Best Small Toaster Ovens in 2023

Lawrence Bonk Profile image

Written by:

Updated March 5, 2023

To find the best small toaster ovens, you’ll need to determine the features that are right for you and your culinary setup. We recommend that you favor toaster ovens that offer a minuscule form factor to make the most out of coveted kitchen space. Make sure to also consider how powerful the toaster oven actually is and what kind of cooking it specializes in. When buying a small toaster oven, always look for a durable build, a small form factor, and a powerful and versatile heating element.

After analyzing hundreds of reviews amongst a multitude of products with varying price points and features, we’ve determined that the Panasonic FlashXpress is the best small toaster oven on the market today. Keep reading about this oven and our other top picks in this guide. If you need more product options, then check out our guide to the best toaster oven.

Top 10 Small Toaster Ovens

 #1  Panasonic FlashXpress Small Toaster Oven

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: The best mini oven on the market with a slew of advanced features, including a see-through glass door for visibility, a baking rack, and a high-efficiency infrared heating element that eliminates the need for preheating.

Pros
  • Precise one-touch temperature control
  • High-efficiency infrared heating element
  • See-through glass door and baking rack
Cons
  • Compact design, but plenty heavy
  • Must be operated several inches away from wall

The Panasonic FlashXpress is the best small toaster oven on the market, thanks to a powerful ceramic and quartz infrared heating element, which eliminates the need to preheat before use. We loved the one-touch temperature controls here, allowing for precise customization, and the see-through glass door, offering good visibility as you cook. This toaster oven also boasts an integrated and fully removable baking rack.

Though we appreciated the compact design here, which can easily slide just about anywhere in the kitchen, this is a slightly heavy toaster oven, clocking in at around eight pounds. Additionally, this toaster must be placed several inches away from a wall or other obstacle, due to the powerful heating element. It’s a great option for anyone seeking a smaller version of the best microwave toaster oven combo.

 #2  Hamilton Beach Easy Reach Small Toaster Oven

[bnb asin=”B07CP7JN79″ title=”Our #2 Pick is the Hamilton Beach Easy Reach Small Toaster Oven” description=” template=”legacy” tracking_id=”best-small-toaster-oven-20″]

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: Fantastic compact-sized toaster oven that features durable stainless steel construction, a pleasing retro aesthetic, and an integrated baking rack with two viable rack positions.

Pros
  • Durable stainless steel construction
  • Enough room 9” pizza or 4 slices of bread
  • See-through glass door and baking rack
Cons
  • Heavy, at over 8lb
  • Rotary-based temperature control

The Hamilton Beach Easy Reach Small Toaster Oven is a great option for those looking to match style with substances, as this aesthetically pleasing model boasts some serious features while looking great on nearly any kitchen countertop. We loved the durable stainless steel construction and the integrated baking rack, which comes with two rack positions for a variety of cooking styles. We also enjoyed that this toaster oven is compact, yet offers enough room to toast four slices of bread at once or cook a 9-inch pizza.

Though the size and maximum capacity were pleasing here, this is a pretty heavy toaster oven, coming in at well over eight pounds. Also, the rotary-based temperature control dials do not have as much precise control as some models. If you need something more precise, especially for roasting chicken, check out the best rotisserie toaster oven.

 #3  Breville BOV845BSS Smart Small Toaster Oven

[bnb asin=”B00XBOXVIA” title=”Our #3 Pick is the Breville BOV845BSS Smart Small Toaster Oven” description=” template=”legacy” tracking_id=”best-small-toaster-oven-20″]

Award: BEST QUALITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: High-quality toaster with a robust feature set that includes a large internal capacity that can accommodate 6 slices of toast or a 13” pizza, with durable stainless steel construction and a quick-heating convection design.

Pros
  • Generous internal capacity
  • Durable stainless steel construction
  • Convection-based heating element works quickly
Cons
  • Extremely expensive
  • Very heavy, at 22lb

This Breville mini smart oven is an exceptional choice for nearly any consumer, thanks to a high-quality feature set that includes a durable and sturdy stainless steel construction. We also loved the generous internal capacity, which is enough for six slices of bread or even a 13-inch pizza. We were also impressed by the convection-based heating element, which works quickly and significantly cuts down on the preheat time.

This is an extremely expensive toaster, likely due to the high-grade components and Breville’s sterling reputation. Additionally, this is a compact model, but certainly heavy, weighing around 22 pounds. You might also want to check out the best compact microwaves.

 #4  Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Small Toaster Oven

[bnb asin=”B004JMZGM2″ title=”Our #4 Pick is the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Small Toaster Oven” description=” template=”legacy” tracking_id=”best-small-toaster-oven-20″]

Award: BEST EASE-OF-USE

WHY WE LIKE IT: Toaster oven designed for simplicity and ease-of-use, with rubberized easy-grip dials, a cool-touch handle, a front-removable tray, and a non-stick interior.

Pros
  • Powerful 1800w heating element
  • Generous max capacity
  • Non-stick interior for easy cleaning
Cons
  • Weighs 13lb
  • No internal oven light

The Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Small Toaster Oven is a great option for consumers who want something easy-to-use right out of the box, as this model ships with rubberized easy-grip dials, a cool-touch handle, and a front removable tray. We also appreciated the non-stick coating throughout the interior, for easy cleaning, and the powerful 1800 watt heating element. This toaster oven also boasts a generous maximum capacity, allowing six pieces of bread to rest simultaneously.

Though the maximum capacity here is excellent, this is a somewhat heavy toaster oven, clocking in at around thirteen pounds. Also, this model does not feature an integrated oven light, which will cut down on visibility as you cook. It’s a great option for anyone looking for the best 4 slice toaster oven but wants a few more bells and whistles.

 #5  Breville BOV450XL Small Toaster Oven

[bnb asin=”B006CVVA7I” title=”Our #5 Pick is the Breville BOV450XL Small Toaster Oven” description=” template=”legacy” tracking_id=”best-small-toaster-oven-20″]

Award: BEST EASY-TO-CLEAN

WHY WE LIKE IT: Boasts a design that is extremely easy to clean, thanks to a non-stick coating running throughout the interior, with an ultra-fast 1800w preheating element and a backlit LCD for easy programming and time setting.

Pros
  • Fast 1800w preheating function
  • Backlit LCD for easy programming
  • 8 distinct cooking functions
Cons
  • On the expensive side
  • Weighs over 13lb

This Breville toaster oven is a fantastic choice for those who hate to clean their kitchen appliances, as this model ships with a non-stick coating running throughout the interior, making for a simple cleaning process. We loved the backlit LCD, which makes for easy programming, and the eight distinct cooking functions, for bagels, pizza, toast, and more. We also liked the fast 1800 watt preheating function, which allows you to start cooking quickly.

This is an expensive toaster oven, however, likely due to the well-regarded brand name and high-grade components on offer. Additionally, the weight here is higher-than-average, at over 13 pounds, so moving it around may be a slight hassle. You can also check out our best convection microwave ovens buying guide for more options.

 #6  Proctor Silex 4 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven

[bnb asin=”B08V215VFP” title=”Our #6 Pick is the Proctor Silex 4 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven” description=” template=”legacy” tracking_id=”best-small-toaster-oven-20″]

Award: BEST COMPACT DESIGN

WHY WE LIKE IT: This is a compact toaster oven offering a droop-down crumb tray for easy cleanup and an integrated broiler for cooking versatility.

Pros
  • Drop-down crumb tray for easy cleanup
  • Automatic shutdown functionality
  • Integrated broiler for versatility
Cons
  • 1100w heating element not the most powerful on market

The Proctor Silex 4 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven certainly lives up to its name, as this is an ultra-compact and tiny model, easily fitting in a dorm room or anywhere else where space is at a premium. We loved the drop-down crumb tray, allowing for easy cleanup, and the integrated broiler, offering a fair amount of cooking versatility. We also liked the automatic shutdown functionality, which powers down the oven after 15 minutes of unattended use.

Though light and compact, this toaster is only available in two-tone black and silver, so it may not suit all aesthetic preferences. Additionally, the 1100-watt heating element is not the most powerful on the market, so take that into consideration before making a purchase. The best small microwave is another good option.

 #7  Oster Compact Countertop Oven With Air Fryer

[bnb asin=”B08KFNK3QH” title=”Our #7 Pick is the Oster Compact Countertop Oven With Air Fryer” description=” template=”legacy” tracking_id=”best-small-toaster-oven-20″]

Award: BEST CONTROLS

WHY WE LIKE IT: Boasts some innovative controls, including 3 tray positions, a 60-minute timer, an air fryer, and a broiler.

Pros
  • Air fryer included
  • Four appliances in one
  • Removable crumb tray
Cons
  • Exterior gets hot during use
  • Not the largest max capacity

This Oster Compact Countertop Oven features an innovative control set that allows for precise temperature regulation, including setting toast shades, and a handy thirty-minute timer that automatically shuts the oven down once finished. We appreciated the dual rack positions, for cooking versatility, and the wide temperature range available here (150F – 450F.) We also liked the durable baking pan and removable crumb tray, making for relatively easy cleanup.

We would advise a certain amount of caution during use, however, as the exterior can get pretty hot, including the top handle. Also, the maximum internal capacity here is not the largest on the market, but it’s not the worst either. A safer option is the best built-in microwave ovens on the market, although you won’t have quite the same functionality.

 #8  Hamilton Beach Countertop Small Toaster Oven

[bnb asin=”B07D1KQ9HF” title=”Our #8 Pick is the Hamilton Beach Countertop Small Toaster Oven” description=” template=”legacy” tracking_id=”best-small-toaster-oven-20″]

Award: BEST VALUE

WHY WE LIKE IT: Value-conscious toaster with a robust feature set that includes two rack positions, for cooking versatility, and a generous maximum capacity that can accommodate six slices of bread or a 12” pizza.

Pros
  • 2 rack positions for versatility
  • Generous 6-slice max capacity
  • Easy-to-open roll-top door
Cons
  • Weighs nearly 13lb
  • Top and sides get really hot during use

The Hamilton Beach Countertop Small Toaster Oven arrives at a value-friendly price while offering features in line with more expensive competitors, such as a large maximum capacity that can easily fit six slices of bread or a 12-inch pizza. We loved the two rack positions on offer, upping the number of cooking options at your disposal, and the easy-to-open roll-top door. This is also an aesthetically pleasing toaster, with a gorgeous stainless steel exterior.

Though the roll-top door does remain cool, even during use, the same cannot be said for the sides and the top, so we’d advise some caution. Additionally, this is a relatively heavy toaster, at nearly 13 pounds. You might also want to check out the best microwaves for lighter-weight options with similar functions.

 #9  Dash Mini Small Toaster Oven

[bnb asin=”B07N9K17QC” title=”Our #9 Pick is the Dash Mini Small Toaster Oven” description=” template=”legacy” tracking_id=”best-small-toaster-oven-20″]

Award: BEST ON A BUDGET

WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-friendly toaster with some serious features, including a number of dishwasher-safe components, a precise temperature dial, and an automatic shutdown feature.

Pros
  • Precise temperature dial
  • Automatic shutdown feature
  • Baking tray, oven rack, and crumb tray all dishwasher safe
Cons
  • Extremely limited max capacity
  • Not the most powerful heating element

The Dash Mini toaster oven is easy on the wallet while offering up some awesome functionalities, such as a precision-enhanced temperature dial and an automatic shutdown feature, the latter adding preventing accidental fires due to overheating. We loved the easy-to-clean design of this best mini oven, as each of the internal components can be cleaned in a standard washing machine. We also liked the retro aesthetics and the fact that this toaster is available in a number of cute colors.

Though the size and weight here cannot be beaten, the maximum capacity is extremely limited, with just enough room for one slice of bread. Also, this toaster does not feature the most powerful heating element on the market, so take that into consideration before smashing that buy button.

 #10  Mainstays 4-Slice Toaster Oven

[bnb asin=”B0758B74DS” title=”Our #10 Pick is the Mainstays 4-Slice Toaster Oven” description=” template=”legacy” tracking_id=”best-small-toaster-oven-20″]

Award: BEST VERSATILITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: Simple, versatile toaster oven with a traditional heating area, Easy controls for temperature and time, and a crumb tray.

Pros
  • Crumb tray catches messes
  • Dishwasher-safe components
Cons
  • Internal dimensions not the largest

The Mainstays 4-Slice Toaster Oven is an extremely simple model, thanks to featuring a traditional heating area that excels at toasting bread, bagels, waffles, and related foodstuffs. We loved the drop-down crumb tray, making for easy cleanup, and the fact that all of the removable components, such as the baking tray, are safe to clean in a dishwasher.

The maximum capacity of the interior is on the smaller side but can hold about a 9-inch pizza. There is a 60-minute time for the interior. This is the toaster oven for people who just want a simple, effective toaster oven without the bells and whistles. For air frying options, check out our best air fryer toaster oven buying guide.

How We Decided

To help narrow down to the above list, we thoroughly researched a wide array of top-rated small toaster ovens, ensuring that they gave consumers a large feature set, while still remaining compact enough to place just about anywhere in the kitchen. To that end, we preferred toasters with compact and light designs.

As for the heating element, we like powerful toasters that could preheat items quickly, with some models requiring no preheating whatsoever to help with cooking time. We also liked toasters that boasted a series of quick-access programs, allowing amateur chefs to easily heat up a personal pizza, toast a bagel, or perform any number of other kitchen-related tasks. Whether you like baking cookies or just want to have your food warm, the compact oven should help your cooking performance, not hinder it. 

We tended to like durable and sturdy toaster ovens, made from high-grade components like stainless steel, and those that featured removable crumb trays, baking pans, and other accessories. Bonus points were awarded if these removable items could be cleaned in a standard dishwasher. Finally, we admired toaster ovens with powerful heating elements and those with generous maximum capacities. Great if you’re looking for the best countertop microwave but need some extra features.

Best Small Toaster Ovens Buyer’s Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider

  1. Heating Element
    The heating element should be paramount when considering which toaster oven to purchase, especially if you’re looking for the best small toaster oven of 2023. There are a few top rated toaster ovens in the market that offer top-notch heating elements that would be suitable for your kitchen and on par with a larger, traditional oven.
    • Look for the best compact toaster oven with a powerful and versatile heating element that can create plenty of heat, at least 450F. Additionally, find the best toaster oven of 2023 that can toast, bake, broil and even reheat food quickly while still at a reasonable price.
    • You will also want to consider a toaster with an integrated broiler function, for cooking versatility, and one with multiple wire rack positions, further upping the number of dishes you can create. The sky becomes the limit as to the wide variety of foods that you can warm up in a toaster oven broiler, like pieces of toast, pizza bites, chocolate chip cookies, steak, etc. Well actually the oven cavity is the limit, but the types of foods you can warm up expands once you get that broiler function. If the compact size of the oven cavity is concerning, there are larger toaster ovens out there, though chances are those can be premium models that might shift out of one’s desired price range. Plus the larger models will take up even more limited counter space.
    • Of course, you’ll want to look for best rated toaster oven and top toaster ovens on the market so that you are sure the one you select is best suited for your cooking needs.
  2. Controls
    Many modern toaster ovens offer unparalleled and easy-to-use controls, allowing for precise temperature adjustments and the setting of timers. If you want less hassle in operating a multi-functional toaster oven, opt for one with those preset cooking functions. Though keep in mind that even though additional settings are great to have, you may not really need all of those settings. But make sure the essential cooking modes that you need are included in the model you’re considering. A few of these features that are nice to have are toast settings and convection settings. Some toasters will automatically shut down after a predetermined period of time, preventing fires and accidents and helping with energy consumption.
    • Many of the best compact toaster ovens in 2023 are designed this way, and some are even wirelessly enhanced for remote control.
    • Other toasters feature push-button programs that allow chefs to easily prepare food items such as frozen pizza, toast, bagels, waffles, chicken nuggets, and more.
    • Alternatively, if you have a tiny kitchen, the best mini toaster oven or the best toaster oven for small spaces is an ideal choice. It’s not too difficult to find the best small toaster, especially after reading our many mini toaster reviews.
  3. Additional Features
    Speaking of features, some of the best toaster ovens for small spaces have come a long way in recent years. As such, these ovens typically boast tons of useful additional features, such as cool-touch handles and removable crumb trays, for easy cleaning.
    • Other features can include dishwasher-safe components, an integrated broiler, and a bell that will go off when an item has finished cooking. A digital display where you can see those intuitive controls is always a plus for a more modern appearance. Though these are nice features that appear on an expensive model, a budget pick can still get the cooking job done. A window would also be nice so you can keep an eye on the cooking progress inside this type of cooking appliance. An internal light is also a nice feature to have to make the cooking process easier by being able to see the cooking racks and know when your white sandwich bread is golden brown or check how any variety of food is doing on the baking sheet.
    • All these features can fit into smaller dimensions so that you can save on countertop space real estate but still enjoy your future meals and snacks to come.
    • Full-size ovens have their advantages, but smaller toaster ovens can transform cooking for those who live in smaller homes. A budget pick toaster oven can also save more money than a standard affordable oven.
    • So, as you go through the many compact oven reviews, keep all these factors in mind and shop smart.

Small Toaster Ovens FAQs

What is the best mini oven to buy?

The best mini oven is one that offers a good amount of room for foodstuffs, while still remaining slim, compact, and relatively lightweight. You will also want to make sure the heating element is up to snuff and that it is easy to clean and easy to use.

What is the best toaster oven for the money?

The best toaster oven, or countertop oven, for the money, is one that marries value, convenience, and pure cooking power. Look for a toaster oven with plenty of program settings and cooking times, for different ingredients, and an integrated broiler, for versatile cooking options. Modern toaster ovens are great at broiling, toasting, baking, and a number of other tasks.

How do I choose a mini oven?

In order to choose the best mini oven for your needs, take a look at what you need out of your preferred model. Do you want a large internal cooking area? Do you want an easy-to-clean design with a removable crumb tray and baking pan? Do you want to maximize counter space and reduce the use of full size ovens? Do you want something like an air fryer to get your toast baked? No matter what feature suits you, chances are there is a toaster oven out there to suit your desires.

Can I bake a cake in a mini oven?

This depends on the type of cake you are looking to bake and the overall internal capacity of your toaster oven. In short, most toaster ovens can technically handle baking a cake, as most toaster ovens can easily reach the desired temperature needed to cook one. This is especially true of convection toaster ovens, which cooks using something akin to air frying for an energy-efficient solution. The capacity may be an issue, so be sure to conduct some measurements first.
Lawrence Bonk Profile image