Is your kitchen counter overflowing with appliances? Do you dream of reclaiming that precious workspace? Many of us love the convenience of a toaster oven, but hate how much room they take up. Finding the perfect spot for that essential gadget can feel like a frustrating game of Tetris every morning. You want a toaster oven that fits neatly out of sight, but you also need one that actually cooks your food well.
Choosing an under-counter toaster oven adds another layer of complexity. You need to consider size, ventilation, and, most importantly, performance. How do you find a model that slides away seamlessly while still delivering perfectly toasted bread and evenly baked snacks? It is tough to know which features truly matter when shopping online.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down what makes a great under-counter toaster oven. You will learn exactly what specifications to look for, ensuring you buy a space-saving appliance that truly performs. Get ready to clear your counters for good! Let’s dive into finding the best hidden helper for your kitchen.
Top Under Counter Toaster Oven Recommendations
- 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.
- RECLAIM YOUR COUNTER SPACE: Takes up 50% less space when you flip it up and away to store against your backsplash.
- OVENCRISP TECHNOLOGY: Infrared heating and rapid circulating air combine for edge-to-edge even cooking.
- 8-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Pizza, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate.
- LARGE CAPACITY, SMALL FOOTPRINT: Air fry & roast up to 4 lbs of ingredients, bake a 12” pizza, toast up to 6 slices of bread, fits 6 chicken breasts.
- QUICK FAMILY MEALS: Family-sized meals that feed up to 4 people in as little as 20 minutes.
- DIGITAL CRISP CONTROL TECHNOLOGY: Precision-controlled temperature, heat source, and airflow for ultimate versatility and optimum cooking performance.
- 8-IN-1 VERSATILITY: The ultimate meal-making machine with 8-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Bagel, Toast, Dehydrate, and Keep Warm all in one powerful, 1800-watt appliance. The height of the interior of this machine is approximately 3".
- LESS FAT: Eat all of your air fried favorites guilt-free with up to 75% less fat when using the Air Fry function vs. traditional deep frying. Tested against hand-cut, deep fried French Fries.
- FASTER COOKING: Cooks up to 60% faster than a traditional oven on Air Roast; 60-second preheat; full meals in as little as 20 minutes.
- LARGE CAPACITY: 45% larger usable pan cooking area vs. the flat surface area of the Cuisinart toa-60 and toa-65 pan. Fits a 13" Pizza, up to 9 slices of toast, or 6 chicken breasts (6–8 oz. each).
- 12 Preset Functions – Air fry, bake, roast, toast, bagel, fries, wings, snacks, broil, dehydrate, popcorn and keep warm with a single tap.
- FryForce 360° Technology – Perfect for healthier cooking, rapid airflow circulates heat for golden, crunchy food using little to no oil.
- Large Capacity with 3 Rack Positions – Fits a 9” pizza, 4 slices of bread, or stacked batches using adjustable rack levels.
- Convection Mode — Promotes even heat distribution for quicker, more consistent cooking.
- Accessories for Every Meal – Includes an air fry basket, oven rack, baking pan, and crumb tray for all cooking, baking, and air-frying needs.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fits Most Oven Pans - Use the pans you already have! This spacious oven fits most standard 9”x13” oven pans with handles. That means you can go from straight from oven to table. Plus, the included baking/broiling pan fits perfectly, making it easy to insert and remove food. Toasting rack also included.
- Convection Heating - The powerful convection fan circulates warm air throughout the oven for fast, even baking. Other functions include: baking, broiling, toasting, and keeping food warm.Dedicated Toast Timer - Get perfect toast every time using the dedicated toast timer. It allows for predictable shade selection with every use.
- Temperatures in the oven will be lower than your set point. This is due to advanced heating elements used in this oven. Temperature dial settings have been calibrated to provide expected results for most recipes taking into account the advanced heating elements.
- 60-minute Timer - The 60-minute precision timer features stay-on functionality for longer baking tasks. Dedicated precision toast timer. 3 rack positions for improved cooking flexibility
- 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.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect Under Counter Toaster Oven
An under counter toaster oven is a fantastic kitchen helper. It saves counter space. It cooks small meals fast. Choosing the right one needs a little know-how. This guide helps you pick the best fit for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at what the oven can do. These features make a big difference in how you use it.
Capacity and Size
- Internal Space: Check how much food fits inside. Can it hold a 9-inch pizza? Does it fit four slices of toast? Measure your space carefully before buying.
- External Dimensions: Make sure it slides easily under your cabinets. Some models are deeper than others.
Cooking Functions
- Versatility: Good ovens offer Toast, Bake, Broil, and sometimes Air Fry or Dehydrate. More functions mean more cooking options.
- Temperature Range: A wide range (from 150°F to 450°F) lets you cook everything from slow-melting cheese to quick searing.
Controls and Interface
- Ease of Use: Digital controls are often easier to set precisely than dials. Make sure the display is bright and clear.
- Timer Accuracy: A reliable timer keeps your food from burning. Look for models with precise minute settings.
Important Materials for Durability
What the oven is made of affects how long it lasts and how safe it is.
Exterior and Interior
- Stainless Steel: This material looks professional. It cleans up well and resists rust. High-quality stainless steel lasts longer.
- Non-Stick Coating: The inside walls should have a good non-stick coating. This makes cleaning up baked-on cheese much easier.
- Glass Door: Look for tempered glass. This glass handles high heat without cracking.
Heating Elements
- Quartz vs. Metal: Quartz heating elements warm up much faster than traditional metal ones. This saves you waiting time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all toaster ovens are built the same. A few details separate the great ones from the mediocre ones.
Quality Boosters
- Even Heating: The best ovens have multiple heating elements (top and bottom) that work together. This prevents burnt tops and raw centers.
- Insulation: Good insulation keeps the outside of the oven cooler while the inside cooks hot. This is a safety feature.
- Accessories Included: A quality oven comes with a sturdy baking pan, a wire rack, and sometimes a rotisserie spit.
Quality Reducers (Watch Outs)
- Flimsy Racks: If the wire rack feels thin or bends easily, the oven might not be high quality.
- Hot Exterior: If the outside gets extremely hot to the touch during use, the insulation is poor. This is a safety risk.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your new appliance every day.
Everyday Cooking Needs
- Quick Breakfasts: If you only toast bread, a simpler model works well.
- Small Batch Baking: If you bake cookies or small casseroles, you need good temperature control and a decent size tray.
- Reheating Leftovers: An oven reheats food better than a microwave. It keeps things crispy.
Space Saving
The main goal is saving counter space. Measure your designated spot twice. Make sure there is enough room above the unit for heat to escape safely, even if it slides under a cabinet.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Under Counter Toaster Ovens
Q: Are under counter toaster ovens safe?
A: Yes, they are safe if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Always ensure there is space above the unit for ventilation, especially if installing it under cabinets.
Q: How do I clean an under counter toaster oven?
A: Unplug the oven first. Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap after it cools. Use a specialized cleaner for tough, baked-on grease. Many crumb trays slide out for easy washing.
Q: Can I bake a full-sized frozen pizza in one?
A: Usually, no. Most under counter models fit personal or smaller 9-inch pizzas. Check the internal dimensions carefully before purchasing if you plan to bake pizzas.
Q: Do they use a lot of electricity?
A: They use less electricity than a full-sized oven because they heat a much smaller space. They are energy efficient for small meals.
Q: What is the difference between a toaster oven and an air fryer oven?
A: Many modern toaster ovens include an air fry function. Air frying uses a powerful fan to circulate very hot air quickly, making food crispier without much oil.
Q: How much heat do they release into the kitchen?
A: They release less heat than a large oven. However, they still get hot. Good insulation helps keep the exterior surface cooler.
Q: Should I get digital or analog controls?
A: Digital controls offer more precise settings for temperature and time. Analog dials are simpler but can be less exact.
Q: What is the best material for the interior walls?
A: Stainless steel with a high-quality non-stick coating is best. It lasts long and makes cleaning easier.
Q: Can I put aluminum foil inside the oven?
A: Generally, yes, but never line the bottom directly above the heating elements. Foil can melt or block necessary airflow, which causes overheating.
Q: How long should a good toaster oven last?
A: A well-maintained, high-quality toaster oven should last between five to ten years, depending on how frequently you use it.
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!