Top 5 Counter Toaster Ovens: Must-Have Kitchen Gear

Tired of burnt toast or unevenly heated snacks? You know the feeling: you just want a perfectly golden piece of toast or a warm, crispy pocket, but your old appliance just can’t deliver. In today’s busy kitchen, the countertop toaster oven is a small appliance powerhouse, but the sheer number of models available can feel overwhelming. Do you need convection? How big should it be? These decisions can turn a simple purchase into a frustrating chore.

Choosing the wrong one means wasted counter space and disappointing results every morning. We understand the struggle to balance features, size, and price. That’s why we dove deep into the world of countertop toaster ovens.

This guide cuts through the confusing jargon and highlights the best features you truly need. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which toaster oven fits your cooking style and budget perfectly. Get ready to upgrade your breakfast game—let’s explore the countertop champions!

Top Counter Toaster Oven Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

BLACK+DECKER Crisp 'N Bake Air Fry Countertop Convection Toaster Oven, Medium Capacity, 4-Slice, 5-in-1, Fits 9” Pizza, 30-Min Timer, Bake, Broil, Air Fry, Toast, Keep Warm, Stainless Steel

5-IN–1 MULTIFUNCTIONAL COOKING- Enjoy versatile cooking with Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, and Keep Warm settings. Perfect for preparing a wide variety of meals from crispy fries to perfectly baked pizzas and golden toast.
HEALTHY AIR FRYING TECHNOLOGY – Cook crispy, delicious meals with little to no oil using advanced air frying technology. Enjoy healthier alternatives to your favorite fried foods without compromising taste or texture.
EVENTOAST TECHNOLOGY FOR PERFECT TOAST – Achieve evenly toasted bread, bagels, and more with BLACK+DECKER’s EvenToast technology, ensuring consistent results every time with no hot spots.
COMPACT YET SPACIOUS INTERIOR – Fits up to a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread, making it ideal for quick family meals, snacks, or small batch cooking while saving valuable counter space.
USER-FRIENDLY CONTROLS 7 ACCESSORIES – Features a 30-minute timer for precision cooking, plus a removable crumb tray, bake pan, air fry mesh tray, and wire rack for easy cleanup and versatile cooking options.

Bestseller No. 2

Ninja Toaster Oven & Air Fryer, 8-in-1 Functionality, Large Capacity, Air Fry Basket, Sheet Pan, Wire Rack & Removable Crumb Tray, Stainless,1800 watts, SP151

RECLAIM YOUR COUNTER SPACE: Takes up 50% less space when you flip it up and away to store against your backsplash.
OVENCRISP TECHNOLOGY: Infrared heating and rapid circulating air combine for edge-to-edge even cooking.
8-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Pizza, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate.
LARGE CAPACITY, SMALL FOOTPRINT: Air fry & roast up to 4 lbs of ingredients, bake a 12” pizza, toast up to 6 slices of bread, fits 6 chicken breasts.
QUICK FAMILY MEALS: Family-sized meals that feed up to 4 people in as little as 20 minutes.

Bestseller No. 3

BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver

ACCOMMODATES 9-INCH PIZZA OR 4 SLICES OF BREAD – Designed to maximize utility within a compact footprint, the curved interior fits a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread. Place items evenly for best results when toasting, baking, or reheating.
FOUR VERSATILE COOKING FUNCTIONS – Select from baking, broiling, toasting, or keeping food warm. Natural convection airflow circulates heat throughout the oven—preheat for 10 minutes to ensure consistent cooking and crisp results.
PRECISION 30-MINUTE TIMER WITH STAY-ON OPTION – The 30-minute timer includes clearly marked toast settings and a stay-on function. Oven will not operate unless timer is set or stay-on is selected, ensuring controlled and safe operation.
CONVENIENT REMOVABLE CRUMB TRAY – The slide-out crumb tray allows for quick, hygienic cleanup. To prevent spills and overheating, keep food and bakeware at least 1½ inches from the top heating elements and fully contained within the tray.
COMPACT AND CONTEMPORARY DESIGN – Measuring 14.5" x 10.8" x 8.8", this sleek stainless steel toaster oven complements any kitchen. Outer surfaces become hot during use—always use oven mitts and allow space for proper ventilation.

Bestseller No. 4

BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven with Natural Convection, Stainless Steel, TO1760SS (TO1760SST-1)

4-in-1 VERSATILITY FOR EVERYDAY COOKING – Toast, bake, broil, and keep food warm with one compact countertop appliance. Perfect for quick meals, snacks, and small-batch cooking without heating up your full-size oven.
EVENTOAST TECHNOLOGY FOR CONSISTENT RESULTS – Specially designed interior ensures even heat distribution and better toasting performance—ideal for up to 4 slices of bread or a 9” pizza.
30-MINUTE TIMER WITH STAY-ON FUNCTION – Built-in precision timer with stay-on setting allows for longer baking tasks. Ready indicator light and audible signal make meal prep simple and hassle-free.
SPACE-SAVING, SLEEK STAINLESS STEEL DESIGN – Modern stainless steel finish complements any kitchen decor while saving counter space. Durable build and clear glass door let you monitor food easily.
EASY CLEANUP WITH REMOVABLE CRUMB TRAY – Includes a slide-out crumb tray, bake pan, and broil rack for mess-free use and quick cleaning after every meal.

Bestseller No. 5

Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and Convection Oven, Brushed Stainless Steel

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro with Element iQ System is a versatile countertop oven allowing you to roast, air fry and dehydrate; Super convection reduces cooking time by up to 30%; Choose from 13 cooking functions; Includes interior oven light
ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: With 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer oven's power where and when it's needed to create a tailored cooking environment; Sensing and digital PID temperature control eliminate cold spots for precise cooking
AIR FRY AND DEHYDRATE SETTINGS: Air fry family favorites like French fries; Higher temperatures combine with super convection (maximized air flow) for crispy golden, air-fried foods; Oven also dehydrates up to 4 trays at once of a wide range of foods
SUPER CONVECTION TECHNOLOGY: Electric air fryer's 2 speed convection fan (super & regular) offers more cooking control; Super convection provides greater volume of hot air to ensure fast and even heat distribution for air frying, dehydration and roasting
13 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Versatile countertop oven and air fryer with 13 functions for your kitchen; Toast, Bagel, Broil, Bake, Roast, Warm, Pizza, Proof, Air Fry, Reheat, Cookies, Slow Cook, and Dehydrate; Like having a toaster, pizza oven and more in one

SaleBestseller No. 6

Nuwave Bravo Air Fryer Toaster Smart Oven, 12-in-1 Countertop Convection, 30-QT XL Capacity, 50°-500°F Temperature Controls, Top and Bottom Heater Adjustments 0%-100%, Brushed Stainless Steel Look

MAKE ADJUSTMENTS ON-THE-FLY – Want hotter temperature or need to cook it longer? No problem. Simply adjust on-the-fly any time. Starting the cooking process over is not necessary. Bravo toaster oven's intuitive digital controls are easy to operate. Control not only the time and temperature but also customize the top and bottom heaters. To bake a perfect pizza, set bottom heaters at full power and top heaters at 30% for crispy crunch crust and perfectly melted cheesy toppings
INTEGRATED DIGITAL TEMPERATURE PROBE – Once the desired doneness temperature is set, Bravo air fryer toaster oven constantly monitors the internal temperature of your food and automatically ends the cooking process when the desired internal temperature is reached. You will never undercook or overcook your food again
112 PRESETS AND CONVENIENCES BUILT-IN – Bravo air fryer has 4 different rack positions and is programmed with includes 12 preset cooking functions for grilling, air frying, baking, broiling, roasting, dehydrating, reheating, defrosting, toasting and more. It also has additional 100 pre-programmed recipe presets in addition to 50 slots where you can save and recall your own favorite recipes
LINEAR THERMAL (LINEAR T) TECHNOLOGY – Set cooking temperatures from 50°F and 500°F adjustable in precise 5°F increments. Patented Linear T Technology executes the set temperature accurately throughout the entire cooking process by continuously monitoring temperature fluctuations and making constant power adjustments every second to maintain the set temperature to ensure perfect results. Unlike the primitive methods of turning the heater on and off, our heater never turns off while cooking
HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION – From the heat-resistant and shatter-proof tempered glass door to the heavy-duty cooking racks, to the non-stick enamel baking pan with broiler rack, crumb tray, and air fry basket, everything that comes with the NuWave Bravo XL toaster oven air fryer combo is made with quality in mind

Bestseller No. 7

Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel

The Breville Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven with Element iQ System is for cooks interested in making pizza, delicious cookies and golden toast in their countertop oven; It's a mini oven, but this space-saving tool offers 8 cooking functions
ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer small oven's power where and when it's needed, creating a tailored cooking environment for precise results; Fast 1800 Watt preheat gets meals on the kitchen table faster
8 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Versatile mini smart oven has 8 cooking functions to bring new meal options to your home and kitchen; Access Toast, Bagel, Bake, Broil, Pizza, Roast, Cookies, and Reheat; It's a toaster oven, pizza oven and more, all in one appliance
SMALL CAPACITY: 11 x 10 x 4 inch interior capacity fits 4 toast slices, bagels, cookies, tuna melts, 6 cup muffin tray, and 11 inch pizzas; 3 rack positions, pull out crumb tray and auto shut off; Combo countertop oven and toaster fits into small kitchens
LCD DISPLAY: LCD display allows for easy access to all of mini oven's built in smart functionality; Choose from 8 cooking functions to access a space-efficient roaster oven, broiler and more

Bestseller No. 8

Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven, Improved 100% Super Convection, Quicker & Crispier Results, 100 Presets, Multi-Layer Even Cooking, 50-500F, Smart Probe, PFAS Free, 30QT, Stainless Steel

FASTER FAN, BETTER RESULTS: The newly designed and engineered fan and housing can produce 100% faster fan speed for quicker cooking and irresistibly crispier and golden-brown results
CUSTOMIZE YOUR PIZZA OVEN: Adjust the ratio of top and bottom heaters from 0 to 100% and 3 fan speed for different heating zones. To bake a thick pizza, set bottom heaters at 70% power & top at 30% for crispy crust and perfectly melted cheesy toppings
112 EASY-COOK PRESETS: This convection oven is programmed with 12 cooking functions such as air fry, toast, grill, bake, roast, slow cook, dehydrate, defrost, and more. It also features 100 one-touch recipe presets for easy cooking without the guesswork
MULTI-LAYER EVEN COOKING: With the upgraded convection system, the temperature difference between each layer is only 0-1°F, making multi-layer cooking more even and efficient than ever before. Save a lot of time and energy
500°F MAX TEMPERATURE: The Bravo air fryer oven features a cooking temperature range from 50°F to 500°F in precise 5°F increments. It also offers selectable fan speeds from 0 to 3

Choosing Your Perfect Counter Toaster Oven: A Buying Guide

A counter toaster oven is a small kitchen helper. It toasts bread, bakes small items, and sometimes even broils. Finding the right one makes cooking easier and faster. This guide helps you pick the best one for your kitchen.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, check these important parts first. They make the oven useful and fun to use.

Size and Capacity

Counter Space: Measure the space where the oven will sit. Some ovens are big; some are small.
Interior Size: Think about what you cook. Do you need to fit four slices of toast? Maybe a small frozen pizza? Larger ovens fit more food.

Functions and Settings

Basic Settings: Look for Toast, Bake, and Broil. These are the must-haves.
Extra Settings: Some ovens have special settings like “Keep Warm” or “Defrost.” These add convenience.
Temperature Range: A wide temperature range (like 150°F to 450°F) lets you cook many different foods properly.

Controls

Dials vs. Digital: Dials are simple and sturdy. Digital controls often offer more precise settings. Choose what you find easiest to read and set.
Timer Accuracy: A good timer is essential for perfect toast. Check if the timer is easy to see.

Important Materials and Build Quality

The materials used affect how long your toaster oven lasts and how safe it is.

Exterior Casing

Stainless Steel: This looks modern and cleans up easily. It is very durable.
Painted Metal: This is often cheaper but might scratch or chip over time.

Interior Walls

Non-Stick Coating: This is great for easy cleanup after baking or broiling cheese. Make sure the coating is high quality so it doesn’t peel.
Metal Interior: These are very tough but require more scrubbing if spills happen.

Heating Elements

Quartz vs. Traditional: Quartz elements heat up faster than older metal types. Faster heating means quicker cooking times.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Some features make a toaster oven much better to use daily. Other things can make you frustrated.

Quality Boosters

Convection Fan: This fan circulates hot air. It cooks food more evenly and often faster. This is a big plus for baking.
Interior Light: Being able to see your food cook without opening the door keeps the temperature steady.
Removable Crumb Tray: Always choose an oven with a tray you can slide out easily. Cleaning crumbs is much simpler this way.

Quality Reducers

Poor Insulation: If the outside gets extremely hot, it shows the oven is losing heat. This wastes energy and can be a safety concern.
Flimsy Racks: Racks that stick or feel weak make taking hot food out dangerous.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you plan to use the oven most often. This helps you prioritize features.

Daily Toasting

If you only make toast, focus on quick preheat times and reliable shade settings. A simple model works best here.

Small Batch Baking

If you bake cookies or reheat leftovers, look for a model that fits a 9-inch pan. Convection is very helpful for even browning.

Quick Meals

For quick meals like heating frozen appetizers or making small casseroles, ensure the oven heats up fast. Digital controls might help you set precise times for these quick jobs.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Counter Toaster Ovens

Q: How are toaster ovens different from regular ovens?

A: Toaster ovens are much smaller. They heat up faster than big ovens. They are perfect for small meals or just toasting bread.

Q: Do I need a convection setting?

A: Not always. Convection circulates air, making food cook faster and more evenly. It is great for baking but not needed just for simple toasting.

Q: What size pizza can most toaster ovens fit?

A: Most standard counter models hold pizzas up to 10 or 12 inches across. Always check the interior dimensions before buying.

Q: Are toaster ovens energy efficient?

A: Yes, usually they are. Because they are small, they use much less electricity than heating up a full-sized oven for a small meal.

Q: How often should I clean the crumb tray?

A: You should empty the crumb tray after every few uses. Crumbs catching fire is a real danger if they build up too much.

Q: Can I use my regular metal baking pans inside?

A: You can, but you must check the manual. The pan cannot touch the heating elements. Only use pans that fit with plenty of space around them.

Q: What does the “Broil” setting do?

A: Broiling uses intense heat only from the top element. It browns the top of your food quickly, like melting cheese on a sandwich.

Q: Why does my toast come out unevenly browned?

A: Uneven toasting often means the heating elements are old, or the bread was too close to one side. Try rotating the bread halfway through.

Q: Are stainless steel exteriors hard to keep clean?

A: Stainless steel looks nice, but it shows fingerprints easily. You usually need a special cleaner or a damp cloth to wipe away smudges.

Q: What is the safest way to remove hot food?

A: Always use oven mitts. Slide the rack out slowly until you can safely grab the hot dish with tongs or mitts. Never rush this step.