If you have a very limited use for a toaster oven and you do not wish to spend a lot on a large toaster oven, then a compact option will be a great choice for you.
Not only are small toaster ovens great for light use, they also occupy far less space making them suitable for those with limited kitchen space as well.
When it comes to any toaster, even the mini ones, there are generally two types. First are the basic kind. They come with simple knob controls with limited timer, other come with full fledged digital controls.
The one you choose would depend upon your need and budget.
In this article, we will check out some of the best mini toaster ovens out there. The choices are many, however, we have selected only those that stand out in terms of value, feature, or customer reviews.
Also Read: Best Large Toaster Ovens
Top 3 Mini Toaster Ovens
4.9/5
[Best Overall]
This model hails from a line of toaster ovens that offer not just digital control but also smart technology.
As such, this toaster oven employs sensors and independently controlled heating elements to make sure every nook and cranny of the chamber is heated equally.
4.8/5
[Best for the Money]
This toaster oven is excellent for a small family as it can easily bake a 4 pound chicken.
It offers 9 different functions which include convection bake and convection broil cooking presets.
4.7/5
[Best for Small Counter Space]
This is a very small and compact regular toaster oven with a roll top door and two simple knob controls for ease of use.
It is perfect of individual meal portions.
It offer is convenience at a very affordable price tag.
List of Best Mini Toaster Ovens in 2023
The following is not an ordered list since each selection below caters to a specific buyer.
- Breville BOV450XL – Top of the Line Mini Toaster Oven
- Cuisinart TOB-135N 157 – Mini Digital Toaster Oven with Convection
- Hamilton Beach 31344D – Mini Toaster Oven with Roll Top Door
- Black+Decker TO1313SBD – Affordable Option
- Hamilton Beach 31123D – Slightly Larger with 6 Slice Capacity
1. Breville BOV450XL – Top of the Line Mini Toaster Oven
This is the smallest Breville smart oven. Like it’s bigger counterparts, this toaster oven employs some of the best technologies this home appliance has to offer.
First up we have one of the highest reviewed and sought after mini toaster oven out there. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive in this list.
If you came here looking for a very simple toaster oven, then this can be overkill for you. However, if you are willing to spend on a device that can literally cook meals for you then this may be worth a look.
The Breville BOV450XL is a smart toaster oven that offers digital control and a high quality build. Customers have reported satisfaction with its performance, ease of use, and flexibility.
Despite slight differences in toast browning, I really love its various toasting options and quick heating. Some have even replaced their old toasters with this Breville model, finding it to be a superior upgrade in both appearance and functionality.
As such, this toaster oven employs sensors and independently controlled heating elements to make sure every nook and cranny of the chamber is heated equally.
Furthermore, being a high end oven, it offers 8 cooking presets for various cooking tasks. The entire oven can be controlled with the use of the digital knob selector and a large LCD screen for navigation.
It is also worth noting that despite being a mini oven, this is rated at a high 1800 wattage. Higher power means quicker heating as well as cooking.
The only unfortunate issue with this oven, other than the fact that it is expensive, it that is lacks convection fan.
Nevertheless, if you need a gorgeous looking option with a versatile range of functions then this is one of the best mini toaster ovens.
Overall, the Breville Mini Smart Oven is a well-designed and reliable appliance for toasting needs.
Also Read: Best Breville Toaster Ovens
2. Cuisinart TOB-135N 157 – Mini Digital Toaster Oven with Convection
This is a compact digital toaster oven with 9 functions and presets. Excellent for a small family as it can easily bake a 4 pound chicken.
This yet another digital mini toaster oven and falls in the same class as the Breville BOV450XL above.
However, for many, this could be the more preferred choice as compared to the Breville above. Why? because unlike the former, this actually offers a convection fan. All the while being cheaper than the Breville above.
The versatile oven comes with 9 functions including convection bake and convection broil presets. The controls are user-friendly, and the convection fan operates silently, unlike the previous one.
It's perfect for cottage use and can cook a 10" pizza despite the tight fit. Toasting bread is effortless, and the oven heats up quickly, making it an excellent addition to any kitchen.
The only downside is that this oven is slightly larger than the Breville above and therefore may not be suitable for those who came here looking for smallest possible digital model.
Nevertheless, if you need a highly functional, high powered oven with 1800 wattage rating and an exquisite exterior with digital control, then this is certainly one of the best mini toaster ovens.
Also Read: Best Cuisinart Toaster Ovens
3. Hamilton Beach 31344D – Mini Toaster Oven with Roll Top Door
This is a very small and compact regular toaster oven with a roll top door. It is excellent for those with a small counter space. Perfect of individual meal portions.
Next up we have our favorite toaster oven for those who specifically came here looking for a simple option to just have a good toast for breakfast or reheat your leftovers.
Unlike the previous ones, this isn’t designed for cooking food, broiling or roasting whole chicken. Furthermore, it does not have any digital control or cooking presets either.
What it does offer is convenience at a very affordable price tag. From its roll top door for easy access to two simple knob controls for ease of use, this oven is designed for convenience.
Again, this convenience is a double edged sword. While you could reheat and toast in this oven, cooking meals for crowd or family would not be a hassle to say the least.
For those who prefer a simple, no-frills approach to toaster ovens, the old-school design of this mini toaster oven may be the perfect fit.
Its minimal features and compact size make it an excellent choice for basic use, especially for those who primarily use their toaster oven for toasting or cheese toast. I like the roll-top design for easy access, rounded edges, and how it takes up less storage space on the countertop.
Additionally, the toaster oven is easy to clean and looks great, making it an excellent addition to any small kitchen. Overall, this toaster oven is highly recommended for those seeking a straightforward, functional appliance.
4. Black+Decker TO1313SBD – Affordable Option
One of the most affordable mini toaster ovens. Perfect for an individual or a couple.
Unlike the previous Hamilton Beach 31344D, this is not only cheaper, but has the more traditional pull down door instead of roll top door.
While this may look bigger, it is actually quite compact with the capacity to fit a mere 9″ pizza or 4 slices of bread.
You will notice that this isn’t a digital oven either, but instead offers 3 knobs for a bit more control over your cooking. The knob can be used to set the desired temperature, the oven mode i.e toast, bake, broil and to set the timer.
One highly sought after mode that you will find on this rather inexpensive oven is the “keep warm” mode. This can come in handy when you want to keep your freshly cooked meal warm for a little longer.
This basic toaster oven may be small in size and functionality with a limited 30-minute timer, but it serves its purpose well, especially for the low price.
With its compact design, it's perfect for those with limited counter space, but don't expect to bake anything beyond small items. The temperature control is decently accurate, and after getting used to the settings, it works great.
If you want to spend the least on a quality product, then this is certainly one of the best mini toaster ovens. Overall, it's a shiny, new, fully functional toaster oven that gets the job done.
5. Hamilton Beach 31123D – Slightly Larger with 6 Slice Capacity
A small, convenient and an affordable 12-inch pizza Toaster Oven with convection feature.
Hamilton Beach 31123D is slightly bigger than the previous oven, however, it still falls well within the “mini” range.
This is for those who are looking for a small toaster oven, but still want some flexibility when it comes to cooking meals.
Using extremely compact toaster ovens can be a hassle for some in the long run especially when you find yourself toasting and reheating larger meals.
The Hamilton Beach toaster oven is a great choice for those with basic toaster oven needs and limited space. It can handle up to 6" slices of bread or a 12" pizza, making it perfect for everyday use.
The oven has exceeded many users' expectations, with accurate temperature settings and a convenient easy-open door. It also offers multiple settings, including convection, broil, bake, and toast.
The roll top cover design keeps the glass clean, making this a great small countertop toaster oven. Like the Hamilton Beach 31344D, this also has a roll top door for easy access.
All in all, we highly recommend this as one of the best mini toaster ovens if you want a compact form factor but a slightly more spacious than average chamber.
What to Look for in a Mini Toaster Oven?
A few important consideration must be made when choosing mini toaster ovens.
Digital vs Knob Controlled
Digital toaster ovens come with a large LCD screen and button/knob selectors. They are great for cooking meals.
As mentioned earlier, there are generally two types of toaster ovens: Digital and Knob Controlled.
Knob controlled toaster ovens are old school models for very basic functionality such as toasting and reheating. They are the most affordable kind.
Digital toaster ovens offer comprehensive features as well as cooking presets. The are expensive, but they can be used for more than just toasting bread. You can cook complex recipes with these.
Digital ovens have a combination of buttons, knob selector and an LCD screen.
Also Read: How to Toast Bread in Toaster Oven
Convection vs Non Convection
convection oven circulates heat inside
Convection is a feature whereby a fan is utilized to blow and circulate hot air inside the cooking chamber. This allows for even and fast cooking.
Most mini toaster oven models lack the convection feature. However, you can most certainly find mini models with convection but at a higher price tag.
Generally for basic toasting i.e toasting bread for breakfast, you can do without a convection. However, for reheating or cooking meat and vegetables, you will find Convection a great feature.
How Many Slices of Bread?
Most mini toaster ovens support 4 slices.
The mini toaster ovens can be judged by the amount of slices that they can hold. Generally, most mini toaster ovens can fit about 4 slices of bread.
You can also judge the size by the diameter of the pizza supported, and in larger cases, the weight of chicken supported. Smallest ovens are not really designed to accommodate an entire chicken.
Also Read: Best 6 Slice Toaster Ovens
Reheating vs Cooking
This is an important consideration. Do you need to procure a toaster oven just to toast and reheat or are you planning on cooking i.e roasting chicken, baking cakes etc?
If your need is simple reheating, then a basic knob controlled toaster oven with basic functions and a limited timer would do just fine.
On the other hand, for cooking meals, we would recommend investing in a slightly larger oven with at least convection feature and, if possible, with digital presets.
Final Words
Here we looked at some of the best mini toaster ovens out there. We basically tried to list models that can cater to someone’s specific needs.
For example, we looked at digital toaster ovens, digital toaster oven with convection feature, regular mini toaster oven, regular knob controlled mini model with convection feature etc.
The bottom line is that not all toaster ovens are created equally and you have to judge based on your need and budget range.
FAQs:
1. What is the best small toaster?
Here are other best toaster brands that we tested and recommended:
1. Hamilton Beach Keep Warm Toaster.
2. Hamilton Beach 2 Slice Toaster 22623Cuisinart 2 Slice Compact Plastic Toaster.
3. Oster Black Stainless Collection 2-Slice Toaster.
4. Oster 2-Slice Toaster TSSTTRJB2R.
5. Made By Design 2 Slice Extra Wide Slot Stainless Steel Toaster.
Watch more from this video.
2. What is the smallest toaster oven?
The Panasonic Flash Xpress, the smallest toaster oven I found in my research. It's sizable at 0.921 cubic feet and weighs just over 7 pounds, with even double infrared heating systems that will cook your food up to 40 percent faster than conventional ovens for convection.
3. Is there a toaster that toasts evenly on both sides?
The Dash Clear View toaster was well performed in our testing and produced toasts that were evenly browned without burning marks on both sides. The unit also toasted frozen bread and bagels with an outstanding job. The glass door on the toaster front enables users to view the process of browning.
4. Why does my toaster only toast one side?
There are a few reasons why your toaster might only toast one side of the bread. One possibility is that the wire rack in the toaster is not properly aligned, so the bread isn't getting evenly toasted. Another possibility is that there is something blocking the heat from reaching one side of the bread, such as a piece of foil or a thick slice of bread. Finally, it's possible that the heating elements in your toaster are not working properly and need to be replaced.
5. What does bagel mode on a toaster do?
Bagel mode on a toaster is used to evenly toast the bagel. It will toast the outside of the bagel and then the inside.