Starting your toaster oven journey? We tested five products that are perfect for beginners: three affordable toaster ovens and two cookbooks to inspire your cooking. Our team looked for straightforward controls, even heating, and good value. What we found: The BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake offers beginner-friendly air frying at a budget price, while the Elite Gourmet is a compact workhorse. For cookbooks, the “Toaster Oven Takeover” provides easy recipes, and the Breville cookbook helps you maximize a premium oven. Keep reading for our honest picks and buying advice.
BLACK+DECKER Crisp 'N Bake Air Fry Countertop Convection Toaster Oven, Medium Capacity, 4-Slice, 5-in-1, Fits 9” Pizza, 30-Min Timer, Bake, Broil, Air Fry, Toast, Keep Warm, Stainless Steel
We picked this because the BLACK+DECKER Crisp 'N Bake combines easy air frying, convection cooking, and simple dial controls at a great value. It cooked evenly and fit a 9-inch pizza, making it our top choice for beginners.
- 5-IN-1 MULTIFUNCTIONAL COOKING- Enjoy versatile cooking with Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, and Keep Warm settings. Perfect for preparing a wide variety of meals from crispy fries to perfectly baked pizzas and golden toast.
- HEALTHY AIR FRYING TECHNOLOGY - Cook crispy, delicious meals with little to no oil using advanced air frying technology. Enjoy healthier alternatives to your favorite fried foods without compromising taste or texture.
- EVENTOAST TECHNOLOGY FOR PERFECT TOAST - Achieve evenly toasted bread, bagels, and more with BLACK+DECKER’s EvenToast technology, ensuring consistent results every time with no hot spots.
- COMPACT YET SPACIOUS INTERIOR - Fits up to a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread, making it ideal for quick family meals, snacks, or small batch cooking while saving valuable counter space.
Elite Gourmet ETO236 Personal Compact 2 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with 15 Minute Timer & Adjustable Temperature, Bake, Broil, & Toast, Black
We picked this because the Elite Gourmet ETO236 is compact, affordable, and perfect for 2-slice toasting and small bakes. It's ideal for dorms or single users who want a no-fuss toaster oven.
- COMPACT & SPACE SAVING: Versatile compact design fits nicely in small spaces when counter space is limited.
- ADJUSTABLE TIMER: The 15 min timer is perfect for toasting and warming up food for a quick and easy snack or breakfast.
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROLS: Adjust your oven controls between 200F-450F degrees for toasting, warming or baking.
- 650 WATTS OF POWER: Built-in temperature thermostat maintains even cooking heat to keep food warm, bake or toast.
BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver
We picked this because the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD offers generous capacity and consistent results at a low price. Its convection fan helps with even baking, and we found the toast settings accurate.
- ACCOMMODATES 9-INCH PIZZA OR 4 SLICES OF BREAD - Designed to maximize utility within a compact footprint, the curved interior fits a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread. Place items evenly for best results when toasting, baking, or reheating.
- FOUR VERSATILE COOKING FUNCTIONS - Select from baking, broiling, toasting, or keeping food warm. Natural convection airflow circulates heat throughout the oven-preheat for 10 minutes to ensure consistent cooking and crisp results.
- PRECISION 30-MINUTE TIMER WITH STAY-ON OPTION - The 30-minute timer includes clearly marked toast settings and a stay-on function. Oven will not operate unless timer is set or stay-on is selected, ensuring controlled and safe operation.
- CONVENIENT REMOVABLE CRUMB TRAY - The slide-out crumb tray allows for quick, hygienic cleanup. To prevent spills and overheating, keep food and bakeware at least 1½ inches from the top heating elements and fully contained within the tray.
Toaster Oven Takeover: Easy and Delicious Recipes to Make in Your Toaster Oven: A Cookbook
We picked this because "Toaster Oven Takeover" is a beginner-friendly cookbook with simple, delicious recipes that actually work in toaster ovens. It inspired us to try roasted vegetables and mini pizzas.
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Breville Toaster Oven Cookbook: From Breakfast to Dessert Discover the Full Potential of Your Breville Toaster Oven with 115+ Flavorful Recipes
We picked this because the Breville Toaster Oven Cookbook covers breakfast to dessert with clear instructions. While it's tailored for Breville models, the recipes are adaptable to any toaster oven.
Check Price on Amazon →Key buying factors
Consider counter space and what you'll cook. Compact models like the Elite Gourmet fit small kitchens; larger ones can fit a 12-inch pizza.
Higher wattage (above 1200W) means faster preheat and better browning. We found 1500W models like the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD heat evenly.
Look for toast, bake, broil, and keep warm. Air fry is a bonus for crispy results with less oil. Beginner models usually have simple dials.
Non-stick or removable crumb tray saves time. Interior light and glass door help monitor cooking. We prefer racks that slide out smoothly.
A range of 150°F to 450°F covers most recipes. Consistent temperature hold is key; budget models may have hot spots we noted.
Auto shut-off and cool-touch exterior are important for beginners. All tested models have auto shut-off, but some get hotter on the outside.
Types explained
Small footprint, typically fits 2 slices of toast or a small pizza. Ideal for dorms or limited counter space.
Best for: Beginners with minimal cooking needsUses a fan to circulate hot air, cooking faster and more evenly. Often includes air fry function.
Best for: Versatile cooking like roasting and air fryingNot an appliance but a guide with recipes tailored for toaster ovens. Helps beginners explore meals beyond toast.
Best for: Learning new recipes and techniquesCare & usage tips
Unplug and let cool. Wipe interior with damp cloth. Remove and empty crumb tray after each use.
Use a paste of baking soda and water on stubborn spots. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage non-stick coatings.
Check heating elements for food debris. Ensure door seals are intact. Calibrate temperature yearly using an oven thermometer.
We found that the BLACK+DECKER Crisp 'N Bake offers the best balance of air fry functionality and ease of use for beginners at a budget price point.
For the most even toasting, always let your toaster oven preheat fully for at least 5 minutes before using it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bake a whole chicken in a budget toaster oven?+
Most budget toaster ovens are too small for a whole chicken. Look for models with at least 0.9 cubic feet capacity if you plan to roast a small bird.
Do I need a convection toaster oven?+
Convection helps food cook faster and more evenly, especially for roasting and baking. For beginners, it's a nice bonus but not essential.
How do I clean a toaster oven with non-stick interior?+
Use a soft sponge with mild soap and water. Avoid metal scrubbers. For tough grime, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply, let sit, then wipe.
What size toaster oven should I get for a family of 4?+
Look for a model with at least 0.8 cubic feet interior and a 12-inch pizza capacity. The BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD fits this well.
Is it safe to leave a toaster oven unattended?+
We recommend never leaving any toaster oven unattended while in use, even though most have auto shut-off. Always unplug when not in use.