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A toaster oven may smoke because of residue or grease near a hot heating element; a small amount of smoke or odor can also occur during a model’s first use. Turn it off if the smoke is heavy, keeps returning, or appears alongside damage or an error. The right next step depends on when the smoke starts and what your appliance’s manual says.

Check when the smoke occurs

During the first use

Some models may produce slight smoke or odor the first time they are used. The Oster manual says this should not recur after a few uses. Iris Ohyama’s guidance attributes first-use smoke to protective oil and directs owners to its initial empty-heating instructions. These procedures differ by model: consult your own manual rather than applying another brand’s temperature or timing.

While cooking or broiling

Fat, oil, or sauce can drip or splatter onto a hot heating element and smoke. This is particularly relevant during broiling, which GE and Panasonic identify as a possible cause. If appropriate for the food and recipe, lower the temperature and avoid overcooking.

When heating an empty or recently used oven

Crumbs and baked-on food or grease on the rack, crumb tray, or oven interior can cause a burnt smell or smoke. If the oven smokes when empty, visible buildup is one thing to check. Do not assume residue is the cause if no buildup is apparent or the smoke is heavy or recurring.

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BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven, 5-in-1 Countertop Oven
  • 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.

How to check and clean it safely

  1. Turn the oven off, unplug it, and let it cool completely. Do not inspect or clean a hot appliance.
  2. Check the food and removable parts. Look for drips, grease, crumbs, or burnt-on residue on the rack, tray, and crumb tray.
  3. Clean only as your model’s manual permits. For specified parts, the cited Oster manual recommends mild soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge, and says not to immerse the oven body. Other models may have different instructions.
  4. Do not scrub or touch a heating element unless your manual explicitly tells you how to do so. Empty the crumb tray at the interval specified for your model; Oster says to empty it after each use.
  5. Before using the oven again, check for damage and follow its manual. If smoke returns or you are unsure whether it is safe to operate, stop and contact the manufacturer or an authorized service provider.

Reduce fire risk during operation

Keep the operating oven clear of flammable materials and follow the clearances specified in its manual. The Oster manual warns that a fire may occur if its countertop oven is covered or touches or is near materials such as curtains, towels, or walls. It also warns against storing items on top of the oven while it operates and putting paper, cardboard, or plastic inside it. Do not cover the oven or crumb tray with foil; the manual warns that this can cause overheating. These directions are specific to that manual, so check the requirements for your appliance.

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When to stop using the toaster oven

Switch it off and discontinue use if smoke is heavy, persists after cleaning, recurs, or accompanies visible damage or an error. Do not keep running a smoky oven as a test. Contact the manufacturer or an authorized service provider. GE’s troubleshooting page directs owners to service for certain error codes; that guidance does not diagnose every smoking toaster oven.

Best Value
BLACK+DECKER Crisp 'N Bake Pro 4-Slice Digital Air Fry Oven
  • AIR FRY TECHNOLOGY: Enjoy deep-fried taste without the fat. High-intensity hot air circulates to crisp fries, chicken, and snacks with little to no oil.
  • MAX SPACE DESIGN: 20% more air frying capacity* while keeping the same countertop footprint. Fits most 9” round pans, up to 4 slices of toast, or a 10” pizza.
  • 5 VERSATILE COOKING FUNCTIONS: Prepare a variety of meals with Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, and Warm settings for everyday cooking convenience.
  • SIMPLE DIAL CONTROLS: Easy-to-use knobs adjust temperature, cooking time, and toast browning levels for quick, intuitive operation.
  • ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: PFAS-free ceramic-coated baking pan (8x more durable), air fry basket, wire rack, and removable crumb tray for easy cooking and cleanup.
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BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven, TO1745SSG, Even Toast, 4 Cooking Functions Bake, Broil, Toast and Keep Warm, Removable Crumb Tray, Timer
  • 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.
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Elite Gourmet ETO236 Compact 2-Slice Toaster Oven, 15-Min Timer, Black
  • 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.
Rank #2
BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver
  • 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.

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