Best Countertop Toaster Ovens

A countertop toaster oven is one of the most useful small appliances you can own. It toasts, bakes, broils, reheats, and on many models air-fries, all while heating up faster and using less energy than a full-size oven. On a hot summer day, it lets you bake or reheat without warming the whole kitchen, and for small households it can handle most cooking tasks without ever firing up the range. The latest models blur the line with air fryers, offering convection and dedicated air-fry settings in a single footprint.

Here are five toaster ovens worth a spot on your counter, from spacious convection models that double as a second oven to compact air-fryer combos, plus a guide to capacity, convection, and who benefits most from each type.

Top Picks

1. Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven (TOB-260N1)

With a spacious interior that fits a 13-inch pizza, a 9-by-13 baking pan, or a whole chicken, this 1800-watt oven offers 15 cooking functions including convection. It is a true second oven for busy kitchens. Check it on Amazon

2. Breville Smart Oven Pro (BOV845BSS)

Breville’s Element IQ system adjusts the heating elements automatically for even results across toast, bake, roast, and slow cook. The 1800-watt oven fits six slices, a 13-inch pizza, and even a small Dutch oven. Check it on Amazon

3. Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Air Fryer Combo

This combo toasts and bakes while adding powerful air-frying circulation for crisp results, all at a budget-friendly price. A compact footprint suits smaller kitchens. Check it on Amazon

4. Hamilton Beach Digital Air Fryer Oven (31220)

With LED touch controls, multiple presets, and room for a 12-inch pizza, this 1800-watt model balances features and value for everyday cooking and air frying. Check it on Amazon

5. Hamilton Beach Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo (31225)

A straightforward combo that bakes, broils, toasts, and air fries with six cooking modes. It is an easy, affordable upgrade from a basic toaster. Check it on Amazon

What to Look For in a Toaster Oven

Capacity is the first decision: a large oven fits a 13-inch pizza and a whole chicken but takes more counter space, while a compact unit handles toast and small trays. Convection fans speed cooking and improve browning, and many newer models add an air-fry function. Look for an accurate thermostat, multiple rack positions, and a removable crumb tray for easy cleaning.

Convection and Air Fry Explained

Convection uses a fan to circulate hot air, cooking food faster and more evenly than still-air baking. Air frying is essentially high-powered convection that crisps food with little or no oil. A toaster oven with both gives you the versatility of a second oven and an air fryer in one footprint, which is ideal for small kitchens.

Who Should Buy a Toaster Oven

Anyone who reheats leftovers, makes toast, or bakes small batches benefits from a toaster oven, which heats up faster and uses less energy than a full oven. Apartment dwellers and small households may even use one as their primary oven. If you also want air frying, choose a combo model and skip buying a separate air fryer. See our roundup of the most recommended air fryers for that route.

Getting the Most From Your Toaster Oven

To get reliable results, preheat the oven just as you would a full-size range, since the small cavity recovers temperature quickly but still benefits from a stable starting heat. Use the rack position the recipe calls for: higher for browning and broiling, middle for general baking, and lower for thicker items that need gentler heat. Because the heating elements are close to the food, keep an eye on items that brown fast, like cheese toast or the tops of casseroles, and rotate pans halfway through if your oven has hot spots. Empty the crumb tray regularly to prevent smoking and odors, and never line the bottom with foil in a way that blocks airflow or covers the heating elements. For air-fry settings, use the perforated basket or tray that comes with the oven so hot air can circulate under the food, and avoid overcrowding, which leads to soggy rather than crisp results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a toaster oven replace a full-size oven?

For small households and simple cooking, often yes. Larger countertop ovens bake, roast, and broil well, though they cannot match the capacity of a full range for big meals.

What is the difference between a toaster oven and an air fryer?

An air fryer is a compact, high-powered convection oven optimized for crisping. Many toaster ovens now include an air-fry setting, blurring the line between the two.

How much counter space does a toaster oven need?

Large-capacity models can be over 20 inches wide and need clearance behind for venting. Measure your space and leave a few inches around the unit.

Is convection worth it in a toaster oven?

Yes. Convection cooks faster and browns more evenly, which is especially helpful for roasting and baking.

How do I clean a toaster oven?

Empty the crumb tray regularly, wipe the interior once cool, and wash the racks and pans with warm soapy water. Avoid abrasive cleaners on nonstick interiors.

Does a toaster oven use less energy than a full oven?

Yes. A toaster oven heats a much smaller cavity, so it preheats faster and draws less power for small jobs like reheating, toasting, or baking a few servings. For large meals a full oven is more efficient, but for everyday tasks the countertop oven is the greener choice.

For more small-appliance guidance, see our Cuisinart air fryer and toaster oven combos compared, our Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro review, and the most recommended air fryers worth buying. You may also like our energy-efficient appliances guide.