Does your kitchen feel cramped, or maybe you just crave perfectly toasted bread without heating up your huge oven? Many of us face that exact problem. Finding the right small toaster oven can feel like navigating a maze. You need something compact for your counter, but it also needs to bake, broil, and toast consistently well. It’s frustrating when you buy one only to find it burns your bagels or takes forever to warm up.
We know the pain of wasted counter space and disappointing results. That is why we dove deep into the world of compact cooking appliances. This guide cuts through the confusion. You will learn exactly what features matter most, which models deliver reliable performance, and how to match an oven to your actual cooking needs.
Keep reading to discover our top picks and essential buying tips. Get ready to transform your small-space cooking and finally find the perfect mini powerhouse for your kitchen!
Top Small Toaster Oven Recommendations
- 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.
- COMPACT & SPACE SAVING: Versatile compact design fits nicely in small spaces when counter space is limited.
- ADJUSTABLE TIMER: The 15 min timer is perfect for toasting and warming up food for a quick and easy snack or breakfast.
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROLS: Adjust your oven controls between 200F-450F degrees for toasting, warming or baking.
- 650 WATTS OF POWER: Built-in temperature thermostat maintains even cooking heat to keep food warm, bake or toast.
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED - Includes a non-stick back pan and wire rack that easily slides in and out of the rack position to suit a variety of foods.
- 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.
- 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
- 12 Preset Functions – Air fry, bake, roast, toast, bagel, fries, wings, snacks, broil, dehydrate, popcorn and keep warm with a single tap.
- FryForce 360° Technology – Perfect for healthier cooking, rapid airflow circulates heat for golden, crunchy food using little to no oil.
- Large Capacity with 3 Rack Positions – Fits a 9” pizza, 4 slices of bread, or stacked batches using adjustable rack levels.
- Convection Mode — Promotes even heat distribution for quicker, more consistent cooking.
- Accessories for Every Meal – Includes an air fry basket, oven rack, baking pan, and crumb tray for all cooking, baking, and air-frying needs.
- COMPACT & VERSATILE: Compact design fits nicely in smaller spaces & also provides the power needed to cook many types of foods.
- ADJUSTABLE TIMER: The 30-min timer is perfect for all your baking, roasting and toasting needs as well as warming up a quick and easy snack.
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Adjust your oven controls between 200F-450F degrees for toasting, baking, roasting & warming.
- 800 WATTS OF POWER: Built-in thermostat maintains consistent heating for even cooking and perfect results when baking, roasting, toasting or keeping foods warm.
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED - Includes an easy to clean baking pan and a wire rack that easily slide in and out of the two-rack positions to accommodate a variety of foods.
- 【3 IN ONE VERSATILE COOKING FUNCTIONS】Bake, Broil and a Toast all in a mini compact toaster oven to fit your daily cooking needs.
- 【SPACE SAVER TO MAXIMIZE KITCHEN】The compact and versatile design of COMFEE' countertop toaster oven fits perfectly in small spaces, ideal for kitchens with limited counter space. With a 10-liter capacity, this toaster oven can hold 2 to 4 slices of bread, a 9-inch pizza, or enough food for a family meal.
- 【EASY-TO-USE BUILT IN TIMER】The 30-Minute-Timer includes precise toast shade preference and stay-on feature for longer baking tasks. This compact toaster oven has simple controls that are straightforward and easy to use.
- 【WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE & INTUITIVE OPERATION DIALS】150°F to 450°F lets you cook with the convenience of different type of foods.Two easy to use dials can not only let you set your preferred cooking time, but also make you easy to control temperature and cookingmodes.
- 【3 USEFUL ACCESSORIES & EASY TO CLEAN】Small toaster ovens countertop comes with 3 accessories: Non-stick Baking Rack, Baking Pan and detachable Crumb Tray, allows for effortless cleaning.
- 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.
The Small Toaster Oven Buying Guide: Your Kitchen Companion
A small toaster oven is a handy appliance. It cooks small meals quickly. It saves energy compared to a big oven. This guide helps you choose the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check these important features first.
1. Size and Capacity
- Counter Space: Measure your counter. Small toaster ovens range from 0.4 to 0.9 cubic feet. A smaller size fits better in tight kitchens.
- What Fits Inside: Check if it fits a standard 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread. This determines what you can cook.
2. Cooking Functions
Good toaster ovens offer more than just toasting.
- Toast/Bagel Setting: This ensures even browning.
- Bake and Broil: These settings let you cook small casseroles or melt cheese.
- Convection Fan (Bonus): A convection fan circulates hot air. This cooks food faster and more evenly.
3. Temperature Control and Timer
- Temperature Range: Look for a wide range, usually 150°F to 450°F.
- Stay-On Function: Some models let you keep the heat on past the timer. This is useful for slow cooking.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your toaster oven lasts and how safe it is.
Exterior and Interior Housing
- Stainless Steel: This material looks nice. It cleans up easily. Higher quality models use thicker stainless steel.
- Non-Stick Coating: The interior walls often have a non-stick coating. This makes cleaning spills much simpler.
Heating Elements
The heating elements create the heat.
- Quartz vs. Metal: Quartz elements heat up faster than traditional metal elements. Faster heating means quicker preheating times.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all toaster ovens perform the same. Pay attention to these details.
Quality Boosters
- Temperature Accuracy: A model that holds the temperature you set cooks food reliably. Read reviews about accuracy.
- Easy-to-Read Dials/Displays: Clear controls make using the oven much less frustrating.
Quality Reducers (Watch Outs)
- Thin Metal Casing: Very thin metal walls get extremely hot on the outside. This can be a safety concern near cabinets.
- Flimsy Racks: Cheap racks might bend when pulling out hot food. Make sure the included tray and rack slide smoothly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your new oven.
Everyday Use Cases
- Quick Breakfasts: Perfect for two people needing toast fast.
- Reheating Leftovers: It crisps up pizza or fries better than a microwave.
- Small Batch Cooking: You can roast vegetables or bake a few cookies without heating up your main oven.
Ease of Cleaning
A removable crumb tray is essential. You must be able to pull out the tray easily to dump crumbs. If cleaning is hard, you might stop using the oven often.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much electricity does a small toaster oven use?
A: They generally use less energy than a full-sized oven because they heat a much smaller space. They typically use between 1,000 and 1,800 watts.
Q: Can I put aluminum foil in a toaster oven?
A: Yes, you can use foil on the baking tray to catch drips. However, never let the foil touch the heating elements. This can cause a fire.
Q: What is the difference between a toaster and a toaster oven?
A: A toaster is usually only for bread slices. A toaster oven has walls and functions like a miniature oven, allowing baking and broiling.
Q: Are small toaster ovens safe to leave unattended?
A: Most modern models have automatic shut-off timers. Always supervise the oven, especially when using the broil setting.
Q: How do I clean the inside glass door?
A: Unplug the oven first. Use a damp sponge with mild dish soap. For tough grease, let a baking soda paste sit on the grease for a few minutes before wiping.
Q: Does convection cooking make a big difference in a small unit?
A: Yes, it usually helps food brown nicely and reduces cooking time by about 25%.
Q: What is the best temperature for toasting bread?
A: Most people find that a medium setting (around 350°F or the ‘Medium’ dial setting) works best for evenly browned toast.
Q: Should I choose digital controls or analog dials?
A: Digital controls often offer more precise temperature settings. Analog dials are simpler to use but can sometimes be less accurate.
Q: What is the minimum clearance needed around the unit?
A: Manufacturers usually require at least 4 to 6 inches of space on all sides and the top. This prevents overheating the appliance and surrounding cabinets.
Q: How long should a good small toaster oven last?
A: With regular cleaning and proper use, a quality small toaster oven should last between five and ten years.