4 Best Toaster Ovens for Small Spaces
If you’re maneuvering the challenge of limited counter space, choosing the right toaster oven can seem like a daunting task. These compact appliances, often fitting in a 12-inch footprint, do more than just toast—they bake, broil, and even air fry, saving you both time and space. But how do you find one that balances performance with size, and still fits into your cozy kitchen aesthetic? Keep watching—there’s more to uncover about maximizing functionality without cluttering your counters.
Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer (SP151)
If you want a small, handy kitchen appliance, the Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer (SP151) is a great choice. Its special flip-up design saves up to half of your counter space by flipping against the wall. This makes it perfect for small kitchens. The oven measures about 17 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 8 inches high. It can cook a 12-inch pizza, 6 slices of bread, or 4 pounds of ingredients. Its shiny stainless steel look matches most kitchens. The vertical design helps keep your counter neat while giving you plenty of room to cook. It mixes smart design with a good-sized cooking area, all in a sleek style.
Best For: People with small kitchens who want a flexible, space-saving oven. It can do many jobs and replace other kitchen gadgets.
Pros:
- Flip-up design saves space on your counter.
- Works as a toaster, oven, air fryer, broiler, dehydrator, and more.
- Large enough for family-sized meals, like a 12-inch pizza or 4 pounds of food.
Cons:
- Sometimes the heating elements cook unevenly, so you need to check and adjust.
- Cleaning can be tricky because of the design and removable parts.
- Costs a little more than regular toasters or small ovens.
This oven is a smart choice if you want less clutter and more options in your kitchen. It’s easy to use and helps you cook a variety of meals fast.
BLACK+DECKER 8-Slice Convection Toaster Oven
The BLACK+DECKER 8-Slice Convection Toaster Oven is a good choice for small kitchens or if you need a portable oven. It is small but has enough space to fit a 12-inch pizza or a 9×13-inch pan. The oven measures about 14.5 inches deep, 22 inches wide, and 11.5 inches high. It weighs 17.5 pounds, so it is easy to move and fits well on most countertops. The stainless steel finish and brushed exterior make it look sleek and modern. This oven uses convection technology, which blows hot air around food to cook it evenly. It has four functions: bake, broil, toast, and warm. The simple knobs let you control it easily. Overall, it is a practical appliance that can replace a larger oven for many tasks.
This oven is best for people who have small kitchens, RVs, or need a countertop oven that can bake and roast large items. It is a good choice if you want a compact oven that still offers good capacity and quick, even cooking.
Some good things about this oven are:
- It has a big enough interior to fit a 12-inch pizza or a 9×13 pan, even though it is small.
- Its convection technology makes cooking faster and more even.
- The simple knobs and easy-to-clean accessories make it easy to use.
However, there are some downsides:
- It does not have a shut-off for convection, so you cannot turn it off separately.
- Some users find that toasting can be inconsistent, and the timer makes noise.
- The manual can be hard to understand, so you might need to look online for help.
Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer (SP151)
Are you looking for a small, powerful oven that doesn’t take up much space? The Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer (SP151) is a good choice. It has a clever flip-up design that cuts its size in half. This means it can sit neatly on your counter without making it crowded.
This oven has removable parts, like the air fry basket, wire rack, sheet pan, and crumb tray. You can take these out easily and clean them. It’s big enough to cook a 12-inch pizza, six slices of bread, or six pieces of chicken. So, it’s great for family meals or when friends come over.
The outside is made of shiny stainless steel. It looks nice and is built to last. The oven has eight functions, including air fry, roast, and bake. It also uses OvenCrisp technology to cook your food evenly and quickly.
This oven is perfect if you want a compact, versatile, and efficient countertop oven. It can handle large meals without taking up much space.
Pros:
- The flip-up design saves 50% of counter space
- Big enough to hold a 12-inch pizza or six pieces of bread
- Can do many jobs with 8 different functions
Cons:
- Flipping and locking it into place might be hard for one hand
- The stainless steel surface shows fingerprints and smudges easily
- It isn’t a full-sized oven, so some big baking tasks might be harder
If you want a small, multi-use oven that fits in tight spaces and is easy to use, the Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer is a great option.
Cuisinart Compact Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The Cuisinart Compact Air Fryer Toaster Oven (Model: TOA-26) is a great choice for small kitchens. It’s small and takes up less space, measuring about 12.5 inches wide, 11.5 inches deep, and 11.5 inches tall. Despite its size, it has six different cooking options: air fry, toast, bake using convection, broil using convection, cook pizza, and keep food warm. You use a simple dial to turn it on and pick what you want. The oven can get hot up to 450°F, so it’s good for crispy chicken, reheated pizza, and more.
This oven comes with useful accessories, including a baking pan, air fry basket, and oven rack. This makes cooking easier without taking up too much counter space. It is made of stainless steel, so it’s durable and lasts long. The oven has a nearly full pull-out rack, which makes it easy to put in and take out food.
Best for: small households or people who want a space-saving unit that can toast, bake, and air fry quickly but still works well.
Pros:
- Small size but lots of cooking space inside
- Heats up fast and makes food evenly brown
- All-metal interior prevents plastic smell and lasts longer
Cons:
- No built-in timer or light inside, so you need to watch as food cooks
- Bakes sometimes don’t cook evenly, and some food may burn or stay undercooked
- Comes with fewer accessories and doesn’t have grilling options like bigger models
This compact oven is perfect if you want a versatile, space-saving appliance. It makes quick toasting, baking, and air frying easy, even in a small kitchen.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Toaster Ovens for Small Spaces
When selecting a toaster oven for small spaces, size and dimensions are essential—look for models no larger than 18 inches wide with a depth that fits comfortably on your countertop. Space-saving features like fold-down doors or removable crumb trays can optimize limited room, but don’t forget to weigh your needs for versatile functions such as broiling, baking, or roasting. Ultimately, ease of use and capacity matter; a compact unit that struggles with large slices or multiple servings may leave you wishing for more countertop space—and a little patience.
Size and Dimensions
To pick the right toaster oven for a small space, start by checking its size. Choose models that are less than 15 inches wide and deep. This will help it fit on your countertop easily. Look for space-saving features like flip-up doors or vertical storage options. These can tuck the oven away when you are not using it and save more room. Also, pay attention to the height of the oven. Slim models or ones that can be stored vertically help keep your counter clear.
Check how much space is inside the oven as well. For small kitchens, ovens that can hold about 4 pounds of food or fit a 12-inch pizza work well. Keep in mind, smaller ovens may have fewer features. Try to find a model that is small but still meets your cooking needs. This way, you get the right size and enough features for easy and quick cooking.
Space-Saving Features
Space-saving features are very helpful in small kitchens. They make appliances easy to use without taking up too much space. Many compact toaster ovens have flip-up or fold-away parts. These parts can fold or lift up, cutting the size of the oven by half. That makes it easier to fit them on small countertops.
Look for models that are less than 15 inches deep and wide. These fit easily into crowded kitchens or on shelves. Some ovens have doors that flip up or doors that fold in. These features help keep the counter clear when you don’t need the oven.
Removable racks and parts also save space. They make it easier to clean without clutter piling up. A sleek and simple design in stainless steel or matte finishes can also help. These designs look nice and do not take up extra space.
All of these features work together. They help make a small kitchen better by saving space. Plus, they keep everything neat and easy to use. Even tiny kitchens can be functional and fun with the right space-saving toaster oven.
Versatile Functions
Versatile functions make a small toaster oven a great choice. These ovens can do many tasks, so you don’t need extra gadgets on your counter. Modern models can bake, broil, toast, air fry, dehydrate food, and even make pizza. They are all-in-one ovens.
You can control the temperature easily and choose preset settings. This helps you cook your food just right every time. Many models have different rack positions. You can cook several dishes at once. Some come with special accessories to make cooking easier.
Many toaster ovens use advanced heating like infrared and circulating hot air. This helps food cook evenly. Having many functions in one oven saves space and keeps your kitchen organized. No more cluttered drawers or counters filled with different gadgets.
Ease of Use
When choosing a small toaster oven, picking one that is easy to use is very important. A complicated model can make cooking frustrating. Look for a unit with simple controls. This can mean a few dials, touch buttons, or clear labels. Simple controls help you understand what to do right away. Clear labels and easy-to-read buttons save you time and effort.
Features like preset cooking programs or auto shut-off make using the oven even easier. These options help you get good results with less work. They reduce guessing, so your toast comes out perfect and baked items are consistent every time.
Choose a compact design with fewer buttons. This makes the oven less cluttered and simpler to operate. Some units also have indicator lights. These lights show when the oven is on or ready, so anyone can use the oven confidently.
Capacity Needs
Have you ever wondered if your toaster oven has enough space for your favorite meals? Capacity means the size of the inside of the oven. It shows how many slices of bread, a small pizza, or even a few pounds of meat can fit comfortably. Smaller models usually hold 4 to 8 slices of bread or a pizza that is about 9 to 12 inches wide. These are good for singles or couples who don’t cook big meals often.
Think about what you usually cook. If you like to prepare food for guests or make multiple servings at once, check the oven’s capacity first. Some ovens have adjustable racks or extra shelves. These help you cook more at the same time without taking up more space.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning and taking care of your toaster oven is easy if you pick the right model. Look for ones with removable crumb trays, wire racks, or baking pans. These parts make it simple to clean up crumbs and food bits. Nonstick coatings or stainless steel surfaces wipe down quickly and don’t stain easily. An interior light helps you see inside without opening the door, so you keep the mess inside. Make sure the toaster oven has pull-out racks and easy-to-reach corners. These features help you clean faster and easier. Avoid models that have many small or hard-to-reach parts. Simple designs need less cleaning and keep your kitchen tidy. Taking care of your toaster oven this way keeps it working well and smelling fresh.
Energy Efficiency
To save energy with a toaster oven, pick models that use power wisely. Look for features like convection or infrared technology. These help the oven cook food faster and more evenly. When food cooks faster, it uses less energy. Some ovens have automatic shut-off. This turns the oven off when it’s done, so it doesn’t waste power while sitting idle. Good insulation and well-made heating elements keep the temperature steady. This prevents heat from escaping and saves energy. Smaller toaster ovens take less power than big ones. Choose one that fits your cooking needs. A more energy-efficient toaster oven helps you save on your electricity bill. It’s a smart choice for your kitchen and for saving energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Energy-Efficient Are These Small-Space Toaster Ovens?
These small-space toaster ovens typically use less energy than full-sized models, helping you save on electricity. You’ll find them efficient for everyday tasks, making your kitchen more eco-friendly while still providing versatile cooking options.
Can These Ovens Handle Baking Larger Items Like Pizza?
These small toaster ovens can handle baking larger items like pizza, but size might be a concern. You should measure your pizza and oven space to guarantee it fits comfortably and cooks evenly without overcrowding.
Are Replacement Parts Easily Available for These Models?
You’ll find replacement parts are generally available for these toaster ovens, especially from the manufacturers or authorized service providers. It’s smart to check warranty details and contact customer support for specific parts to guarantee easy access and proper fit.
Do They Have Freeze or Defrost Functions?
Many toaster ovens include freeze or defrost functions, making it easy for you to handle frozen foods efficiently. Check specific models, as features vary; you’ll find options that suit your small kitchen needs perfectly.
What Safety Features Are Included in These Compact Ovens?
You’ll find that these compact ovens include safety features like cool-touch exteriors, automatic shutoff, oven timers, and stay-cool knobs. These help prevent accidents and keep your small space kitchen safe and convenient during use.
Hello! I’m Eloise Wilson, the culinary enthusiast behind SimplyCookings. Cooking is my canvas and flavors are my palette. I’m here to share easy-to-follow recipes and kitchen wisdom that will make your cooking journey joyful and delicious. Join me and let’s turn everyday meals into extraordinary experiences!