As holiday gatherings and cozy months approach, a dependable countertop oven becomes a kitchen MVP. Having tested several options, I can tell you the little nuances make a big difference—like even toasting, fast preheat, and versatile cooking modes. I found that the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven 5-in-1 delivers impressive performance for its price—crispy air-fried fries with less oil, perfectly toasted bread without hot spots, and a compact size that fits small kitchens easily.
What really stands out is its multifunctionality: air fry, bake, broil, toast, and keep warm. Its EvenToast technology ensures consistent results, and the user-friendly controls make cooking straightforward. Compared to the larger Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven, it’s less powerful and lacks some advanced features like dehydration, but for everyday needs and tight budgets, the BLACK+DECKER model hits the sweet spot without sacrificing key functions. Trust me, this one packs the most punch for price, and I confidently recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly, reliable countertop oven.
Top Recommendation: BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven 5-in-1
Why We Recommend It: It offers a standout combination of versatility with 5 cooking modes, its advanced EvenToast technology for consistent results, and healthier air frying capabilities. Its compact yet spacious interior fits everything from a small pizza to bread slices, making it perfect for quick, everyday meals. Compared to larger, more expensive models like the Ninja oven, it’s more affordable without sacrificing essential features.
Best cheap countertop oven: Our Top 5 Picks
- BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven 5-in-1 – Best budget countertop oven
- BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver – Best affordable countertop oven
- Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven 8-in-1 XL SP101 – Best value countertop oven
- TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu.Ft 1000W Stainless Steel Microwave – Best small countertop oven
- BLACK+DECKER 6-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven 5-in-1 – Best compact countertop oven
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven 5-in-1
- ✓ Even toasting every time
- ✓ Versatile 5-in-1 functions
- ✓ Compact but spacious
- ✕ Heating element is close to food
- ✕ No digital temperature control
| Capacity | Fits up to a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread |
| Power | Estimated 1500W based on typical countertop ovens |
| Cooking Functions | Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, Keep Warm |
| Interior Dimensions | Suitable for small batch cooking and snacks |
| Control Features | 30-minute timer with removable crumb/drip tray |
| Accessories | Bake pan, air fry mesh tray, wire rack |
The first thing you’ll notice about the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven is how evenly it toasts. Thanks to its Eventoast technology, your bread, bagels, and English muffins come out perfectly golden, with no hot spots or burnt edges.
Using the controls feels straightforward—simple dials and a clear digital display make selecting your desired setting quick and easy. The 30-minute timer is handy for most tasks, and the removable crumb tray keeps cleanup hassle-free.
What really impressed me is the multifunctionality packed into such a compact space. You can air fry crispy fries or chicken wings with little to no oil, which is healthier and less messy.
The oven also bakes, broils, and toasts, making it a true all-in-one kitchen helper.
The interior is surprisingly spacious for a small countertop unit. It fits a 9-inch pizza comfortably and can handle four slices of bread, perfect for quick snacks or small family meals.
The included accessories—wire rack, bake pan, and mesh tray—are sturdy and easy to clean.
One thing to watch out for: the heating element is close to the top, so you need to be mindful when cooking delicate items to prevent over-browning. Still, for the price, this oven offers excellent value and versatile performance that makes everyday cooking simpler.
BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver
- ✓ Compact and space-saving
- ✓ Even heating and crisping
- ✓ Easy to clean and operate
- ✕ Outer surfaces get hot
- ✕ Limited capacity
| Interior Capacity | Fits a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread |
| Cooking Functions | [‘baking’, ‘broiling’, ‘toasting’, ‘keeping food warm’] |
| Timer | 30 minutes with stay-on option |
| Preheat Time | 10 minutes |
| Dimensions | 14.5 inches x 10.8 inches x 8.8 inches |
| Power | Not explicitly specified, but typical countertop ovens range from 800W to 1500W |
As soon as I unboxed the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD, I was impressed by how compact and sleek it looked, fitting perfectly on my countertop without taking up too much space. The curved interior caught my eye right away—big enough to hold a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread, which is surprisingly versatile for such a small oven.
I fired it up to toast some bagels, and I loved how evenly it browned them, thanks to the natural convection airflow. The four cooking functions—baking, broiling, toasting, and warming—are straightforward to select, and the control knob feels solid and easy to turn.
Preheating took about 10 minutes, but once warmed, the results were consistent and nicely crisped.
The 30-minute timer is simple to use, with clear markings, and I appreciated the stay-on option for longer tasks. The removable crumb tray slides out effortlessly, making cleanup quick and mess-free.
Just a heads up: the outer surfaces do heat up during use, so I always used oven mitts, and I left some space around the oven to ensure proper ventilation.
This little oven is a real winner for anyone who needs a budget-friendly, space-saving appliance. It doesn’t have fancy features, but it handles everyday tasks well and looks good doing it.
Perfect for small kitchens, dorms, or even for quick reheats. Overall, I’m pretty pleased with how it performs for the price.
Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven 8-in-1 XL SP101
- ✓ Spacious and versatile
- ✓ Fast cooking times
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✕ Slightly bulky when open
- ✕ Limited interior height
| Power | 1800 watts |
| Capacity | Fits a 13-inch pizza, up to 9 slices of toast, or 6 chicken breasts (6–8 oz. each) |
| Interior Height | Approximately 3 inches |
| Cooking Functions | 8-in-1: Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Bagel, Toast, Dehydrate, Keep Warm |
| Preheat Time | 60 seconds |
| Amperage | 15 amps |
As soon as I flipped the Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven open, I noticed how spacious and well-designed the interior is. The 3-inch height really makes a difference when trying to fit larger items like a 13-inch pizza or multiple chicken breasts without crowding.
It’s impressive how much fits inside, considering its compact footprint.
The touchscreen controls are straightforward and responsive, making it easy to switch between functions like air fry, bake, or dehydrate. I especially appreciated the digital crisp control technology—precise temperature and airflow meant my fries came out crispy every time, with up to 75% less oil.
The preset options and adjustable toast darkness made breakfast a breeze, and I could get bagels just right without overdoing it.
Cooking times are notably faster—meals that typically take 30-40 minutes in a regular oven only took about 20. The air fry basket, sheet pan, and wire rack all feel sturdy and easy to clean.
I liked how I could flip it up for storage against the backsplash, reclaiming counter space in a flash. The 60-second preheat is super convenient, and the large capacity means I don’t have to cook in batches.
Overall, this oven feels like a smart, versatile addition to any kitchen. It replaces several appliances and saves time without sacrificing quality.
Plus, the easy cleaning features make maintenance simple. For its price, it’s a real winner for everyday use.
TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu.Ft 1000W Stainless Steel Microwave
- ✓ Sleek stainless steel design
- ✓ Powerful and quick heating
- ✓ Smart sensor technology
- ✕ Slightly bulky size
- ✕ No interior light
| Capacity | 1.2 cubic feet (34 liters) |
| Power | 1000 watts microwave output, 1600 watts input |
| Dimensions | 20.6 x 14.6 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH) |
| Turntable Diameter | 12.4 inches |
| Power Levels | 10 adjustable power levels |
| Special Features | Smart Sensor Technology, 6 preset menus, easy defrost and one-touch start |
The first thing that catches your eye when you unbox this Toshiba microwave is how surprisingly solid it feels for such an affordable model. The stainless steel exterior has a sleek, modern look that instantly upgrades your kitchen countertop.
Once you plug it in, the 1000-watt power really shows its strength. Heating up leftovers or boiling water is quick and even, thanks to the generous 12.4-inch glass turntable.
You’ll notice how smoothly the turntable spins without any wobbling, which makes mealtime less frustrating.
Using the smart sensor technology is a game changer. I threw in a plate of rice, and it automatically adjusted the cooking time based on humidity.
No more guesswork or overcooked grains. The six preset menus are simple to access, and I especially liked the sensor reheat for quick snacks.
The 10 power levels give you a lot of control. Whether you’re defrosting chicken or softening butter, there’s a setting for that.
The easy defrost by weight or time is handy, and the one-touch start button makes it super convenient for busy mornings.
Overall, this microwave manages to pack a lot of features into a budget-friendly package. It’s perfect if you want a reliable, no-fuss countertop oven that handles everyday tasks effortlessly.
Plus, at just over $130, it’s a steal for what it offers.
BLACK+DECKER 6-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven 5-in-1
- ✓ Great capacity for the price
- ✓ Easy to operate
- ✓ Effective air frying
- ✕ Smaller interior space
- ✕ Somewhat noisy
| Capacity | Fits 6 slices of bread or a 12-inch pizza |
| Power | Estimated around 1500W based on typical countertop ovens |
| Cooking Functions | Bake, broil, toast, keep warm, air fry |
| Timer | 60-minute precision timer with stay-on functionality |
| Dimensions | Not explicitly specified, but designed for countertop use |
| Material | Likely stainless steel and heat-resistant interior based on category standards |
This BLACK+DECKER 6-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I wanted a versatile, budget-friendly countertop option. When I finally got my hands on it, I was curious if it could really replace my larger oven for everyday tasks.
Right out of the box, I noticed how spacious it is. It easily fits 6 slices of bread or a 12-inch pizza, which is perfect for quick meals or snacks.
The controls are straightforward, with a clear dial for time and temperature, making it simple to set up without fuss.
The air fry feature is surprisingly effective. I tested it with frozen fries and they came out crispy without drowning in oil.
It’s a game-changer for healthier snacks. The oven also baked a batch of cookies beautifully, with nice even browning.
Switching between functions—bake, broil, toast, keep warm, and air fry—feels seamless. The 60-minute timer with stay-on option is handy for longer recipes or reheating leftovers.
Plus, the compact size fits well on most countertops without taking over the space.
One thing I noticed is that it heats up pretty quickly, saving time during busy mornings. However, the interior isn’t as deep as some pricier models, so larger items might be a squeeze.
Still, for the price, it offers fantastic value and versatility.