How To Choose The Best Toaster Oven For You
Toaster ovens vary in size, capacity, functionality, and price. The most expensive ones can do a lot more than toast and reheat they can also air fry, roast, bake and pretty much serve as a second oven. However, they will also take up a lot more of your precious counter space compared to the best air fryers.
Here are the five things to consider when shopping for a toaster oven:
Size Be sure to measure the space on your countertop where you plan to keep your toaster oven before making a purchase. Dont forget to check if your over-head cabinets will get in the way, and make sure the toaster oven will have space around it to vent as well.
Capacity Start by considering what you cook regularly and plan to cook in your toaster oven. Models come with a wide range of capacities. The most compact ones can toast four to six slices of bread at once, while the largest can toast nine slices. In a smaller oven, you can reheat frozen foods, but may not be able to fit a 12-inch pizza. Most of the newer ovens on the market are able to roast a chicken and some can even cook two birds at once, or a small turkey. However, if you dont cook for more than one or two people and your repertoire doesnt include roasting, you may not want an oven with a large capacity monopolizing your countertop space.
Instant Omni Plus Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Award:BEST FOR BAKING
WHY WE LIKE IT: Features specialized presets for baking cakes and related foodstuffs, with a durable stainless steel form factor, a generous 26L maximum capacity, and shipping with numerous useful accessories, including items for making rotisserie chicken.
Pros
- Somewhat expensive
The Instant Omni Plus Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a great choice for those who dont want to use a conventional oven to bake cakes and related baked goods, as this model boasts a wide range of presets for baking, among other useful types of cooking. We appreciated the generous maximum capacity here, 26 liters, which is large enough to handle a whole chicken. To that end, this air fryer toaster oven ships with a range of useful accessories, including a rotisserie spit, forks, and a lift.
Though the maximum capacity is certainly on point, this toaster is on the heavier side, at just over 30 pounds. Also, this is a somewhat expensive toaster, so take that into consideration before making a purchase. You might also want to take a look at our best convection microwave ovens buying guide for more affordable options with similar capabilities.
Why Pick A Combo Model In The First Place
After spending time with several different styles of air fryers, I’ve learned that you can separate air fryers into two primary groups, pod-style air fryers, and toaster oven style air fryers.
A pod-style air fryer is a classic style that most folks are familiar with. They are self-contained air-frying units that come with a front-loading basket and usually, a top-mounted display/control panel. They don’t do a lot other than air fry foods, but they do it extremely well.
Toaster oven style air fryers on the other hand are usually larger, countertop convection ovens that can handle several different cooking functions and recipes. Beyond just air frying, these models can usually rotisserie or roast whole chicken, slow cook or slow roast meats, make yogurt or dehydrate fruits/veggies, and much more.
Personally, I will always choose an appliance that can handle multiple cooking tasks. Counterspace is at a premium in my kitchen, which is already overflowing with appliances, so when I decide to add something new to my arsenal it must replace at least 2 other tools along the way. In this, a toaster oven style air fryer is far superior to a pod-style air fryer.
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Things To Consider Before Purchasing The Best Rated Air Fryer Oven
If you are in the market for a new air fryer oven, you may be wondering what to look for. With so many different brands and models available, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. That’s why we have put together this list of 4 things to consider before making your purchase!
1. Price:
Air fryer ovens can range in price from around $30 to $200 or more, so be sure to set a budget before you start shopping. The price will depend on the features and size of the air fryer oven, as well as the brand.
2. Capacity:
Another thing to consider is the size of the air fryer oven. It is important to choose one that will fit comfortably in your kitchen. Most air fryers have a capacity of between 0.68 and 0.92 quarts, so be sure to measure your counter space before making a purchase.
3. Settings:
Air fryer ovens come with a variety of different settings, so be sure to choose one that has the features you need.
For example, if you want to air fry, bake, roast, and grill, you will need an oven with multiple settings. On the other hand, if you only plan to use your air fryer for frying foods, a simpler model may be all you need.
4. Warranty:
A good warranty is always a plus, especially when you are spending a lot of money on a new appliance. Most air fryer ovens come with a one-year warranty, but some models offer longer warranties.
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Best overall: Dreo DR-KAF001
Best budget: COSORI CS100-AO
Best value: Breville BOV860BSS1BUS1
Best design: COSORI Air Fryer Max XL
Where Can I Buy A Air Fryer Oven Cooking Times Chart
There are many places you can purchase air fryer oven cooking times chart, including department stores, kitchenware stores, and online retailers. When choosing where to buy, it is important to consider things like price, quality, and selection. Department stores and kitchenware stores may have a wider selection of items to choose from, but they usually come with a higher price tag. Online retailers typically have a more limited selection but may offer lower prices.
Also Check: Oster Countertop Oven With Air Fryer Recipes
Cut A Small Nonstick Baking Mat To Fit Your Broil/baking Tray
I recently cut a small, inexpensive baking mat I had lying around to fit the interior dimensions of my baking/broil tray. This allows me to save on cleanup by using a high temp liner whenever I roast or broil something using the tray. I’m all about saving time on clean up and this has definitely saved a ton, moreover, it keeps the pan itself free from built-up carbon which extends the life of the machine.
Nuwave Bravo Xl Convection Oven
Price: $$
Although it has room for only one rack at a time, the Nuwave Bravo XL boasts a fairly large capacity.
Plus, the oven comes with a built-in temperature probe to help ensure that your food is fully cooked.
The Bravo XL also has a variety of functions, including a yogurt-making setting. My colleague, Laura Flynn Endres of Get Fit Done, says that the Nuwave Bravo has earned its counter space in her kitchen because of all the different functions it offers in addition to air frying.
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Are There Benefits To Air Frying Food
Even though your food doesnt taste deep-fried, air frying can still be fun, quick, and delicious. Below are a few of the reasons you might want to try it.
The Food Is Ready Faster. Some things are ready in half the time it would take in a traditional oven.
Theres Less Mess. Air frying is definitely easier, cleaner, and requires less attention than deep-frying with a big pot of hot oil.
Potential Health Benefits. People really like to tout air frying as healthier because youre using less oil. But the less oil aspect is more nuanced.
Yes, you are definitely going to use less than deep-frying. But you still need to toss your broccoli and Brussels sprouts with some oil otherwise youll turn them into a dry jerky.
Most frozen foods dont need extra oil. But the oil savings are not that significant for foods youd normally bake or roast in a traditional oven.
More Evenly Cooked Food. We touched on this earlier but cooking with convection results in crispy, tender, uniformly cooked food that tastes great.
Are Air Fryers Worth It
If you’re wondering whether air fryers are really worth it, we think the primary perk of owning one is convenience. Like any kitchen gadget, you want something thatâs going to make life simpler, and thereâs no doubt that frying and baking conventionally can be messy, smelly and even dangerous.
Using an air fryer to bake, roast and fry will speed up the process, and can potentially cut calories and save money as you wonât have to use a larger oven for smaller portions and side dishes.
Think of air fryers as mini ovens that can tackle almost anything youâd put in a conventional oven or deep-fat fryer. Theyâre not just for chips: you can bake, roast and even dehydrate ingredients, too.
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The Best Toaster Ovens You Can Buy Today
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a whole lot more than a humble toaster oven. In addition to making toast and heating frozen pizza, it can just about replace your full-size oven for everything from baking cookies to making a roast dinner. Come the holidays, it can handle the biscuits or the sweet potato casserole. Its larger than a typical model and comes with a steep price tag, but with all its capabilities and handsome appearance, we think its worth the countertop space and the splurge. That’s why it earned the Tom’s Guide 2022 Award for Best toaster oven.
The Hamilton Beach Air Fryer Sure Crisp Toaster Oven has a traditional design updated with a stainless steel finish. Its compact and affordable and is a great model for toasting, reheating, and broiling, but isnt the one to choose if youre looking for a secondary oven. In addition to not being large enough to roast a whole chicken, its not great at baking. Although it does air fry, it doesn’t brown and crisp food as well as a dedicated air fryer or the other toaster oven air fryers we tested. Having said that, its less than a quarter of the price compared to our winner, and is great value for a fair performance.
Read our full KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven With Air Fryer review.
Black+decker Crisp N Bake Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Award:BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-conscious hybrid oven with a suite of innovative features, including a large maximum capacity that can fit a 9 x 13 pan and a 60-minuter precision timer with automatic shutdown.
Pros
- Maxes out at 450F
- No functions for dehydration or slow cooking
This Black and Decker air fryer toaster oven is available at a relatively low price while retaining a serious feature set that includes a generous maximum capacity that can easily fit a 9 x 13 pan. We loved the 60-minute precision timer, which automatically shuts the toaster down when cooking has finished, and the number of useful presets available. We also liked the easy-to-clean crumb tray, which easily slides out for a quick wiping down.
Though the temperature can easily be adjusted at will, the maximum temperature here is 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which may not suit all consumers. Also, there are no functions here for dehydration, slow cooking, or braising. We do have the best slow cooker buying guide if thats feature is important to you.
Read Also: Williams Sonoma Air Fryer Recipes
Philips Hd9238/22 Air Fryer
Health is something that you need to cherish as long as it lasts. You can easily add better health to your list of to-do things by opting for the Philips Viva HD9238/22. This particular digital air fryer comes with an in-built fan within the fryer to make amazing chips that are as crispy as they come. If you are looking for amazing features in a small price tag, this appliance is your best bet.
With a sleek design, this air-fryer can be used easily with a digitally controllable screen. The temperature and timer controls are easily visible in the control screen, so no issues with use. With the metal mesh bottom, the air can pass out and ensure proper circulation of heat.
Key Features:
- It comes with a digital screen
- It features Rapid Air Technology for healthier cooking
- It comes with quick clean bottom and lid for easy cleaning
Product Specifications:
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The Pros And Cons Of An Air Fryer
- With an air fryer, you can’t see inside. This might not be super important, but being able to see your food can help judge doneness.
- Air fryers are louder than a convection oven. Philips says its air fryer generates 65 decibels, which is about as loud as a vacuum cleaner.
- An air fryer is more expensive than a comparable convection oven. A top air fryer might run $250, but a $150 convection oven will cook more food and more varieties of food
- Air fryers take up less space. A convection oven will pretty much have to live on your countertop full-time, whereas an air fryer can go in a cupboard when you’re not using it .
- Air fryer cleanup is more difficult. With an air fryer, you have the perforated basket to clean along with the bucket that it fits in. If you’re cooking something like chicken wings, there will be a lot of dripping. With a convection oven, you just clean the pan.
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Power Air Fryer Xl Vs Nuwave Air Fryer
If you find yourself divided between these two models, check here to see the differences in this air fryer comparison, they are both great though. Theyll handle your French fries perfectly and are versatile, giving you lots of other cooking options.
- Capacity: The Nuwave Brio 37001 has a larger capacity of 6qt and the Power Air fryer XL has a capacity of 5.3qt.
- Size & Weight: They are both large and bulky. The Power Air fryer XL measures 14.5 x 12.5 x 14.9 inches and weighs 12lbs. The Nuwave Brio weighs 17.5lbs and has a dimension of 13.4 x 16.9 x 15.8 inches.
- Control: They both have digital touchscreen interfaces for easy control and use. They also come with preprogrammed smart presets for cooking various types of foods.
- Power: The Power Air fryer XL is powered by 1700W while the Nuwave has power with wattage ratings of 1800W, 1500W & 900W.
- Price: A comparison of their prices saw the Nuwave as the more affordable air fryer as it sells a little over $100, far lower than what the Power commands.
Gowise Vs Philips Air Fryer
They are both digitally controlled air fryers. We went ahead to compare air fryers and had to check out how these two compare against each other. This phase of our air fryer comparison is exciting because both of these products are loved and used by many.
- Capacity: The GoWISE USA Programmable 7-in-1 has a 3.7qt capacity while the Philips Air fryer XL HD 9240/94 has a capacity of 2.6lbs that will conveniently cook for 4 people.
- Size & Weight: The GoWIS USA Air fryer has a weight of 12lbs and measures 9 x 8.5 x 12 inches. The Philips Air fryer, on the other hand, has more footprint, measures 12.4 x 16.65 x 11.89 inches and weighs 18.98lbs.
- Controls: Both have digital control interfaces. They both have cooking presets for various types of food, aimed at making cooking faster and easier. They both have adjustable temperature and time control. They also have an inbuilt auto shut-off feature.
- Power: The Philips Air fryer has 1750W power and the GoWISE Air fryer has 1500W power.
- Price: The GoWISE USA Programmable 7-in-1 has a price tag below $100, quite cheap compared to the Philips retailing over twice that price.
Also Check: Power Air Fryer Oven Recipe Guide
Power Air Fryer Vs Nuwave Air Fryer
The Power Air fryer XL is preferred by many as well as the Nuwave Brio Air fryer 37001, but how do we compare air fryers of such qualities against each other? Check out what we found out in this air fryer comparison
- Capacity: The Power Air fryer XL has a capacity of 5.3qt while the Nuwave Brio 37001 is slightly larger at 6qt.
- Size & Weight: The Nuwave is slightly bulky at 17.5lbs and has a larger footprint measuring 13.4 x 16.9 x 15.8 inches. The Power Air fryer XL comes in at 12lbs and measures 13.4 x 16.9 x 15.8 inches.
- Control: They are both digitally controlled, comes with smart presets and features adjustable temperature.
- Power: While the Nuwave has Power ratings of 900W, 1500W and 1800W, the Power Air fryer is rated at 1700W.
- Price: Both are quite affordable, retails below $200 but the Nuwave Brio is the cheaper of the two.
Cosori Co130 Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
The Cosori Smart CO130 Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo is a front-loading countertop convection oven-style air fryer with a capacity 5L bigger than our #2 and #3 options below. It has the largest internal space of any machine at this price point .
And yet somehow, it still fits under kitchen cabinets.
Function-wise it has the same list you’ll see on most of these models: Roast, bake, fry, toast, broil, dehydrate etc. But it’s in the small details where these machines separate one another.
One such detail? The COSORI’s two fan speeds. Cheap air fryers are notorious for drying foods out, so having a lower fan speed allows for more careful cooking to lock in moisture on your favorite foods.
Another is the 3 rack positions. Many of these machines advertise an array of accessories and massive internal space, but you get them and realize the rack positions don’t actually allow you to use those accessories to cook 2 things at the same time. Not the COSORI. With 3 rack positions, you can easily roast vegetables on one rack and a protein on another rack without either sitting too close or too far from a heating element.
In addition to its air fryer function, the Cosori CO130 Toaster Oven Combo can slow cook, warm, dehydrate, ferment and bake anything you might think of. I personally love the addition of a countertop dehydrator in my kitchen, and while it can’t fit quite as much as a multi-layer dehydrator might, it can still handle a fair amount of fruit chips or beef jerky.
Recommended Reading: Instant Vortex Air Fryer Oven Reviews
