4 Best Toaster Ovens for Baking in 2025
Love the convenience of a toaster oven but craving more than just perfectly toasted bread? You’re not alone! Toaster ovens have come a long way, evolving into versatile culinary powerhouses capable of baking everything from crispy pizzas to golden-brown cookies. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Fear not, fellow baking enthusiasts! We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top 4 best toaster ovens for baking, ensuring your next culinary creation is a success.
4. BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven, Even Toast, 4 Functions
This BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven is a solid contender for those seeking a compact countertop solution for small meals and snacks. While it doesn’t quite reach the top spot in our rankings, it still offers a decent set of features at a reasonable price point.
The oven itself is surprisingly spacious, capable of accommodating a 9-inch pizza and four slices of bread. The curved interior allows for even heat distribution, which is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown toast or crispy pizza crust. The four cooking functions – bake, broil, toast, and keep warm – provide ample versatility for your culinary needs. From toasting bread to baking a small pizza, this toaster oven can handle it all.
One notable feature is the 30-minute timer with precise toast settings and a stay-on functionality. This allows for hands-free cooking and ensures your food is cooked to perfection. The removable crumb tray is a welcome addition, making cleanup a breeze. However, despite its spacious interior, the oven’s heating element is relatively small. This can sometimes lead to uneven cooking, particularly for larger items.
While the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven offers good value for its price, it’s important to note its limitations. The heating element size and potentially uneven cooking might be drawbacks for users who frequently cook larger meals or require precise temperature control. If you’re looking for a compact solution for occasional use, this toaster oven will likely meet your needs. However, if you’re a frequent baker or require a more powerful oven, you might want to consider a higher-ranked option.
3. Cuisinart TOA-70 Air Fryer Oven
The Cuisinart TOA-70 Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven is a versatile appliance that boasts a range of cooking functions, aiming to replace multiple kitchen gadgets. It’s a powerful 1800-watt unit capable of air frying, baking, convection baking, broiling, grilling, and warming. The temperature range covers everything from a gentle warm (170°F) up to a searing 450°F. This flexibility makes it suitable for a variety of dishes, from toast and frozen snacks to roasting chicken and baking a 12-inch pizza.
The TOA-70 boasts a generous capacity, comfortably toasting six slices of bread, air frying 3 pounds of chicken wings, and even accommodating a 4-pound whole chicken. The included accessories – an oven rack, baking pan, AirFry basket, grill, and nonstick interior – further enhance its versatility. The adjustable temperature dial, 60-minute timer with auto-shutoff, and toast shade selector allow for precise cooking and ease of use.
While the TOA-70 excels in its range of functions and capacity, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The preheating time can be a bit longer compared to dedicated air fryers. Additionally, the interior space, while spacious, isn’t as deep as some dedicated ovens, which might limit the size of certain dishes you can cook.
Overall, the Cuisinart TOA-70 Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven is a solid option for those seeking a multi-functional appliance that can handle a variety of cooking tasks. Its value proposition is strong, offering numerous features and a generous capacity in a single unit. However, potential buyers should be aware of the slightly longer preheating times and the potentially limited depth for larger dishes.
2. BLACK+DECKER TO1787SS-RFP 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven
The BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven, model TO1787SS-RFP, is a compact countertop appliance promising versatility and convenience. As a ranked #2 product, it doesn’t quite reach the top spot, but it still offers a decent range of features for the price.
One of the standout features is the air fry function. It genuinely delivers on its promise of crispy results with minimal oil. I tested it with french fries and chicken wings, and the results were impressive, achieving a satisfying crunch without the greasy aftertaste. However, the air fryer basket is relatively small, limiting the amount of food you can cook at once. This might be inconvenient for larger households or if you frequently cook for multiple people.
The toaster oven boasts 5 cooking functions: air fry, bake, broil, toast, and keep warm. This versatility is great for tackling different dishes, from reheating leftovers to baking small pizzas. The controls are straightforward with two knobs for timer and function selection, making it easy to use. However, the timer only goes up to 30 minutes, which might be limiting for longer baking tasks.
The oven’s even toasting technology seems to work well, ensuring your bread is evenly browned. It also has a decent capacity, fitting four slices of bread or a 9-inch pizza. However, the interior space feels a bit cramped compared to some other models in its class. While the stainless steel exterior is sleek and modern, it does tend to show fingerprints easily. Overall, the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven is a decent option for those seeking a compact appliance with air frying capabilities. It delivers good results for its price, but the limited capacity and timer length might be drawbacks for some users.
1. BLACK+DECKER 8-Slice Extra Wide Convection Toaster Oven
This BLACK+DECKER 8-Slice Extra Wide Convection Toaster Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Right out of the box, I was impressed by its sleek stainless steel finish and compact design, which seamlessly integrated into my countertop. The convection technology is a game-changer. The powerful fan ensures even heat distribution, resulting in consistently cooked meals, whether I’m baking a crispy pizza or a golden-brown casserole. The fact that it fits a full 9″x13″ pan was a major plus for me, as it allows me to use my existing baking dishes without any hassle. I especially appreciate the included baking/broiling pan and toasting rack, which fit perfectly and are incredibly easy to slide in and out.
One of the things I love most about this toaster oven is its versatility. It’s not just for toasting bread; it truly acts as a mini oven, capable of baking, broiling, and even keeping my food warm after it’s done cooking. The dedicated toast timer is a thoughtful addition, allowing me to achieve my desired level of crispness every time. I found the 60-minute timer with stay-on functionality to be incredibly useful for longer baking tasks, giving me peace of mind that my food wouldn’t overcook. The three rack positions provide ample flexibility for cooking different types of dishes simultaneously.
While the temperature readings might be slightly lower than the set point due to the advanced heating elements, I found that the calibrated dial settings ensured consistently accurate results. I’ve used this toaster oven for various recipes, and it has never let me down. It heats up quickly and cooks food evenly, saving me time and effort compared to using my full-sized oven. The compact design is perfect for smaller kitchens or those who prioritize countertop space.
Overall, the BLACK+DECKER 8-Slice Extra Wide Convection Toaster Oven is an excellent value for its price. It offers a wide range of features, exceptional performance, and user-friendly design. Whether you’re a busy individual or a seasoned home cook, this toaster oven is a versatile and reliable appliance that will become a kitchen staple.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size toaster oven is best for baking?
For baking a variety of dishes, a toaster oven with a capacity of 6 to 10 quarts is generally recommended. This size provides ample space for baking small cakes, casseroles, pizzas, and even roasting a few vegetables.
What features should I look for in a toaster oven for baking?
Besides size, consider these features:
- Temperature Accuracy: Look for a toaster oven with a thermostat that maintains a consistent temperature.
- Baking Element: A dedicated baking element, separate from the toasting element, allows for even heat distribution.
- Timer: A timer with a minute increment is helpful for precise baking.
- Convection Option: A convection feature circulates hot air for faster and more even baking.
How do I choose the best toaster oven for my budget?
Toaster ovens range in price from around $50 to over $300.
- Basic Models: ($50-$100) offer essential features like toasting and baking but may lack advanced options.
- Mid-Range Models: ($100-$200) generally include features like convection, adjustable settings, and larger capacities.
- High-End Models: ($200+) often boast additional features like air frying, rotisserie functions, and digital controls.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect toaster oven for baking can elevate your culinary game. Consider your needs, whether it’s a compact size, convection function, or specific features. From budget-friendly options to high-performance models, there’s a toaster oven out there to satisfy every baker. So, fire up your oven and get ready to create delicious homemade treats!
