Key takeaways
- Capacity: a 2-slice unit suits singles and tight counters; 4 to 8-slice ovens fit a family and bake sheet pans or a pizza.
- Convection: a convection fan circulates heat for faster, more even baking and browning, worth having if you bake often.
- Air fry function: many 2026 models add air frying, letting one appliance replace both a toaster oven and an air fryer.
- Functions and controls: look for toast, bake, and broil at minimum; presets and a clear dial or digital panel make it easier to use.
- Interior fit: check the rack size against your baking sheets and dishes so what you cook actually fits.
What's inside
A good toaster oven does far more than brown bread: it bakes a small batch of cookies, reheats leftovers better than a microwave, broils cheese to bubbling, and, increasingly, air fries too, all without heating up a full-size oven. For apartments, offices, and anyone tired of firing up the big oven for two pieces of fish, a countertop toaster oven is the most-used appliance on the counter.
Below are the best toaster ovens for 2026, from compact two-slice units to extra-wide convection models that fit a whole pizza. Whether you want simple toasting, serious baking capacity, or built-in air frying, there is a right-sized pick here for your counter and your cooking.
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Watch: Top Rated Toaster Ovens for Toasting, Baking, and Broiling — Video Review
How to Choose
- Capacity: a 2-slice unit suits singles and tight counters; 4 to 8-slice ovens fit a family and bake sheet pans or a pizza.
- Convection: a convection fan circulates heat for faster, more even baking and browning, worth having if you bake often.
- Air fry function: many 2026 models add air frying, letting one appliance replace both a toaster oven and an air fryer.
- Functions and controls: look for toast, bake, and broil at minimum; presets and a clear dial or digital panel make it easier to use.
- Interior fit: check the rack size against your baking sheets and dishes so what you cook actually fits.
The Best Picks Reviewed
BLACK+DECKER 8-Slice Extra Wide Convection Toaster Oven
The best for capacity and versatility. Its extra-wide interior fits eight slices or a small pizza, and convection heating bakes and browns evenly. A do-everything family oven that handles toasting, baking, and broiling with room to spare.
BLACK+DECKER 6-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven, 5-in-1
The best two-in-one. This 5-in-1 combines toasting, baking, and broiling with a genuine air fry function, so it replaces two appliances. Six-slice capacity suits most households wanting crispy fries and toast from one machine.
Cuisinart Toaster Oven Broiler, 1800W, 0.5 cu. ft.
The powerful all-rounder. With 1800 watts and a 0.5-cubic-foot cavity, it heats fast and broils strongly, giving reliable, even results across toasting, baking, and broiling. A dependable pick for cooks who want performance over gadgets.
Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven
The precision compact choice. Breville’s Element IQ system directs heat where it is needed for even, consistent cooking in a small footprint. Ideal for those who want smart, accurate results without a large oven on the counter.
Elite Gourmet ETO236 Compact 2-Slice Toaster Oven
The space-saving budget pick. A simple, affordable 2-slice oven with a 15-minute timer, perfect for a dorm, office, or single person who just needs toast, small reheats, and the occasional broil without spending much.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size toaster oven should I get?
A 2-slice unit suits singles and small counters, while a 4 to 8-slice oven fits families and bakes sheet pans or a small pizza. Match capacity to your typical batch and your available space.
Is a convection toaster oven worth it?
If you bake and roast often, yes. The fan circulates heat for faster, more even cooking and better browning. For plain toasting and reheating, a non-convection model is perfectly fine.
Can a toaster oven replace an air fryer?
Air fry models like the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 genuinely can, using convection to crisp food. They may hold slightly less than a dedicated air fryer basket but save counter space by combining functions.
Do toaster ovens use less energy than a full oven?
For small jobs, yes. A toaster oven heats a much smaller cavity, so it warms up faster and uses less energy than a full-size oven for a couple of servings or a small tray.
Final Thoughts
For most families, the extra-wide BLACK+DECKER 8-slice convection oven is the versatile do-it-all choice, while the 6-slice air fry model wins if you want to ditch a separate air fryer. Cooks who prize even results should look at the Cuisinart or Breville, and singles can save with the compact Elite Gourmet. Decide on capacity and whether you want air frying, and the rest falls into place.
