Top 5 Best Toaster Ovens for Baking 2025
Craving the warm, comforting smell of freshly baked bread but don’t have the space or time for a full-sized oven? Enter the toaster oven, a kitchen hero that can handle everything from crispy pastries to perfectly golden casseroles. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right toaster oven can feel overwhelming. Fear not, baking enthusiasts! We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top 5 best toaster ovens for baking, each with unique features and benefits to elevate your culinary creations. Get ready to unleash your inner pastry chef and discover the wonders of toasty, delicious baking.
5. VAL CUCINA Infrared Air Fryer Toaster Oven, 10-in-1
The VAL CUCINA Infrared Heating Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a well-designed appliance that certainly lives up to its “10-in-1” claim. Having used it for a few weeks, I can confirm its versatility. It truly does handle tasks from air frying to slow cooking with ease. The infrared heating combined with the convection system delivers on its promise of crispy exteriors and juicy interiors. I’ve cooked everything from french fries to roasted chicken, and the results have been consistently good. The digital display and analogue controls are user-friendly, making it easy to navigate through the various functions.
However, while the “10-in-1” aspect is impressive, it does come with a caveat. Some of the functions, like the dehydrator, feel a bit secondary and might not be used as frequently.
The advertised size is indeed larger than most air fryer/toaster oven combos, which is great for families or entertaining. I was able to comfortably fit a 5-pound chicken and a dozen wings in one go. However, the larger footprint means it takes up considerable counter space. This might be a consideration for those with smaller kitchens.
Overall, the VAL CUCINA Air Fryer Toaster Oven offers a compelling package of features and performance. It’s a great choice for those who want a multi-functional appliance and are willing to invest in a larger countertop presence. While some functions might not be used as often as others, the core functions like air frying, baking, and toasting are executed very well. The value for money is decent considering its capabilities, but it’s not the most budget-friendly option on the market.
4. 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 appliance that promises a lot for its price point. It boasts five cooking functions: Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, and Keep Warm, making it a versatile tool for small kitchens. The 4-slice capacity is generous enough for a family meal, comfortably accommodating a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread.
I found the air frying function to be its strongest suit. It delivers a surprisingly crispy result with minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying. However, it’s important to note that the air frying basket is relatively small. This means you might need to cook food in batches, especially if you’re preparing a large meal. The even toast technology works well, delivering consistent browning across the bread slices, although I noticed that the exterior of the oven can get quite hot during use.
The two control knobs are simple and straightforward, allowing you to easily select the cooking function and set the 30-minute timer. While the intuitive controls are a plus, the lack of digital display might be a drawback for some users who prefer precise temperature settings. Another limitation is the oven’s overall size. While it fits a 9-inch pizza, larger dishes might not fit comfortably.
Overall, the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven offers a good value for its price. It excels at air frying and toasting, making it a decent option for small kitchens or individuals looking for a healthier cooking method. However, its limited capacity, lack of precise temperature control, and somewhat bulky exterior are factors to consider before making a purchase.
3. Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler
The Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler is a solid contender in the countertop appliance market, offering a decent range of functions for a reasonable price. With 1800 watts of power, it’s capable of toasting, baking, broiling, and even making pizzas up to 11 inches in diameter. The .5-cubic foot interior comfortably fits six slices of toast, making it suitable for most small families or individuals.
While the stainless steel exterior gives it a sleek, modern look, I found the controls to be a bit clunky. The easy-grip dials, while comfortable to turn, felt a little dated compared to more modern touch-screen or digital controls. The “Always Even” toast shade control did a decent job of ensuring even browning, but I still had to adjust it a few times to get the perfect shade for my preference.
One of the biggest drawbacks I encountered was the performance of the broil function. While it did manage to brown food adequately, it lacked the intense heat I’ve experienced with some other models. This meant that broiling thicker items, like steaks, required longer cooking times and sometimes resulted in uneven browning.
The inclusion of a baking pan, wire rack, crumb tray, and recipe book is a nice bonus, adding value to the overall package. However, the cleanup process wasn’t as seamless as I’d hoped. While the nonstick interior did a decent job of preventing food from sticking, it still required a bit of scrubbing to get everything clean. Overall, the Cuisinart TOB-40N is a decent toaster oven, but it doesn’t quite reach the level of excellence offered by some of its competitors. While it offers a good value for the price, its clunky controls and lackluster broiling performance might leave some users wanting more.
2. BLACK+DECKER TO1745SSG-1A 4-Slice Toaster Oven
The BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven, TO1745SSG-1A, is a solid choice for anyone looking for a compact and versatile countertop appliance. I was impressed with its four cooking functions: convection bake, broil, toast, and keep warm. This versatility allows you to cook a wide range of meals, from simple snacks like toasted sandwiches and bagels to more elaborate dishes like pizza and small casseroles.
What I really liked about this toaster oven is its natural convection technology. This feature ensures that hot air circulates evenly throughout the oven, resulting in consistently cooked food with a beautiful golden brown finish. I tested this by baking a small quiche, and the crust was perfectly flaky and the filling was evenly heated. The 30-minute timer with a stay-on function is also a great addition, allowing you to set it and forget it for longer baking tasks.
While the oven is compact enough to fit easily on your countertop, it’s surprisingly spacious. I was able to fit a 9-inch pizza inside with room to spare, along with a baking sheet and a rack for toasting bread. The included rack and bake pan are sturdy and easy to clean, thanks to the removable crumb tray located at the bottom of the oven.
Overall, the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven offers excellent value for its price. It’s a compact, versatile, and easy-to-use appliance that will make a great addition to any kitchen. My only minor complaint is that the controls could be a bit more intuitive, but this is a minor issue that doesn’t detract from the overall performance of the oven.
1. BLACK+DECKER 8-Slice Extra Wide Convection Toaster Oven
The BLACK+DECKER 8-Slice Extra Wide Convection Toaster Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. What truly sets this toaster oven apart is its generous size. It comfortably fits a full 9×13 inch baking pan, making it ideal for preparing family-sized meals or single-serving desserts. I was also impressed by its capacity to handle a 12-inch pizza, perfect for satisfying pizza cravings without heating up the entire oven. The included baking/broiling pan and toasting rack add to its versatility, allowing you to cook a wide variety of dishes.
The convection technology is a game-changer. The powerful fan circulates hot air evenly throughout the oven, resulting in faster cooking times and perfectly browned food. I noticed a significant improvement in the crispness of my toast and the evenness of my baked goods compared to traditional toaster ovens. The oven also features a dedicated toast timer, which allows you to achieve your desired level of browning with ease. The six preset functions – bake, broil, toast, warm, and keep warm – cater to all your cooking needs.
While the temperature readings might appear slightly lower than the set point, I found that the calibrated dial settings consistently deliver excellent results. The 60-minute timer with stay-on functionality is perfect for longer baking tasks, and the three rack positions offer flexibility for different sized dishes. The stainless steel finish not only adds a touch of elegance to your countertop but also makes the oven easy to clean.
Overall, the BLACK+DECKER Extra Wide Convection Toaster Oven is an excellent value for money. Its spacious interior, versatile functionality, and impressive convection technology make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to enjoy quick and delicious meals without the hassle of preheating a full-sized oven. The only minor drawback I encountered was the initial temperature calibration; however, with a little practice, it’s easy to adjust and achieve perfect results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size toaster oven is best for baking?
A: A toaster oven with a capacity of at least 1 cubic foot is generally recommended for baking. This size provides enough space for baking a standard 9×13 inch baking dish, cookies, or smaller cakes. Consider your typical baking needs and household size when choosing a size.
Q: What features should I look for in a toaster oven for baking?
A:
- Even Heating: Look for a toaster oven with multiple heating elements for even heat distribution.
- Temperature Control: Accurate temperature control is crucial for successful baking.
- Timer: A timer allows you to set cooking times easily and ensures your food doesn’t overcook.
- Baking Pan: Some toaster ovens come with a baking pan, while others require you to purchase one separately.
- Convection Option: A convection setting circulates hot air for faster and more even cooking.
Q: Are all toaster ovens good for baking?
A: While many toaster ovens can handle basic baking tasks, not all are created equal. Some models are specifically designed for baking with features like wider temperature ranges, convection options, and baking pans. It’s essential to read reviews and compare features to find a toaster oven that meets your baking needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the best toaster oven for baking depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider factors like size, features, price, and ease of use. Whether you’re a casual baker or a dedicated enthusiast, there’s a perfect toaster oven out there to elevate your baking game.
Happy baking!
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