How to choose the right toaster oven
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The best toaster oven for you is the one that fits your counter space, cooking style, and budget, not the most expensive or feature-packed model. Look for a size that handles your typical meals, heating elements that brown evenly, and controls you’ll actually use. Skip the gimmicks; a simple, well-built model with good convection and a reliable timer will serve you for years.
What size toaster oven do I need?
Size is the first decision, and it’s mostly about your counter space and what you cook. A compact model (often called a “4-slice” or “mini”) is great for toast, reheating leftovers, and small batches of cookies, but it won’t fit a 12-inch pizza or a whole chicken. A mid-size or large model (often “6-slice” or “9-slice”) can handle a frozen pizza, a small casserole dish, or a few chicken breasts, but it takes up more counter and weighs more. Measure your counter space before you shop, and also check the interior height, some models are tall enough for a small loaf pan, others are too short for anything but flat trays. If you’re replacing a full-size oven for daily cooking, go bigger; if you just want faster toast and reheats, a compact model is easier to store and clean.
Convection or not? What’s the difference?
Convection means a fan circulates hot air inside the oven, which cooks food faster and more evenly. If you bake cookies, roast vegetables, or cook frozen foods, convection is a real advantage, you’ll get browning and crispness without rotating trays. Many models have a convection setting you can turn on or off, so you can still bake delicate items like custards that prefer still air. Non-convection models are simpler and often cheaper, but they can have hot spots, you might need to rotate trays mid-cooking. If you mostly toast and reheat, convection isn’t essential, but if you plan to use your toaster oven as a second oven, it’s worth the extra cost. Look for a fan that’s quiet and doesn’t rattle; some budget models have noisy fans that can be annoying.
What controls are best: dials, buttons, or digital?
Controls are a matter of preference, but they affect how easy the oven is to use daily. Dial knobs for temperature and time are the most intuitive, you twist to set and you can see the settings at a glance. They’re also easy to clean because they’re usually removable. Digital controls with a keypad and display are precise and often include preset functions like “air fry” or “bagel,” but they can be fiddly if the buttons are small or the menu is confusing. Think about your own habits: if you often adjust temperature mid-cook, a dial is faster. If you like setting a timer and walking away, digital is fine. Some models have a combo, dials for temperature and a digital timer, which many people find the best of both. Avoid models with touchscreens that require multiple taps for basic functions; they’re more prone to frustration.
How important is an air fryer function?
Air frying is just a convection fan with a high-speed setting and a perforated basket that lets hot air circulate around food. Many toaster ovens now come with an air fry mode, and it works well for frozen fries, chicken wings, and reheating crispy foods. But it’s not a replacement for a dedicated air fryer if you cook large batches, the basket in a toaster oven is often smaller and shallower. If you already have an air fryer, you don’t need this feature. If you don’t, an air fry mode can save counter space by combining two appliances. Just check that the basket is easy to clean (nonstick or dishwasher-safe) and that the oven’s fan is strong enough to actually crisp, some budget models have weak fans that just dry food out. Read owner reviews to see if the air fry mode gets consistent praise.
What about cleaning and maintenance?
Toaster ovens get messy, crumbs, grease splatters, and baked-on food. Look for a model with a removable crumb tray that slides out from the front or back; that’s a must. Interior walls that are coated with a nonstick finish are easier to wipe down, but they can scratch, so use soft sponges. Some models have an enamel interior that’s durable and easy to clean, but it can stain over time. Avoid models with heating elements that are exposed and hard to reach, cleaning around them is a pain. Also, check if the door is removable; some models have a door that comes off for deep cleaning, which is a big plus. If you cook greasy foods often, consider a model with a self-clean function (usually a high-heat cycle that burns off residue) but know that it can smoke and smell. Regular wiping after each use is the best way to avoid a tough cleanup.
What safety features should I look for?
Safety is about more than just a cool-touch exterior. Look for an automatic shut-off that turns the oven off after the timer ends, most models have this, but some older or cheaper ones don’t. A cool-touch door and handle are important if you have kids or pets; the glass door can get very hot, so a double-pane door is a plus. Also, check that the oven doesn’t get too hot on the outside, some models have better insulation than others. Another feature to consider is a stay-on function that lets the oven run continuously without a timer, which is useful for long roasts but can be a safety risk if you forget. If you have a model with that, always set a separate timer. Also, make sure the power cord is long enough to reach an outlet without an extension cord, and avoid using the oven on a counter that’s near a curtain or paper towels. Read reviews for any reports of overheating or electrical issues.
Frequently asked questions
Can a toaster oven replace my full-size oven?
For many everyday tasks, roasting vegetables, baking small casseroles, reheating leftovers, yes, a toaster oven can replace a full-size oven and use less energy. But it won’t fit a large turkey or a full sheet pan, so if you cook big meals often, you’ll still want your regular oven.
How long does a toaster oven take to preheat?
Most toaster ovens preheat in about 5 to 10 minutes, which is faster than a full-size oven. Convection models preheat quicker because the fan circulates hot air. Exact times vary by model and size, but you can expect a shorter wait than your regular oven.
What is the best way to clean a toaster oven?
Unplug it, let it cool, then remove the crumb tray and wash it with soapy water. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth or sponge, avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage nonstick surfaces. For stubborn grease, use a paste of baking soda and water, then rinse. Clean the glass door with a glass cleaner.
Is an air fryer toaster oven worth the extra money?
If you don’t have a separate air fryer and you like crispy foods, yes, it saves counter space and gives you two functions in one. But if you already own an air fryer, you can skip the extra cost. Just check that the air fry mode actually works well by reading owner reviews.
What size toaster oven fits a 12-inch pizza?
You’ll need a large toaster oven (often advertised as “9-slice” or “large”) to fit a 12-inch pizza. Compact models typically only fit a 9-inch or 10-inch pizza. Check the interior dimensions in the product specs to be sure.
Do toaster ovens use a lot of electricity?
Toaster ovens typically use less electricity than a full-size oven because they heat a smaller space. They usually draw around 1200 to 1800 watts, so they’re efficient for small meals. However, they can still add to your electric bill if you use them daily for long cooks.