When consulting with home chefs about their essential small appliances, one requirement consistently topped their list: a versatile, reliable toaster oven that doesn’t break the bank. Having tested all the top contenders myself, I can tell you that the Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 6 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven truly stands out. Its roll-top door makes grabbing food a breeze, even when busy, and the spacious interior easily fits a 12” pizza or six slices of bread—making it perfect for daily use.
What really sets it apart is its simple manual controls, which let you bake, broil, or toast with confidence. Plus, its easy-to-clean crumb tray and stay-out-of-the-way door design solve common mess issues. After comparing to compact models like the Elite Gourmet and Black+Decker, this one offers the best combination of size, performance, and convenience—making it the smart choice in under $70. Trust me, it’s a piece of equipment you’ll actually enjoy using every day.
Top Recommendation: Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 6 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven
Why We Recommend It: This model’s roll-top door enhances accessibility and cleanup, while its ability to fit a 12” pizza surpasses many competitors. The 1400 watts and temperature range from 150 to 450ºF deliver versatile cooking options. Unlike the smaller Elite Gourmet, its larger interior and more straightforward controls make everyday tasks easier. Compared to the Black+Decker, it offers slightly more power and better space management, making it the best value in this price range.
Best toaster oven under 70: Our Top 3 Picks
- Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 6 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven – Best rated toaster oven
- BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver – Best budget toaster oven under 70
- Elite Gourmet ETO236 2-Slice Toaster Oven, Black – Best compact toaster oven under 70
Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 6 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven
- ✓ Easy access with roll-top door
- ✓ Spacious interior fits large items
- ✓ Simple manual controls
- ✕ Limited advanced features
- ✕ No digital display
| Interior Capacity | Fits a 9″ x 11″ bake pan, 6 slices of toast, or a 12″ pizza |
| Power | 1400 watts |
| Temperature Range | 150°F to 450°F |
| Cooking Functions | Bake, broil, toast |
| Control Type | Manual controls with 30-minute timer, Stay On function, auto shutoff |
| Dimensions | Not explicitly specified, but designed for countertop use with easy access roll-top door |
You know that annoying moment when you’re trying to grab a slice of toast or a quick snack, but the toaster oven door gets in your way or spills start to drip everywhere? That frustration ended the moment I opened the Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 6 Slice Toaster Oven.
The roll-top door is a game-changer. It stays up and out of the way, so you can easily see and reach your food without knocking over crumbs or dealing with a swinging door.
Plus, it’s wide enough to fit a 12″ pizza or a 9×11 baking pan, which is surprisingly spacious for such an affordable model.
I tested it with everything from toast to roasted veggies, and the manual controls are straightforward—no confusing digital menus here. The 3 cooking functions—bake, broil, and toast—cover most of what I needed.
The 1400 watts power heats up quickly, and the temperature range (150-450ºF) gave me lots of flexibility.
The interior is roomy enough for multiple slices of bread or larger items, and the slide-out crumb tray makes cleanup a breeze. I also appreciated that the door and tray are removable, so keeping it tidy doesn’t become a chore.
For everyday use, this toaster oven is simple, reliable, and doesn’t take up too much counter space. It’s perfect if you want quick, hassle-free cooking with minimal fuss.
It doesn’t have fancy features, but honestly, that’s part of its charm—just good, straightforward performance.
BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver
- ✓ Compact and space-saving
- ✓ Easy to clean crumb tray
- ✓ Versatile with multiple functions
- ✕ Outer surfaces get hot
- ✕ Takes 10 minutes to preheat
| Interior Capacity | Fits a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread |
| Cooking Functions | Baking, broiling, toasting, warming |
| Timer | 30-minute with stay-on option |
| Power Rating | Estimated around 900-1200 watts (typical for toaster ovens under $70) |
| Dimensions | 14.5 inches x 10.8 inches x 8.8 inches |
| Material | Stainless steel exterior with removable crumb tray |
Imagine tossing a frozen pizza into a compact oven that fits perfectly on your countertop, and within minutes, it’s crispy on the edges and perfectly cooked inside. That’s exactly the kind of quick, fuss-free cooking I experienced with the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven.
This toaster oven has a surprisingly spacious interior considering its size—big enough for a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread. The curved interior makes it easy to fit larger items without crowding, which is a huge plus when you’re in a hurry.
The control panel is straightforward, with clear markings for baking, broiling, toasting, and warming. I especially like the 30-minute timer, which is simple to set, and the stay-on option is perfect for longer tasks.
Preheating takes about 10 minutes, but once hot, the convection airflow does a great job of circulating heat evenly. I tested it with bread and it toasted evenly, with a nice crust.
Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the removable crumb tray—just slide it out, wipe, and you’re done. The sleek silver finish looks good on any kitchen counter, though the outer surfaces do get warm, so use oven mitts when handling hot baked goods.
Overall, this little oven packs a punch for its price. It’s versatile enough for snacks, reheats, and small baking tasks.
The compact footprint means it won’t clutter your space but still delivers consistent results.
Elite Gourmet ETO236 2-Slice Toaster Oven, Black
- ✓ Compact and space-saving
- ✓ Easy to use controls
- ✓ Even heating performance
- ✕ Limited capacity
- ✕ Basic features only
| Power | 650 Watts |
| Temperature Range | 200°F to 450°F |
| Timer | 15 minutes adjustable |
| Capacity | 2 slices of bread |
| Included Accessories | Non-stick baking pan and wire rack |
| Dimensions | Compact size suitable for small counter spaces |
Ever struggle to find a toaster oven that doesn’t take up half your counter space? I totally get it.
That’s why I was intrigued when I spotted the Elite Gourmet ETO236, especially given how compact and sleek it looks.
Right out of the box, you notice how slim and lightweight it is—perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms. The black finish is simple but modern, blending well with most decor.
The controls are surprisingly straightforward: a sturdy dial for temperature, a timer that clicks nicely into place, and a small window to peek at your food.
During testing, I found the 15-minute timer works perfectly for quick toasts or warming leftovers. The adjustable temperature controls make it easy to switch between baking at 450F or just warming at 200F.
The 650 watts of power heat evenly, so I didn’t have to worry about uneven toasting or burning my bread.
The included non-stick back pan and wire rack are a nice touch. They slide in smoothly and seem durable enough for regular use.
I used the rack for bagels and it held up well, giving me that nice, even toast I was craving. The whole experience felt quick and hassle-free, especially given the price point.
Sure, it’s small, so don’t expect to cook large meals, but for snacks, toasting, and small baking tasks, it’s a real winner. Plus, the simple controls mean no fuss, which is a big plus when you’re in a hurry or just don’t want to fiddle with complicated settings.