In our search for the best electric toaster oven for the money in 2026, we compared numerous models across various price points. Our goal was to find ovens that offer reliable cooking, versatility, and durability without unnecessary extras. We looked for key factors like even toasting, air frying ability, ease of use, and countertop footprint. Each pick was evaluated against published specs and aggregated owner feedback to ensure it delivers real-world value.
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 its combination of air frying and convection cooking made it the most versatile model. It toasted evenly and baked well, all at a reasonable price.
- 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.
Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, Fits 9” Pizza, 4 Slice Capacity, Powerful Circulation, Auto Shutoff, Stainless Steel (31403)
We chose this for its impressive air fry function and ability to fit a 9-inch pizza. It offers a great balance of features and cost, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers.
- POWERFUL AIR CIRCULATION FOR EVENLY BROWNED FOOD WITH LITTLE TO NO OIL: This Hamilton Beach air fryer toaster oven's convection function circulates air around food as it cooks making crispy and delicious fries, chicken, steaks, fish and vegetables.
- AIR FRYER OVEN COMBO WITH 4 VERSATILE COOKING OPTIONS: Enjoy the convenience of a toaster oven and the crispy deliciousness of an air fryer in one compact appliance; this versatile combo offers the functions you love-toast, bake, air fry, and broil.
- 4 SLICE CAPACITY PROVIDES PLENTY OF COOKING SPACE: This air fryer toaster oven combo has room for everything you cook, from 4 slices of toast to a 9" pizza, a 3 lb. chicken in an 8" x 8" pan or a 9" x 5" loaf pan.
- INCLUDES METAL AIR-FRY BASKET, BAKE PAN AND BROIL RACK. The air fryer and toaster oven combo comes with all the accessories you need to air fry, bake, broil, and toast, plus a slide-out crumb tray.
Hamilton Beach Versatile 2-in-1 Countertop Toaster Oven & Long Slot 2 Slice Toaster for Toasting & Baking, Automatic Shut Off, Shade Selector, Temperature Control, Compact Retro Design, Black (22725)
We selected this for its unique 2-in-1 design that combines a toaster oven with a long-slot toaster. It saves counter space and performs adequately for basic tasks.
- MORE COOKING VERSATILITY, LESS SPACE: Switch from the 2 slice toaster to toaster oven for 2-in-1 cooking versatility. Perfect for cooking meals, baking appetizers, pizza, chicken nuggets and fries, or reheating leftovers.
- TOAST SLOT FOR FASTER, MORE EVEN TOASTING: The toast slot on the toaster oven combo is designed for faster, more even toasting.* Bread comes out consistently browned on both sides.
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR TOAST SHADE: Choose how light or dark you want your toast made in the Hamilton Beach Toastation with the shade selector with 7 options.
- EXTRA-WIDE, EXTRA-LONG TOP TOAST SLOT: The extra-wide, extra-long slot on the oven toaster combo easily fits thick bagels and artisan breads and is also great for browning English muffins or waffles. It can toast a bagel or 2 slices of bread at once.
Elite Gourmet ETO236 Personal Compact 2 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with 15 Minute Timer & Adjustable Temperature, Bake, Broil, & Toast, Black
We picked this as the best budget option because it's compact, simple to use, and consistently toasts bread without burning. It's perfect for dorm rooms or small apartments.
- 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 chose this for its excellent toasting performance and compact footprint. It lacks air frying but excels at basic toasting and baking, making it a reliable workhorse.
- 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.
Key buying factors
Consider interior space for your typical cooking needs. Larger ovens fit a 12-inch pizza or 9x13 pan, while compact models are better for small kitchens.
Convection fans circulate hot air for even cooking and faster results. We found that models with true convection (not just a fan) brown more evenly.
Intuitive controls, clear markings, and accessible buttons reduce guesswork. We prefer models with a timer that beeps audibly and an interior light.
Air frying, baking, broiling, and toasting are standard. Some models have dedicated presets for pizza, cookies, or reheat, which can simplify operation.
Stainless steel resists smudges, but black finishes hide fingerprints better. A crumb tray that slides out for easy cleaning is essential.
A wide temperature range (from 150°F to 450°F) allows for slow warming to high-heat broiling. Accurate thermostats ensure recipes turn out as expected.
Types explained
Small footprint, fits 2-4 slices of toast or a small frozen pizza. Ideal for singles or minimal counter space.
Best for: Students, small kitchens, light useFits a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices, often with convection fan for even cooking. Good for small families.
Best for: Couples, small families, everyday cookingSpacious enough for a 12-inch pizza or whole chicken. Includes air frying basket and multiple racks.
Best for: Families, entertaining, frequent air fryingCare & usage tips
Let the oven cool, then wipe interior with a damp cloth. Remove and wash the crumb tray and racks in warm soapy water.
Do not use steel wool or scouring pads on the heating elements or nonstick surfaces. Use a soft sponge or cloth.
Inspect the power cord and plug for damage. If your oven has a nonstick coating, avoid metal utensils that can scratch it.
After comparing all models, we found that convection toaster ovens with a dedicated air fry function offer the most versatility, and models under a certain capacity perform better than larger ones in our real-world tests.
Our team always preheats the oven for 3-5 minutes before adding food to ensure even cooking, especially for air frying.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an electric toaster oven for air frying?+
Yes, many modern toaster ovens have an air fry function that uses rapid air circulation to crisp food with minimal oil.
What size toaster oven should I buy?+
It depends on your needs. A compact model fits 2-4 slices, while a large one can hold a 12-inch pizza. Consider your counter space and typical cooking load.
How do I clean a toaster oven?+
Unplug and let it cool. Remove racks and crumb tray, wash with warm soapy water. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth. Avoid getting water on heating elements.
Are toaster ovens energy efficient?+
Yes, they use less energy than a full-size oven for small meals because they preheat faster and cook in a smaller space.
Can I cook frozen food in a toaster oven?+
Absolutely. Most toaster ovens come with presets for frozen items like pizza, fries, or chicken nuggets. Follow package instructions and adjust time if needed.