Tired of waiting for your big oven to heat up, only to cook a single slice of toast? Or maybe your kitchen is just too small for a full-sized appliance. If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. Finding the perfect small countertop oven can feel like a quest with so many choices out there. Do you need one for baking cookies, toasting bagels, or reheating leftovers? It’s a lot to think about!
This is where we come in. We’re going to break down what makes a great small countertop oven. We’ll explore the different features that really matter, like size, temperature control, and how easy they are to clean. Forget the confusion and endless scrolling. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear picture of what to look for, making your decision a breeze.
Get ready to discover how a small oven can be a big help in your kitchen. Let’s dive in and find the perfect fit for your cooking needs!
Our Top 5 Small Countertop Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Countertop Oven Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Countertop Convection Toaster Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
The BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Countertop Convection Toaster Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It can do many things, like air fry, bake, broil, toast, and keep food warm. This oven is great for making crispy fries, yummy pizzas, and perfectly toasted bread. Its stainless steel look fits nicely on any kitchen counter.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so you can cook many different foods.
- The air fry feature lets you cook food with less oil.
- EvenToast technology makes sure your toast is evenly browned.
- It’s not too big, but it can still fit a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread.
- It comes with a 30-minute timer for easy cooking.
- Cleanup is simple thanks to the removable crumb tray, bake pan, air fry mesh tray, and wire rack.
What Could Be Improved:
- The medium capacity might be too small for very large families or big meals.
- While it has many functions, some users might prefer more advanced digital controls.
This BLACK+DECKER oven is a solid choice for anyone wanting a multi-functional appliance that saves space and offers healthier cooking options. It makes preparing everyday meals and snacks quick and easy.
2. BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven, TO1745SSG-1A, is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers amazing versatility for all your cooking needs. You can toast, bake, broil, and even keep food warm with this one compact appliance. It’s ideal for making quick snacks or small meals without needing to turn on your big oven.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, so you can do many different things with it.
- The EvenToast Technology helps your food cook evenly.
- It has a 30-minute timer with a stay-on option for longer cooking.
- The stainless steel design looks great on your counter and saves space.
- Cleaning is easy because of the removable crumb tray.
- It’s perfect for toasting up to 4 slices of bread or cooking a 9-inch pizza.
What Could Be Improved:
- It might be a bit small for larger meals or families.
- The exterior can get hot during use, so you need to be careful.
This toaster oven is a great choice for anyone looking for a convenient and efficient way to cook. It makes everyday cooking simple and enjoyable.
3. Elite Gourmet ETO236 Personal Compact 2 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with 15 Minute Timer & Adjustable Temperature
Rating: 9.2/10
Looking for a kitchen helper that’s small but mighty? The Elite Gourmet ETO236 Personal Compact Toaster Oven is here to make your life easier. This black countertop oven is perfect for smaller kitchens or for anyone who needs a quick and efficient way to toast, bake, or broil. It’s a super convenient appliance for making snacks, breakfast, or even a small meal.
What We Like:
- It’s compact and won’t take up much space on your counter.
- The 15-minute timer is great for quick snacks and meals.
- You can adjust the temperature from 200°F to 450°F, giving you control for toasting, warming, or baking.
- It has 650 watts of power, which helps it cook evenly.
- It comes with a non-stick baking pan and a wire rack, making it ready to use right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 15-minute timer might be too short for some baking tasks.
- It’s designed for small portions, so it’s not ideal for cooking for a large family.
This toaster oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen for its convenience and versatility. It’s a smart choice for anyone who needs a reliable appliance for everyday cooking.
4. Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Countertop Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially if you’re looking for a versatile appliance that can handle a variety of cooking tasks. This compact oven is perfect for making everything from crispy toast and delicious cookies to perfectly cooked pizzas and roasted meats. Its smart design and powerful features make it a go-to for everyday meals.
What We Like:
- The Element iQ System uses smart technology to direct heat precisely where it’s needed, ensuring perfect cooking results every time.
- It heats up quickly with its 1800-watt power, so you can get meals on the table faster.
- With 8 cooking functions, including Toast, Bagel, Bake, Broil, Pizza, Roast, Cookies, and Reheat, this oven does it all.
- Its small size is great for saving counter space, but it still fits a good amount of food, like 4 slices of toast or an 11-inch pizza.
- The non-stick interior makes cleaning up a breeze.
- It comes with a 10×10 inch baking pan, which is handy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s called “mini,” some users might find the capacity a bit too small for larger meals or families.
- The brushed stainless steel finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints easily.
Overall, the Breville Mini Smart Countertop Oven is a highly capable and user-friendly appliance that simplifies cooking. It’s a smart choice for anyone wanting more culinary options in a compact package.
5. BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven, your new kitchen helper! This oven is designed to make cooking and toasting a breeze. It’s compact but packs a punch with its versatile cooking options.
What We Like:
- It fits a 9-inch pizza or up to 4 slices of bread, perfect for small meals.
- You can bake, broil, toast, or keep food warm with its four handy functions.
- The natural convection airflow helps cook food evenly and makes it nice and crispy.
- A 30-minute timer with a stay-on option gives you control over your cooking.
- Cleaning up is super easy thanks to the removable crumb tray.
- Its sleek stainless steel design looks great on any kitchen counter.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to keep food at least 1.5 inches away from the top heating elements to avoid burning or spills.
- The outer surfaces can get hot, so always use oven mitts.
This BLACK+DECKER toaster oven is a great addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and multiple cooking styles. It’s a smart choice for quick meals and snacks.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Small Countertop Oven
Small countertop ovens are fantastic kitchen helpers. They can toast bread, bake cookies, and even roast small chickens. They save energy compared to big ovens. They also heat up faster. This guide will help you find the perfect one for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a small countertop oven, keep these important features in mind.
Capacity
Think about what you will cook. Do you need to bake a whole pizza? Or just toast a few slices of bread? Ovens are measured in cubic feet. A smaller oven might be 0.4 cubic feet. A larger one could be 1.0 cubic feet. Make sure it fits your usual recipes.
Functions
Most ovens have basic functions like Bake and Broil. Some offer more. Look for Toast, Convection Bake, and Defrost. Convection bake uses a fan. It cooks food more evenly and faster. This is a great feature.
Temperature Range
Check the oven’s temperature range. Most go up to 450°F (230°C). Some can reach higher temperatures. This is important for recipes that need a lot of heat, like searing. Make sure the temperature is easy to set and read.
Timer
A timer is very useful. It tells you when your food is ready. Some timers are simple. Others have auto shut-off. This means the oven turns off by itself. This is a safety feature.
Accessories
What comes with the oven? Many ovens include a baking pan and a wire rack. Some also come with a crumb tray. A crumb tray makes cleaning much easier.
2. Important Materials
The materials used to build the oven affect its durability and how it cooks.
Stainless Steel
Many good ovens have stainless steel exteriors. This material looks nice. It is also strong and easy to clean. The inside is often made of non-stick material. This also helps with cleaning.
Glass Door
The oven door usually has a glass window. This lets you see your food as it cooks. Tempered glass is best. It is strong and can handle heat well.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make an oven better, while others can make it less good.
Even Heating
A high-quality oven heats food evenly. This means your toast will be golden brown on both sides. Your baked goods will cook through without burning. Convection fans help with this. Look for reviews that mention even cooking.
Ease of Cleaning
A good oven is easy to clean. Non-stick interiors and removable crumb trays make a big difference. Wiping down the inside after use keeps it looking new.
Durability
A well-built oven will last a long time. Stainless steel and sturdy controls are good signs. Cheap plastic parts can break easily.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the oven and how easy it is to use are very important.
Simple to Use
Controls should be clear and easy to understand. You shouldn’t need a manual just to set the temperature. Knobs are often easier to use than buttons for some people.
Versatile Cooking
Can the oven do more than just toast? Can it bake small cakes or reheat leftovers? Ovens with multiple functions are more useful. They can replace other small appliances.
Countertop Space
Remember that these are *small* countertop ovens. But they still take up space. Measure your counter before you buy. Check the oven’s dimensions. Make sure it fits where you want it.
Who is it for?
Small countertop ovens are great for dorm rooms, small apartments, or as a secondary oven in a larger kitchen. They are also good for people who only cook for one or two.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main purpose of a small countertop oven?
A: The main purpose is to cook or heat food quickly and efficiently. They are good for toasting, baking, broiling, and reheating.
Q: How much space do I need for a small countertop oven?
A: You need enough space for the oven itself, plus some room around it for air to circulate. Check the oven’s dimensions and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Q: Are countertop ovens energy-efficient?
A: Yes, they usually use less energy than a full-sized oven because they are smaller and heat up faster.
Q: What is convection bake?
A: Convection bake uses a fan to circulate hot air inside the oven. This cooks food more evenly and often faster.
Q: Can I bake a whole chicken in a small countertop oven?
A: It depends on the size of the oven and the chicken. Smaller chickens might fit, but larger ones probably won’t.
Q: How do I clean a small countertop oven?
A: Most have removable crumb trays. You can wipe down the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. The exterior can be cleaned with a damp cloth.
Q: What temperature should I use for toasting?
A: Most ovens have a specific “Toast” setting. If not, a medium-high setting like 400°F (200°C) often works well.
Q: Are small countertop ovens safe to use?
A: Yes, they are generally safe when used according to the instructions. Always ensure they are on a stable surface and away from flammable materials.
Q: What is a good capacity for a small countertop oven for one person?
A: For one person, an oven with a capacity of around 0.4 to 0.7 cubic feet is usually sufficient.
Q: Can I put aluminum foil in a small countertop oven?
A: Yes, you can use aluminum foil to line the bottom to catch drips, but be careful not to block any vents. Check your oven’s manual for specific advice.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!