Introduction
Ever wonder if the best toaster oven is really worth the counter space? I did too. I’ve owned a basic two-slice toaster and even a large oven. But nothing fits my daily needs like a good toaster oven. After trying a few and reading tons of reviews (because yes, I’m that person), I found one that does it all. It makes toast just right, bakes cookies, and even roasts a chicken. It saves time, space, and power. If your kitchen could use a little boost, this might be the tool for you. Trust me—it’s a game-changer you didn’t know you needed.
Best Toaster Oven 2025 – What Makes a Toaster Oven Stand Out?
You know how some gadgets just sneak into your daily life? At first, they seem extra. Then one day, you wonder how you lived without them. That’s what happened when I found the best toaster oven. I didn’t expect much. But now, I use it more than my big oven.
So what makes a toaster oven great in 2025? It should do more than toast. A good one heats fast. It browns evenly. It’s simple to use, even early in the morning. The top models today feel like smart ovens in a small box. They reheat food well, save time and save power too.
I’ve tested a bunch. Some were cheap and okay. Some looked fancy but didn’t toast right. But a few stood out. They made food fast and perfect. I’ve baked cookies, roasted veggies, and even made dinner. The right toaster oven just makes life easier.
Want a quick way to spot the best? If it can do three jobs in one—and still fit on your counter—you’ve found a gem. And if the buttons make sense without a manual, that’s a big win too.
👉 Short Answer: A top toaster oven in 2025 should heat fast, toast evenly, and be simple to use—like a smart mini oven for your counter.
Top Picks – Best Toaster Ovens for Every Kitchen in 2025
Let’s be real—there are a lot of toaster ovens out there. I’ve tested more than I can count. Some looked sleek but didn’t work well. Others looked plain but shocked me with how good they were. So I picked the top ones to help you find the best toaster oven for your kitchen.
👉 Short Answer: The best toaster ovens in 2025 heat fast, toast well, and are easy to use.
Whether you’re short on space, cooking for your family, or just love a good piece of toast, you’ll find something here. I made these picks based on real use. Not just specs. Because let’s be honest—features don’t matter if your toast still comes out burnt.
👉 Short Answer: Pick a toaster oven that fits your needs, space, and how you cook.
Here’s a quick table to help you compare. I added the price, how much toast it fits, the top feature, and my rating after real testing.
📊 Best Toaster Oven Comparison Table – 2025 at a Glance
| Model | Price | Toast Capacity | Top Feature | Why It Stands Out | Rating |
| Breville Smart Oven | $399 | 6 slices | Quartz heat + smart controls | Fast and even. I use it every day. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Black+Decker Crisp N’ Bake | $149.99 | 4 slices | Budget-friendly + crisp toast | Great deal. Easy and solid for daily use. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection | $149.99 | 4 slices | Infrared heat for fast cooking | No warm-up. Toast is done quick and right. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Ninja Air Fryer, 10QT DoubleStack | $219.95 | 6 slices | Bakes, toasts, and air fries | One oven, many jobs. A real multitasker. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Cuisinart Classic Toaster Oven | $109.95 | 6 slices | Simple + reliable | No fuss. Just works well every time. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 Toaster Oven | $99.99 | 4 slices | Stylish + even browning | Great UK choice. Looks sharp, works great. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Breville Mini Smart Oven | $159.95 | 2 slices | Small, cute, and easy to use | Tiny but mighty. Good for small kitchens. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Let’s go over the top choices, one by one.
Best Overall: Breville Smart Oven
This is the one I use most. It’s fast. It’s smart. It just makes life easy. I use it more than my full oven. On busy days, it saves me.
👉 Short Answer: The Breville Smart Oven is the best toaster oven for speed, control, and everyday use.
The quartz elements heat fast and stay steady. That means no burnt toast or raw centers. The buttons are clear too—no need to read the manual. Just press and go.
It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it. If you want a toaster oven that does it all, this is it.
Best Toaster Oven Under $200
If you’re on a budget, I’ve got you. I tested a few cheap ones. The Black+Decker Crisp N’ Bake was the best of the bunch.
👉 Short Answer: The best toaster oven under $100 is Black+Decker’s Crisp N’ Bake—it’s simple and works well.
It fits four slices or a 9-inch pizza. It doesn’t have extras, but it toasts and bakes like a pro. It’s great if you want a backup oven or a first one that just works.
You don’t need to spend a lot to get good toast.
Best Toaster Oven for Toast Lovers
If toast is your love language (it is for me), you need something that nails it. The Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection does just that.
👉 Short Answer: The Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection is best for toast—it heats fast and browns evenly.
It uses infrared heat. That means it starts fast and stays hot. Your toast comes out golden every time. I tested one, four, and six slices. All came out great.
Want café-level toast at home? This is your pick.
Best 4 Slice Toaster Oven
Need a toaster oven that’s not too big but still fits your family? A 4-slice toaster oven is the sweet spot. I like the Ninja Air Fryer, 10QT DoubleStack for this.
👉 Short Answer: The best 4 slice toaster oven is the Ninja Air Fryer, 10QT DoubleStack—it’s compact and reliable.
It handles toast, snacks, and small meals. It even fits a trimmed 9×13 pan. For folks in the UK, try the Russell Hobbs Inspire. It’s stylish and works great too.
Perfect for small kitchens or busy mornings.
Best Rated 2 Slice Toaster & Compact Picks
Live alone or in a small space? You don’t need a big oven. The Dash Mini Toaster Oven is my favorite for tight spots.
👉 Short Answer: The best small toaster oven is the Dash Mini—it’s tiny, fast, and easy to use.
It fits two slices and small snacks. I use it for toast, pizza, and even cookies. It’s perfect for dorms or small flats. And it won’t crowd your counter.
Sometimes, less is more.
Coming up next: I’ll show you how I tested each one—toast trials, real recipes, and even thermometers.
Let’s keep going!
The ways, we teasted every toaster oven
👉 Short Answer: I tested each toaster oven with real recipes, timing, and temperature checks to find the best toaster oven for daily use.
When I test a kitchen gadget, I treat it like it’s part of my routine. Because that’s how you’ll use it, right? I didn’t just toast a slice and call it a day, cooked full meals, made late-night snacks and reheated leftovers and even baked cookies just to see what each oven could really do.
I ran toast tests first. Why? Because if a toaster oven can’t make good toast, it’s already failed the basics. I tested one slice, then four, and even six at once. Some ovens nailed it. Others burned one side while undercooking the other. I also timed how fast they toasted and how even the browning was.
👉 Short Answer: Each oven was tested with one, four, and six slices of toast to check speed, even browning, and consistency.
Next, I roasted a small chicken in each. I wanted to know: could these really handle dinner duty? Some got hot fast and cooked evenly. Others took longer or had cold spots. That’s where heating element type mattered—quartz beat nichrome almost every time. It heats faster and more evenly.
👉 Short Answer: I roasted chicken to test heating power and even cooking—quartz elements worked best.
To be sure of the heat levels, I used thermocouples—little wire sensors that track temp changes fast. I placed them in the center and edges. That way, I could see if the oven heated evenly or had hot and cold zones. I also tracked how long it took each one to hit 350°F.
👉 Short Answer: I used thermocouples to measure how fast and evenly each toaster oven reached 350°F.
I didn’t stop at one recipe. I baked cookies, melted cheese on tuna melts, and tried frozen pizza too. These are real-life meals, not just tests. I paid attention to how easy each oven was to use—were the buttons clear? Could I set the timer fast? Was cleanup a hassle?
👉 Short Answer: I tested with real food—cookies, pizza, and melts—to see how each oven handled everyday tasks.
It wasn’t all about performance, though. I looked at value. Does a $250 oven do enough to justify the price? Does a $70 model toast well enough to skip the big oven? Some surprises made it to the top of my list—not because they had fancy features, but because they just worked.
👉 Short Answer: I judged ovens on real value—what you get for the price and how well it fits daily life.
In the end, I picked winners based on how they fit into my life. But I also thought about yours. Whether you need the best toaster oven for toast, a compact option, or something under $100, my testing helped me find the right one for each need.
Common Features to Consider Before Buying a Toaster Oven
👉 Short Answer: Look at heat type, size, controls, safety, and cleaning before choosing the best toaster oven for your kitchen.
Before you buy a toaster oven, think about how you’ll use it. Do you want it for toast? Quick meals? Leftovers? The right one can save you time—but only if it fits your needs.
Here are the key things to look for.
1. Heating Element Type
👉 Short Answer: Quartz heats up fast and cooks more even than nichrome coils.
Most toaster ovens use either quartz or nichrome heating parts. Quartz gets hot fast and gives more even heat. It’s great for toast, pizza, and small meals. Nichrome takes longer to heat up. It also cools down slow. You’ll find nichrome in more budget ovens.
If you only toast bread, either one will work. But if you bake or roast, quartz is the better pick.
2. Size and Capacity
👉 Short Answer: Choose the size based on your kitchen space and how you cook—4-slice for small use, bigger for full meals.
Toaster ovens come in many sizes. Some fit only two slices. Others fit a full 9×13 pan. A 4-slice oven works well for most homes. It’s big enough for meals but still saves space.
If you cook for a group or roast large dishes, go for a bigger one. If you live alone or have little space, a small model is fine.
3. Easy-to-Use Controls
👉 Short Answer: Simple buttons and clear labels make life easy—no need to guess or read a big manual.
No one wants to fight with a menu just to make toast. The best toaster ovens have clear dials or buttons. They should make sense right away.
It helps if there’s a “toast shade” setting. Presets for pizza, bagels, or reheat are nice too. And make sure the timer makes a sound you can hear.
4. Safety Features
👉 Short Answer: Cool-touch handles, auto shut-off, and stable feet help you stay safe in the kitchen.
Toaster ovens get hot. A cool-touch handle keeps your hand safe. Some ovens turn off by themselves after time runs out. That’s a big help.
Check the feet too. Non-slip feet keep it from sliding when you open the door. You don’t want hot food falling off the counter.
5. Cleanup and Maintenance
👉 Short Answer: A crumb tray and a wipe-clean inside make cleanup fast and easy.
Cleaning should not be hard. A removable crumb tray helps a lot. Some ovens have a nonstick or stainless inside. That makes it easy to wipe clean.
Avoid ovens that trap food in tight spots. That gets messy fast. A good oven is easy to use—and easy to clean too.
Think about how you’ll use the oven day to day. Choose one that fits your space and needs. Don’t let fancy extras distract you.
👉 Short Answer: The best toaster oven is the one that fits your life, cooks what you love, and makes things easy.
Toaster Oven vs. Traditional Toaster – Which One’s Right for You?
👉 Short Answer: A toaster is fast and simple, but a toaster oven does way more—like baking, reheating, and cooking small meals.
Let me start with this—I used to think a toaster was enough. I mean, it pops out toast fast, takes no space, and doesn’t need a manual. But then I tried a toaster oven. And wow—total upgrade.
A traditional toaster is great for one thing: toast. It’s quick, compact, and perfect if all you need is a crispy slice in the morning. But once you start cooking more at home, a simple toaster can feel, well, too simple.
👉 Short Answer: Choose a toaster if you only want toast, but pick a toaster oven if you want to cook, bake, and toast.
I realized this during a busy week. My oven felt too big just to reheat pizza, and the toaster? Not even an option. That’s when the toaster oven came in clutch. I used it to warm leftovers, make tuna melts, even roast veggies. And yes—still made toast.
Toaster ovens are like the Swiss army knife of small appliances. They toast, but also bake cookies, broil fish, or crisp frozen snacks. Plus, they’re amazing for small kitchens or when you don’t want to heat up the whole house.
👉 Short Answer: Toaster ovens do more than toast—they’re great for snacks, meals, and anything in between.
Still, there are trade-offs. A traditional toaster is smaller and often cheaper. It’s easier to clean too. If you only want perfect toast every morning, you don’t need more than a good 2- or 4-slice toaster. In fact, the best 4 slice toaster can make toast faster than some ovens.
But if you’re like me and love trying new recipes—or hate using your big oven for small jobs—a toaster oven is worth every inch of space.
👉 Short Answer: A toaster saves time and space, but a toaster oven adds flexibility and function to your kitchen.
Here’s how I see it now: the best 4 slice toaster is perfect if you’re all about toast. The best toaster oven is perfect if you’re all about doing more with one tool.
Bonus tip: if you’re in a small apartment or flat, a compact toaster oven might save you from buying a big oven at all. And for my readers in Europe—yes, a good beste inbouw oven is great for built-in setups, but a countertop toaster oven is easier to move and doesn’t need installation.
👉 Short Answer: Want toast only? Stick with a traditional toaster. Want more options? Go for the best toaster oven that fits your space and needs.
In the end, it’s all about how you cook. For quick toast, I still love my simple best 2 slice toaster. But for everything else, the toaster oven wins.
Best Smart Toaster Oven – Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro
Let’s talk about the Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro. This is my favorite smart toaster oven in 2025. If you love tech and want full control over cooking, this one’s for you.
I was a little unsure when I first got it. I already had the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. But the Joule version added a few smart features I had to try. And yes—it’s worth it.
My Favorite Things
- The app is amazing.
It connects to the Joule app through Wi-Fi. From the app, you can preheat, set timers, and choose recipes. No need to touch the oven once food is in. I’ve started dinner from the couch more than once. - Guided cooking makes it easy.
This is great if you’re busy or not sure how to cook something. The app shows you step-by-step. It even tells the oven what to do. You don’t need to think—it’s like having a helper in the kitchen. - It remembers how I like things.
It learns my cooking habits. So if I roast veggies at 400°F for 20 minutes every time, it remembers that. The app will even suggest that when I start a new batch. - Still cooks like the classic Breville.
This model has 13 settings like air fry, roast, bake, and more. It heats fast and cooks evenly, just like the one I used before. Plus, it fits a 9-slice toast or a 14-pound turkey—huge! - No need to watch it.
With the app, I get alerts when it’s preheated or food is done. That means no more standing by the oven. I can play with the kids or clean up while dinner takes care of itself.
What Could Be Better
It’s pricey. Also, there’s no camera inside. Some smart ovens let you see your food from the app, and that’s missing here. But I didn’t really miss it. I trust how it cooks.
Why I Recommend It
If you want the best smart toaster oven in 2025, this is it. You get the power of a pro oven with the brains of a smart device. I use it for everything—toast, roast, air fry, and even slow cook. And I love being able to control it from anywhere.
FAQs
What is the best toaster oven in 2025?
The best toaster oven in 2025 is the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. It heats up fast, cooks food well and has lots of modes. For most homes, it’s worth the cost. It gives even heat. It has a top-notch build.
What is the best 4 slice toaster oven for under $100?
The Black+Decker Crisp N’ Bake is the best 4 slice toaster oven under $100. It makes good toast, small pizza and bakes well. It lacks some fancy parts but does the main jobs right. The price is fair.
Can you make good toast in a toaster oven?
Yes, you can make great toast in a toaster oven. The best toaster oven for toast is the Panasonic FlashXpress. It heats up fast. It browns bread just right. Some toaster ovens even beat plain toasters for even toast.
Are toaster ovens worth it?
Yes, toaster ovens are worth it. They save time, use less power than big ovens and do many jobs in one tool. A good toaster oven can toast, bake, roast, and warm up food. Some new ones can air fry too.
What is the difference between a toaster and toaster oven?
A toaster just makes toast. A toaster oven can toast, bake, roast, and warm up food. The best 2 slice toaster is great for quick toast only. A toaster oven costs more but does more tasks. It fits more food types.
Which toaster oven is best for small kitchens?
The Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven is the best toaster oven for small kitchens. It flips up to save space when not in use. The Dash Mini is also great if you need a tiny 2 slice toaster oven for tight spots.
Is Breville worth the price?
Yes, Breville toaster ovens are worth the price for most homes. They last long, have smart parts that make cooking easy and cook more even. If you use it a lot, the best rated 4 slice toaster oven from Breville pays for itself.
How do you make toast in a toaster oven?
To make toast in a toaster oven: 1) Put the rack in the mid slot. 2) Set to “Toast” mode. 3) Pick your shade from light to dark. 4) Press start. Most best 4 slice toaster ovens take 3-5 mins for good toast.
What’s the best toaster oven for a family of four?
The best toaster oven for a family of four fits at least 6 slices or a 12-inch pizza. The Cuisinart TOB-1010 is great as a best 4 slice toaster oven with room to grow. The Breville is best if you cook full meals.
How do UK toaster ovens compare to US models?
UK toaster ovens (often called mini ovens) have some style and size diffs. The best 4 slice toaster UK types like the Russell Hobbs Inspire work well but may be more small. UK ones also tend to use less watts due to volt diffs.
Can a toaster oven replace a built-in oven?
A toaster oven can’t fully take the place of a beste inbouw oven (built-in oven), but it can do most daily tasks. For small homes, a good toaster oven might be all you need if you don’t bake large items or cook for big groups.
What should I look for when buying a toaster oven?
When buying a toaster oven, look for: 1) Quartz heat parts for even cooking. 2) The right size for your needs. 3) Clear, simple dials. 4) A pull-out crumb tray. 5) Food sets that match what you cook most.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Toaster Oven
I never thought I’d write so much about toaster ovens. But after months of tests, lots of toast, and too many frozen pizzas, I’m sold on these small kitchen stars.
👉 Short Answer: The best toaster oven fits your space, meets your needs, and makes cooking easy—for most folks, that’s the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro.
Here’s what I found in my tests: a good toaster oven does more than toast. It’s a tool that saves time. Some days, I don’t even use my big oven now.
Still not sure? Think about how you cook each day. Do you warm up food a lot? Make quick meals for one or two? Want toast but also want to bake when it’s hot out? If yes, then you need a toaster oven on your counter.
For most homes, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is the top pick. Yes, it costs more. But I grab it most days. It heats food the same all over, has clear dials, and does so many jobs. It will work well for years to come.
Not all of us need the fancy stuff, though. If you want to save cash, the Black+Decker under $100 will still change how you cook. And if your space is tight, the Ninja Foodi or small Dash Mini might work best for you.
👉 Short Answer: No matter what you can spend or how big your space is, there’s a toaster oven that can make your cooking better—from toast to full meals.
Keep in mind, the best toaster oven isn’t just the most dear one or the one with the most tricks. It’s the one you’ll use each day that makes your time in the kitchen more fun.
Want to step up your toast game and so much more? Find your best toaster oven today—your toast, pizza, and quick meals will thank you.
What do you want most in a toaster oven? Tell me in the notes below!
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