6 Best Compact Toaster Ovens in 2025
Craving crispy toast, perfectly roasted veggies, or a warm, gooey pizza without preheating your entire oven? A compact toaster oven might be your new best kitchen friend. These pint-sized powerhouses offer big flavor and convenience, saving you energy and counter space. But with so many options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Fear not, culinary adventurers! We’ve rounded up the top 6 best compact toaster ovens on the market, taking into account performance, features, and value for your money. Get ready to discover the perfect appliance for all your small-batch cooking needs.
6. Cuisinart TOA-26 Compact Airfryer 6-in-1
The Cuisinart TOA-26 Compact Airfryer Toaster Oven is a sleek stainless steel appliance that promises six different cooking functions in a relatively compact footprint. While it boasts an impressive 1800-watt motor and a wide temperature range from warm to 450°F, there are a few limitations to consider.
On the positive side, the TOA-26 does deliver on its “6-in-1” promise. You get all the essentials: air frying, toasting, convection baking, convection broiling, pizza cooking, and warming. The included accessories, such as the oven rack, baking pan, and air fry basket, are handy for various cooking tasks. The temperature dial and toast shade selector are straightforward to use, making it easy to achieve desired results.
However, its compact size (which is a major selling point for smaller kitchens) does mean it has a limited capacity. While it claims to air fry up to 2.5 pounds, I found it best suited for smaller portions or individual servings. For larger families or those who frequently cook for multiple people, this might be a drawback. Additionally, the air fryer basket, though functional, felt a bit small and could have benefited from higher sides to prevent splatter.
Overall, the Cuisinart TOA-26 is a decent value for its price, offering a variety of cooking functions in a convenient package. It’s great for individuals or couples who want to explore air frying and other countertop cooking methods without taking up too much space. However, its limited capacity and small air fryer basket might be a dealbreaker for those who need to cook for larger groups or prepare larger meals.
5. BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven, Even Toast, 4 Functions
This BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven is a compact kitchen appliance that aims to provide versatility and convenience. Its stainless steel exterior gives it a sleek look, and it’s surprisingly spacious for its size, able to accommodate a 9-inch pizza and four slices of bread.
The toaster oven boasts four cooking functions: baking, broiling, toasting, and a keep-warm setting. While these functions are adequate for basic cooking tasks, don’t expect gourmet results. The toasting function, for example, is decent for bagels and regular bread, but achieving that perfect golden brown on sourdough or rye can be a bit hit-or-miss. The baking function works well for small pizzas and pastries, but larger items might not cook evenly.
A 30-minute timer with precise toast settings offers some control over cooking times. The stay-on functionality is handy for keeping food warm after it’s cooked. However, the lack of temperature control settings can be limiting. You’re stuck with preset temperatures for each function, which might not be ideal for all recipes.
The removable crumb tray is a welcome feature for easy cleaning. Overall, while this toaster oven isn’t the most powerful or feature-rich model, it’s a decent option for those looking for a compact and affordable appliance for basic cooking tasks. Keep in mind, it’s not a replacement for a full-size oven, and its limitations might become apparent if you’re a serious home cook. For casual use and occasional baking needs, it gets the job done, but don’t expect miracles.
4. Panasonic FlashXpress Double Infrared Toaster Oven
The Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven is a compact appliance that promises to simplify meal preparation with its impressive speed and ease of use. Boasting double infrared heating elements, it claims to deliver exceptional cooking performance without the need for preheating. The six 1-touch controls offer preset functions for various foods, making it incredibly user-friendly.
In my experience, the FlashXpress does deliver on its speed promise. Toasting bread and heating up leftovers were noticeably faster compared to my previous toaster oven. The infrared heating system does seem to work efficiently, providing even heat distribution. However, while the six preset functions are convenient, they lack versatility. There are no options for pizza, cookies, or other common items, which felt limiting.
The compact design is a definite plus, fitting comfortably on my countertop without taking up too much space. However, the oven’s small capacity means it can only accommodate limited quantities at once. This makes it less suitable for larger families or those who frequently cook for multiple people. While the removable 9-inch baking tray is a nice touch, the overall cooking space felt restrictive.
Overall, the Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven is a decent option for individuals or small households who prioritize speed and simplicity. Its double infrared heating and 1-touch controls make it a convenient appliance for quick meals and snacks. However, its limited capacity and lack of versatile cooking functions might be a drawback for larger families or those who require more cooking options. For the price, I felt there were better options available with more features and larger cooking capacities.
3. Elite Gourmet ETO236 Personal Toaster Oven
The Elite Gourmet ETO236 is a compact toaster oven that aims to provide a convenient solution for small kitchens or those who just need a quick and easy way to heat up food. Its small footprint is a definite advantage, fitting neatly on counters where space is at a premium. The 15-minute timer is handy for toasting bread or warming leftovers, and the adjustable temperature control ranging from 200F-450F allows for some versatility in cooking.
However, despite its compact size and features, the ETO236 has some limitations. While the 650-watt heating element does provide sufficient power for basic toasting and warming, it struggles a bit when it comes to baking. Baking a full-sized cookie sheet, for example, resulted in uneven cooking, with some areas browning while others remained pale. The included non-stick baking pan and wire rack are helpful, but the overall small capacity limits the amount of food you can cook at once.
The ETO236 is undeniably convenient for quick tasks like toasting or reheating a single serving, and its compact size is a huge plus for smaller kitchens. However, if you’re looking for a toaster oven that can handle larger meals or more involved baking projects, you might want to consider something with a larger capacity and more powerful heating elements.
Overall, the Elite Gourmet ETO236 is a decent option for those with limited counter space and who primarily need a toaster oven for quick tasks. While it’s not the most powerful or versatile model out there, its compact size and basic functionality make it a suitable choice for casual users.
2. Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven
The Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven is a fantastic countertop appliance that packs a serious punch in a relatively small package. While it might not be as large as some of Breville’s other Smart Oven models, it still boasts a surprising amount of functionality and performance. Right out of the box, I was impressed by the sleek brushed stainless steel finish and the intuitive LCD display.
What truly sets this oven apart is the Element iQ System. With four independent quartz elements, the oven intelligently distributes heat to ensure even cooking. This means no more cold spots or overly browned edges! The preheat function is incredibly fast, reaching the desired temperature in a flash. Whether I was toasting bread, baking cookies, or roasting a small chicken, the results were consistently perfect. The 8 cooking functions provide ample versatility for all your culinary needs, from basic toasting to more elaborate baking and broiling.
The interior space, while compact, is surprisingly spacious. I was able to fit four slices of toast comfortably, a 6-cup muffin tray, and even a 12-inch pizza! The non-stick cavity coating makes cleaning a breeze, and the included enamel baking pan and broiling rack are handy additions.
While the Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, it’s worth noting that its smaller size might limit its capacity for larger meals or multiple dishes at once. However, for individuals or smaller households, this oven delivers exceptional performance, convenience, and value for money.
1. BLACK+DECKER TO1787SS-RFP 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven
If you’re looking for a versatile countertop appliance that can do it all, the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven is a fantastic choice. As the top-rated model, it consistently delivers on its promises of crispy, flavorful meals with minimal oil. The air fry function is truly impressive. It creates that deep-fried crunch without the added fat, making it a much healthier alternative. I’ve used it to make everything from french fries to chicken wings, and the results have been consistently delicious. The 4-slice capacity is generous, allowing you to cook enough for a family or even a small gathering.
One of the things I appreciate most about this toaster oven is its user-friendliness. The two control knobs are simple and intuitive, making it easy to set the timer and choose the cooking function. The 30-minute timer is a nice touch, as it allows you to walk away from the oven without worrying about overcooking your food. Speaking of cooking functions, this appliance offers a great variety: Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, and Keep Warm. This versatility means you can use it for a wide range of meals, from breakfast toast to a full-blown dinner.
The Even Toast Technology is another standout feature. The unique heat diffuser design ensures that your toast is evenly golden brown, with no burnt spots. I’ve found this to be true for other cooking functions as well, with the heat distributing nicely throughout the oven cavity. The stainless steel finish adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen counter and is easy to clean.
While the BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake is a fantastic appliance overall, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t have quite the same expansive cooking capabilities as a full-size oven. If you frequently cook large meals for a big family, you might still find yourself reaching for your conventional oven. However, for day-to-day cooking, this toaster oven is a real game-changer. It’s a great value for the money, offering a wide range of features and excellent performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size compact toaster oven should I get?
A compact toaster oven typically ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 cubic feet. For individuals or small households, a 0.5-0.7 cubic foot oven is sufficient for toasting, baking small items, and reheating. If you plan to cook for larger groups or want more versatility, consider a 1.0-1.5 cubic foot oven.
What features are important to consider in a compact toaster oven?
Look for features like multiple cooking functions (bake, broil, toast, etc.), adjustable temperature controls, a timer, and a crumb tray for easy cleaning. Additional features like convection heating, air frying, and a digital display can enhance functionality and convenience.
What are some reputable brands of compact toaster ovens?
Some well-regarded brands known for producing quality compact toaster ovens include:
* Breville: Offers high-performance ovens with innovative features.
* Cuisinart: Known for durable ovens with user-friendly designs.
* Hamilton Beach: Provides affordable options with essential features.
* Oster: Offers a range of ovens at various price points.
* Dash: Specializes in compact appliances with unique functionalities.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect compact toaster oven can feel overwhelming, but with the right features and considerations, you can find one that fits your needs and budget. Whether you prioritize space-saving design, advanced cooking functions, or energy efficiency, the options on this list offer a great starting point. Happy toasting!
