When you’re sneaking down to the kitchen for a midnight snack, few things beat a toaster oven to quickly (and quietly) heat up a few pizza rolls or make some cinnamon toast. But toaster ovens can do so much more than that. Modern large toaster ovens have features and functions that help them operate in much the same way as a full-size oven.
If you’re looking for an efficient model with a small footprint and an affordable price tag, the Toshiba 6-Slice Toaster Oven is hard to beat.
What to know before you buy a large toaster oven
Size
Even when you’re looking for a large toaster oven, there is a broad range of sizes that are available. Some are designed to take up less space on the countertop, while others function as a mini version of your conventional oven and need corresponding space.
What you’ll cook
The simplest and least expensive toaster ovens have fewer functions, but more elaborate versions (including smart toaster ovens) are capable of culinary feats previously reserved for your oven. If you want to explore more cooking styles and expand your menu beyond toast or the occasional French bread pizza, you’ll need a toaster oven that can work with you.
Standard heat vs. convection
Smaller and more affordable toaster ovens typically use the same type of heat that your oven uses, only on a smaller scale. Because they heat up more quickly and are only heating a smaller space, they are still very energy efficient and cook food quickly.
On the higher end, convection toaster ovens use a continual stream of heated air driven by a fan. This results in faster, more even cooking that saves up to 50% of the energy used by a full-size oven.
Finish and style
Because a large toaster oven is a visible, focal part of what is on your counters, it’s important that they match your kitchen decor. Most of these appliances are available in a large variety of finishes and styles to suit every cook.
Large toaster oven features
Smart controls
Smart controls are not strictly necessary, but they make cooking delicious food so much easier. This feature allows you to program settings and delay starts to suit your needs.
Quick and even heating
Convection toaster ovens create even heat throughout the oven for better, faster cooking. Additionally, the best countertop ovens will heat quickly, saving time and energy.
Presets
Presets make your life (and your dinner) come together in a snap. There’s no more guessing at time and temperature with presets. Simply select the correct feature and function, and you’re ready to go.
Wide range of functions
Look for toaster ovens that have a wide temperature range. This allows you to do everything from lightly toasting breakfast crumpets to getting a deep golden crust on homemade dinner rolls.
Included accessories
Higher-end large toaster ovens come with accessories like baking trays, extra racks and other utensils. These are not strictly necessary, but because they are sized to fit your toaster oven they can be very helpful.
Safety features
You might be used to having hot appliances under the counter, but excessive heat at your children’s eye level can be unnerving at first. This is why safety features like an automatic shut-off timer and stay-cool materials are important.
Large toaster oven cost
High-end large toaster ovens can cost $250 or more, but quality models are available for much less than that. If you’re on a budget, look for well-priced toaster ovens for $80-$100.
Large toaster oven FAQ
Can a toaster oven replace a conventional oven?
A. While it’s true that some families have been able to replace a conventional oven with a toaster oven during remodels or in an emergency, the toaster oven is still restricted by size. Even the largest countertop oven cannot accommodate large amounts of food or bigger baking pans.
That said, couples or single folks who rarely entertain or cook elaborate meals can potentially get by with a large toaster oven.
What can you make in a toaster oven?
A. If your toaster oven is large enough you can make most anything that works in a conventional oven. This includes roast chicken, cakes, muffins, cookies, kale chips and French fries.
Some toaster ovens can accommodate Dutch ovens, so you can also create soups, stews and slowly braised dishes without ever turning your conventional oven on.
Which large toaster oven should I get?
Best of the best large toaster oven
Toshiba 6-Slice Toaster Oven: available at Amazon
Our take: This efficient model is easy to operate and great when cooking for a family.
What we like: It’s available in both black and classic stainless steel. Digital controls are operated like traditional analog dials but are more precise. Large-capacity toaster oven is big enough to fit a small chicken on a rotisserie and a 12-inch pizza. It comes with extras like a baking rack, a crumb tray, a rotisserie and a baking pan.
What we dislike: Even when not in use, it produces sound; simply unplug it to avoid this.
Best bang for your buck large toaster oven
Hamilton Beach 6-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven: available at Amazon
Our take: The roll-top style door Helps this large toaster oven take up less space on the counter.
What we like: It is easy and simple to operate. This model is great for households with teenagers who like to cook for themselves. The toaster oven has two rack positions and comes with a baking tray.
What we dislike: Food sometimes cooks unevenly.
Honorable mention large toaster oven
Breville Smart Oven Pro Countertop Convection Oven: available at Amazon
Our take: This countertop toaster oven is perhaps the last one you’ll ever need to buy.
What we like: From a trusted name in kitchen appliances comes a workhorse of a countertop toaster oven. It uses convection cooking for more even results. Interior capacity is huge; it can even fit a 4.4-quart Dutch oven. This model has 10 preset cooking functions and features an easy-to-use digital display.
What we dislike: Rarely, the digital display has issues. This toaster oven also takes up a lot of real estate on the counter.
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Suzannah Kolbeck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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