Best Toaster Ovens According to Consumer Reports

Shopping for a new toaster oven can be really confusing with so many choices on store shelves and online shops. There are simple models that just toast bread, and fancy ones that can air fry chicken or bake a small pizza. When you’re trying to pick the best one, it helps to know what experts think. Consumer Reports tests hundreds of kitchen tools every year, including toaster ovens. They check how well they toast bread, how even they cook, how easy they are to use, and how long they last. In this post, we’ll look at what Consumer Reports says about the best toaster ovens, what features are worth paying for, and how to pick the right one for your kitchen.

How Consumer Reports Tests Toaster Ovens

Understanding how products get tested helps us know why certain models are recommended over others.

Testing Methods

Consumer Reports uses a careful system to test toaster ovens in ways that match how we use them at home. Their testing lab does a lot of different checks:

• Toast tests: They make hundreds of pieces of toast to see if each toaster oven can make evenly browned toast on both sides.
• Baking tests: They bake cookies and small cakes to see if they cook evenly without burnt spots.
• Heat distribution: They use special equipment to see if the oven heats evenly or has hot spots.
• Temperature accuracy: They check if the temperature shown on the dial or screen matches the actual temperature inside.

Rating Criteria

Consumer Reports gives each toaster oven scores in different areas:

1. Toasting performance
2. Baking performance
3. Ease of use
4. Cleaning
5. Versatility
6. Temperature accuracy
7. Noise level

They combine these scores to give each toaster oven an overall rating, which helps shoppers compare different models.

Top-Rated Models by Category

Consumer Reports usually groups toaster ovens into different types based on their features and price. Let’s look at what they often recommend in each group.

Best Basic Toaster Ovens

These are simple, affordable models that focus on core functions without fancy extras:

They usually cost between $30 and $80 and do a good job with basic tasks like toasting bread and heating frozen foods. While they don’t have advanced features, the best basic models toast evenly and maintain accurate temperatures.

According to recent Consumer Reports tests, some standout basic models often include certain Hamilton Beach and Black+Decker models that offer good performance without breaking the bank.

Best Mid-Range Options

These toaster ovens offer more features and better performance than basic models:

Mid-range toaster ovens typically cost between $80 and $150 and offer more cooking functions and space. They often have digital controls instead of dials, and may include convection cooking, which uses a fan to circulate hot air for faster, more even cooking.

Consumer Reports frequently rates certain Cuisinart and Oster models highly in this category, noting their good balance of performance and value.

Premium and Multi-Function Winners

These high-end models offer the best performance and most features:

Premium toaster ovens usually cost $150 to $400 or more. They’re built with better materials, have more cooking modes, and often include special features like air frying, dehydrating, or slow cooking.

Based on Consumer Reports testing, Breville models often lead in this category, with brands like Ninja and Wolf also receiving high marks for their premium offerings.

Key Features Worth Paying For

Not all toaster oven features are equally useful. Here’s what Consumer Reports suggests are worth the extra money.

Convection Cooking

Convection cooking uses a fan to move hot air around inside the oven. This helps food cook more evenly and often faster than in regular toaster ovens.

Consumer Reports tests show that good convection toaster ovens can:

• Reduce cooking time by up to 25%
• Create more evenly browned toast and baked goods
• Cook juicier meats by sealing in moisture faster

If you plan to use your toaster oven for more than just toast, convection is a feature worth considering.

Air Frying Capability

Many newer toaster ovens include air frying, which uses high-speed hot air to create crispy food with little or no oil.

According to Consumer Reports, toaster ovens with good air frying features:

• Save counter space compared to having a separate air fryer
• Usually cost less than buying two separate appliances
• Can make crispy “fried” food with up to 75% less fat than deep frying

Size and Capacity Considerations

Bigger isn’t always better – the right size depends on what you cook most often:

“The perfect toaster oven is large enough for your typical cooking needs but not so big that it wastes energy or takes up too much counter space.” – Consumer Reports kitchen appliance testing team

Small toaster ovens (fitting 4 slices of toast) work well for individuals or couples with limited counter space.

Medium models (fitting 6 slices) are versatile for most families.

Large models (fitting 9+ slices or a 12-inch pizza) are best for those who entertain or use their toaster oven as a second oven.

Common Problems and Reliability Issues

Even the best-rated models can have problems. Here’s what Consumer Reports has found about toaster oven reliability.

Heating Element Failures

The heating elements are the parts that get hot and cook your food. They’re also one of the most common things to break in toaster ovens.

Consumer Reports reliability surveys show that heating element problems are most likely to happen after 2-3 years of use. Premium models tend to have stronger heating elements that last longer.

Door and Control Issues

The door and controls are the parts you touch most often, so they get a lot of wear:

Door hinges can become loose or misaligned over time, which affects how well the oven seals and maintains temperature.

Control knobs and digital buttons are another common failure point, especially on models with complex electronic controls.

Brand Reliability Records

Some brands have better long-term reliability than others:

Based on Consumer Reports member surveys, Breville and Cuisinart toaster ovens tend to have fewer reported problems in the first 5 years compared to some other brands.

Less expensive brands sometimes have higher repair rates, but since replacement costs less, many people simply buy a new one rather than seeking repairs.

Best Value for Different Budgets

Consumer Reports looks at both performance and price to determine which models give you the most for your money.

Best Under $100

In this price range, Consumer Reports often finds that simple models from brands like Oster and Hamilton Beach provide the best value. They may not have fancy features, but they can still toast evenly and bake reasonably well.

The best budget picks usually have:

• At least 1200 watts for faster preheating
• Adjustable racks
• A removable crumb tray for easier cleaning

Best Mid-Range ($100-$200)

In the middle price range, Consumer Reports typically recommends looking for models that add useful features without jumping to premium prices:

The best mid-range models usually include:

• Convection cooking
• Digital controls with preset cooking functions
• Interior light for better visibility
• Slightly larger capacity than budget models

Worth-the-Splurge Options ($200+)

For those willing to spend more, Consumer Reports identifies which premium features actually improve performance:

The top high-end models typically offer:

• Multi-stage cooking programs
• Air frying that performs as well as standalone air fryers
• More precise temperature control
• Better insulation for safer exterior temperatures
• Longer warranties (3-5 years versus 1 year for cheaper models)

Smart Features and New Technology

Toaster ovens are getting smarter. Here’s what Consumer Reports says about the newest tech features.

Smart Home Integration

Some newer toaster ovens connect to your phone or smart home system:

This can let you:

• Start or adjust cooking from your phone
• Get notifications when your food is ready
• Download new cooking programs or recipes

Consumer Reports testing shows that while these features are convenient, they don’t usually improve cooking performance and add to the cost.

Advanced Cooking Technologies

Beyond basic heating elements, some new technologies are changing how toaster ovens cook:

Infrared heating elements preheat faster and can direct heat more precisely.

Steam cooking options in some premium models help keep food moist while cooking.

Multiple cooking elements that can be turned on or off separately allow for more precise cooking of different foods.

How to Choose the Right Size and Type

Finding the right toaster oven means matching it to how you’ll use it and where you’ll put it.

Countertop Space Requirements

Measure your available space before shopping:

Allow at least 2-3 inches of clearance on all sides of the toaster oven for safety.

Remember that larger models can be 2-3 times the size of basic toaster ovens, taking up valuable counter real estate.

Cooking Habits Assessment

Think about what you’ll cook most often:

If you mostly make toast and heat frozen snacks, a basic model will work fine.

If you regularly cook meals for several people or want to replace some of your regular oven cooking, a larger model with more functions makes sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I expect to spend on a good toaster oven?

According to Consumer Reports, you can find decent basic models for $50-80, good mid-range options for $100-150, and excellent premium models for $200-300. Spending more than $300 typically gets you stylish design and smart features but not necessarily better cooking performance.

Do toaster ovens with air fryers really work as well as dedicated air fryers?

Consumer Reports tests show that the best toaster ovens with air fry functions perform nearly as well as dedicated air fryers, though they sometimes take 1-2 minutes longer. The dual functionality saves counter space and money compared to having two separate appliances.

How long do toaster ovens typically last?

Based on Consumer Reports reliability data, budget toaster ovens typically last 3-5 years with regular use, while premium models often last 5-8 years or longer. Models with simpler controls and fewer electronic components tend to have fewer repair issues.

Are toaster ovens energy efficient compared to regular ovens?

Yes. Consumer Reports testing shows that toaster ovens use about 1/3 to 1/2 the energy of a conventional oven for small cooking jobs. For heating a couple of slices of pizza or baking a few cookies, a toaster oven is much more efficient.

Which brands tend to score highest in Consumer Reports tests?

While specific model recommendations change yearly, brands like Breville, Cuisinart, and Ninja consistently receive high marks across multiple testing cycles. Budget-friendly brands like Hamilton Beach and Oster often feature in “best value” recommendations.

Is convection cooking worth the extra cost?

Consumer Reports testing indicates that good convection cooking is worth paying extra for if you bake or roast frequently. Food cooks more evenly and about 25% faster with convection, but if you mostly make toast or heat leftovers, you might not notice much difference.

How often does Consumer Reports update their toaster oven ratings?

Consumer Reports typically updates their toaster oven ratings at least once per year, with major updates every 18-24 months as new models are released. Their website offers the most current ratings, while the printed magazine features toaster ovens in rotation with other appliances.