Imagine this: you’re craving perfectly toasted bread, crispy roasted veggies, or a warm, gooey cookie, but your old toaster oven just isn’t cutting it. Or maybe you’re looking for a kitchen workhorse that can do it all, from baking a small pizza to reheating leftovers without drying them out. The world of toaster ovens is vast, and trying to find the *best* one can feel like a never-ending quest.
That’s where Consumer Reports comes in. They test so many different models, giving us the inside scoop on which ones actually perform well. But even with their ratings, sifting through all the information can be overwhelming. You want a toaster oven that’s reliable, heats evenly, and is easy to use, but how do you know which one will truly meet your needs without spending a fortune or buying a dud?
In this post, we’re going to break down what Consumer Reports has found about the top-rated toaster ovens. We’ll highlight the models that consistently impress and explain *why* they stand out. Get ready to discover which toaster ovens are worth your hard-earned money and will make your kitchen tasks a whole lot easier!
Our Top 5 Rated Toaster Oven Consumer Reports Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Toaster Oven Consumer Reports Detailed Reviews
1. Ninja Flip Toaster Oven&Air Fryer
Rating: 8.7/10
The Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer is a game-changer for any kitchen. It’s an 8-in-1 appliance that can air fry, roast, broil, bake, make pizza, toast, prepare bagels, and even dehydrate your favorite foods. What makes it truly special is its ability to flip up and away, saving you valuable counter space. This stainless steel model, with 1800 watts of power, offers a compact solution without sacrificing cooking power or capacity.
What We Like:
- It reclaims your counter space by flipping up and away.
- OvenCrisp Technology ensures edge-to-edge, even cooking.
- It offers 8 versatile cooking functions for almost any meal.
- You can air fry and roast up to 4 lbs of food.
- It cooks family-sized meals for up to 4 people quickly.
- It is 80% more energy efficient than a full-size oven.
- Air frying uses up to 75% less fat.
- It has a wide temperature range from 85-450°F.
- Cooking is 50% faster than a traditional oven.
- It includes an air fry basket, sheet pan, wire rack, and crumb tray.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a large capacity for its size, it may not be sufficient for very large families or frequent entertaining.
- The flip-up storage mechanism might require a bit of clearance against the backsplash.
This Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer is an excellent choice for those who want a versatile, space-saving cooking appliance. It’s perfect for busy households looking for faster, healthier, and more energy-efficient meal preparation.
2. BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Countertop Convection Toaster Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Countertop Convection Toaster Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It lets you enjoy the taste of fried foods without all the oil. This oven can do many things, like air frying, baking, broiling, toasting, and keeping food warm. It’s also big enough for a 9-inch pizza or four slices of toast at once. The stainless steel finish looks good on any counter.
What We Like:
- It uses air fry technology to make food crispy with little to no oil, giving you healthier meals.
- Two simple knobs make it easy to set the timer and choose what you want to cook.
- Even Toast Technology makes sure your toast is browned perfectly every time.
- It offers 5 useful cooking functions: Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, and Keep Warm.
- The 4-slice capacity is great for cooking snacks and meals for a small family or group.
- It fits a 9-inch pizza, making it great for quick dinners.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 30-minute timer might not be long enough for some recipes that require longer cooking times.
- While it has a medium capacity, it might be too small for larger meals or cooking for a big crowd.
This BLACK+DECKER toaster oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It makes cooking easier and healthier.
3. Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
Rating: 9.3/10
The Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo is a kitchen multitasker that cooks your food perfectly. It uses powerful air circulation to make your favorite foods crispy with less oil. You can toast, bake, broil, and air fry all in one appliance. This oven fits a 9-inch pizza, 4 slices of toast, or even a small chicken.
What We Like:
- Its powerful air circulation makes food super crispy with little to no oil.
- It has four useful cooking options: toast, bake, air fry, and broil.
- It’s spacious enough for 4 slices of toast or a 9-inch pizza.
- It comes with everything you need: an air-fry basket, bake pan, broil rack, and a crumb tray.
- It cooks food evenly and accurately, with temperatures from 200°F to 450°F.
- The auto shutoff feature adds safety and peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior can get hot during use, so be careful when touching it.
- Some users mention that cleaning the inside can be a bit tricky.
This Hamilton Beach oven combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering great versatility and delicious results. It makes cooking faster and easier.
4. Cuisinart Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the Cuisinart Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler, your new kitchen all-star. This 1800-watt powerhouse handles everything from toasting your morning bagels to baking a pizza for dinner. Its sleek brushed stainless steel and black design looks great on any countertop.
What We Like:
- It’s super versatile, letting you toast, bake, broil, make pizza, and keep food warm.
- It’s big enough for 6 slices of toast, 4 bagel halves, or an 11-inch pizza.
- The “Always Even Shade Control” makes sure your toast comes out perfectly every time.
- It’s safe and easy to use, with a cool-touch handle, simple dials, and an auto shutoff.
- The auto-slide rack makes taking food out a breeze.
- Cleanup is a snap thanks to the non-stick interior.
- It comes with helpful extras like a wire rack, broiling rack, baking pan, crumb tray, and even a recipe book.
- It includes a 3-year warranty, so you can feel confident in your purchase.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 0.5-cubic foot interior a bit small for very large dishes.
- While it has many functions, it doesn’t have some of the more advanced features found in higher-end models.
This toaster oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and great results for a variety of cooking needs. It makes preparing meals and snacks simple and enjoyable.
5. BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
The BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven, TO1745SSG-1A, is a versatile countertop appliance that helps you cook a variety of meals. It can toast, bake, broil, and keep food warm, making it a handy tool for quick snacks or small dinners. This oven is perfect for when you don’t want to heat up your big oven. Its compact size saves valuable counter space, and its stainless steel finish looks nice in any kitchen. You can easily see your food through the clear glass door, and cleanup is a breeze thanks to the removable crumb tray.
What We Like:
- This toaster oven offers 4-in-1 versatility, letting you toast, bake, broil, and keep food warm all in one appliance.
- Even Toast Technology ensures your food cooks evenly, whether you’re toasting bread or heating a small pizza.
- The 30-minute timer with a stay-on function is great for longer cooking tasks, and the ready indicator light and signal let you know when your food is done.
- Its sleek stainless steel design looks modern and saves counter space.
- Cleaning up is simple with the removable crumb tray, bake pan, and broil rack.
What Could Be Improved:
- The interior size might be limiting for larger items or cooking for more than a couple of people.
- Some users might prefer more precise temperature controls for specific recipes.
This BLACK+DECKER toaster oven is a practical addition to any kitchen for everyday cooking needs. It simplifies meal preparation and cleanup, making it a worthwhile choice.
Finding the Best Toaster Oven: Your Consumer Reports Guide
A toaster oven is a kitchen superhero! It toasts bread, bakes small meals, and reheats leftovers quickly. But with so many options, picking the right one can feel tricky. This guide helps you choose a toaster oven that fits your needs, just like a Consumer Reports review.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a toaster oven, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: How big is it inside? Smaller ovens are good for toasting a few slices of bread. Larger ones can fit a whole chicken or a 13×9 inch baking pan. Think about how many people you usually cook for.
- Functions: What can it do? Most toaster ovens toast. Look for others like bake, broil, convection, and reheat. Convection cooking uses a fan to cook food faster and more evenly.
- Temperature Range: What are the hottest and coolest temperatures it can reach? A wider range gives you more cooking options. Some ovens go up to 500°F, which is great for pizzas.
- Timer: A good timer lets you set cooking times accurately. Some have auto shut-off, which is a great safety feature.
- Ease of Cleaning: Nobody likes scrubbing burnt food. Look for non-stick interiors and removable crumb trays.
Important Materials
The materials used in a toaster oven affect its durability and how well it cooks.
- Exterior: Most toaster ovens have stainless steel or painted metal exteriors. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. Painted metal can be colorful but might chip over time.
- Interior: The inside is often made of non-stick material or enameled metal. Non-stick makes cleaning easier.
- Heating Elements: These are usually made of quartz or nichrome wire. Quartz heats up faster and cooks more evenly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a toaster oven great, while others can make it frustrating.
- What Improves Quality:
- Even Heating: A good toaster oven heats food evenly on all sides. This means your toast is golden brown, and your cookies bake uniformly.
- Precise Temperature Control: When you set it to 350°F, it stays at 350°F. This is crucial for baking and roasting.
- User-Friendly Controls: Simple buttons and clear displays make it easy to use.
- Durable Construction: A well-built oven will last for years.
- What Reduces Quality:
- Hot Spots: If one part of the oven gets much hotter than another, your food can burn in some places and be undercooked in others.
- Inaccurate Temperatures: If the oven runs hotter or cooler than the dial says, your cooking results will be unpredictable.
- Cheap Materials: Thin metal or flimsy parts can break easily.
- Difficult Cleaning: If it’s a struggle to clean, you might avoid using it.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your toaster oven matters. Think about your daily routine.
- For Busy Mornings: A toaster oven is perfect for quick toast, bagels, or reheating breakfast pastries.
- For Small Meals: Bake a small pizza, roast a chicken breast, or cook a personal-sized casserole. It’s faster than a big oven for these jobs.
- For Reheating: Forget soggy microwave leftovers! A toaster oven crisps up pizza, fries, and more.
- For Snacks: Melt cheese on toast, bake mini cookies, or warm up appetizers.
- For Small Kitchens: If you don’t have much space, a toaster oven can be a great alternative to a full-sized oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**
Q: What are the main Key Features I should look for?
A: You should look for capacity, cooking functions (like bake, broil, convection), temperature range, a timer, and how easy it is to clean.
Q: How does convection cooking work?
A: Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air. This helps food cook faster and more evenly, making it crispier.
Q: Is a stainless steel exterior better than a painted one?
A: Stainless steel is usually more durable and looks modern. Painted exteriors can chip but might offer more color choices.
Q: What makes a toaster oven heat food evenly?
A: Even heating comes from good design, quality heating elements, and precise temperature control. Consumer Reports often tests for this.
Q: How do I know if the temperature on the dial is accurate?
A: You can test it by placing an oven thermometer inside. Compare the thermometer reading to the temperature you set on the oven.
Q: What size toaster oven do I need?
A: Consider how many people you cook for and what you plan to cook. Small ovens are for toast and snacks. Larger ones can fit a small chicken or a baking pan.
Q: Are toaster ovens good for baking?
A: Yes, many toaster ovens bake very well, especially for smaller items or when you don’t want to heat up a large oven.
Q: How important is the timer?
A: A timer is very important for accurate cooking. An auto shut-off feature adds safety.
Q: What is a crumb tray, and why is it important?
A: A crumb tray sits at the bottom of the oven to catch crumbs. A removable one makes cleaning much easier.
Q: Can a toaster oven replace my main oven?
A: For many people, especially those cooking for one or two, a toaster oven can be a great primary cooking appliance. It’s not ideal for cooking very large meals or multiple dishes at once.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.