The Best Basic Toaster Oven
Looking for a no-fuss toaster oven for everyday use? We researched top models from BLACK+DECKER, Hamilton Beach, and Elite Gourmet to find the most reliable and affordable options for your countertop.
By Myrtle Baker
Updated September 12, 2026
A basic toaster oven is one of the most practical countertop appliances for any kitchen. It can toast bread, bake small casseroles, broil fish, and reheat leftovers, all without heating up your main oven.
Whether you’re in a dorm, a small apartment, or just want a secondary oven, a simple, reliable toaster oven can make everyday cooking faster and more energy-efficient.
At BestProducts, we evaluate each model through comprehensive research, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback. After analyzing dozens of options, these are our top picks for the best basic toaster oven in 2026. Keep reading to find the perfect one for your needs.
| Award | Product | BP Score About BP ScoreThe BP Score is our own rating from 0 to 10, based on performance, design and build, ease of use, and value. It reflects independent research and is never influenced by manufacturers, retailers, or affiliate commissions. Learn more › | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall |
BLACK+DECKER TO1760SS 4-Slice Toaster Oven
|
9.9/10 | $64.99 | Buy |
| Best Premium |
BLACK+DECKER 6-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven
|
9.9/10 | $99.99 | Buy |
Ninja SP151 Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer
|
9.9/10 | $149.94 | Buy | |
| Best Budget |
Elite Gourmet ETO236 2-Slice Toaster Oven
|
9.8/10 | $29.99 | Buy |
Proctor Silex 4-Slice Toaster Oven
|
9.8/10 | $49.95 | Buy | |
| Best Value |
Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 Toaster Oven & Toaster
|
9.8/10 | $64.99 | Buy |
Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 Toaster Oven and Toaster
|
9.8/10 | $99.95 | Buy | |
Hamilton Beach 4 Slice Air Fryer Toaster Oven
|
9.7/10 | $49.95 | Buy | |
BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD 4-Slice Toaster Oven
|
9.7/10 | $59.99 | Buy | |
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven
|
9.6/10 | $61.99 | Buy | |
Elite Gourmet ETO490 4-Slice Toaster Oven
|
9.6/10 | $39.10 | Buy |
BLACK+DECKER TO1760SS 4-Slice Toaster Oven
This compact toaster oven from BLACK+DECKER uses natural convection to circulate hot air for faster, more even cooking. It offers four functions including convection bake and broil, and its stay-on timer allows for longer baking tasks. Perfect for small meals like a 9-inch pizza or four slices of toast.
Pros
- Natural convection for even cooking results
- Compact size fits 9-inch pizza or 4 slices
- Four cooking functions: convection bake, broil, toast, keep warm
- Stay-on timer option for longer baking tasks
BLACK+DECKER 6-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven
This 5-in-1 countertop oven combines air frying, baking, broiling, toasting, and keep-warm functions in a large capacity that fits a 12-inch pizza or six slices of bread. It delivers crisp results with little to no oil, making it a versatile addition for quick meals and reheating.
Pros
- Versatile 5-in-1 cooking functions
- Large capacity for family meals
- Air fries with minimal oil
- Stay-on timer for long tasks
Cons
- Weight over 14 pounds may be heavy for some
Ninja SP151 Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer
This versatile toaster oven combines air frying, baking, toasting, and more in a space-saving design that flips up when not in use. Its infrared heating and rapid air circulation cook food evenly and quickly, making it ideal for families of up to four. Energy efficient and capable of using up to 75% less fat than traditional frying, it's a practical countertop option for everyday meals.
Pros
- Flipping design saves 50% counter space
- 8 functions including air fry and dehydrate
- OvenCrisp technology for even cooking
- Large capacity fits 12-inch pizza, 6 slices
Elite Gourmet ETO236 2-Slice Toaster Oven
This compact toaster oven from Elite Gourmet fits neatly on tight countertops and handles basic toasting, warming, and baking with a straightforward 15-minute timer and adjustable temperature controls.
Pros
- Small footprint saves counter space
- Simple timer and temperature controls
- Includes both a pan and wire rack
- Even heating from built-in thermostat
Cons
- Limited to 2 slices of toast
- Relatively low 650-watt power
- No digital display or preset functions
Proctor Silex 4-Slice Toaster Oven
The Proctor Silex 4-slice toaster oven offers a straightforward way to toast, broil, and bake without complicated settings. Its manual controls and compact size make it a great fit for small kitchens or anyone who prefers simplicity.
Pros
- Toasts 4 slices at once to save time
- 3-in-1 functionality: toast, broil, bake
- Simple manual controls with 30-minute timer
- Includes bake pan and oven rack
- Drop-down crumb tray for easy cleaning
Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 Toaster Oven & Toaster
This 2-in-1 countertop unit combines a toaster oven and a long-slot toaster to save space while offering two cooking methods. The dedicated toast slot delivers more even browning with seven shade settings, and the compact oven fits two slices of pizza or small dishes, making it ideal for quick meals.
Pros
- Versatile 2-in-1 design
- Even toasting with dedicated slot
- Customizable shade control
- Wide slot accommodates bagels
- Compact footprint saves space
Cons
- Compact oven limits larger dishes
- Toast slot holds only two slices
Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 Toaster Oven and Toaster
This 2-in-1 appliance replaces a separate toaster and toaster oven, offering bake, broil, toast, and keep warm functions in a compact 16.5L footprint. It toasts 40% faster than leading competitors and includes a slide-out crumb tray for easy cleanup.
Pros
- Saves counter space with combined toaster and oven
- Toasts 40% faster than leading competitors
- Four cooking modes: bake, broil, toast, keep warm
- Includes bake pan, oven rack, and crumb tray
- Auto shutoff and stay-on setting for convenience
Cons
- Only two rack positions limit cooking flexibility
- Lacks convection or air frying capabilities
Hamilton Beach 4 Slice Air Fryer Toaster Oven
This countertop combo replaces a toaster oven and air fryer with a single compact unit. It offers four cooking functions, a convection fan for even browning with little oil, and can fit a 9-inch pizza or a 3-pound chicken.
Pros
- Compact size saves counter space
- Includes three essential accessories
- Slide-out crumb tray for easy cleanup
- Even cooking due to quality heating elements
Cons
- Limited capacity for large families
- No digital display or presets
- Stainless steel may show fingerprints
BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD 4-Slice Toaster Oven
This compact toaster oven from BLACK+DECKER fits a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread and offers four cooking functions including baking, broiling, and toasting. Its 30-minute timer with stay-on option and removable crumb tray make it a practical choice for small kitchens.
Pros
- Compact footprint for small counters
- Versatile cooking options
- Easy cleanup with slide-out crumb tray
- Simple timer with stay-on function
Cons
- Preheating can take up to 10 minutes
- Outer surfaces get very hot during use
- Limited capacity compared to larger models
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven
This 5-in-1 countertop oven combines air frying, baking, broiling, toasting, and keep-warm functions in a compact footprint. Its EvenToast technology delivers evenly browned bread and bagels, while the air fry setting produces crispy results with minimal oil.
Pros
- Versatile 5-in-1 cooking modes
- EvenToast for consistent results
- Air fries with little oil
- Compact but fits a 9-inch pizza
- Includes 7 useful accessories
Cons
- Medium capacity may not suit large families
- 30-minute timer limit for longer recipes
- No digital display or preset programs
Elite Gourmet ETO490 4-Slice Toaster Oven
This compact toaster oven from Elite Gourmet fits well in small kitchens and offers adjustable temperature from 200 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit along with a 30-minute timer. It includes a baking pan, wire rack, and removable crumb tray, making it a versatile choice for basic toasting, baking, and roasting tasks.
Pros
- Compact design saves counter space
- Adjustable temperature control (200-450°F)
- Includes baking pan, wire rack, and crumb tray
- Easy-to-clean removable crumb tray
Cons
- 30-minute timer limits longer cooking
- 800-watt heating may be slower than higher-power ovens
Best Basic Toaster Oven Buying Guide
Capacity and Size
Toaster ovens typically come in 4-slice and 6-slice sizes. A 4-slice model is ideal for singles or couples and fits easily under standard upper cabinets.
A 6-slice oven can handle a small pizza or a full tray of chicken wings, making it better for families. Measure your countertop depth and clearance before buying, some models with handles may need extra space.
If counter space is tight, consider one of the compact options in our roundup of mini toaster ovens.
Cooking Performance
Look for even heating and consistent toasting. Natural convection (a built-in fan) circulates heat for faster and more uniform cooking, but basic models without convection can still toast well if they have quartz or nichrome heating elements.
Even browning and adjustable temperature control (typically 150°F to 450°F) are key. If you primarily toast bread, you might also like our toaster oven for toast guide.
For simple cooking without a fan, check out non-convection models that are often more affordable. If you prefer a compact size with convection, see our small convection toaster oven guide.
Controls and Ease of Use
Basic toaster ovens usually have mechanical dials for temperature, function, and timer. These are intuitive and durable. Some models include a stay-on function for longer cooking. Digital controls offer precise settings but can be less straightforward.
Look for a clear view window and an interior light to monitor food. A 30-minute timer is standard, but longer timers are better for baking. Many of the models we recommend appear in our overall toaster oven guide as well.
Cleaning and Maintenance
An easy-to-remove crumb tray is essential. Non-stick interior coatings make wiping up spills simpler. Avoid models with hard-to-reach crevices. Most toaster ovens have a slide-out crumb tray, but some require tilting the oven to empty, a messy chore.
Regular emptying and occasional deep cleaning keep the oven in top shape.
Extra Features
Some basic models now include air fry capability, converting them into mini convection ovens. If you want both functions, consider a combo unit, our air fryer category has more options.
For dedicated air frying in a basket style, see basket air fryers. However, if you want a simple, no-frills toaster oven, skip the extra functions and save money.
Why You Should Trust Us
BestProducts is an independent review site. We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in research, published data, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback.
Each product is scored on our BP Score (0, 10) using consistent criteria across all models. We research specifications, analyze thousands of user reviews, and weigh insights from professional reviewers to provide a balanced recommendation.
We earn a commission if you purchase through our links, but this does not influence our ratings. Our goal is to help you find the best product for your needs, free from bias.
Final Thoughts
After thorough research, here are our top recommendations:
- Best Overall: BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven with Natural Convection, This model combines even cooking, a compact footprint, and simple controls at a reasonable price. Its natural convection fan ensures consistent results, earning it our top rating for a basic toaster oven.
- Best Budget Pick: Proctor Silex 4 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven, For a very modest price, this oven delivers reliable toasting and baking without unnecessary features. It’s a great value option for those who just need a basic workhorse.
- Best Compact: Elite Gourmet ETO236 Compact 2-Slice Toaster Oven, Perfect for dorms and small kitchens, this tiny oven fits in tight spaces while still handling toast, small pizzas, and snacks. It’s one of the most affordable models in our lineup.
- Best for Large Batches: BLACK+DECKER 6-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven, When you need more capacity plus the ability to air fry, this 6-slice model offers both. It’s a versatile upgrade that still keeps operation straightforward.
For more kitchen essentials, explore our best blender guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a basic toaster oven?
A basic toaster oven is a countertop appliance that can toast, bake, broil, and reheat food. It typically has mechanical dials for temperature and time, and a crumb tray for easy cleaning.
Unlike high-end models, it focuses on essential functions without built-in air fry or rotisserie features.
How do I choose between a toaster oven and an air fryer?
If you mainly want to toast bread and bake small dishes, a basic toaster oven is more versatile. An air fryer excels at making crispy foods with less oil.
Many combo units exist, but if you don’t need air frying, a basic toaster oven is simpler and cheaper. For more on air fryers, see our dedicated guide.
Can I bake cookies in a basic toaster oven?
Yes, you can bake cookies, muffins, and even small cakes in a toaster oven. Use a pan that fits the interior and watch closely because baking times may be shorter than in a full-size oven.
For baking tips, check out our toaster oven for baking cookies guide.
How do I clean a toaster oven?
Always unplug and let it cool. Remove the crumb tray and wash it with warm soapy water. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners. Some models have non-stick coatings that make cleaning easier. Regular crumb tray emptying prevents smoking.
What size toaster oven should I buy?
For one or two people, a 4-slice toaster oven is sufficient. For families of three or more, a 6-slice or larger model can fit a 9-inch pizza or a small casserole. Measure your counter space, many 4-slice models are about 15 inches wide.
Are basic toaster ovens energy-efficient?
Yes, toaster ovens heat up faster and use less energy than conventional ovens for small meals. They are ideal for reheating leftovers and cooking single servings, helping you save on electricity bills.
About the author
Myrtle covers pressure cookers, multicookers, and toaster ovens for BestProducts, judging cooking consistency, preset usefulness, and counter footprint. She helps readers replace several appliances with one that works.