Stepping into 2022, kitchen spaces, especially in apartments and smaller homes, continued to demand smarter, more efficient appliances. If you were on the hunt for the Best Small Toaster Oven 2022, you were definitely looking for something that could do it all without hogging precious counter space. These miniature marvels aren’t just for toast anymore; they’ve evolved into versatile cooking companions, ready to tackle everything from baking and broiling to even air frying. Let’s dive into what makes a compact toaster oven a game-changer and help you uncover the top picks from that year.
What Exactly is a Small Toaster Oven?
Think of a small toaster oven as the highly adaptable, space-saving cousin to your full-sized oven and traditional toaster. It’s a countertop appliance designed to perform various cooking tasks in a more compact footprint. While its primary function often involves toasting bread and bagels, modern iterations of the small toaster oven are equipped to handle a surprising range of culinary adventures. They are typically much smaller than a conventional oven, making them ideal for individuals, couples, or anyone with limited kitchen real estate.
Why does “small” matter so much? Beyond saving space, a small toaster oven preheats faster, consumes less energy for smaller tasks, and offers incredible convenience for daily cooking. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, crisping up a personal pizza, or baking a batch of cookies, these compact units offer an efficient alternative to firing up a large oven.
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Our Picks for the Best Toaster Oven in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | BLACK+DECKER Crisp \'N Bake Air Fry Countertop Convection Toaster Oven, Medium Capacity, 4-Slice, 5-in-1, Fits 9” Pizza, 30-Min Timer, Bake, Broil, Air Fry, Toast, Keep Warm, Stainless Steel |
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| 2 | Ninja Flip Toaster Oven&Air Fryer, 8-in-1 Functionality, Flip Up&Away Capability for Storage Space, LargeCapacity, Air Fry Basket, SheetPan, Wire Rack&Removable Crumb Tray, Stainless,1800 watts, SP151 |
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| 3 | Typhur Sync Oven with Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer Probe, 12‑in‑1 Countertop Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, 360° Turbo Convection, Dehydrator, Recipes & 5 Accessories, Large 27QT, Stainless Steel |
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| 4 | Gourmia Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo 17 cooking presets 1700W french door digital air fryer oven 24L capacity accessories, convection rack, baking pan tray recipe book GTF7460,Large,Black |
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| 5 | OUNIN Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo – 11-in-1 Countertop Convection Steam Oven with Air Fryer, Steam, Dual Cook, Bake, Roast, Dehydrate, 90–430°F, Self-Cleaning, 16qt Capacity |
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| 6 | Elite Gourmet ETO236 Personal Compact 2 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with 15 Minute Timer & Adjustable Temperature, Bake, Broil, & Toast, Black |
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| 7 | Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill, 1800W 8-1 Air Fryer Oven with Bake, Convection Bake, Grill, Broil and Warm Options, Large Capacity, 60-Minute Timer, TOA-70NAS, Stainless Steel |
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| 8 | BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver |
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| 9 | Chefman Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, Countertop Oven for Quick & Healthy Meals, Bake, Broil, Air Fry, Toast, and Bagel Functions, 450°F Max Temp, 4 Slice Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo |
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| 10 | VAL CUCINA Infrared Heating Air Fryer Toaster Oven, Extra Large Countertop Convection Oven 10-in-1 Combo, 6-Slice Toast, Enamel Baking Pan Easy Clean with Recipe Book, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish |
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Why Go Small? The Big Benefits of Compact Toaster Ovens
Choosing a small toaster oven isn’t just about sacrificing size; it’s about gaining a multitude of benefits that enhance your cooking experience, especially if you prioritize efficiency and convenience.
Space-Saving Champion
This is perhaps the most obvious benefit. In kitchens where every inch counts, a compact toaster oven fits snugly on your countertop without overwhelming the space. They are perfect for dorms, RVs, small apartments, or as a secondary oven in a larger kitchen.
Versatility Beyond Belief
Don’t let the name fool you. While they excel at making perfect toast, the best small toaster oven 2022 models were packed with functions. Many offered baking, broiling, reheating, and even specialized settings for pizza, bagels, and pastries. Some advanced compact models even came with convection and air frying capabilities, effectively replacing multiple appliances.
Energy Efficiency
For smaller meals or snacks, a small toaster oven uses significantly less energy than a full-sized oven. You’re heating a much smaller cavity, which translates to lower electricity bills and a smaller carbon footprint. It’s a smart choice for quick tasks without the energy drain.
Quick Preheating
Waiting for your large oven to preheat can feel like an eternity. Small toaster ovens, with their compact heating elements and reduced internal volume, get up to temperature much faster, allowing you to get cooking almost instantly. This is a huge time-saver during busy mornings or when you need a quick meal.
Unmatched Convenience
From frozen waffles to toasted sandwiches, a small toaster oven streamlines meal preparation. Its accessibility on the countertop means you’re more likely to use it for everyday tasks, making cooking less of a chore and more of a pleasure.
Choosing Your Perfect Compact Companion: Key Factors to Consider
Selecting the best small toaster oven 2022 required a careful look at several factors to ensure it matched your specific kitchen needs and culinary habits.
Size and Capacity: What Fits?
Even among “small” toaster ovens, sizes vary. Consider how much counter space you can spare and what you typically cook. Do you need to fit a 9-inch pizza or just a few slices of toast? Capacities are often measured in slices of toast or cubic feet. Models like the Panasonic FlashXpress were praised for being very compact while still fitting a 10-inch pizza, making them excellent choices for small households. The Breville Mini Smart Oven also offered a great balance of size and capacity, handling four slices of toast or an 11-inch pizza.
Functions & Cooking Modes: More Than Just Toasting
The more functions, the more versatile your appliance.
- Bake, Broil, Toast: These are standard.
- Convection: Circulates hot air for faster, more even cooking, ideal for roasting and baking.
- Air Fry: A hugely popular addition in 2022, allowing you to achieve crispy results with less oil. If you loved fried foods but wanted a healthier option, a small toaster oven with air fry capabilities was a must-have.
- Keep Warm: Handy for keeping food ready until serving.
Power (Wattage): Speed and Performance
Higher wattage generally means faster preheating and more powerful cooking. Small toaster ovens typically range from 1000 to 1800 watts. If you value speed, aim for the higher end of this spectrum.
Controls: Digital vs. Dial
Some prefer the precision of digital controls for setting exact temperatures and times, while others appreciate the simplicity of traditional dial controls. Both have their merits; digital often comes with more preset options, while dials can be quicker for basic adjustments.
Brand Reputation & Price Range: Investing Wisely
Brands like Breville, Panasonic, and Cuisinart were consistently ranked highly for their small toaster ovens in 2022, known for reliability and performance. Prices varied widely, from budget-friendly Black+Decker models under $100 to more premium Breville units. It’s important to balance your budget with the features you need.
Smart Features: A Touch of Modernity
Many 2022 models featured intuitive presets for common foods like pizza, cookies, and bagels. Auto-shutoff features were also standard, providing peace of mind. Some even included interior lights for easy monitoring of your food.
Making the Most of Your Mini Oven: Usage Tips & Maintenance
To ensure your small toaster oven performs at its peak and lasts for years, a few simple tips can make all the difference.
Preheating is Key (Even for Small Ovens!)
While they heat up fast, giving your small toaster oven a few minutes to preheat to the desired temperature ensures even cooking, especially for baked goods and roasted items.
Master Rack Placement
Most small toaster ovens come with multiple rack positions. Use the top rack for broiling or achieving a crispy top, the middle for most baking and roasting, and the bottom for delicate items that need a gentler heat.
Keep it Clean
Regular cleaning prevents grease buildup and ensures hygienic operation. Always unplug before cleaning. Remove the crumb tray and wipe it down after each use. For the interior, a damp cloth with a mild detergent usually does the trick, but always check your manual for specific cleaning instructions.
Beyond Toast: Delicious Dishes for Your Small Toaster Oven
The culinary possibilities with a small toaster oven are surprisingly vast. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
- Perfect Toast and Bagels: The original purpose, and they do it exceptionally well, often with dedicated settings.
- Crispy Frozen Pizza: A small toaster oven is ideal for a personal-sized pizza, giving it a beautifully crisp crust.
- Roasted Vegetables: Think broccoli florets, asparagus spears, or cherry tomatoes, roasted to perfection.
- Baked Chicken or Fish Portions: Smaller cuts of meat and fish cook beautifully, staying moist inside and slightly browned outside.
- Freshly Baked Cookies or Pastries: Whip up a small batch of your favorite cookies or warm croissants for a delightful treat.
- Air-Fried Snacks: If your model includes an air fry function, enjoy healthier versions of fries, chicken wings, or crispy chickpeas.
Small Toaster Oven vs. Other Kitchen Appliances: A Head-to-Head
How does a compact toaster oven stack up against its kitchen counterparts?
Small Toaster Oven vs. Microwave
While a microwave excels at quick reheating and defrosting, a small toaster oven offers superior browning and crisping capabilities, making food taste much better. For anything you want to be crispy, toasted, or baked, the toaster oven wins.
Small Toaster Oven vs. Full-Sized Oven
For smaller tasks, a small toaster oven is more energy-efficient and preheats faster. It’s also much more convenient. However, a full-sized oven is essential for larger meals, multi-rack baking, or when cooking for a crowd. The small toaster oven serves as an excellent everyday complement.
Small Toaster Oven vs. Regular Toaster
A regular toaster is a one-trick pony, only handling slices of bread. A small toaster oven, conversely, can toast bread, bagels, and also bake, broil, and reheat, offering far greater utility.
Troubleshooting Common Small Toaster Oven Woes
Even the best appliances can have their quirks. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
Uneven Cooking
Q: Why is my food cooking unevenly in my small toaster oven?
A: Uneven cooking can often be due to overloaded racks or improper rack placement. Try rotating your food halfway through cooking or using a different rack level. Also, ensure the oven is properly preheated.
Overheating
Q: My small toaster oven seems to get too hot. What’s wrong?
A: Toaster ovens generally run hot. Ensure you’re not placing it directly against a wall or under cabinets without proper ventilation. Always check your recipe, as toaster ovens often cook faster than full-sized ovens, and adjust temperature or time accordingly.
Long Cooking Times
Q: Why does my compact toaster oven take so long to cook?
A: If cooking times are excessively long, check your wattage and ensure the heating elements are clean and functional. For models without convection, cooking times might naturally be a bit longer than those with fan assistance. Make sure the door seals properly to prevent heat loss.
Expert Insight
“In 2022, we saw a significant shift in how people approached their kitchen appliances, with a strong demand for versatility and space-saving solutions,” notes Clara Jenkins, a leading home appliance technologist. “The small toaster oven truly shone, evolving from a simple toast maker to a multi-functional culinary tool. Innovations in heating technology and smart features made these compact units indispensable for modern living.”
FAQs About Small Toaster Ovens
Q: How much space does a small toaster oven really save?
A: A small toaster oven can save considerable counter space compared to larger appliances. Many are designed to be compact enough to fit into tight corners or under cabinets, often measuring around 13-16 inches wide, 10-12 inches deep, and 8-10 inches tall. This makes them perfect for small apartments or dorm rooms where every inch counts.
Q: Can a small toaster oven replace a regular oven?
A: While a small toaster oven is incredibly versatile for daily cooking tasks, it typically cannot fully replace a regular oven for large meals, multi-dish cooking, or baking large items like a whole turkey. However, for individuals or small families, it can effectively handle most everyday baking, roasting, and broiling needs, making a full-sized oven largely optional.
Q: Are small toaster ovens energy efficient?
A: Yes, generally, small toaster ovens are more energy-efficient than full-sized ovens for smaller cooking tasks. They have a much smaller interior volume to heat, which means they use less electricity and preheat much faster. This makes them an excellent choice for quick meals or reheating leftovers without running up your energy bill.
Q: What’s the difference between convection and traditional small toaster ovens?
A: A traditional small toaster oven cooks using radiant heat from its elements. A convection small toaster oven, however, includes a fan that circulates hot air evenly throughout the cooking chamber. This results in faster, more even cooking, better browning, and crispier food, making it ideal for roasting and baking.
Q: How do I clean my small toaster oven?
A: Cleaning is relatively straightforward. Always ensure the appliance is unplugged and cooled down. Remove the crumb tray and empty it regularly. For the interior, wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth and mild soap. For stubborn grease, a mixture of baking soda and water can be effective. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish.
Q: What’s a good budget small toaster oven?
A: In 2022, several budget-friendly options offered great value. Brands like Black+Decker and Hamilton Beach had models that performed well for basic functions like toasting, baking, and reheating, often available for under $100. These are excellent choices if you need a reliable compact appliance without a lot of extra bells and whistles.
Conclusion
The quest for the best small toaster oven 2022 was all about finding that sweet spot where compact design meets powerful performance and versatile functionality. These kitchen workhorses have proven their worth by offering unparalleled convenience, energy efficiency, and the ability to cook a diverse array of dishes, all while saving precious counter space. Whether you were a student, a city dweller, or simply someone looking to streamline your cooking, a top-rated small toaster oven from that year was a smart investment. So go ahead, embrace the power of compact cooking, and discover how a mini oven can elevate your daily meals and kitchen routine!