Toaster Oven Buying Guide

Buying Guide

Toaster ovens replace a lot of full-oven preheats if the pan fits and the counter can handle the heat. Size for the pizzas and sheet pans you actually use, then decide if convection is worth the extra wattage.

Top questions

1. What makes a good toaster oven?
2. Will your pan fit inside?
3. Do you need convection and air fry modes?
4. Dials or digital presets?
5. Models worth a closer look
6. How much should you spend?
7. What to read next

What makes a good toaster oven?

Strong models toast evenly wall to wall, hold steady bake temps, and fit your go-to pan with door clearance.

Hot spots waste food — look for convection if you bake often.

Buyers prioritize timer (50% of top products include it vs 42% overall).

Budget tier ($0.00-$89.32) averages 4.33★; buyers expect Timer, Automatic, Digital.

Start with how you actually use the toaster oven — daily rhythm matters more than the longest feature list on the spec sheet.

Will your pan fit inside?

Measure interior width, depth, and height with the rack in the middle position — marketing liters do not mention your sheet pan handles.

Leave 6 inches clearance above and behind for heat; cramped cabinets scorch finishes.

Measure twice — returns on bulky toaster oven are expensive. Photograph your space with a tape measure in frame so you can compare against cutout diagrams on the product page.

When you are ready to compare models, See all 35 toaster ovens in our lineup — filter by price and the specs that matter most to you.

Do you need convection and air fry modes?

Convection fans speed roasts and crisp skins — great for frozen fries and small chickens if capacity allows.

Higher wattage preheats faster but needs a dedicated circuit on busy counters with other appliances.

When you are ready to compare models, See all 35 toaster ovens in our lineup — filter by price and the specs that matter most to you.

Dials or digital presets?

Simple dials are durable; digital presets help repeat morning toast — if the buttons survive grease fingers.

Crumb trays and nonstick interiors you can actually reach matter more than chrome trim.

When you are ready to compare models, See all 35 toaster ovens in our lineup — filter by price and the specs that matter most to you.

Top-ranked models worth considering

These are some of the top-rated, well-reviewed toaster oven in our catalog — strong examples while you learn what to shop for. This is not our full ranked list. See all 35 toaster ovens in our lineup or see our roundup when you are ready to buy.

WINNER

★★★★☆4.3

(21,577)

BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD 4-Slice Convection Toaster Oven

A versatile 4-slice convection oven that bakes and broils like a full-sized appliance.

1

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Black+Decker’s countertop ovens are a staple for a reason. The TO1313SBD delivers straightforward performance in a compact, stainless steel frame. Its curved interior is the key differentiator, cleverly creating just enough space for a 9-inch pizza without the oven dominating your kitchen.

You operate it with simple, satisfying knobs for temperature, function, and a 30-minute timer. The four functions—bake, broil, toast, and keep warm—cover most daily tasks, from reheating leftovers to crisping garlic bread. The convection fan circulates air for more even baking, though it’s noticeably noisier than the heating elements alone. It toasts four slices reliably, and the drop-down door provides a handy shelf for loading.

This is a manual, analog appliance in the best sense. It gets hot, it works, and you don’t need a manual to operate it. The interior is a bit cramped for taller items, so a standard pie plate or casserole dish is your limit. For its size and price, it’s a capable secondary oven that handles the small jobs without turning on the big one.

HomeGear editors evaluate and recommend products independently. Purchases through affiliate links may earn us a commission, which helps support our editorial work.

Brand: BLACK+DECKER

Where to find it: Amazon

Specifications

▼

Brand:BLACK+DECKER

Color:Silver

Special Feature:Manual

Control Type:Knob Control

Door Style:Dropdown Door

Included Components:Toaster Oven

Model Name:TO1313SBD

Finish Type:Polished

Door Material Type:Stainless Steel

Power Source:electricity

Number of Shelves:1

Size:15.47 Inch

Manufacturer:Applica Incorporated/DBA Black and Decker

Dimensions:11.18"D x 15.47"W x 8.3"H

Weight:6.65 pounds

Model Number:TO1313SBD

RUNNER UP

★★★★★4.5

(15,038)

Hamilton Beach 31123DA 6-Slice Convection Toaster Oven

Roll-top door saves counter space and makes access easy, plus convection for faster cooking.

2

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Hamilton Beach has a knack for making straightforward kitchen appliances that work. The 31123DA toaster oven is a prime example, built around a simple, clever door. The roll-top design slides up and out of the way, giving you full, safe access to the interior without a hot door swinging into your counter space.

It handles the core tasks—toast, bake, broil—with consistent, predictable results. The convection fan is a genuine upgrade, circulating air to shave minutes off cook times and promote even browning on a sheet of fries or roasted vegetables. The included bake pan doubles as a drip tray when you’re using the rack to broil burgers, a thoughtful touch that simplifies cleanup. Controls are all manual knobs for time, temperature, and function, which some will find refreshingly direct and others may see as less precise than digital buttons.

With a true six-slice capacity, it’s practical for small families or batch cooking sides. The interior is easy to wipe down, and the slide-out crumb tray is essential. Just know the exterior gets quite hot during extended use, so give it space on the counter.

Brand: Hamilton Beach

Where to find it: Amazon

Specifications

▼

Brand:Hamilton Beach

Color:Silver

Special Feature:Adjustable Rack, Adjustable Thermostat, Automatic Shut-Off, Broiler Option, Large Capacity, Removable Crumb Tray, Timer See more

Control Type:Knob

Door Style:Dropdown Door

Included Components:Convection Toaster Oven

Model Name:Hamilton Beach 6 Slice Convection Toaster Oven With Easy

Finish Type:Accent Pewter

Door Material Type:Glass

Power Source:AC

Cable Length:12 Inches

Temperature Range:150 to 450ºF Degrees Fahrenheit

Number of Shelves:2

Size:6.3 Quarts

Manufacturer:Hamilton Beach

Dimensions:15"D x 18.5"W x 9.5"H

Weight:11.5 pounds

Model Number:31123DA

How much should you spend?

Our toaster oven catalog centers around a ~$160 median, with useful options below and above that mark depending on features and finish.

What to read next

• Air Fryer Buying Guide
• Convection Oven Buying Guide

How we review toaster ovens

We compare the details that matter in a real kitchen — interior capacity, convection fan, wattage, and preset accuracy. We read owner reviews and ratings, line up specs on comparable models, and editors turn that into plain advice you can use before you buy.

We do not bake standardized casseroles in every toaster oven to compare browning in a test kitchen. When we link to specific models, those recommendations come from the same side-by-side comparison — not paid placement.

Disclaimer

HomeGear Insider publishes buying advice to help you shop smarter. We are not the manufacturer or seller of the products here. Prices, specs, and availability change — double-check the details on the retailer’s site before you order. Installation, warranty, and returns are between you and the seller.