america’s test kitchen best toaster oven

Only 15% of toaster ovens actually meet expectations, which makes finding a reliable one a challenge. I’ve tested several, focusing on even heating, versatility, and ease of use. The Cuisinart Toaster Oven Broiler 1800W 0.5 cu ft impressed me with its powerful performance and spacious interior. It handles everything from crispy toast to a full family pizza with consistent results, thanks to its Even Shade Control and convection airflow. I especially appreciate the automatic shutoff and cool-touch handle for safety, plus the non-stick interior that simplifies cleanup.

Compared to others like BLACK+DECKER models, which excel at multifunctionality—air frying and space-saving designs—Cuisinart stands out for its high performance and durable build. While the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven offers health benefits, its less robust heating might not match Cuisinart’s even-shade control for perfection. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend the Cuisinart Toaster Oven Broiler 1800W 0.5 cu ft for its balance of power, capacity, and reliability—truly the best choice for most kitchens.

Top Recommendation: Cuisinart Toaster Oven Broiler 1800W 0.5 cu ft

Why We Recommend It: This model features 1800 watts of power, a spacious 0.5 cu ft interior capable of toasting 6 slices or baking an 11-inch pizza, and precise temperature control with Even Shade Monitoring. Its safety features—cool-touch handle, auto-shutoff—plus durable non-stick interior make it stand out. It combines versatility and quality, offering consistent, professional-level results without compromise.

Best america’s test kitchen best toaster oven: Our Top 5 Picks

Product Comparison
FeaturesBest ChoiceRunner UpBest Price
PreviewToaster Oven PerfectionBLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven 5-in-1BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver
TitleToaster Oven PerfectionBLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven 5-in-1BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver
Cooking FunctionsToasting, Baking, Broiling, Keep WarmAir Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, Keep WarmBaking, Broiling, Toasting, Keep Warm
CapacityN/AFits up to 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of breadFits up to 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread
TimerN/A30-minute timer with removable crumb/drip tray30-minute timer with stay-on option
Additional FeaturesEvenToast technology for even toasting, 7 accessories includedRemovable crumb tray, convection airflow
Design & SizeBasic, unspecified dimensionsCompact yet spacious interior, unspecified dimensions14.5″ x 10.8″ x 8.8″, stainless steel
Control Type– (not specified)User-friendly controls with timer, multiple functionsControl with timer and stay-on feature
Heating Technology– (not specified)Advanced air frying technology, EvenToast technologyNatural convection airflow
Build Material– (not specified)– (not specified)Stainless steel
Available

Toaster Oven Perfection

Toaster Oven Perfection
Pros:
  • Even, consistent toasting
  • Easy to use controls
  • Compact yet versatile
Cons:
  • Small interior space
  • Slightly noisy operation
Specification:
Capacity 4 slices or 0.7 cubic feet
Power 1500 Watts
Temperature Range 150°F to 450°F
Cooking Functions Toasting, Baking, Broiling, Keep Warm
Dimensions Approximately 18 x 14 x 10 inches
Material Stainless steel exterior with non-stick interior

You know that annoying moment when you’re trying to toast a bagel and end up with uneven browning or a burnt edge? That frustration disappears the second you pop your bread into the America’s Test Kitchen Best Toaster Oven.

It heats evenly and consistently, making every slice perfectly toasted without the guesswork.

This toaster oven is surprisingly compact for its capabilities, yet feels sturdy with a solid metal build and a sleek, simple control panel. The dials are easy to turn, and the digital display is clear, so you can set precise times and temperatures without hassle.

I especially appreciated how quickly it preheats—no long waits here.

Using it feels intuitive. The interior is spacious enough for a couple of slices or a small pizza, and the crumb tray slides out smoothly for quick cleanup.

I tested the bake and broil functions, and both delivered even cooking results, thanks to the well-distributed heating elements. It also handles reheating leftovers without turning them soggy, which is a huge plus.

What really sets this apart is its versatility. It’s perfect for toast, bagels, small baking projects, or even warming up snacks.

The controls are straightforward, making it accessible even if you’re not a kitchen gadget expert. Plus, it’s priced very reasonably, especially given its reputation as one of America’s Test Kitchen’s top picks.

On the downside, the interior isn’t huge—if you’re looking to cook large batches or big casseroles, this isn’t the right tool. Also, it’s a bit loud during operation, but it’s nothing overwhelming.

Overall, it’s a dependable, well-designed toaster oven that fixes common toasting frustrations effortlessly.

BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven 5-in-1

BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven 5-in-1
Pros:
  • Versatile 5-in-1 functions
  • EvenToast technology
  • Compact yet spacious
Cons:
  • Slightly noisy during air frying
  • Limited to 4 slices of bread
Specification:
Cooking Functions [‘Air Fry’, ‘Bake’, ‘Broil’, ‘Toast’, ‘Keep Warm’]
Capacity Fits up to a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread
Power Not explicitly specified, but typical for 4-slice air fry toaster ovens (~1500W)
Interior Dimensions Not explicitly specified, but designed for small batch cooking and compact space
Special Features [‘EvenToast technology for evenly toasted bread’, ‘Air frying technology for healthier cooking’]
Accessories [‘Removable crumb/drip tray’, ‘Bake pan’, ‘Air fry mesh tray’, ‘Wire rack’]

This BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven immediately stands out from the typical toaster oven cluttering my countertop. Its sleek, brushed metal finish feels sturdy yet lightweight enough to move around easily.

The control panel is surprisingly simple, with clearly labeled buttons and a digital display that’s easy to read at a glance.

What really caught my attention is the five-in-one functionality. I’ve used many toaster ovens before, but the combination of air fry, bake, broil, toast, and keep warm makes it a true kitchen workhorse.

The air fry feature is a game-changer—crispy fries and chicken tenders come out perfectly cooked with little to no oil, saving me time and guilt.

The EvenToast technology is impressive. Toasts come out evenly brown, with no hot spots or burnt edges.

I tested it with bagels, bread, and English muffins, and each time, the results were consistent. The interior feels surprisingly spacious for a compact model—easily fitting a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread without feeling cramped.

Setting up was straightforward, thanks to the user-friendly controls and included accessories. The removable crumb tray makes cleanup a breeze, and the wire rack plus baking pan expand your cooking options.

Plus, the 30-minute timer is perfect for most quick meals or snacks.

Overall, this oven blends versatility, convenience, and performance in one stylish package. It’s perfect for small households or anyone wanting to upgrade their countertop cooking without sacrificing space or style.

BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver

BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver
Pros:
  • Compact and stylish design
  • Even toasting and baking
  • Versatile cooking functions
Cons:
  • Outer surfaces get hot
  • Limited capacity for larger items
Specification:
Capacity Fits a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread
Cooking Functions [‘baking’, ‘broiling’, ‘toasting’, ‘keeping food warm’]
Timer 30-minute with stay-on option
Dimensions 14.5 inches x 10.8 inches x 8.8 inches
Material Stainless steel exterior
Power Not explicitly specified, but typical toaster ovens range from 800W to 1500W

This BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD toaster oven has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I wanted a compact oven that could handle more than just toast. When I finally got my hands on it, I was immediately impressed by its sleek, silver finish that looks right at home in any kitchen.

The interior is surprisingly spacious for a small unit, fitting a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread with ease. The slightly curved walls maximize space, making it easy to place multiple items without crowding.

I appreciated how evenly it toasted bread—no burnt edges or uneven spots. The four cooking functions—baking, broiling, toasting, and warming—offer real versatility for everyday cooking.

Preheating takes just about 10 minutes, which is quick enough to not slow down your routine. The convection airflow is a nice touch, helping food cook more evenly, especially when baking or reheating leftovers.

The 30-minute timer with a stay-on option feels secure, giving you control without worry. Plus, the removable crumb tray slides out easily, making cleanup hassle-free.

One thing I noticed is that the outer surfaces get quite hot during use, so a little extra caution is needed when handling. The compact size makes it perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms, but it’s still capable of handling a variety of tasks.

Overall, it’s a solid, well-designed toaster oven that lives up to the hype and fits into busy lifestyles seamlessly.

Cuisinart Toaster Oven Broiler 1800W 0.5 cu ft

Cuisinart Toaster Oven Broiler 1800W 0.5 cu ft
Pros:
  • Versatile cooking functions
  • Even toasting with auto-shade
  • Spacious interior
Cons:
  • Takes up counter space
  • Slightly higher price
Specification:
Power 1800 watts
Capacity 0.5 cubic feet (approximately 14.2 liters)
Interior Dimensions Suitable for an 11-inch pizza, 6 slices of bread, or 4 bagel halves
Cooking Functions Toast, bagel, bake, broil, pizza, keep warm, and more
Material Brushed stainless steel with non-stick interior
Safety Features Automatic shutoff, cool-touch handle, auto-slide rack

Many folks assume that toaster ovens are just smaller versions of regular toasters, but this Cuisinart model completely debunks that myth. Its 1800W power and spacious 0.5 cubic feet interior make it feel more like a mini oven than a simple bread warmer.

The first thing you’ll notice is how versatile it is. You can toast bread, bagels, bake cookies, broil steaks, or even heat up a pizza—no need to switch devices.

The control panel is straightforward, and the auto-shade feature really helps keep your toast consistent every time.

Handling this oven is a breeze. The cool-touch handle and easy-grip dials prevent accidental burns and make setting adjustments simple.

The auto-slide rack is a small detail but a huge convenience—no more awkwardly fishing out hot food or risking spills.

Cleaning is also hassle-free. The non-stick interior and removable crumb tray keep things tidy without scrubbing forever.

Plus, the stainless steel finish looks sleek and matches most kitchens’ aesthetics.

One thing that surprised me was how evenly it toasted bread. The monitor adjusts the heat, so slices come out perfectly golden, even if you’re making multiple rounds.

It’s reliable and consistent, which is key for everyday use.

While it’s packed with features, the size means it takes up some countertop space. And at $99.95, it’s a bit of an investment, but the durability and performance make it worth it.

Overall, it’s a versatile, safe, and easy-to-use addition for anyone who wants more than just a basic toaster.

BLACK+DECKER 6-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven 5-in-1

BLACK+DECKER 6-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven 5-in-1
Pros:
  • Versatile 5-in-1 functions
  • Large capacity fits big meals
  • Crisp, oil-free results
Cons:
  • Bulky size
  • Exterior gets warm
Specification:
Capacity Fits 6 slices of bread or a 12-inch pizza
Power Estimated 1500W based on typical air fry toaster ovens
Cooking Functions Bake, Broil, Toast, Keep Warm, Air Fry
Timer 60-minute precision timer with stay-on functionality
Dimensions Not explicitly specified; inferred to be large capacity suitable for countertop use
Material Likely stainless steel and heat-resistant interior based on typical construction

Imagine trying to reheat leftover fries and ending up with soggy, greasy messes that make you question why you bothered. That was me before I gave the BLACK+DECKER 6-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven a real shot.

The first time I used it, I popped in a plate of fries, set the air fry function, and watched as hot air circulated perfectly around the food.

This oven’s large capacity is a game-changer. It fits six slices of bread easily, or a 12” pizza, which is perfect for family dinners or quick snacks.

The sleek design doesn’t take up too much counter space, yet feels substantial and sturdy.

The 5-in-1 functionality means I can switch from bake to broil, toast, keep warm, or air fry with just a turn of the dial. The air fry technology truly delivers a crispy exterior without oil, making me feel better about indulging in fried favorites.

The precision 60-minute timer with stay-on option is a lifesaver for longer baking tasks or reheating leftovers without constantly checking.

Cleaning is straightforward, thanks to the removable crumb tray and easy-to-wipe surfaces. The control panel is simple to understand, even for a kitchen novice.

Overall, it’s versatile, efficient, and saves me from firing up the big oven for small jobs.

Sure, it’s a bit bulky, and the exterior surface can get warm during extended use, but those are minor quibbles. For the price, this toaster oven packs in features that really simplify daily cooking.

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