The Best Countertop Ovens and Toaster Ovens for 2026
By Claire Whitmore. Last updated October 2026.
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A great countertop oven does far more than toast. The best models roast a chicken, bake a pizza, air fry and reheat leftovers better than a microwave, and they preheat in minutes, so you’ll use your full-size oven much less. For a luxury kitchen, it’s one of the most useful appliances you can add.
We based our picks on Wirecutter’s testing of toaster and countertop ovens, cross-checked against product recall notices. We haven’t tested these ovens ourselves. Prices change often, so check the current price before you buy.
Quick answer: the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is the best countertop oven for most serious cooks. The Cuisinart TOB-260N1NAS is a strong alternative with a longer warranty, and the Cosori CO130-AO is the best value.
Our picks at a glance
| Pick | Best for | Key detail | Approx. price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro | Best overall | Fits a 5.5-quart Dutch oven with lid; 2-year warranty | About $400 |
| Cuisinart TOB-260N1NAS | Best alternative | 9 slices or a 13-inch pizza; 3-year warranty | Check current price |
| Cosori CO130-AO | Best value | Wirecutter’s best under $225 | Check current price |
| Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro | Best smart oven | App-connected | About $100 more than the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro |
| Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P | Best compact toaster | Small footprint | Check current price |
| Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact | Best compact convection | Smaller Breville | Check current price |
| Hamilton Beach 4 Slice | Best budget | Basic toasting | About $55 |
*Prices from Wirecutter’s listings. Check current prices.
The best countertop ovens
1. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro: best overall
Best for: cooks who want a true second oven.
Wirecutter’s top pick, about $400. It has two fan speeds and PID temperature control for steady heat, and it’s big enough to fit a 5.5-quart Le Creuset Dutch oven with the lid on. It comes with a 2-year warranty. Wirecutter notes its super convection setting is loud and the oven is heavy.
Pros
- Roomy enough for a Dutch oven
- Precise temperature control
- Strong air frying
Cons
- Loud super convection
- Heavy and large
- Expensive
2. Cuisinart TOB-260N1NAS: best alternative
Best for: buyers who want a longer warranty and pizza-stone baking.
Wirecutter’s runner-up fits nine slices of bread or a 13-inch pizza and includes a ceramic pizza stone. It preheats in about three to four minutes, has a PFAS-free interior and carries a 3-year warranty.
Pros
- 3-year warranty
- Pizza stone included
- Fast preheat
Cons
- Large footprint
- Runner-up to the Breville in Wirecutter’s testing
3. Cosori CO130-AO: best value
Best for: air frying and baking on a tighter budget.
Wirecutter names the Cosori its best countertop oven under $225.
Pros
- Good value
- Air fryer included
Cons
- Less refined than the Breville
4. Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro: best smart oven
Best for: tech lovers who want app control.
Wirecutter notes the Joule version costs about $100 more than the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and adds app connectivity.
Pros
- App control
- Breville build quality
Cons
- Pricier for the same cooking core
5. Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P: best compact toaster
Best for: small kitchens and fast toast.
Wirecutter’s compact pick. Note that a different model, the Panasonic NB-G200/NB-G205, was recalled in July 2026. Make sure you’re buying the NB-G110P and check the CPSC site for current recall information.
Pros
- Small footprint
- Quick toasting
Cons
- Limited capacity
- Recall on a related model (not this one)
6. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact: best compact convection
Best for: small spaces that still want convection and air frying.
A smaller Breville Wirecutter recommends for tighter counters.
Pros
- Breville controls in a smaller size
Cons
- Won’t fit large dishes
7. Hamilton Beach 4 Slice: best budget
Best for: toasting and simple reheating.
Wirecutter’s budget pick, about $55. It runs about 25°F cooler than set, so adjust temperatures or rely on visual cues.
Pros
- Very cheap
Cons
- Runs about 25°F cool
- Basic
How to choose a countertop oven
Capacity
Think about the biggest thing you’ll cook. A 13-inch pizza, a whole chicken or a Dutch oven needs a large oven like the Breville or Cuisinart. If you mostly toast and reheat, a compact model saves counter space.
Convection and air frying
Convection fans circulate hot air for faster, more even cooking. “Air fry” modes are essentially high-speed convection. A dedicated basket or mesh tray helps food crisp. Fast fans can be loud, as Wirecutter notes of the Breville.
Temperature accuracy
Cheaper ovens can run off. Wirecutter found the Hamilton Beach about 25°F cool. Breville’s PID control is designed to keep temperatures steady.
Footprint and clearance
Measure your counter and the space under cabinets, and leave room around the oven for heat to escape. Check the manual for required clearances.
Controls and presets
Look for clear, easy-to-read controls. Digital models offer presets for toast, bagels, pizza, roast, bake and air fry, which take the guesswork out of everyday tasks. A good toast setting should remember your preferred shade. Smart models like the Joule add app control and guided cooking, which some cooks love and others never use.
Warranty and safety
Warranties range from 1 year to Cuisinart’s 3 years. Before buying, search the CPSC recalls database for the model, as the Panasonic NB-G200/205 recall shows.
Which pick is right for you?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want a true second oven for roasting and baking | Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro |
| Want the longest warranty and pizza-stone baking | Cuisinart TOB-260N1NAS |
| Want air frying on a budget | Cosori CO130-AO |
| Love app control and connected cooking | Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro |
| Have a small kitchen and mainly toast | Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P or Breville Compact |
| Just need toast and reheating | Hamilton Beach 4 Slice |
What a countertop oven does well
The appeal of a good countertop oven is speed and convenience. Because it heats a small space, it’s ready in minutes instead of the long preheat of a full-size oven. That makes it ideal for weeknight cooking: sheet-pan dinners for two, roasted vegetables, salmon fillets, chicken thighs, frozen snacks, cookies in small batches and pizza. Reheating is a particular strength. Leftover pizza, fries and pastries come back crisp rather than soggy, as they would in a microwave.
In summer, a countertop oven keeps the kitchen cooler. During the holidays, it acts as a second oven for side dishes while the turkey takes over the main one. In smaller homes and apartments, a large model can even stand in for a full-size oven most days.
Care and cleaning
- Unplug the oven and let it cool fully before cleaning.
- Empty the crumb tray often. Built-up crumbs can smoke or burn.
- Wipe the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh abrasives on nonstick or coated interiors.
- Wash racks, pans and air fry baskets according to the manual, and check which parts are dishwasher-safe.
- Keep the area around the oven clear, and follow the maker’s clearance guidance for heat.
Countertop oven vs air fryer vs wall oven
| Countertop oven | Pod air fryer | Full-size oven | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preheat | Fast | Fastest | Slow |
| Capacity | Medium to large | Small | Largest |
| Versatility | Toast, bake, roast, air fry | Mostly air frying | Everything |
| Counter space | Large | Medium | None |
Common buying mistakes
- Buying too small. If you want to roast or bake pizza, a compact toaster will frustrate you. Check interior dimensions against your favorite pans.
- Ignoring counter depth. Large ovens are deep and need clearance on every side. Measure before you order.
- Paying for features you won’t use. Dozens of presets and an app are nice, but a reliable bake, roast and toast cycle matters most.
- Forgetting about noise. Strong convection fans can be loud, which matters in open-plan homes.
- Skipping the recall check. Search the CPSC database before buying any appliance, new or used.
Accessories worth adding
Most ovens include a rack, a baking pan and sometimes an air fry basket or pizza stone. Beyond that, a couple of quarter-sheet pans with wire racks are the most useful add-on: they make roasting, crisping and reheating easier and fit most large ovens. A small enameled cast-iron dish or Dutch oven turns a big model like the Breville into a braising machine. A silicone mat or reusable liner can help with cleanup, as long as the manual allows it. Always check that accessories fit with room to spare and are rated for the temperatures you’ll use.
Make the most of your countertop oven
Use quarter-sheet pans and small baking dishes that fit. A good set of cookware and knives goes a long way. It’s also a great gift for home cooks.
How we researched this guide
We don’t test countertop ovens in-house. Our picks and specs come from Wirecutter’s testing of toaster and countertop ovens, and recall information comes from public recall notices. Prices are from Wirecutter’s listings and change often.
FAQ
What is the best countertop oven?
Wirecutter’s top pick is the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro.
Can a countertop oven replace a full-size oven?
For many daily tasks, yes. Large models like the Breville fit a 5.5-quart Dutch oven. You’ll still want a full-size oven for big roasts and holiday baking.
Is the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro worth it?
If you’ll use it daily and want precise temperature and room for big dishes, yes. If you mostly toast, a cheaper oven is fine.
Which Panasonic toaster oven was recalled?
The Panasonic NB-G200/NB-G205 was recalled in July 2026. Check the CPSC website for details.
Do countertop ovens use less energy?
They heat a smaller space and preheat quickly, which usually means less energy for small meals than a full-size oven.
