Is your old toaster oven finally sputtering its last crumbs? Do you stare at the wall of shiny, new models in the store, feeling completely overwhelmed? You are not alone! Choosing the best toaster oven today feels like a full-time job. So many brands promise perfection, but how do you know which one actually toasts evenly, bakes reliably, and doesn’t take up your entire counter?
Sorting through endless online reviews and confusing features can be a real headache. You want a reliable appliance that saves you time, not one that burns your bagels or breaks down after six months. That’s exactly why we dove deep into the latest Consumer Reports data for you. We cut through the jargon and tested the top contenders.
By the end of this guide, you will know exactly which toaster ovens excel at baking, broiling, and toasting. We will break down the top performers, highlight the best budget buys, and reveal the models experts trust most. Get ready to say goodbye to uneven toast forever. Let’s find your perfect match!
Top Rated Toaster Oven Consumer Reports Recommendations
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 – 30-minute timer with removable crumb/drip tray, bake pan, air fry mesh tray, and wire rack for easy cleanup. Use drip tray when cooking and keep food clear of heating element. See User Manual for proper use.
No. 2
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.
No. 3
Cuisinart Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler, 1800 Watt Countertop Toaster Oven to Bake, Broil, and Toast, Non-Stick Interior, Consistent Toast Control, Brushed Stainless Steel/Black, TOB-40N
- VERSATILE COOKING: Cuisinart Toaster Oven Broiler with 1800 watts of high-performance power offers a wide range of cooking functions in one including toast, bagel, bake, broil, pizza, keep warm, and more.
- SPACIOUS CAPACITY: Cuisinart oven with 0.5-cubic feet interior lets you toast 6 slices of bread or 4 bagel halves, bake an 11-inch pizza, or roast a family-sized casserole.
- PERFECT TOAST: Always Even Shade Control monitors the toasting temperature to automatically adjust cooking time for consistent toast results slice after slice.
- SAFETY & CONVENIENCE: Simple to use, this countertop oven features a cool-touch handle, easy-grip dials, and automatic shutoff for safety, an auto-slide rack to remove cooked food easily, and a non-stick interior for easy cleanup.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Beautiful brushed stainless steel toaster oven comes with a limited 3-year warranty, is BPA free, and includes a wire rack, broiling rack, baking/drip pan, front removable crumb tray with cool-touch grip, and a recipe book.
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.
No. 5
BLACK+DECKER Crisp 'N Bake Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, 12 in 1 Countertop Convection Oven Cooks Food Fast, Fits a Whole Pizza or 6 Toast Slices, French Doors with Stainless Steel Finish
- ELEVATE YOUR KITCHEN EXPERIENCE: Enjoy premium French doors with stainless-steel accents, providing easy and convenient access in a single pull. Enhance your cooking space with style and functionality.
- VERSATILE COOKING MASTERY: Effortlessly prepare 12" pizzas or 6 slices of toast and explore a world of culinary possibilities with 12 cooking functions: Convection Baking, Bake, Pizza, Broil, Air Fry, Fries, Reheat, Toast, Bagel, Keep Warm, Roast, and Snacks. Your kitchen, your way.
- CRISP WITHOUT COMPROMISE: Delight in the extra crunch and deep-fried taste without the guilt. Our Air Fryer Oven utilizes convection technology, circulating hot air for perfectly crispy results, making every dish a flavorful masterpiece.
- INTUITIVE COOKING CONTROL: The selection dial with cooking indicator lights up to guide you seamlessly through the cooking process. Watch it turn red when active and blue when paused or on standby, ensuring precision every time.
- EFFICIENCY REDEFINED: Cut your cooking time by over 2.5x with the convection fan above the upper heating element. Embrace full family meals without sacrificing counterspace, and enjoy easy monitoring through the clear glass door.
No. 6
Buself Toaster Oven Liner – Compatible with Breville, Cuisinart, Black & Decker, Dash, and More – Nonstick Heat Resistant Reusable Air Fryer Liners, PFOA & BPA Free, 9x11", 2 Pack, Black
- Optimal Protection & Safety: Protect the bottom of your toaster oven or air fryer with our premium, heavy-duty toaster oven liners that catch spills and prevent odors. Designed with rounded corners to enhance safety and handling
- High Heat Resistance & Quality: Made from double-sided nonstick PTFE-coated fiberglass, our liners can withstand temperatures up to 500°F, making them perfect for high-heat cooking and baking
- Eco-Friendly & Economical: Reusable and dishwasher safe, these liners offer a sustainable alternative to single-use aluminum foils and reduce the need for cleaning chemicals
- Versatile Use: Not just for toaster ovens and air fryers; use them as a baking mat or even under grilling foods to make cleanup a breeze
- Custom Fit for Convenience: Easily trimmed to fit any standard toaster oven or air fryer, including popular models from brands such as Breville (including TOA-60, TOA-65), Cuisinart, Black & Decker, Hamilton Beach, Cosori, and Dash. These nonstick air fryer liners are ideal for everyday cooking and baking, helping you keep your kitchen clean and mess-free. For best results, measure your appliance before purchasing to ensure the perfect fit.
No. 7
BLACK+DECKER TO3250XSBD 8-Slice Extra Wide Convection Countertop Toaster Oven, Includes Bake Pan, Broil Rack & Toasting Rack, Stainless Steel/Black
- Fits Most Oven Pans - Use the pans you already have! This spacious oven fits most standard 9”x13” oven pans with handles. That means you can go from straight from oven to table. Plus, the included baking/broiling pan fits perfectly, making it easy to insert and remove food. Toasting rack also included.
- Convection Heating - The powerful convection fan circulates warm air throughout the oven for fast, even baking. Other functions include: baking, broiling, toasting, and keeping food warm.Dedicated Toast Timer - Get perfect toast every time using the dedicated toast timer. It allows for predictable shade selection with every use.
- Temperatures in the oven will be lower than your set point. This is due to advanced heating elements used in this oven. Temperature dial settings have been calibrated to provide expected results for most recipes taking into account the advanced heating elements.
- 60-minute Timer - The 60-minute precision timer features stay-on functionality for longer baking tasks. Dedicated precision toast timer. 3 rack positions for improved cooking flexibility
No. 8
Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, Fits 9” Pizza, 4 Slice Capacity, Powerful Circulation, Auto Shutoff, Stainless Steel (31403)
- POWERFUL AIR CIRCULATION FOR EVENLY BROWNED FOOD WITH LITTLE TO NO OIL: This Hamilton Beach air fryer toaster oven's convection function circulates air around food as it cooks making crispy and delicious fries, chicken, steaks, fish and vegetables.
- AIR FRYER OVEN COMBO WITH 4 VERSATILE COOKING OPTIONS: Enjoy the convenience of a toaster oven and the crispy deliciousness of an air fryer in one compact appliance; this versatile combo offers the functions you love—toast, bake, air fry, and broil.
- 4 SLICE CAPACITY PROVIDES PLENTY OF COOKING SPACE: This air fryer toaster oven combo has room for everything you cook, from 4 slices of toast to a 9" pizza, a 3 lb. chicken in an 8" x 8" pan or a 9" x 5" loaf pan.
- INCLUDES METAL AIR-FRY BASKET, BAKE PAN AND BROIL RACK. The air fryer and toaster oven combo comes with all the accessories you need to air fry, bake, broil, and toast, plus a slide-out crumb tray.
- EXCELLENT COOKING AND TOASTING PERFORMANCE: Quality heating elements in the Hamilton Beach toaster oven provide precise, accurate temperatures from 200° to 450°F and even cooking without hot spots.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Consumer Reports Rated Toaster Ovens
Finding the best toaster oven can feel tricky. Consumer Reports tests many models to help you choose wisely. This guide breaks down what matters most so you can buy a great appliance.
1. Key Features to Look For
A good toaster oven does more than just toast bread. Look for these important features:
- Accurate Temperature Control: The oven must heat up to the temperature you set. Many cheap models run too hot or too cold.
- Even Cooking/Browning: Quality ovens toast bread evenly across the whole slice. They also cook frozen foods without burning the edges.
- Capacity: Think about what you cook. Do you need room for a small pizza (12 inches) or just a few slices of toast?
- Preheat Time: Faster preheating means you eat sooner! Look for models that heat up quickly for baking or broiling.
- Easy-to-Read Display/Dials: You should be able to see the settings clearly, even in a dim kitchen.
2. Important Materials and Durability
The materials used affect how long your toaster oven lasts and how easy it is to clean.
- Exterior Casing: Stainless steel looks nice and cleans up well. Plastic exteriors might look cheaper and can sometimes warp with high heat over time.
- Interior Walls: Non-stick interiors are easier to wipe down after spills. If the interior is bare metal, make sure it has a smooth finish.
- Heating Elements: These are usually quartz or metal rods. Quartz elements heat up faster, which is a big plus.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one toaster oven better than another? It often comes down to design and performance consistency.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Convection Fan: This fan circulates hot air. It cooks food faster and more evenly than standard models. This is a major quality booster.
- Good Insulation: Well-insulated ovens keep the outside cooler while the inside gets hot. This is safer and saves energy.
- Reliable Timer: The timer should stop heating exactly when it should.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Hot Exterior Surfaces: If the outside gets dangerously hot, the quality score drops. This is a safety concern.
- Flimsy Racks and Pans: Cheaply made trays that warp easily reduce your cooking options.
- Inconsistent Toasting: If you have to flip your bread halfway through to get even color, the quality is low.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will actually use the oven every day.
- Cleaning Access: Can you easily pull out the crumb tray? If cleaning is hard, you might stop using the appliance altogether.
- Noise Level: Some convection fans sound like tiny jet engines. If your kitchen is quiet, look for low-noise models.
- Versatility: If you plan to bake small batches of cookies, roast chicken pieces, or reheat pizza, you need a model with strong baking and broiling modes. Simple toasters are best only if you only toast bread.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Rated Toaster Ovens
Q: What is the difference between a toaster oven and a regular oven?
A: A toaster oven is much smaller. It heats up faster and uses less energy for small jobs like toasting or reheating one or two items.
Q: Do I need convection in my toaster oven?
A: Convection (a fan that moves air) is highly recommended. It helps food cook faster and brown more evenly. It improves performance greatly.
Q: How large of a pizza can most top-rated models fit?
A: Most mid-to-large rated toaster ovens can fit a 10-inch or 12-inch frozen pizza. Always check the interior dimensions before buying.
Q: Are toaster ovens safe to use on a countertop?
A: Yes, they are designed for countertops. However, you must leave several inches of space around the sides and top so heat can escape safely.
Q: What temperature setting should I use for reheating leftovers?
A: Use the “Bake” setting, usually around 350°F (about 175°C). This keeps food crispy, unlike a microwave which makes things soggy.
Q: What does Consumer Reports test for?
A: They test for temperature accuracy, toasting consistency, ease of use, and exterior heat levels. They focus on real-world performance.
Q: How long should a good toaster oven last?
A: A high-quality, well-maintained toaster oven should last about five to eight years.
Q: Is it worth buying the most expensive model?
A: Not always. The most expensive models often add fancy features. The best value is usually found in models that score highly on basic performance like even heating.
Q: How do I clean the inside walls?
A: Unplug the oven first! Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap once it is completely cool. For baked-on grease, specialized oven cleaner can be used carefully.
Q: Should I look for digital controls or manual dials?
A: Digital controls offer more precise settings, like setting the toast shade exactly. Manual dials are simpler and sometimes last longer, but they can be less exact.