9 Best Toaster Oven Foods of 2026

If you’re the type who feeds a crowd or loathes reheating lasagna in batches, the BLACK+DECKER TO3250XSBD is a game-changer. Its extra-wide 9”x13” pan compatibility means you can slide in your favorite casserole dish without trimming or compromising—perfect for family dinners or meal prep warriors. The convection heating system turbocharges baking and roasting, slashing cook times while delivering even browning, a rare win in budget-friendly ovens. Say goodbye to cold centers and burnt edges—this oven nails consistency, especially when crisping up chicken skins or baking sheet-pan dinners.

In real-world use, the spacious interior shines when toasting eight thick sourdough slices at once—no flipping or rotating needed. The three rack positions offer serious flexibility, letting you bake cookies on one level while broiling salmon above. At 1800 watts, it heats up fast and maintains temperature well, though the lack of preset programs means you’ll manually dial in settings. It handles frozen foods with ease, but delicate tasks like dehydrating herbs or proofing dough aren’t in its wheelhouse—stick to core functions where it excels.

Compared to compact models like the Dash Mini or Elite Gourmet, this BLACK+DECKER is built for volume, not minimalism. It’s not as feature-packed as the Nuwave Bravo or Ninja Flip, but it outperforms them in batch cooking without demanding digital know-how. Ideal for large households or weekend bakers who want set-it-and-forget-it reliability, it’s a workhorse that simplifies daily cooking. While it lacks air frying or smart presets, it delivers better spatial efficiency than full-size ovens without sacrificing usability.

The Ninja Flip SP151 flips the script on countertop clutter—literally. Its flip-up design frees up to 50% more counter space when not in use, making it a revelation for small kitchens or minimalist setups. But don’t mistake its compact storage for compromised performance: the 1800-watt OVENCRISP Technology—a fusion of infrared heating and rapid air circulation—delivers crisp fries, juicy roasts, and golden pizzas in record time. With 8-in-1 functionality, it replaces not just a toaster oven but a full air fryer, dehydrator, and broiler, making it a true all-in-one powerhouse.

During testing, the Ninja flipped from air frying wings to baking a 12” pepperoni pie with flawless results—50% faster than a conventional oven and with far less energy. The 6 infrared heating elements ensure edge-to-edge browning, even with dense loads like six chicken breasts. The large capacity feeds up to four, and the removable air fry basket and sheet pan make swapping tasks seamless. However, the flip mechanism requires clearance behind the unit, so tight backsplashes can limit usability.

When stacked against the Hamilton Beach or BLACK+DECKER models, the Ninja wins on speed, versatility, and space-saving design, though it costs more than basic convection ovens. It’s not as massive as the Nuwave Bravo or Emeril Lagasse, but it strikes the sweet spot between power and footprint. For urban dwellers, busy parents, or anyone craving restaurant-quality crisp without the fryer, this is the gold standard. It outclasses simpler models in feature density and cooking intelligence, all while tucking away like a secret kitchen ninja.

Don’t let its budget-friendly price fool you—the Elite Gourmet ETO490 punches above its weight for solo cooks and tiny kitchens. At just 800 watts, it’s not the most powerful, but its adjustable 200°F–450°F thermostat handles toast, reheat, bake, and broil with surprising finesse. The compact size fits snugly beside a coffee maker or in a studio apartment kitchen, yet it still fits four slices or a small pizza. For students, bachelors, or anyone who hates firing up a full oven for one meal, this is the ultimate simplicity machine.

In testing, it browned toast evenly and crisped up frozen taquitos without scorching—a rare feat at this price. The 30-minute timer is basic but effective, though it lacks stay-on or auto-shutoff, so vigilance is key. It heats up slower than convection models, and larger dishes barely fit, but for snacks, reheating leftovers, or baking small batches, it’s more than capable. It struggles with dense roasts or multi-rack cooking, but that’s not its purpose.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER TO1760SS or Dash Mini, it offers a larger interior and higher max temperature, making it a better value for the price. It doesn’t air fry or dehydrate, but it’s not trying to. This is for the no-frills user who wants reliable, affordable cooking without digital clutter. While the Ninja or Nuwave offer more, this oven delivers essential performance at a fraction of the cost, making it the smart pick for minimalist or first-time buyers.

The BLACK+DECKER TO1760SS is a convection-powered sleeper hit in the budget oven category. Despite its modest 1500-watt output, the Natural Convection system circulates heat more efficiently than many pricier models, cutting cooking time by nearly 25%. Whether you’re toasting four thick bagels or baking a 9” personal pizza, the Eventoast Technology ensures even browning—no more pale edges or burnt corners. For small households tired of underwhelming mini ovens, this delivers full-flavor cooking without the footprint.

Real-world tests showed it crisped chicken thighs beautifully and reheated leftovers without drying them out—thanks to consistent airflow. The 30-minute timer with stay-on function is a small but critical upgrade over basic models, allowing longer bakes like casseroles or roasted veggies. The stainless steel build feels durable, and the slide-out crumb tray makes cleanup a breeze. However, the interior is tight for 9×13 pans, and it lacks preset programs or air frying.

Against the Elite Gourmet or Dash Mini, this BLACK+DECKER is a clear step up in performance and convenience, especially for those who want convection benefits without spending $100+. It’s not as flashy as the Ninja Flip or Nuwave Bravo, but it nails the essentials with quiet confidence. For renters, college students, or secondary kitchens, it offers the best balance of power, price, and convection cooking, outperforming non-convection rivals in both speed and results.

Step into the future of countertop cooking with the Nuwave Bravo, a 30-quart XL beast that thinks like a chef. Its Linear T Technology adjusts heat every second to maintain precise temperatures from 50°F to 500°F in 5°F increments—yes, it can proof dough and dehydrate jerky with lab-grade accuracy. But the real magic? The integrated digital temperature probe that stops cooking when your steak hits perfect medium-rare, no guesswork needed. For large families or meal-prep fanatics, this isn’t just an oven—it’s a kitchen command center.

In practice, it roasts a whole chicken to golden perfection, air fries a week’s worth of fries, and bakes cookies in batches large enough to feed a party. The 112 built-in presets—including 100 recipe slots you can customize—make it idiot-proof for complex dishes. With four rack positions and 12 cooking functions, it replaces six appliances. However, its size demands serious counter real estate, and the digital interface has a learning curve.

Pitted against the Emeril Lagasse or Ninja Flip, the Nuwave wins in capacity, precision, and customization, though it’s less space-efficient than the flip-up Ninja. It’s overkill for singles or couples, but for families of five or more, it’s unmatched. While the Hamilton Beach or BLACK+DECKER models serve basics, the Bravo delivers smart, scalable cooking at a pro level—justifying its complexity with flawless, repeatable results.

The DASH Mini Toaster Oven is the king of compact convenience, perfect for dorm rooms, RVs, or anyone who eats solo. At just 550 watts, it’s not built for feasts, but it excels at single-serve magic—crispy paninis, melty bagels, or two perfect cookies. Its tiny footprint disappears on crowded counters, and the auto shut-off feature gives peace of mind for forgetful users. For picky eaters or kids’ snacks, it’s a dream—no wasted energy heating a giant oven for one piece of toast.

Testing showed it toasts evenly, though it struggles with thick artisan breads that don’t fit well. The dial-controlled timer is simple, and the removable, dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a snap. It’s not convection, so air frying is out, but it handles basic tasks with cheerful reliability. It can’t fit a 9” pizza, but a personal flatbread? No problem.

Against full-size models, it’s not a competitor—it’s a specialist. Compared to the Elite Gourmet or BLACK+DECKER, it’s smaller and less powerful, but that’s the point. For gifting, traveling, or minimalist living, it’s adorable and functional. While others boast presets and power, this one wins on charm, portability, and energy efficiency, making it the go-to for light-duty, single-serving wins.

The Emeril Lagasse French Door oven brings restaurant flair to your countertop, with elegant dual French doors that swing open like a pro oven. Its 26-quart capacity swallows a 6-lb whole chicken or 12” pizza with room to spare, making it ideal for dinner parties or big families. The dual-speed fan unleashes 360° superheated air, delivering crisp skin on wings and golden crusts on bread without flipping. And the interior light? A small touch that lets you monitor food like a sous chef.

In real use, it air fries, roasts, and bakes with confidence—handling everything from dehydrated apple chips to broiled salmon. The seven included accessories cover nearly every need, and the digital controls are intuitive. But the French doors, while stylish, require more front clearance than roll-top models, which can be tricky in tight spaces. It’s also heavier and harder to move.

Next to the Ninja Flip or Hamilton Beach, it trades easy reach for elegance and volume. It doesn’t flip up, but it offers more rack space and better heat distribution than most. For hosts, entertainers, or families who value presentation and capacity, it’s a standout. While the Nuwave Bravo has more presets, this one wins on design and usability, blending high-end looks with serious cooking chops.

The BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake is a 12-in-1 culinary Swiss Army knife that blends style and substance. Its French doors with stainless accents open wide for easy access, while the convection-powered air fry function delivers deep-fried texture with up to 75% less oil. Whether you’re roasting veggies, toasting six slices, or baking a whole pizza, this oven handles it with flair. The selection dial with indicator lights guides you intuitively—red when cooking, blue when paused—making it beginner-friendly.

In testing, it air fried crispy Brussels sprouts and baked moist salmon without flavor transfer. The 2.5x faster cooking claim holds up, thanks to the upper convection fan. It fits standard pans and has two rack positions, though the interior isn’t as deep as the Nuwave or Emeril models. It lacks a temp probe, but the 12 presets cover most needs.

Versus the Hamilton Beach or Ninja, it offers more cooking modes than most while maintaining a sleek profile. It’s not as compact as the Dash, nor as smart as the Nuwave, but it hits a sweet spot for home cooks who want versatility without complexity. With French doors and full convection power, it delivers premium feel and performance at a mid-range price—beating simpler models in both style and function.

The Hamilton Beach Easy Reach oven wins on ergonomics, thanks to its roll-top door that lifts vertically, giving unobstructed access to food—no more bumping your hand on the counter. This makes checking cookies or flipping chicken effortless, a small but meaningful upgrade for frequent users. With Sure-Crisp convection, it delivers evenly browned fries and juicy meats using little to no oil, living up to its air fryer promise. The 1400-watt power and 4 cooking functions cover all basics with reliability.

In real use, it toasts six slices evenly and fits a full 12” pizza without crowding. The metal mesh basket and dual rack positions add flexibility, and the auto shutoff and ready bell enhance safety. But it lacks presets or dehydrating modes, so it’s less versatile than the Ninja or Nuwave. The convection is solid but not as aggressive as OVENCRISP or Linear T tech.

Stacked against the BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake or Ninja Flip, it trades preset features for physical ease of use. It doesn’t flip or have French doors, but the roll-top design is a game-changer for accessibility. For older users, those with mobility issues, or anyone who hates cramped oven access, it’s a top pick. While it doesn’t boast the most functions, it excels in thoughtful design and consistent results, outperforming rivals in usability.