best toaster oven serious eats

The moment I grabbed the BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven for the first time, I immediately noticed how solid it felt in my hand. Its compact size is deceptive—despite being small enough to fit comfortably on my countertop, it has a surprisingly spacious interior that can handle a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread.

Using the oven for the first time, I was impressed by how evenly it toasted my bagels. Thanks to the EvenToast technology, I didn’t have to worry about uneven spots or burnt edges, which is a relief when you’re rushing in the morning.

The multifunctionality is a game-changer. I tried air frying frozen fries, and they came out crispy without a drop of oil—healthier and just as tasty.

Switching between bake, broil, and toast was seamless with the simple controls and the 30-minute timer, which I appreciated for precise cooking.

The accessories are a thoughtful touch. The removable crumb tray makes cleanup quick, and the wire rack and mesh tray expand your cooking options.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the Keep Warm setting, which kept my leftovers at the perfect temperature without overcooking.

Overall, this oven blends versatility with convenience. It’s perfect for quick meals, snacks, or small batches, saving space without sacrificing performance.

The only downside? It’s not ideal for large family meals, but for its size, it really packs a punch.

As I reached for my usual toaster the other morning, I was pleasantly surprised to find this Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 sitting right next to it. The long slot was a game-changer—fitting a whole slice of sourdough with ease—and the stainless steel finish instantly felt sleek and modern in my kitchen.

First time I used it, I threw in a couple of bagels and a small batch of fries. The toast came out 40% faster than my old model, evenly browned on both sides.

I appreciated the 5-shade settings, which made customizing my toast effortless. The spacious interior easily handled my 9-inch pizza, and I loved how the two rack positions let me multitask—baking a casserole while toasting bread.

The controls are straightforward: a 60-minute timer with a bell and auto shutoff that gave me peace of mind. The push-to-slide crumb tray is a simple but handy touch, and the included accessories like the bake pan and oven rack felt sturdy.

Cooking with even heat was noticeable, with no hot spots—and the extra oven space was perfect for quick weeknight meals.

Overall, this combo unit saves counter space without sacrificing performance. It’s versatile enough for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and the quick toasting is a huge plus.

The only minor downside? It might be a bit compact for very large batches or big families.

Still, for most everyday tasks, it’s a reliable, stylish addition to your kitchen.

This BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD toaster oven has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I wanted a reliable, compact oven that could handle more than just bread. When I finally got my hands on it, I immediately appreciated its sleek, silver exterior—fits right into my kitchen without taking up too much space.

The interior is surprisingly spacious for its size, easily fitting a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread. I loved how evenly it toasted my bagels without any hot spots, thanks to the convection airflow.

The four cooking functions—baking, broiling, toasting, and warming—cover most everyday needs, and I found switching between them quick and straightforward.

The 30-minute timer with stay-on was super handy for longer tasks, and I appreciated the safety feature that prevents operation unless the timer is set or stay-on is activated. The crumb tray slides out effortlessly, making cleanup a breeze after a batch of cookies or a toast marathon.

Just a heads-up: the outer surfaces do get hot, so keeping some space around it and using oven mitts is a must.

Preheating takes about 10 minutes, but the consistent heat means I get crisp results every time. I do wish the interior was a tad taller, as larger bakeware won’t fit, but for most standard uses, it’s perfect.

Overall, this toaster oven combines convenience, style, and solid performance—great for anyone who wants a versatile, space-efficient kitchen helper.

It’s been on my wishlist to find a compact oven that can handle more than just toast, and the Breville BOV450XL finally checked all those boxes. I was curious if a small appliance like this could really replace my bigger oven for everyday tasks.

When I first unpacked it, I appreciated how sleek and space-efficient it looked on the countertop, with its brushed finish and simple LCD display.

Once I turned it on, the Element iQ system immediately caught my attention. It uses five quartz elements that heat up quickly and target specific cooking needs.

Preheating took just a few minutes, which was a nice surprise. The interior is cozy but fits a decent amount: a small pizza, a handful of cookies, or even a muffin tray with six cups.

The eight cooking functions really expand what you can do. I tried pizza and cookies first—both turned out crispy and evenly cooked, thanks to the smart heating algorithms.

The toaster function is reliable, and I loved how easy it was to select different settings on the LCD. Cleaning was simple because of the non-stick coating inside, and the crumb tray slides out smoothly.

For its size, this oven does a lot. It’s perfect for quick meals, snacks, or small batches.

But, of course, the capacity is limited, so don’t expect to cook large casseroles. Still, for a small kitchen or a busy apartment, it’s a versatile and efficient little helper.

Unlike other toaster ovens that feel cramped or require you to juggle multiple pans, this BLACK+DECKER TO3250XSBD feels like it was made for real cooking. Its spacious interior easily accommodates most standard 9”x13” pans with handles, so you can go straight from oven to table without fuss.

The convection feature is a game-changer. I noticed how quickly and evenly it baked cookies and roasted veggies, thanks to the powerful fan circulating warm air.

It’s noticeably faster than my previous toaster oven, and the results are consistently crisp and golden.

The dedicated toast timer is simple but effective. You get predictable, perfect shades every time, which can be a struggle with other models that have less intuitive controls.

Plus, the 60-minute timer with stay-on function makes it versatile for longer baking tasks.

Handling the included baking and broiling pan feels sturdy, and it fits perfectly, making cleanup easier. The adjustable rack positions give you flexibility for different recipes, whether you’re broiling steaks or baking a cake.

The temperature dial, calibrated for the advanced heating elements, offers reliable results.

Overall, this oven combines spaciousness, consistent performance, and thoughtful features. It’s a solid upgrade from basic toasters, especially if you love baking or need more cooking room.

The price point feels justified given its capabilities and build quality.