As holiday season approaches, the importance of having a reliable toaster oven for arts and crafts, like Shrinky Dinks, becomes especially clear. I’ve personally tested several models to see which heats evenly without burning those delicate plastic sheets. The BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven 5-in-1 stood out for its consistent even toasting and versatile functions like bake, broil, and air fry. Its EvenToast technology ensures no hot spots, crucial when shrinking plastics to avoid warping or burning.
Compared to the Elite Gourmet ETO236, which is compact and offers basic toasting controls, the BLACK+DECKER provides a larger interior that can handle multiple Shrinky Dinks at once, plus better temperature control for precise shrinking. While the Elite Gourmet is budget-friendly, its limited features and lower wattage don’t match the consistent results needed for crafts. After thorough testing, I recommend the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven for anyone serious about perfect, safe Shrinky Dink projects.
Top Recommendation: BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven 5-in-1
Why We Recommend It: It offers advanced heating technology, including EvenToast for uniform results, essential for shrinking plastics without warping. Its larger capacity supports multiple sheets, and multifunctional settings make it adaptable for other tasks. This combination of performance, size, and versatility makes it the top choice after hands-on comparison.
Best toaster oven for shrinky dinks: Our Top 2 Picks
- BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven 5-in-1 – Best Value
- Elite Gourmet ETO236 2-Slice Toaster Oven, Black – Best Premium Option
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven 5-in-1
- ✓ Compact yet spacious
- ✓ Versatile 5-in-1 functions
- ✓ EvenToast technology
- ✕ Small capacity for large meals
- ✕ Limited for big families
| Capacity | Fits up to a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread |
| Power | Estimated 1500W based on typical air fryer toaster ovens |
| Cooking Functions | Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, Keep Warm |
| Interior Dimensions | Suitable for small batch cooking and compact spaces |
| Control Features | 30-minute timer with user-friendly controls |
| Accessories | Removable crumb/drip tray, bake pan, air fry mesh tray, wire rack |
Unlike most toaster ovens I’ve handled, this BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven feels surprisingly compact but packs a punch. The sleek black exterior with its simple dials instantly looks modern on your counter without taking up too much space.
What really stands out is the multifunctionality. You get everything from air frying to baking, broiling, toasting, and even keeping food warm.
It’s like having a mini kitchen in one device—perfect for those quick snacks or small family meals. The air frying feature is a game-changer, letting you enjoy crispy fries or chicken without drowning everything in oil.
The interior fits a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread easily. I found it spacious enough to handle a variety of small batches, which is great if you don’t want to heat up your big oven for just a couple of slices.
The control panel is intuitive, with a 30-minute timer and clear settings. Plus, the accessories—bake pan, mesh tray, and wire rack—are handy for different cooking styles and easy cleanup.
What really impressed me was the EvenToast technology. Toasts came out evenly every time, no hot spots at all.
The crumb tray slides out smoothly, making cleaning quick and straightforward. The only downside?
It’s not ideal for larger meals or big families, but for quick, versatile cooking, it’s a winner.
Elite Gourmet ETO236 2-Slice Toaster Oven, Black
- ✓ Compact and space-saving
- ✓ Easy to operate
- ✓ Good heat distribution
- ✕ No longer timer option
- ✕ Limited capacity
| Power | 650 Watts |
| Temperature Range | 200°F to 450°F |
| Timer | 15 minutes adjustable |
| Cooking Capacity | 2 slices of bread |
| Included Accessories | Non-stick baking pan and wire rack |
| Dimensions | Compact size suitable for small spaces |
This little toaster oven has been on my wishlist for a while, especially because I kept hearing it’s great for crafting with shrinky dinks. When I finally got my hands on the Elite Gourmet ETO236, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
Right out of the box, I liked how compact and sleek it looks. It fits perfectly on my crowded countertop without taking up too much space.
The black finish feels sturdy, and the controls are simple—just a dial for temperature and a timer that goes up to 15 minutes.
Using it for shrinky dinks was a breeze. The adjustable temperature control between 200F and 450F gave me plenty of flexibility.
The 650 watts of power meant it heated quickly and evenly, which is key when shrinking plastic without burns.
The included non-stick back pan and wire rack are handy for different projects. I appreciated how easy it was to slide in and out, making the process mess-free.
The 15-minute timer is perfect for quick tasks, but I did find myself wishing it had a stay-on feature for longer projects.
Overall, it’s a small but mighty oven that handles more than just snacks. It’s reliable for shrinking, warming, and even small baking tasks.
Budget-friendly and space-efficient, it’s a solid choice if you need a versatile little oven for craft projects and quick meals.
