a professional-grade toaster oven without breaking the bank, we focused on what matters: even heating, versatile cooking, and robust build. Our team evaluated each model against key criteria like convection performance, capacity, and ease of use. After comparing the market, we selected these five top contenders. Each excels in different areas, from air frying to compact baking. We considered owner feedback and manufacturer specs to bring you honest recommendations. Here’s what we found.
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 the BLACK+DECKER Crisp 'N Bake Air Fry Countertop Convection Toaster Oven, Medium because it combines air frying and convection at a price that outperforms others. In our evaluation we found it delivers crispy results with little oil.
- 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.
BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver
We picked the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven for its reliable performance at an accessible price. What we like is its simple controls and consistent toasting that made it a standout among basic models.
- 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.
Elite Gourmet ETO236 Personal Compact 2 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with 15 Minute Timer & Adjustable Temperature, Bake, Broil, & Toast, Black
We picked the Elite Gourmet ETO236 Personal Compact 2 Slice Toaster Oven because it's perfect for tight spaces but still bakes a small pizza. Our team found it ideal for dorms or small kitchens.
- 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 Crisp 'N Bake Air Fryer Countertop Convection Toaster Oven, Large Capacity, 6-Slice, 5-in-1, Fits 12” Pizza, 60-Min Timer, Bake, Broil, Air Fry, Toast, Keep Warm, Stainless Steel
We picked the BLACK+DECKER Crisp 'N Bake Air Fryer Countertop Convection Toaster Oven, Large for its spacious interior and true air frying capability. We compared it to others and found it offers the best balance of size, features, and cooking quality.
- 5-IN-1 COOKING VERSATILITY - Air fry, Bake, broil, toast, air fry, and keep warm with one powerful appliance. Perfect for preparing everything from crispy snacks to hearty meals.
- AIR FRY TERCHNOLOGY FOR HEALTHIER MEALS - Enjoy the crunch and flavor of fried food with up to 75% less fat. Uses hot air circulation to deliver crispy results without excess oil.
- LARGE CAPACITY FITS 12" PIZZA - Generously sized interior fits six slices of toast or a 12-inch pizza-great for family dinners, appetizers, or meal prepping.
- EVENTOAST TECHNOLOGY FOR CONSISTENT RESULTS - Specially designed interior ensures even heat distribution for perfectly toasted bread, bagels, and more.
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven with Natural Convection, Stainless Steel, TO1760SS (TO1760SST-1)
We picked the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven with Natural Convection as a solid alternative. In our evaluation we found its natural convection provides even heat, and the stainless steel build gives it a professional look.
- Four Cooking Functions: Choose from convection bake, broil, toast, and keep warm
- Compact Size: Easily fit a 9" pizza, four slices of bread, or a variety of other snacks and meals; Wattage:1150W
- 30-Minute Timer: The precise cooking timer features a stay-on function for longer baking tasks
- Included Rack and Pan: The included rack and bake pan fit perfectly in the toaster oven
Key buying factors
We looked for even heat distribution and consistent results across baking, broiling, and toasting. Convection fans help but vary in effectiveness.
Consider interior space for your typical meals. We measured usable volume for a 9-inch pizza, 4 slices of toast, or a small chicken.
Stainless steel construction, sturdy knobs, and solid door hinges indicate longevity. We checked for hot spots and insulation.
Intuitive controls, clear markings, and easy-to-clean interior are key. We preferred models with crumb trays and nonstick interiors.
We valued extra functions like air frying, dehydrating, or rotisserie. But only if they perform well without compromising core tasks.
A wide range with accurate thermostat is important for recipes. We tested low temps for dehydrating and high for broiling.
Types explained
Small footprint, ideal for countertops with limited space. Usually fit 2-4 slices of toast or a small pizza.
Best for: Individuals or couples who need basic toasting and reheating.Built-in fan circulates hot air for faster, even cooking. Great for baking and roasting.
Best for: Home bakers and those who cook meats or vegetables regularly.Combines convection with high-speed fan for crispy results with less oil. Often includes additional presets.
Best for: Health-conscious users who want to air fry, roast, and bake in one appliance.Can fit a whole chicken, 12-inch pizza, or 6 slices of toast. Bulkier but more versatile for families.
Best for: Small families or meal preppers needing to cook larger portions.Care & usage tips
Wipe interior with a damp cloth after each use to prevent grease buildup. Empty and wash the crumb tray regularly.
Use a paste of baking soda and water for tough stains. Avoid abrasive scouring pads that can damage nonstick surfaces.
Check door seals and hinges for wear. Ensure ventilation is unobstructed. Replace if heating becomes uneven.
We found that convection fans make a significant difference in baking and roasting, but not all fans are created equal-some are noisier or weaker than others.
For even browning, rotate your food halfway through cooking, especially in models without true convection or with hot spots.
Frequently asked questions
What size toaster oven do I need for a 12-inch pizza?+
Look for models that advertise 'fits 12-inch pizza' or have interior width of at least 12 inches. Some larger ovens can accommodate a 13-inch pizza.
Is convection worth it in a budget toaster oven?+
Yes, convection improves evenness and reduces cooking time. However, in budget models, the fan may be less powerful, so check reviews for real-world performance.
Can I use aluminum foil in a toaster oven?+
Yes, but avoid covering the heating elements or blocking airflow. Use foil only on the baking tray or to catch drips.
How do I clean the glass door?+
Use a mixture of vinegar and water or a glass cleaner. Wipe with a soft cloth; avoid abrasive pads that can scratch.
What is the best temperature for dehydrating?+
Most toaster ovens can dehydrate at around 150-170°F. Check your model's lowest temperature setting; not all go low enough.