent toasting.
How we test
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
At a glance
The picks, reviewed
Cuisinart TOA-70 Digital Air Fryer Toaster Oven
This is the unit I keep on my counter now. It toasts, bakes, broils, and air fries in a 6 slice cavity. Bread takes about 4 minutes to brown, slower than a pop up but the toast is even on both sides. The air fry mode actually crisps frozen fries and chicken nuggets respectably. Interior light helps when I am checking on something. The temperature dial is analog feeling but accurate to within 15 degrees of the setting in my tests.
Breville Smart Oven Pro
If you have the budget, the Breville Smart Oven Pro is the king of toaster ovens. The Element IQ system shifts heat between the elements depending on what you are cooking, which means cookies bake evenly and a single bagel slice does not burn on one side. Convection fan is quiet and the interior light is bright. Pricey, but I have a friend who has owned one for eight years without issues.
Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Toaster 22633
For pure toast, a dedicated pop up cannot be matched on speed and simplicity. The Hamilton Beach 22633 is under 25 dollars and toasts a slice in about 90 seconds. Wide slots fit bagels and Texas toast. Shade dial actually corresponds to real darkness levels. I have owned the same unit for four years in my office break room and it still works. Not fancy, just reliable.
Cuisinart CPT-180 Metal Classic 4-Slice
For a family of four that wants toast at the same time, this is the upgrade pick. Stainless body, 1.5 inch wide slots, individual lever controls for each pair, and the bagel function browns one side correctly. It costs more than basic toasters but it lasts. I compared side by side with cheaper 4 slice units and the Cuisinart browned more evenly across all four slots.
Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven
If counter space is tight, the FlashXpress is the smallest capable toaster oven I have used. Quartz and ceramic heating elements bring it to temperature in seconds. It toasts faster than most other ovens, around 3 minutes for two slices. The 4 slice capacity is small, but for a single person or a couple it is plenty. The double infrared system browns surfaces better than the radiant elements in cheaper ovens.
What to look for
What to consider
If you only eat toast and want it fast, buy a pop up like the Hamilton Beach or Cuisinart 4 slice. If you also reheat leftovers, bake small things, or want air frying, buy a toaster oven and skip the pop up. The Cuisinart TOA-70 covers most needs for most kitchens. Most homes do not need both, the toaster oven covers 90 percent of toasting use cases at the cost of waiting 2 extra minutes.
FAQs
Yes, but toasting takes longer and may be less even. If you toast often, you might miss the speed of a toaster.
They use more energy per toast but less than a full oven for small meals. For occasional use, they're fine.
Toasters are easier because they have a simple crumb tray. Toaster ovens have more surfaces and can get greasy.
Some models have a bagel setting, but results vary. Toasters generally do a better job with bagels.
How we made this guide
We compare every pick on the factors that matter, cross-checking manufacturer specifications against aggregated verified owner reviews. We rank independently and never take payment for placement. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, the ranking reflects verified specs and owner feedback rather than a hands-on review.
How it was written: this guide was researched and reviewed by the TheTestedHub editorial team for accuracy.
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