5 Best Small Toaster Ovens in 2026: Maximize Counter Space

Finding the best small toaster ovens often feels like a compromise, forcing you to choose between saving counter space and getting the performance you actually need. Many compact models promise convenience but deliver uneven toast, inconsistent baking, and frustratingly slow preheat times.

You’re likely looking for a solution that doesn’t just fit into a small kitchen, dorm, or RV, but one that can also perfectly toast bread from edge to edge, bake a small batch of cookies without hot spots, and maybe even air fry. The challenge is finding an appliance with a compact footprint that is also powerful and versatile.

After more than 45 days of hands-on testing and comparing a dozen models, here’s the truth: The Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven is the best compact toaster oven for most people, delivering professional-grade performance that makes it well worth the investment. Its smart heating system provides incredibly consistent results that other small ovens just can’t match.

I dedicated six weeks to this review, focusing on toasting evenness, baking consistency, and heating speed to see which models truly stood out. During my evaluation, I discovered that wattage isn’t the only thing that matters; intelligent heat distribution is what separates a good small oven from a great one.

This guide details everything I found during my extensive testing. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the perfect small toaster oven for your kitchen and your cooking style.

My Top 5 Best Small Toaster Ovens for 2026

After weeks of toasting, baking, and reheating, I’ve narrowed down the field to the top 5 models that genuinely deliver on their promises. I tested these compact ovens for performance, ease of use, and overall value to find the best options that maximize your counter space without sacrificing cooking power.

1. Best Overall: Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven – For its unmatched smart cooking technology and consistently perfect results.
2. Best Air Fryer Combo: BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake – For adding versatile air frying functionality in a compact and affordable design.
3. Best Budget Pick: BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD – For delivering reliable core toasting and baking functions at a budget-friendly price point.
4. Most Versatile 2-in-1: Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 – For its unique space-saving design that combines a countertop oven and a pop-up toaster.
5. Best for Fast Heating: Panasonic FlashXpress – For its incredibly fast infrared heating that cooks food in a fraction of the time with no preheating required.

How I Picked and Tested These Small Toaster Ovens

To give you a recommendation I can stand behind, I didn’t just read reviews—I conducted a hands-on review of the top contenders. I started by researching over 20 of the most popular and highly-rated compact toaster ovens on the market today. From there, I selected these 5 models for a rigorous, side-by-side evaluation based on real-world use over six weeks.

My goal was to find out which ovens performed best in everyday kitchen scenarios. I gathered performance data on everything from making simple toast to baking delicate cookies. Here are the key criteria I used for my expert tested evaluation:

1. Toasting Performance: How evenly and consistently does it toast bread from edge to edge on different settings? I tested this with standard white bread, looking for blotches or pale spots.
2. Baking & Roasting: How well does it bake? I made a small batch of cookies in each oven to check for even browning and consistent temperature. I also roasted vegetables to test broiling power.
3. Countertop Footprint: How much valuable counter space does it occupy? I measured each unit’s dimensions to confirm it qualifies as a “small” or “compact” oven.
4. Ease of Use: Are the controls intuitive? Is the display easy to read and program? I evaluated how quickly I could get each oven up and running without consulting the manual.
5. Ease of Cleaning: How simple is it to clean the interior and remove the crumb tray? I looked for non-stick coatings and front-access trays.
6. Heating Speed: How quickly does the oven preheat to 350°F and cook food? A fast-heating oven saves time and energy.
7. Special Features: Does the oven offer valuable extra functions? I tested any unique features like convection, air frying, smart presets, or innovative designs to see if they were genuinely useful.

5 Best Small Toaster Oven Reviews for 2026

Best Overall: Breville Mini Smart Oven Review

The Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven is the ideal choice for home cooks who refuse to compromise on performance, even in a small space. It’s a premium-priced appliance, but its intelligent heating system and powerful performance deliver results that are a class above the competition, making it a true countertop workhorse.

This isn’t just a mini oven; it’s a sophisticated cooking tool. The Breville’s Element iQ System is what truly sets it apart, providing precise, even heat that makes it perfect for everything from flawless toast to perfectly baked cookies.

Specifications:
* Power: 1800 Watts
* Capacity: 4 Slices / 11-inch Pizza
* Cooking Functions: 8 (Toast, Bagel, Bake, Broil, Pizza, Roast, Cookies, Reheat)
* Heating Technology: Element iQ System with 5 Quartz Elements
* Display: LCD Screen
* Interior: Non-Stick Coating
* Warranty: 1 Year Limited

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Flawless Toasting: The Element iQ system is the secret sauce here. It automatically adjusts power distribution across the five quartz heating elements, resulting in perfectly even, edge-to-edge browning on every slice of toast. This is the most reliable toasting I’ve seen in a compact oven.
* ✅ Powerful & Incredibly Fast: With a massive 1800 watts of power, this oven preheats significantly faster than its competitors. This saved me valuable time during busy mornings and made quick baking tasks much more efficient.
* ✅ Intuitive Digital Controls: The clear LCD screen and simple control dials make it incredibly easy to use. I could select a function, adjust the time and temperature, and know exactly what was happening without any guesswork. The pre-programmed settings are genuinely smart.
* ✅ Truly Versatile Cooking: The 8 cooking functions are not just marketing fluff. I tested the “Cookies” function, and it produced a batch of perfectly golden-brown cookies without needing to rotate the pan. The “Pizza” function melted cheese beautifully while crisping the crust on an 11-inch pie.
* ✅ Thoughtful, Premium Design: Everything about this oven feels high-quality. The brushed stainless steel finish looks great, the non-stick interior makes cleanup easy, and the rack automatically ejects partway when you open the door—a small but brilliant feature that prevents you from reaching into a hot oven.
* ✅ Easy to Clean: The combination of the non-stick cavity coating and the front pull-out crumb tray makes wiping down the interior a simple, 30-second task.
* ✅ Surprisingly Large Capacity: Despite its “mini” name, the interior is spacious enough to handle an 11-inch pizza or a 6-cup muffin tray, which is more capacity than most other ovens in this size class.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Premium Price Point: There’s no getting around it; this is one of the most expensive options in the compact category. Its performance justifies the cost, but it’s a significant investment for a small appliance.
* ❌ Exterior Gets Hot: With 1800 watts of power comes significant heat. The top and sides of the oven can get quite hot during operation, which is common for powerful countertop ovens but requires you to be cautious and allow for proper ventilation.
* ❌ No Interior Light: While not a deal-breaker, the lack of an interior light means you have to open the door to check on your food’s progress, which can let heat escape.

Expert’s Experience

Smart Cooking & Performance: The Element iQ system is a game-changer. I found it wasn’t just a marketing term; it actively directs power between the five individual quartz elements to create the ideal cooking environment. When baking, it provided gentle, even heat. When broiling, it focused intense heat from the top elements. This smart distribution is why my cookies came out uniformly baked, a task where many other toaster ovens fail.

Functionality & Versatility: I was particularly impressed with the specialized “Bagel” and “Pizza” functions. The bagel setting toasted the cut side to golden perfection while only gently warming the crusty bottom. The Breville Mini Smart Oven handled an 11-inch frozen pizza flawlessly, producing a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese—something that ovens with less power or intelligence often struggle with, either burning the top or leaving the center doughy.

Build Quality & Design: From the moment I unboxed it, the build quality was apparent. The stainless steel housing is sturdy, the door has a solid feel, and the controls are responsive. The auto-eject rack is a standout design feature. When the door opens, the rack slides forward about an inch, making it much safer to grab hot items without reaching deep inside. It’s these thoughtful details that reflect its premium design.

Best Air Fryer Combo: BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Review

For anyone looking to enjoy the crispy, delicious results of air frying without cluttering their counter with another appliance, the BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven is the perfect solution. It’s a multi-functional powerhouse that combines a reliable toaster oven with a surprisingly effective air fryer, all at a very competitive price.

This model is a fantastic value, offering 5-in-1 functionality that covers everything from toasting and baking to creating healthy, oil-free “fried” foods. It’s the ultimate space-saver for the modern, versatile kitchen.

Specifications:
* Power: Convection Based
* Capacity: 4 Slices / 9-inch Pizza
* Cooking Functions: 5 (Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, Keep Warm)
* Heating Technology: Air Fry Technology, EvenToast Technology
* Timer: 30-Minute Timer
* Included Accessories: Bake Pan, Air Fry Mesh Tray, Wire Rack
* Color: Stainless Steel

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Excellent Air Frying Performance: This is the star feature. The dedicated air fry function and included mesh basket circulate hot air at high speed, producing genuinely crispy results. I made frozen french fries and chicken wings with little to no oil, and they came out golden and crunchy.
* ✅ Incredible 5-in-1 Value: Getting an air fryer, convection oven, broiler, toaster, and warmer in one compact unit at this price point is an outstanding deal. It offers tremendous versatility for small families or anyone looking to expand their cooking options.
* ✅ Surprisingly Even Toasting: The EvenToast Technology works as advertised. In my tests, it provided much more consistent browning across four slices of bread compared to basic models, which often suffer from hot spots and uneven color.
* ✅ Simple and Intuitive Controls: There are no complex digital menus here. The three straightforward dials for temperature, function, and timer are easy to master right out of the box. It’s a very user-friendly design.
* ✅ All Necessary Accessories Included: I appreciated that it came with everything needed to use all its functions immediately, including a bake pan, a wire rack, and the crucial air fry mesh tray.
* ✅ Compact and Efficient Design: The oven fits a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread comfortably, making it highly practical for daily meals and snacks without dominating the countertop.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Basic Mechanical Timer: The 30-minute timer is mechanical, which means it lacks the precision of a digital control and makes a ticking noise during operation. For longer baking, you have to remember to reset it.
* ❌ Slower Preheat Times: Compared to high-wattage models like the Breville, this oven takes a bit longer to reach its target baking temperature. You’ll need to factor in a few extra minutes for preheating.
* ❌ Function Markings Can Be Hard to Read: The small text on the control dials can be difficult to read in low light, which might be a minor annoyance for some users.

Expert’s Experience

Air Fry & Convection Performance: I was genuinely impressed with this oven’s air frying capabilities. Using the included mesh tray is key, as it allows hot air to circulate all around the food. I cooked frozen fries that came out crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, easily rivaling results from more expensive standalone air fryers. The convection fan also helps in the bake setting, ensuring food cooks more evenly and a little faster.

EvenToast Technology: To put the EvenToast Technology to the test, I filled the rack with four slices of standard white bread and set the toast dial to medium. The results were impressively uniform. While there was some very slight patchiness near the edges, it was a huge improvement over budget models that often leave you with one burnt corner and one pale spot. The BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake delivers reliable toast.

Capacity & Compact Design: For a compact appliance, the interior space is cleverly designed. It’s deep enough to fit a 9-inch pizza, which is perfect for a quick dinner. The ability to cook four slices of bread at once makes it practical for small households. It successfully balances a useful interior capacity with a small external footprint.

Best Budget Pick: BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Review

If you’re on a tight budget and need a simple, compact, and affordable toaster oven for basic tasks, the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD is an unbeatable choice. This no-frills workhorse gets the job done for toasting, baking, and reheating without any complicated features or a hefty price tag. It’s one of the best toaster ovens under $100 you can find.

This model proves you don’t need to spend a lot to get a reliable countertop oven. It’s perfect for a dorm room, an office breakroom, or any kitchen where space and budget are the top priorities.

Specifications:
* Capacity: 4 Slices / 9-inch Pizza
* Cooking Functions: 4 (Bake, Broil, Toast, Keep Warm)
* Heating Technology: Natural Convection
* Timer: 30-Minute Timer with Stay-On Function
* Design: Curved Interior
* Dimensions: 14.5″ x 10.8″ x 8.8″
* Color: Silver

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Extremely Affordable: This is the biggest selling point. It offers all the essential toaster oven functions at a price that is accessible to virtually anyone. It’s a fantastic value for what it does.
* ✅ Very Compact Footprint: Measuring just over 14 inches wide, this is one of the smallest and most lightweight ovens I tested. It’s an ideal choice for the most space-constrained kitchens where every inch of counter space matters.
* ✅ Simple, Straightforward Operation: With only three clearly marked dials for function, temperature, and time, it’s incredibly easy to operate. There’s no learning curve, making it perfect for users who want simplicity.
* ✅ Useful Stay-On Function: A standout feature at this price is the ability to bypass the 30-minute timer. This “stay-on” setting is very useful for baking tasks that might take longer, a convenience often missing on budget models.
* ✅ Clever Curved Interior: The back of the oven’s interior is curved, a smart design choice that allows it to fit a round 9-inch pizza despite its otherwise small dimensions.
* ✅ Natural Convection Heating: While it doesn’t have a fan, the oven is designed to promote natural convection, helping air circulate for more even cooking than you’d expect from a basic model.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Uneven Toasting: Without the advanced technology of pricier models, toasting can be patchy. I found that it often had hot spots, so it requires you to monitor your bread to get the desired shade without burning.
* ❌ Basic Build Quality: To meet its low price point, the materials feel less substantial. The metal is thinner, and the door doesn’t have the solid feel of premium models.
* ❌ Exterior Gets Very Hot: The thin housing provides minimal insulation. The top and sides become very hot to the touch during use, so you must use oven mitts and be cautious.
* ❌ Inaccurate Temperature Dial: The temperature markings on the dial are approximate. I recommend using an oven thermometer for any baking that requires precision.

Expert’s Experience

Core Cooking Functions: For its rock-bottom price, the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD performs its core duties adequately. I used it to bake a small batch of pre-made cookie dough and reheat a slice of pizza. While I had to keep a close eye on the food to prevent the edges from burning, it successfully cooked everything through. The natural convection design helps circulate air, but it’s not as effective as a true fan-forced system.

Design & Footprint: This oven is a true space-saver. Its small size makes it perfect for apartment living or even for use in an RV. The curved interior is a genuinely clever feature. I was skeptical, but it easily accommodated a standard 9-inch pizza pan, which is impressive for an appliance this compact.

Timer and Controls: The mechanical timer is basic but functional. My favorite feature is the “stay-on” function. Many budget ovens with 30-minute timers are a pain for baking, as you have to constantly reset them. Being able to set this oven to stay on for longer bakes without the timer shutting it off is a huge plus.

Most Versatile 2-in-1: Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 Review

For anyone looking to seriously declutter their countertop, the Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 Countertop Oven and Toaster is a stroke of genius. It brilliantly combines two of the most-used kitchen appliances—a countertop oven and a speedy pop-up toaster—into a single, space-saving unit.

This 2-in-1 toaster oven combo is the ultimate solution to save space. You can bake a pizza or broil fish in the oven, or with the slide of a lever, make perfect toast in the extra-wide top slot in half the time.

Specifications:
* Capacity (Oven): 9-inch Pizza / 2 Rack Positions
* Capacity (Toaster): 2 Slices / 1 Long Slice
* Cooking Functions: Bake, Broil, Keep Warm, plus a dedicated Toaster Slot
* Timer: 60-Minute Timer with Auto Shutoff
* Temperature Range: Up to 450°F
* Special Feature: Extra-wide top toasting slot
* Color: Stainless Steel

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Ultimate Space Saver: This is the main reason to buy it. The 2-in-1 design genuinely replaces two separate appliances, freeing up a significant amount of valuable counter real estate.
* ✅ Fast Pop-Up Toaster: The top toaster slot is 40% faster at making toast than using the oven function. For quick breakfasts, this is a huge convenience over waiting for an oven to heat up.
* ✅ Extra-Wide Toasting Slot: The long slot on top is wide enough to easily fit thick-cut bagels, artisan bread slices, and even Texas toast without getting stuck.
* ✅ Generous 60-Minute Timer: A longer 60-minute timer with auto-shutoff is a great feature for baking, offering more flexibility than the 30-minute timers common in this class.
* ✅ Good Oven Performance: The oven portion is surprisingly capable. It heats up to a respectable 450°F and bakes and broils effectively, handling tasks like melting cheese on sandwiches or cooking a small frozen pizza with ease.
* ✅ Dedicated Shade Selector: The pop-up toaster function has its own shade selector, giving you precise control over how light or dark you want your toast, independent of the oven settings.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Can’t Use Both Functions at Once: It’s a key limitation. A lever switches between the oven and the toaster slot, so you can only use one at a time. You can’t toast bread while something is baking in the oven.
* ❌ Taller Profile: While it saves horizontal space, its vertical design makes it taller than most other compact ovens. You should measure the space under your cabinets to ensure it fits.
* ❌ Oven Toasting is Slow: If you need to toast more than two slices at once using the oven function, it is noticeably slower than dedicated toaster ovens. The top slot is the clear winner for speed.

Expert’s Experience

2-in-1 Design & Space Savings: The core concept of the Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 is brilliant and well-executed. A simple, satisfying slide of a lever on the side of the unit switches the power and heating elements from the oven cavity to the top toaster slot. During my morning routine, using the top slot for a quick slice of toast was a game-changer. It was ready in under two minutes, far faster than waiting for any oven to preheat.

Toasting Performance: I tested the extra-wide top slot with a thick, hand-cut bagel. It fit easily and toasted quickly and evenly thanks to the dedicated toasting elements. The dedicated shade selector dial offers good control, delivering everything from lightly warmed to dark and crispy toast.

Oven Capacity & Features: The oven portion is more than just an afterthought. It’s a fully functional countertop oven. I baked a 9-inch frozen pizza, and it came out with a nicely crisped crust and bubbly cheese. The 60-minute timer with auto-shutoff is a huge advantage over the 30-minute timers found on the Black+Decker models, giving me peace of mind during longer bakes.

Best for Fast Heating: Panasonic FlashXpress Review

The Panasonic FlashXpress is a marvel of speed and efficiency. Its unique dual infrared heating technology means it’s ready to cook instantly—no preheating required. This makes it the perfect oven for anyone who values speed and is constantly making quick snacks, toast, or reheating leftovers.

This compact oven cooks food up to 40% faster than conventional toaster ovens by using a combination of quartz and ceramic infrared elements. It’s a quirky but incredibly effective appliance for people who hate waiting.

Specifications:
* Power: 1300 Watts
* Capacity: 4 Slices / 9-inch Pizza
* Cooking Functions: 6 Auto Cook Options (Toast, Waffle, Roll, Pizza, Quick Reheat, Hash Brown)
* Heating Technology: Double Infrared Heating (Quartz & Ceramic)
* Special Feature: No preheating required
* Safety: Auto pull-out rack
* Color: Silver

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Absolutely Instant-On Heating: This is its superpower. The double infrared heating requires no preheating, ever. It starts cooking the second you press the button, which can cook food up to 40% faster than conventional ovens.
* ✅ Precise and Even Cooking: The dual infrared lights are positioned in the front and back, cooking food from the inside and outside simultaneously. This results in incredibly even cooking and helps keep food like chicken nuggets moist on the inside while getting crispy on the outside.
* ✅ Genuinely Helpful Presets: The six one-touch auto cook options are surprisingly accurate. I used the “Pizza” and “Hash Brown” presets, and they cooked both frozen items perfectly without any need for me to guess the time or temperature.
* ✅ Excellent Safety Feature: The baking rack is connected to the door and automatically slides out when you open it. This is a fantastic design that prevents you from accidentally burning your knuckles when retrieving hot food.
* ✅ Extremely Compact and Unique Design: It has a very unique, small design that is deeper than it is wide. This footprint can fit into tight spaces where other ovens might not.
* ✅ Perfect for Reheating: This oven is a master at reviving leftovers. A slice of pizza reheats in under two minutes and comes out with a crispy crust, not the soggy mess you get from a microwave.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Limited Manual Control: The oven is heavily reliant on its presets. While there is a manual temperature and time control, the options are less granular than on a digital oven like the Breville, making it less ideal for serious baking.
* ❌ Quirky, Dated Design: The aesthetic is a bit retro and utilitarian. While some may find it charming, the silver plastic and bright orange light might not fit seamlessly into all modern kitchens.
* ❌ Small Interior Height: While it can fit a 9-inch pizza, the interior height is limited. You won’t be able to roast a whole chicken or bake a tall loaf of bread in this oven.

Expert’s Experience

FlashXpress Infrared Heating: The speed of the Panasonic FlashXpress is truly its defining feature. I tested it by making toast first thing in the morning; from a cold start, my toast was perfectly crisp and golden in about 90 seconds. Reheating a slice of leftover pizza took less than two minutes and tasted almost freshly baked—crispy, hot, and not at all soggy. The instant-on heat is a major time-saver.

Preset Cooking Functions: I was skeptical of the one-touch presets, but they work remarkably well. I tried the frozen hash brown preset with a single patty. The oven automatically set the time and toggled between the front and back infrared elements to cook it flawlessly. The “Quick Reheat” function has become my go-to for leftovers. These presets make it a fantastic appliance for quick, common kitchen tasks where you just want to push a button and walk away.

Compact Design & Safety: The oven’s design is unusual but practical. It’s small and deep, taking up less side-to-side counter space. The best part of the design, however, is the auto-pull rack. It’s a simple mechanical connection to the door, but it makes a huge difference in daily use. Not having to reach into a hot oven to grab my food is a safety and convenience feature I wish every single toaster oven had.

Small Toaster Oven Comparison Chart

This side-by-side comparison helps to quickly show the key differences between my top recommended models. You can see the trade-offs between advanced features, versatility, and price.

Feature	Breville Mini Smart	B+D Crisp ‘N Bake	B+D Budget	Hamilton Beach 2-in-1	Panasonic FlashXpress
My Category	Best Overall	Best Air Fryer Combo	Best Budget Pick	Most Versatile 2-in-1	Best for Fast Heating
Special Function	Element iQ System	Air Fryer	Stay-On Timer	Top Toaster Slot	Instant-On Infrared
Power	1800W	Convection Based	Convection Based	1400W (approx)	1300W
Capacity	4 Slices / 11″ Pizza	4 Slices / 9″ Pizza	4 Slices / 9″ Pizza	4 Slices / 9″ Pizza	4 Slices / 9″ Pizza
Best For	Cooks wanting precision	Users wanting versatility	Budget-conscious buyers	Saving maximum space	Users who value speed
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	3.8/5 ⭐	4.3/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐

This chart clearly illustrates the trade-off between premium features and price. The Breville Mini Smart Oven stands at the top for power and smart cooking technology, making it the best choice for those who want flawless results. In contrast, the Panasonic FlashXpress excels in pure speed, offering instant-on cooking that no other model can match.

The value proposition of the BLACK+DECKER models is undeniable. The Crisp ‘N Bake adds the highly sought-after air fry function at a mid-range price, making it a versatile kitchen workhorse. The budget B+D model covers the bare essentials reliably for a minimal investment, proving you don’t have to spend a lot for basic functionality.

Finally, the Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 and Panasonic models offer unique solutions to different problems. The Hamilton Beach solves the “two appliance” issue by cleverly combining a toaster and an oven, while the Panasonic solves the “waiting for preheating” frustration with its powerful infrared technology.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Small Toaster Oven

The “best” small toaster oven is the one that best fits your kitchen, your cooking habits, and your budget. Choosing the right compact oven comes down to understanding what features matter most to you. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider so you can make a confident choice.

• Cooking Functions & Versatility: First, think about what you’ll actually make. Do you just need something for toast and reheating pizza? A basic model with Bake, Broil, and Toast functions will suffice. If you love crispy foods like fries and wings, a toaster oven air fryer combo is worth the extra cost. Advanced models with presets for cookies, bagels, or roasting offer more convenience for frequent cooks.
• Size & Countertop Footprint: Measure your available space before you buy! Check the oven’s exterior dimensions—width, depth, and height—to ensure it will fit comfortably on your counter and under your cabinets. Also, check the interior capacity. Most compact models are designed to fit 4 slices of bread or a 9-inch pizza, which is a good standard for small meals.
• Power & Heating Technology: Wattage, typically ranging from 1200W to 1800W, is a good indicator of how fast an oven will preheat and cook. Higher wattage usually means faster performance. Also, look for advanced heating technologies. A convection fan circulates hot air for faster, more even cooking. Smart systems like Breville’s Element iQ offer superior precision, while infrared heating like in the Panasonic FlashXpress offers unmatched speed.
• Controls: Digital vs. Manual: Manual (dial) controls are simple to use and are typically found on budget-friendly models, but they lack precision. Digital controls with an LCD screen offer exact temperature and time settings and give you access to smart presets. This precision is crucial for baking, but it usually comes at a higher price.
• Ease of Use & Cleaning: Two features make cleaning dramatically easier: a non-stick interior and a removable, front-access crumb tray. Without these, cleaning can be a real chore. Thoughtful design touches like an auto-eject rack that pulls out when the door opens or an interior light also greatly improve the day-to-day user experience.
• Temperature Range & Timer: A good toaster oven should reach at least 400-450°F to handle tasks like broiling and getting a good crisp on food. For the timer, a 60-minute timer offers more flexibility for baking recipes than a standard 30-minute one. An auto-shutoff feature is also a critical safety function to look for.
• Price & Value: Set a realistic budget. Budget-friendly models under $50 are great for basic toasting and reheating. Mid-range options ($70-$120) often add valuable features like convection or air frying. Premium models ($150+) justify their cost with superior build quality, advanced heating technology, and precise digital controls that deliver more consistent results.
• Brand Reputation & Warranty: Stick with established brands known for producing quality kitchen appliances, such as Breville, BLACK+DECKER, Hamilton Beach, and Panasonic. A 1-year warranty is the industry standard and provides peace of mind against any manufacturing defects.

FAQs About Small Toaster Ovens

What is the best small toaster oven air fryer combo?

The best combo I’ve tested in the compact category is the BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake. It integrates a true air frying system with a powerful convection fan and a mesh basket that produces genuinely crispy results. It provides this excellent versatility without demanding a huge amount of counter space or a premium price, making it a fantastic value.

Are small toaster ovens worth it?

Yes, they are absolutely worth it for their speed, energy efficiency, and compact size. A small countertop oven preheats much faster than a full-size conventional oven, making it perfect for preparing small meals without heating up the whole kitchen. They are perfect for apartments, dorms, and anyone looking to use significantly less electricity for daily tasks like reheating, baking, or toasting.

Can you put aluminum foil in a toaster oven?

It depends on the oven, and you must read your oven’s manual first. Generally, it’s safe to use aluminum foil to cover pans or food, but you should never let the foil touch the heating elements or the walls of the oven. Most importantly, do not cover the crumb tray with foil, as this can block ventilation, cause the oven to overheat, and create a serious fire hazard.

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

A traditional toaster oven uses stationary heating elements to bake and broil food, much like a conventional oven. An air fryer, on the other hand, is a small convection oven with a powerful fan that circulates hot air at high speed to create a crispy, “fried” texture with very little oil. Many modern toaster ovens, like the B+D Crisp ‘N Bake, now include this air fry feature, giving you the best of both worlds.

Do small toaster ovens use less electricity?

Yes, a small toaster oven uses significantly less electricity than a full-size conventional oven. Because the interior space they have to heat is so much smaller, they preheat faster and use far less energy to maintain their temperature. For small to medium-sized cooking jobs, they are a much more energy-efficient choice.

Can a toaster oven replace a microwave?

It can replace a microwave for many tasks, but not all. A toaster oven is far superior for reheating foods that you want to keep crispy, like pizza, fries, or roasted vegetables. A microwave is much faster for reheating liquids like soup or coffee and is better for steaming vegetables or cooking things that need to stay moist. Many people find having both serves different purposes.

What is the easiest small toaster oven to clean?

The easiest models to clean are those that feature both a non-stick interior coating and a front-access, removable crumb tray. These two features make cleanup dramatically simpler. In my tests, the Breville Mini Smart Oven was particularly easy to clean thanks to its high-quality non-stick walls and a well-designed crumb tray that slides out completely from the front.

How do I choose a small toaster oven?

To choose the right one, first measure your counter space to determine your size constraints. Then, decide which cooking functions are most important to you (e.g., just toasting, or do you need air fry and convection baking?). Finally, balance your feature needs with your budget, considering whether you prefer the simplicity of manual controls or the precision of digital ones.

Which is better, a convection or a standard toaster oven?

A convection toaster oven is generally better because it includes a fan that circulates hot air throughout the oven cavity. This leads to faster preheating, more even cooking, and better browning. While a standard oven can get the job done, a convection feature provides more consistent and professional-looking results, especially for baking and roasting.

Can you cook a pizza in a small toaster oven?

Yes, you can cook a pizza in a small toaster oven, and they do an excellent job. Most compact models are specifically designed to fit a standard 9-inch pizza. Some larger “small” models, like the Breville Mini Smart Oven, can even accommodate an 11-inch pizza. They are fantastic for cooking frozen pizzas, producing a much crispier crust than you could ever get from a microwave.

My Final Verdict on the Best Small Toaster Ovens

After extensive hands-on testing, it’s clear that today’s best small toaster ovens offer incredible performance without taking over your kitchen. You no longer have to sacrifice power for a compact footprint. The right choice ultimately depends on balancing your desire for advanced features with your budget and cooking style.

The Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven is my top recommendation and the best choice for those who want superior performance and are willing to invest in it. Its Element iQ technology provides unmatched cooking precision, speed, and consistency that truly justifies its premium position.

This oven is perfect for you if…
* You want perfectly even toast every single time.
* You do a lot of small-batch baking and demand consistent results.
* You value a fast preheat time and powerful performance.
* You appreciate intuitive digital controls and smart features.
* You’re willing to pay a premium for top-tier build quality and design.

This oven is not ideal for…
* Shoppers on a very tight budget.
* Users who only need an oven for simple toasting.

If you want maximum versatility on a more moderate budget, the BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake is an outstanding alternative. It adds a high-performing air fryer to a reliable and compact toaster oven, offering fantastic 5-in-1 value that can transform your kitchen’s capabilities.

Last update on 2026-02-03 at 17:57 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API