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A toaster oven is a compact countertop electric oven for toasting, baking, broiling, roasting, and reheating smaller portions of food. Some models add settings such as air fry, pizza, proof, or dehydrate, but those features are model-specific—check the controls and manual for the appliance you have.
What can you cook in a toaster oven?
Think of it as a small oven: it handles a range of everyday cooking tasks when the food and cookware fit inside its cavity.
- Toast and bagels: Brown bread, bagels, and similar items using the model’s toast or bagel setting, if available.
- Bake: Cook a small dish or batch that fits the oven and its permitted cookware.
- Broil or brown: Use stronger top heat to brown or finish food. Follow the manual for rack position and operating instructions.
- Roast: Roast a smaller portion when it fits the cavity and the manufacturer’s cookware guidance allows it.
- Reheat: Warm cooked food; the best setting and result depend on the food and the model.
Manufacturers list bake, broil, and toast among common toaster-oven functions. A multifunction example, Cuisinart’s Digital Air Fryer Toaster Oven (TOA-65), also lists pizza, roast, toast, bagel, reheat, and warm, and advertises proof and dehydrate functions. These are features of that particular model, not standard functions on every toaster oven. Cuisinart’s countertop cooking appliances page describes toaster ovens for baking, broiling, and toasting.
What do specialty settings do?
Air fry
Some combination models use rapidly circulating hot air for foods intended for air frying. USDA describes air fryers as essentially countertop convection ovens. An air-fry setting is not a defining feature of every toaster oven, so check the model’s specifications and instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- 5-IN–1 MULTIFUNCTIONAL COOKING- Enjoy versatile cooking with Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, and Keep Warm settings. Perfect for preparing a wide variety of meals from crispy fries to perfectly baked pizzas and golden toast.
- HEALTHY AIR FRYING TECHNOLOGY – Cook crispy, delicious meals with little to no oil using advanced air frying technology. Enjoy healthier alternatives to your favorite fried foods without compromising taste or texture.
- EVENTOAST TECHNOLOGY FOR PERFECT TOAST – Achieve evenly toasted bread, bagels, and more with BLACK+DECKER’s EvenToast technology, ensuring consistent results every time with no hot spots.
- COMPACT YET SPACIOUS INTERIOR – Fits up to a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread, making it ideal for quick family meals, snacks, or small batch cooking while saving valuable counter space.
- USER-FRIENDLY CONTROLS & 7 ACCESSORIES – 30-minute timer with removable crumb/drip tray, bake pan, air fry mesh tray, and wire rack for easy cleanup. Use drip tray when cooking and keep food clear of heating element. See User Manual for proper use.
Pizza, proof, and dehydrate
Some models offer dedicated settings for tasks such as pizza, dough proofing, or dehydrating. Treat these as optional programs: their presence and operation vary by model, and the manual explains what each setting is designed to do.
When might it make sense instead of a full-size oven?
A toaster oven can be a practical option for a small meal or portion, provided the food fits the appliance and can cook without being crowded. The U.S. Department of Energy’s 2013 EnergySavers: Tips on Saving Money and Energy at Home recommends small electric pans, toaster ovens, or convection ovens for small meals rather than a large stove or oven. It states, “A toaster or convection oven uses one-third to one-half as much energy as a full-sized oven,” attributing the estimate to the Buildings Energy Data Book 2010. This is historical general guidance, not a current, model-specific measurement or a guaranteed saving for a particular recipe or cooking time.
Rank #2
- ACCOMMODATES 9-INCH PIZZA OR 4 SLICES OF BREAD – Designed to maximize utility within a compact footprint, the curved interior fits a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread. Place items evenly for best results when toasting, baking, or reheating.
- FOUR VERSATILE COOKING FUNCTIONS – Select from baking, broiling, toasting, or keeping food warm. Natural convection airflow circulates heat throughout the oven—preheat for 10 minutes to ensure consistent cooking and crisp results.
- PRECISION 30-MINUTE TIMER WITH STAY-ON OPTION – The 30-minute timer includes clearly marked toast settings and a stay-on function. Oven will not operate unless timer is set or stay-on is selected, ensuring controlled and safe operation.
- CONVENIENT REMOVABLE CRUMB TRAY – The slide-out crumb tray allows for quick, hygienic cleanup. To prevent spills and overheating, keep food and bakeware at least 1½ inches from the top heating elements and fully contained within the tray.
- COMPACT AND CONTEMPORARY DESIGN – Measuring 14.5" x 10.8" x 8.8", this sleek stainless steel toaster oven complements any kitchen. Outer surfaces become hot during use—always use oven mitts and allow space for proper ventilation.
For a particular meal, compare the portion and its dimensions with the interior capacity, then check whether the needed mode—such as bake, broil, convection, or air fry—is actually included. The Department of Energy’s conventional cooking products page defines the regulated conventional-oven category and excludes portable or countertop electric ovens from that definition; that regulatory distinction does not establish which appliance performs better.
Food safety for air-fry-capable toaster ovens
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service guidance says to avoid overcrowding food in an air fryer and to use a food thermometer to verify safe minimum internal temperatures. The cooking mode does not change the target temperature.
Rank #3
- COMPACT & SPACE SAVING: Versatile compact design fits nicely in small spaces when counter space is limited.
- ADJUSTABLE TIMER: The 15 min timer is perfect for toasting and warming up food for a quick and easy snack or breakfast.
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROLS: Adjust your oven controls between 200F-450F degrees for toasting, warming or baking.
- 650 WATTS OF POWER: Built-in temperature thermostat maintains even cooking heat to keep food warm, bake or toast.
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED - Includes a non-stick back pan and wire rack that easily slides in and out of the rack position to suit a variety of foods.
| Food | Minimum internal temperature |
|---|---|
| Fish | 145°F |
| Whole cuts of beef, pork, veal, and lamb | 145°F, followed by a three-minute rest |
| Ground meat | 160°F |
| Poultry | 165°F |
Follow the appliance maker’s instructions as well. USDA FSIS also advises against cooking raw, stuffed breaded chicken breast products in an air fryer; follow the package directions for those products. See the agency’s Air Fryers and Food Safety guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 4-in-1 VERSATILITY FOR EVERYDAY COOKING – Toast, bake, broil, and keep food warm with one compact countertop appliance. Perfect for quick meals, snacks, and small-batch cooking without heating up your full-size oven.
- EVENTOAST TECHNOLOGY FOR CONSISTENT RESULTS – Specially designed interior ensures even heat distribution and better toasting performance—ideal for up to 4 slices of bread or a 9” pizza.
- 30-MINUTE TIMER WITH STAY-ON FUNCTION – Built-in precision timer with stay-on setting allows for longer baking tasks. Ready indicator light and audible signal make meal prep simple and hassle-free.
- SPACE-SAVING, SLEEK STAINLESS STEEL DESIGN – Modern stainless steel finish complements any kitchen decor while saving counter space. Durable build and clear glass door let you monitor food easily.
- EASY CLEANUP WITH REMOVABLE CRUMB TRAY – Includes a slide-out crumb tray, bake pan, and broil rack for mess-free use and quick cleaning after every meal.
Rank #4
- 5-IN-1 COOKING VERSATILITY – Air fry, Bake, broil, toast, air fry, and keep warm with one powerful appliance. Perfect for preparing everything from crispy snacks to hearty meals.
- AIR FRY TERCHNOLOGY FOR HEALTHIER MEALS – Enjoy the crunch and flavor of fried food with up to 75% less fat. Uses hot air circulation to deliver crispy results without excess oil.
- LARGE CAPACITY FITS 12" PIZZA – Generously sized interior fits six slices of toast or a 12-inch pizza—great for family dinners, appetizers, or meal prepping.
- EVENTOAST TECHNOLOGY FOR CONSISTENT RESULTS – Specially designed interior ensures even heat distribution for perfectly toasted bread, bagels, and more.
- USER-FRIENDLY WITH 60-MINUTE TIMER – Simple control knobs let you customize temperature and time. Includes stay-on function, removable crumb tray, air fry basket, bake pan, and wire rack for easy use and cleanup.
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