A countertop oven, also known as a toaster oven or convection oven, is a small electric oven designed to fit conveniently on a kitchen counter. Countertop ovens have grown in popularity in recent years as an alternative to full-sized conventional ovens. They take up less space, use less energy, and can cook small meals quickly and efficiently. But are countertop ovens actually worth the investment or just a trendy kitchen gadget? Here we’ll examine the pros and cons of countertop ovens to help you decide if purchasing one is right for your needs.
What are the benefits of a countertop oven?
There are several key advantages that make countertop ovens an attractive choice for many home cooks:
More energy efficient
Countertop ovens are significantly more energy efficient than large conventional ovens. They use less electricity to preheat and maintain temperature due to their small size. This can lead to noticeable savings on your energy bill over time.
Faster preheating
Because of their compact size, countertop ovens preheat much faster than a full-sized oven. Most can reach desired cooking temperatures in just a few minutes. This allows you to start cooking sooner.
Even heating
Countertop ovens tend to distribute heat more evenly than conventional ovens. This can lead to better results when baking cakes, cookies, and other delicate items.
Precise temperature control
Many countertop ovens provide precise temperature adjustment options (often in 25 or 50 degree increments). This level of control yields optimal cooking.
Space saving design
The small footprint of a countertop oven is perfect for kitchens with limited space. They can fit cleanly on a counter or be easily stashed away in a cabinet when not in use.
Portability
Some countertop oven models have handles and are lightweight enough to move them safely around the kitchen or to other rooms as needed. This portability lets you cook meals anywhere there’s an electrical outlet.
Extra cooking options
Countertop ovens offer additional cooking functions beyond just baking. Many models include settings for broiling, toasting, convection cooking, warming, and more.
Lower price points
While prices vary widely, most countertop ovens cost significantly less than full-sized ranges and wall ovens. Basic models start at around $60 while high-end options with more features can run up to $500.
What are the drawbacks to countertop ovens?
Despite their many benefits, there are a few downsides to consider before purchasing a countertop oven:
Smaller capacity
The internal cooking capacity of countertop ovens is much smaller than conventional ovens. Average interior oven dimensions are around 12 x 12 x 18 inches. This restricts the amount and size of dishes you can cook at one time. It’s challenging to roast a large turkey or bake dozens of cookies in a countertop oven.
Uneven cooking results
The confined interior space of countertop ovens can lead to uneven heating and cooking results, especially for baked goods. Foods may cook faster and brown more on upper racks compared to lower racks. Oven rotation and extra care when arranging food is required.
Limited power
Standard kitchen electrical circuits may not be able to handle the power demands of some countertop ovens. You may need to avoid using other major appliances while the countertop oven is on to prevent tripping a breaker.
Durability concerns
Countertop ovens have a reputation for being less durable and reliable than full-size ovens. Parts like heating elements, fans and digital controls can fail over time. Repairs may be difficult and expensive for some models. Lifespan is typically shorter compared to conventional ovens.
Lack of features
Many countertop ovens only provide basic functions and lack extra features found on full-sized ovens like convection baking, self-cleaning modes, and food probes. If you need more cooking flexibility, double ovens or ovens with convection capability may be preferable.
Should you buy a countertop oven or a microwave?
For many homeowners, deciding between buying a countertop oven or a microwave oven is a common dilemma. Here is a comparison of the key pros and cons of countertop ovens versus microwaves:
Countertop Oven Advantages
- Provides more cooking methods – can bake, broil, toast, etc.
- Allows surfaces like meats and breads to brown
- Uses dry radiant heat similar to a conventional oven
- Heats food more evenly throughout
- Better for reheating leftovers and frozen foods
Microwave Oven Advantages
- Faster cooking times for reheating and defrosting
- Takes up less counter space
- Very affordable basic models
- Simpler operation with push button menus
- Easier to clean with no exposed heating elements
Ultimately, microwaves excel at speed and convenience while countertop ovens offer more cooking versatility. Having both provides the greatest flexibility when preparing meals. But if choosing just one, consider which cooking benefits are most important to your needs and kitchen usage.
How much do countertop ovens cost?
Countertop ovens vary in price based on size, features, and overall quality. Here is an overview of the typical cost ranges:
Basic Countertop Ovens – $60 – $150
At the lowest end, you can find very basic countertop ovens around $60 to $150. They will have minimal cooking settings (often just bake and broil), smaller capacity around 12 inches wide, and basic mechanical knobs and dials. Brands include Black & Decker, Proctor Silex and Hamilton Beach.
Mid-range Countertop Ovens – $150 – $300
The mid-price range from about $150 up to $300 offers medium-sized ovens with a few more features like convection baking, rotisserie, and digital display controls. Capacity moves up to around 16 inches wide. Brands include Oster, Breville, and Cuisinart.
High-end Countertop Ovens – $300 – $500
Larger premium countertop ovens starting at $300 go up to $500 for high-end models. These include extra functions like self-cleaning, food probes, and pre-programmed cooking menus. They are made with quality materials and sturdy construction. Brands include Wolf, Bosch, and KitchenAid.
Commercial Countertop Ovens – $800+
Commercial countertop ovens designed for restaurants and catering businesses cost over $800. They have heavy-duty construction, large capacities over 20 inches wide, and powerful wattages over 1800W for fast professional cooking. Brands include Lang, Vulcan, and Garland.
So in summary, most home cooks can find a reasonably priced countertop oven between $150 to $300 that still provides capable performance and useful features. Paying more brings larger sizes and more premium extras.
What size countertop oven do I need?
Choosing what size countertop oven you need depends first on measuring the space where you plan to use it. Common interior capacity dimensions are:
Small Countertop Ovens
- Width – 12 to 16 inches
- Depth – 12 to 14 inches
- Height – 6 to 8 inches
Best for cooking individual portions, reheating leftovers, and small baking tasks.
Mid-size Countertop Ovens
- Width – 16 to 18 inches
- Depth – 14 to 18 inches
- Height – 8 to 12 inches
Allows you to cook small pizzas, whole chickens, and batch bake cookies. Good all-purpose size for most needs.
Large Countertop Ovens
- Width – 18 to 22 inches
- Depth – 18 to 20 inches
- Height – 12 to 18 inches
Can accommodate 9 x 13 casserole dishes, multiple racks of ribs, and larger roasts. Helpful for big families and holiday meals.
Measure where you plan to place the oven first. Then pick the biggest capacity that will fit. Go a size up from what you think you need to provide room to grow. It’s better to have extra unused space than limit what you can cook.
What features to look for in a countertop oven?
Key features to consider when choosing a countertop oven include:
Cooking Modes
Many countertop ovens offer options beyond just standard baking to expand their functionality. Convection baking, broiling, toasting, pizza mode, rotisserie, dehydrating, and air frying give you more ways to cook meals.
Interior Size
Check that the usable oven cavity offers ample space for the dishes you plan to prepare. Width, depth, and rack positioning all impact capacity.
Power and Temperature Range
Higher wattages (1200W+) and a wide temperature range (150F to 450F+) provide the fastest preheating along with maximum versatility.
Digital Controls and Displays
Digital controls give more precision and convenience compared to analog knobs for setting temps, times, and cooking modes. Easy-to-read displays enhance usability.
Extra Baking Functions
Look for ovens with convection fans and heating elements that promote air circulation for even baking. Rotisseries allow cooking meats and poultry evenly on all sides.
Additional Accessories
Removable crumb trays, oven racks, pans, and rotisserie attachments increase what you can cook and simplify cleaning.
Prioritize the features that align best with your cooking needs and budget. More extra features add functionality but also increase costs.
Top 5 countertop ovens
Based on countertop oven reviews and ratings, here are 5 of the best options across different price points:
1. Oster TSSTTVDGXL-SHP
- Price – $160
- Size – 16 inches wide
- Watts – 1500W
- Digital controls with interior light
- Settings for bake, broil, and toast
- Included crumb tray and baking pan
This mid-priced Oster model provides excellent bang for your buck. It earns high marks for performance, durability, and ease of use.
2. Breville the Compact Smart Oven BOV650XL
- Price – $180
- Size – 17.5 inches wide
- Watts – 1800W
- Convection and pizza cooking modes
- LCD display and auto-eject rack
- Accessories include pans, racks, and crumb tray
For just a little more, this Breville oven adds handy convection abilities and a nice bundle of accessories.
3. Panasonic FlashXpress NW-ES127PC
- Price – $140
- Size – 13 inches wide
- Watts – 1300W
- Double infrared heating for fast cooking
- 6 preset menus for popular foods
- Compact size great for small kitchens
This 1300 watt Panasonic delivers on quick cooking and convenience at an affordable cost.
4. Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven Airfryer TOB-260N1
- Price – $230
- Size – 20 inches wide
- Watts – 1800W
- 15 cooking functions including air fry
- Digital controls with large blue backlit display
- Spacious 0.95 cubic foot capacity
This feature packed Cuisinart oven air fries, rotisserie cooks, and more. It’s pricier but comes with every cooking setting you can imagine.
5. Wolf Gourmet Countertop Oven WGCO100S
- Price – $560
- Size – 17 inches wide
- Watts – 1440W
- Commercial-grade stainless steel build
- Precise temperature control and convection fan
- 1-year warranty
On the luxury end, this commercial-style Wolf oven brings power, performance and sleek durability. A worthwhile splurge for avid home cooks.
Conclusion
Countertop ovens provide a versatile secondary cooking appliance perfect for small spaces. They bake, toast, broil, and reheat efficiently with countertop convenience. Prices spanning from $60 up to $500 means you can find a model to match both your budget and cooking needs.
Before buying, first double check that you have enough open counter space or storage for the oven. Measure the dimensions of your planned spot for the oven. Then pick an appropriately sized unit with the interior capacity and power wattage to handle the dishes you cook most. Equip your kitchen with the right countertop oven, and you may find yourself using your main oven less and less.