3 Best Counter Ovens Perfect for Small Apartments in 2026

If you’re searching for a counter oven that fits comfortably on limited countertop space but still delivers versatile cooking, you’re not alone. In 2025, the smartest choices combine compact size with high performance—think models like the Nuwave Bravo with its 21-quart capacity, adjustable temperature range from 50°F to 450°F, and dual heating zones for simultaneous tasks. These appliances prove small doesn’t mean simple, but selecting the right one involves weighing features, size, and overall ease of use. Curious which models strike the perfect balance?

Nuwave Bravo Air Fryer Toaster Smart Oven (21 Qt)

If you live in a small apartment, you need a cooking machine that does a lot but doesn’t take up much space. The Nuwave Bravo Air Fryer Toaster Smart Oven is a great choice. It has a 21-quart size, so it can cook big meals, but it still fits well on your counter.

This oven has 1,800 watts of power. That helps it cook food quickly and evenly. You can set the temperature anywhere from 50°F to 450°F. It adjusts in just 5°F steps, so you get exact control over how your food cooks.

The oven has special top and bottom heating zones. You can turn them on separately or together. This makes it easier to get crispy pizza or perfectly baked bread. The controls are digital, so you can pick preset cooking modes or set your own time and temperature. It also comes with accessories that help you cook different types of food.

In a small place, this oven works well because it can do many jobs — roast, bake, toast, air fry, and more. It saves space but still helps you make tasty meals.

Best For: People living in small homes who want a multi-purpose and space-saving oven.

Pros:

• It’s big enough for most meals but fits on a small counter
• You can choose the exact temperature for your cooking
• Comes with preset modes and useful accessories

Cons:

• It’s bigger than a regular toaster or simple air fryer
• Learning how to use all the features may take time
• Uses a lot of electricity at 1800 watts, so consider your power supply

This oven is a smart, versatile choice if you want a machine that does many things without taking up too much space.

Nuwave Bravo Pro Smart Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo

The Nuwave Bravo Pro Smart Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo is a great choice if you live in a small apartment. It doesn’t take up much space but can do a lot. The oven uses a special Ultra-Fast Convection System. This system heats from top and bottom at the same time, so your food cooks evenly. It heats better than regular ovens and uses less energy.

This oven can get as hot as 450°F. You can change the fan speed to cook different foods. It cooks food up to three times faster than regular ovens, and your food comes out crispy and cooked just right. The 21-quart size makes it small enough to fit on most countertops. It can hold a 12-inch pizza or a 4-pound chicken easily.

The oven has a clear digital screen and 12 pre-set buttons. These make it simple to pick the kind of food you want to cook. You do not need to guess times or temperatures. You can also change settings if you want to customize your cooking. This makes it easy for anyone to get restaurant-quality results at home.

This appliance works well for small families or people who want a space-saving and fast oven. It helps you cook meals quickly and saves energy.

However, it has some drawbacks. Its size limits how much food you can cook at once. The starting price is higher than regular toasters or small ovens. Also, it takes some practice to learn all its features and presets.

In short, the Nuwave Bravo Pro is perfect if you want a compact, fast, and versatile oven that makes great food without taking up much space.

BLACK+DECKER Air Fry Countertop Toaster Oven, 4-Slice, Stainless Steel

The BLACK+DECKER Air Fry Countertop Toaster Oven is a small but versatile kitchen helper. It has a shiny stainless steel finish and can hold four slices of bread. This oven is great if you have a small apartment or limited space because it fits nicely on your counter.

It does five different jobs: Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Toast, and Keep Warm. You can bake cookies, fry crispy fries, toast bread, or melt cheese on a pizza all in one machine. The Air Fry feature uses less oil, so you can make healthier meals. The oven also makes sure bread and toast brown evenly, so no dark spots or burnt spots.

This oven is big enough to hold a 9-inch pizza or 4 slices of bread at once. It’s a good choice for people who want a simple, all-in-one appliance for quick meals.

Best for: Small households or people who want a quick, healthy way to cook many types of food without taking up a lot of space.

Pros:

• It can do five different jobs in one machine.
• Air frying uses less oil, making your meals healthier.
• Compact size still fits a pizza or bread easily.

Cons:

• It might be too small if you cook for many people at once.
• The 30-minute timer can be short for long recipes.
• The stainless steel surface shows fingerprints and smudges easily, so you need to clean it often.

This oven is simple to use and perfect for small kitchens. It helps you cook fast and healthy meals without cluttering your space.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Counterovens for Small Apartments

When choosing a counter oven for your small apartment, you need to carefully consider space efficiency, ensuring it fits comfortably without cluttering your limited countertop area. Think about how versatile the oven is—does it bake, broil, toast, and air fry, or are these features reserved for larger models? Finally, assess capacity requirements and safety features, because no one wants an oven that’s too big for the space or one that skims over important health standards.

Space Efficiency Needs

Choosing a small countertop oven for your apartment is mostly about saving space. Pick an oven less than 24 inches wide. This way, you keep your counter clear. Many small ovens do more than just bake. They can toast bread or even air fry. That means you don’t need separate machines, saving room and money.

Look for designs that fold or stand up. These can be tucked away easily when you’re not using them. Slim shapes and built-in handles make the oven easier to store or grab when needed. Some ovens have adjustable shelves or removable parts. This makes them flexible and helps keep your kitchen tidy.

A space-saving oven is not just about size. Its shape and features should fit your kitchen and work well. This way, you get good performance without cluttering your small space.

Cooking Versatility Options

To get the most out of your small countertop oven, it’s important to choose one that can do many jobs. In a small space, every appliance needs to work hard. Look for a model that can bake, broil, toast, air fry, and dehydrate. These functions cover most meals and keep your kitchen tidy.

Adjustable heat settings and convection fans help you control how your food cooks. This makes it easier to get perfect cookies, casseroles, or roasted vegetables. Some ovens also come with preset modes for pizza or frozen foods. These make cooking faster and easier.

Being able to change the temperature and cooking time while the oven is on gives you more control. Even small ovens can fit a 12-inch pizza or four slices of bread. That shows you don’t need a big oven to be versatile. With the right choice, your small oven can do many tasks well without taking up too much space.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is very important when choosing a small countertop oven. You want something simple to operate. Look for ovens with easy-to-read digital controls and clear screens. These help you set the oven quickly without confusion. Many models have preset buttons that let you cook specific foods fast. This means you don’t need to change lots of settings every time.

Choose an oven with removable parts like trays and racks. These are easier to clean and save time. The control buttons for temperature, timers, and fan speed should be simple to press. You shouldn’t have to go through many menus just to change one setting.

Some ovens let you adjust how the heat works. You can change the convection speed or heater ratio. This gives you more control without making the oven hard to use. Think of a good oven as a smart helper. It makes cooking easy and fun, without lots of fuss.

Capacity Requirements

Have you ever tried fitting a big frozen pizza into a tiny oven? If you have, you know how important it is to pick the right size oven for your small apartment. Most small countertop ovens are between 0.5 and 1 cubic foot in size. They give you enough room to cook small meals without taking up too much space on your counter.

A 21-quart oven can usually hold a 12-inch pizza or a small roast. That makes it good for many everyday meals. Think about what you want to cook. If you like baking multiple slices of bread or frozen foods, make sure the oven has enough space.

Smaller ovens might limit what you can do at once. Look for a model with adjustable racks. These racks help you use the space better and make room for different kinds of food.

Choosing the right size oven helps you save space in the kitchen. It makes cooking easier without taking over your small counter.

Health and Safety

When choosing a countertop oven, safety is very important. Pick models that are PFAS-free, like the Nuwave Bravo. PFAS chemicals can be in non-stick coatings and are not good for your health. Make sure the oven has accurate temperature controls. This helps cook food evenly and stops food from burning or staying raw. Good heat distribution also makes cooking safer and more even.

Look for ovens with preset functions and adjustable heater settings. This helps you cook different foods properly without uneven heating. Easy-to-clean parts, like removable crumb trays, keep your kitchen clean and safe by stopping bacteria from growing.

Check that the oven has safety certifications. Simple controls help prevent problems like overheating, electrical issues, or misuse. If you live in a small apartment, safety isn’t just smart—it’s necessary. Choose a safe oven to keep your home healthy and protected.

Budget Considerations

Setting a budget helps you find the right countertop oven for your small apartment. Prices can be from around $50 to over $300. Think about what features you need. For example, preset functions or adjustable heating may cost more but can make cooking easier. Check how well the oven is built. Ovens with a solid body and good warranty last longer and save you money in the long run. Also, look at how much energy the oven uses. More efficient models use less electricity and can lower your bills. You can also find a oven that does many things. A multifunctional oven might replace other appliances, saving space and money. Knowing your budget helps you choose the best oven that fits your needs without spending too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Energy-Efficient Are These Small Counter Ovens?

These small counter ovens are quite energy-efficient, using less power than traditional ovens. You’ll save on electricity bills while still enjoying versatile cooking, making them an eco-friendly choice for small apartment living.

Do They Come With Built-In Wi-Fi or Smart Features?

Many small counter ovens now include built-in Wi-Fi and smart features, allowing you to control them remotely, set timers, and monitor cooking progress via apps, making your cooking more convenient and high-tech.

Are Replacement Parts Easily Accessible for These Models?

Yes, replacement parts for these models are generally easy to find since many brands provide accessible customer support and online resources. You can often order parts directly from the manufacturer or authorized service centers, ensuring quick repairs if needed.

Can These Ovens Accommodate a Full-Sized Pizza?

Yes, many of these counter ovens can fit a full-sized pizza, but size varies. Check the internal dimensions before buying to guarantee your pizza can easily slide in and cook evenly without overstuffing the oven.

What Safety Features Are Included in These Countertop Ovens?

You’ll find these ovens include safety features like automatic shut-off, cool-touch exteriors, overheat protection, non-slip feet, and door safety locks. These features help prevent accidents and guarantee safe operation in your small apartment kitchen.