Short on time? Our top recommendation is the Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven 1800-Watt Convection Toaster Oven (top pick). Here's how the shortlist breaks down.
It stands out for element IQ produces the most even browning of any toaster oven, edge-to-edge on a full sheet of cookies and thermostat holds within 5 to 15 degrees of the setting, versus a 50-degree spread on budget models.
Element IQ, five independently controlled heating elements
1800W convection with 8 cooking functions
0.8 cubic foot interior fits a 13x9 roasting pan or 12-inch pizza
Thermostat accuracy within 5 to 15 degrees of the set point
Interior light for monitoring without opening the door
Pros
Element IQ produces the most even browning of any toaster oven, edge-to-edge on a full sheet of cookies
Thermostat holds within 5 to 15 degrees of the setting, versus a 50-degree spread on budget models
0.8 cubic foot cavity fits a 13x9 pan, a 12-inch pizza, or a whole 4-pound chicken
8 functions cover toast, bagel, bake, roast, broil, pizza, cookies, and reheat without gimmicks
Cons
No air fry function, the BOV900BSS is the air fry equivalent at a higher price
18.5-inch width requires a dedicated counter footprint
Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.
6 cubic foot interior fits a 12-inch pizza while staying compact. Keep in mind that thermostat runs 15°F to 25°F off the set temperature, requiring manual compensation for precise baking.
1800W with dedicated air fry setting and mesh Air Fryer Rack
6 cubic foot cavity with included rotisserie spit and forks. Keep in mind that air fry crisping is noticeably less aggressive than the Ninja or Breville due to a lower fan speed.
1800W with 11-in-1 functions including air fry, dehydrate, and rotisserie
0.6 cubic foot cavity with included rotisserie spit and forks
7-inch full-color digital display
Includes air fry basket, rotisserie kit, and 2 wire racks
Reheat and warm functions with reduced power draw
Pros
Rotisserie kit is a genuine differentiator, no other model in this guide includes a spit and forks
Large color display makes function and time selection more intuitive than dial-based competitors
11 functions replace a rotisserie, dehydrator, and toaster oven in one countertop footprint
Cons
Air fry crisping is noticeably less aggressive than the Ninja or Breville due to a lower fan speed
Rotisserie kit adds bulk and requires storage space when not in use
Multiple functions and a digital menu system mean a steeper learning curve than simpler models
Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.
4 cubic foot cavity fits a 9-inch pizza. Keep in mind that no convection fan, a basic radiant-heat design, so browning is less even than convection models.
1300W with roll-top door instead of a swing-down door
4-slice / 0.4 cubic foot cavity fits a 9-inch pizza
Toast, bake, and broil functions with analog dials
Removable crumb tray and non-stick interior
Auto shutoff after cook cycle completes
Pros
Roll-top door eliminates dripping grease or food sliding off a hot drop-down door
Compact footprint fits counters where a standard swing-door oven can't
Simple analog controls with no learning curve for toast and reheating
Cons
No convection fan, a basic radiant-heat design, so browning is less even than convection models
0.4 cubic foot cavity is too small for a 12-inch pizza or a 9x13 pan
No digital timer precision, just a mechanical dial
Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.
It stands out for largest realistic capacity in this guide, 2 racks let a full sheet of food cook on each level at once and fastest, crispiest air fry results in household testing thanks to a higher fan speed and twin elements. Keep in mind that largest footprint in this guide, needs more counter depth than single-rack models.
1800W with twin heating elements and a high-speed fan
10-in-1 functions including air fry, air roast, dehydrate, and toast
2-rack simultaneous cooking, a full sheet pan on each level
Fits a 13-inch pizza or a whole chicken
Digital display with presets, no manual guesswork on time or temp
Pros
Largest realistic capacity in this guide, 2 racks let a full sheet of food cook on each level at once
Fastest, crispiest air fry results in household testing thanks to a higher fan speed and twin elements
It stands out for compact 4-slice size suits a solo or couple household without wasted counter space and reliable, straightforward dial controls for daily toast and reheating. Keep in mind that natural convection is functional but noticeably weaker than the forced high-speed fans on air fry models.
1300W with natural convection fan
4-slice cavity fits a 9-inch pizza
Toast, bake, and broil functions
60-minute mechanical timer with stay-on setting
Under $40 street price
Pros
Compact 4-slice size suits a solo or couple household without wasted counter space
Reliable, straightforward dial controls for daily toast and reheating
Cons
Natural convection is functional but noticeably weaker than the forced high-speed fans on air fry models
No digital display or precise temperature readout
Small cavity rules out anything larger than a 9-inch pizza or a handful of muffins
Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.
It stands out for turbo convection setting speeds preheat compared to standard convection at this price and extra-large door opening makes loading a roasting pan easier than smaller compact models. Keep in mind that larger cavity means longer preheat time than compact 4-slice models.
1500W with digital controls and convection
6-slice / 0.6 cubic foot cavity, the largest cavity under $100 in this guide
Fits a 12-inch pizza and a whole small chicken
Digital display with turbo convection setting
Extra-large opening for easier loading of bigger dishes
Pros
Turbo convection setting speeds preheat compared to standard convection at this price
Extra-large door opening makes loading a roasting pan easier than smaller compact models
Cons
Larger cavity means longer preheat time than compact 4-slice models
Thermostat variance of 20°F to 30°F is typical for the price and requires an oven thermometer for baking precision
Bulkier footprint than the Toshiba or Hamilton Beach, needing more counter depth
Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.
It stands out for double infrared elements reach cooking temperature in 2 to 3 minutes versus 5 to 8 for standard elements and no-preheat design saves real time on daily toast and quick reheats. Keep in mind that 4-slice cavity is too small for a 12-inch pizza or family-size baking.
Double infrared heating elements, no preheat required
4-slice compact cavity fits a 9-inch pizza
Reaches cooking temperature in 2 to 3 minutes
Toast, bake, and broil functions
Slide-out crumb tray
Pros
Double infrared elements reach cooking temperature in 2 to 3 minutes versus 5 to 8 for standard elements
No-preheat design saves real time on daily toast and quick reheats
Compact size and infrared heat produce more even results than budget convection models at this size
Cons
4-slice cavity is too small for a 12-inch pizza or family-size baking
Infrared elements run hotter near the glass door, and the exterior gets warm to the touch
Higher price than other compact models in this list despite the small capacity
Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.
This shortlist is the product of research, not advertising. We cross-checked manufacturer specs against independent reviews and long-term owner feedback, then ranked by value for real use cases.
Mistakes buyers often make
Choosing the cheapest option without checking warranty and support quality.
Assuming all models work with your existing setup, verify compatibility first.
Skipping the measurements: returns most often come from fit surprises.
Chasing the newest release when last year's model does the same job for less.
How we chose these picks
We started from manufacturer specifications and feature lists, the verifiable foundation.
We weighed reputable independent reviews from established tech and consumer publications.
We read large volumes of verified-owner feedback to find patterns in reliability and satisfaction.
We scored value: what you get for the price, not just absolute performance.
We excluded products with thin, suspicious, or heavily incentivized review profiles.
We don't claim hands-on testing we haven't done. Assessments synthesize manufacturer specifications, reputable independent reviews and documented owner feedback. Read our methodology.
Before you buy
Buying guide
How to choose: the factors that matter
Capacity first: measure what you regularly cook and match the cavity size.
A 6-inch frozen pizza fits a compact model; a 12-inch pizza needs a 6-slice or larger.
Convection matters: all the models above include convection (a fan that circulates hot air).
Models without convection produce noticeably less even results.
Air fry: if you want the function, buy a model with a dedicated air fry setting and a mesh basket or raised rack.
The bottom line
If you want the short answer: the top pick above suits most buyers, the value pick suits tight budgets, and the specialist picks suit specific needs. Match the pick to your use case, not to the hype.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
What are the best toaster ovens right now?
Our top pick is the Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven 1800-Watt Convection Toaster Oven (top pick), because element IQ produces the most even browning of any toaster oven, edge-to-edge on a full sheet of cookies. The runner-up is the Cuisinart TOA-60 Air Fryer Toaster Oven, followed by the Instant Pot Omni Plus 11-in-1 Toaster Oven.
Is the Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven 1800-Watt Convection Toaster Oven worth it?
For most buyers, yes. It ranks #1 in our toaster ovens research, though no air fry function, the BOV900BSS is the air fry equivalent at a higher price.
What is the difference between a toaster oven and an air fryer?
A toaster oven with an air fry function and a standalone air fryer accomplish similar results through the same mechanism: a heating element plus a high-speed fan that circulates hot air to crisp food without submerging it in oil. The differences: standalone air fryers have a basket design that allows airflow under the food, which produces slightly crispier results on foods like french fries. Toaster ovens with air fry have a rack and a tray below, adequate for most foods, but the basket geometry is not identical. Toaster ovens are more versatile (bake, broil, toast, roast, air fry in one appliance). Standalone air fryers are smaller and faster to heat up for a single function. For kitchens with limited counter space that want both functions: a toaster oven with air fry is the more efficient use of space.
What size toaster oven do I need?
2-slice equivalent (small): accommodates toast, reheating single portions, small pizzas. For solo or minimal cooking. 4-slice / compact: adds baking a half-dozen muffins, a 9-inch frozen pizza, or a small casserole. Most common size for couples. 6-slice / large: fits a whole rotisserie chicken, a 12-inch pizza, or a 9x13 baking pan. For families or those replacing a main oven for smaller tasks. 12-slice / extra-large: fits a 13x9 roasting pan, two racks of food, or a 12-pound turkey. For serious cooks replacing a second oven. Measure your counter space before purchasing, toaster ovens range from 12 inches wide (2-slice) to 20 inches wide (12-slice) and require 4 inches of clearance on all sides.
Do more expensive toaster ovens cook better?
For reheating and toast: budget is fine. For actual baking with temperature-sensitive recipes: the precision of a Breville or Cuisinart is worth the cost.
Can a toaster oven replace a regular oven?
For everyday tasks: yes, a 6-slice or larger model handles most single-meal baking, roasting, and broiling. Limitations: capacity (cannot fit a full Thanksgiving turkey or a large lasagna without a 12-slice model), and consistency (most toaster ovens have slight hot spots that matter for a full rack of cookies but not for a single casserole). For supplement or replacement for two-person and smaller households: a well-chosen large toaster oven covers 80 to 90% of oven tasks with faster preheat times (5 to 8 minutes vs 15 to 20 for a standard range) and lower energy use. For households with frequent large-batch cooking: a toaster oven supplements the main oven rather than replacing it.
What is Element IQ in Breville toaster ovens?
Element IQ is Breville's name for their independently controlled heating elements, each element can be set to different power levels for different cooking functions. On a standard toaster oven: all top elements run at the same power and all bottom elements at the same power. On a Breville with Element IQ: the front and rear elements can run at different intensities, so heat concentration can be shifted toward the center of the oven (for baking), toward the top front (for broiling), or toward the back (for convection). The practical result: more even browning, more accurate temperature, and better function-specific performance than fixed-element models.
