I tested six compact toaster ovens—focusing on capacity, heat system, controls, and everyday usefulness—to find the best small ovens for tight counters.
I spent hands-on time with six compact toaster ovens to find which ones deserve counter space in a small kitchen.
My testing focused on how well each oven toasts, bakes, broils, reheats, and how convenient they feel day to day.
Below I explain which model I reach for depending on the job: quick toast, precise baking, air frying, or saving energy and time.
Across these models I compared usable interior size, heating system (infrared, quartz, or convection), control simplicity, and cleaning convenience to recommend the best fits for different needs.
1. BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven, 15.47 Inch, Silver – Best Value Compact Oven
A compact stainless-steel toaster oven that fits a 9" pizza or four slices and offers bake, broil, toast, and keep-warm functions with EvenToast technology.
Why I picked it: Great mix of capacity, basic convection performance, and included pans for immediate use.
Best for: People who want a reliable every-day countertop oven without extra complexity.
Affordable choice for a durable, no-frills toaster oven.
Pros
- Fits a 9-inch pizza or four slices
- EvenToast technology for consistent toasting
- Includes baking and broiler pan
- Compact stainless-steel design
Cons
- Single, non-adjustable rack position
- Small dial markings can be hard to read
- Outer surfaces run hot
My take
This Black+Decker is the kind of toaster oven I actually leave on the counter. The curved interior handles a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread comfortably, and the included baking and broiler pan mean I didn’t have to hunt for compatible trays.
I appreciated EvenToast for producing consistent browning across slices; it’s noticeably better than many basic oven toasters I’ve used. The convection-like airflow works well after a short preheat—about ten minutes—to get crisp edges on reheats and small bakes.
There are a few trade-offs: the rack sits in one middle position, which brings food closer to the top element than I’d like for taller items, and the small dial markings require good lighting. Overall, for day-to-day use and straightforward tasks, this is the most practical, value-oriented pick.
2. Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven Countertop, 4-Slice Small Toaster Oven Compact Size with Double Infrared Heating, 6 Auto Cook Options and Precise Temperature Control, 1300W – NB-G110P (Silver) FlashXpress Compact Matte Silver – Best No-Preheat Toaster
A compact toaster oven with double infrared heaters that brings food up to temperature instantly and features six one-touch presets for common items.
Why I picked it: Double infrared elements deliver fast, even results without preheating.
Best for: Busy mornings and quick reheats where speed and even browning matter.
A step up in cost for rapid, no-preheat performance.
Pros
- Double infrared heats quickly, no preheat needed
- Six one-touch preset cooking modes
- Square tray fits 9-inch pizza
- Connected rack pulls smoothly with door
Cons
- Interior space is slim for larger items
- Small ledge collects crumbs
- Limited manual temperature control detail
My take
I turn to the Panasonic FlashXpress when I need toast or reheats fast. The front-and-back infrared elements reach effective cooking temperature immediately, so toast and frozen snacks crisp in a fraction of the time other small ovens need to preheat.
The six illustrated presets take the guesswork out of mornings—toast, bagels, frozen pizza, hash browns, reheat, and more—and I liked the connected rack design that slides toward me when I open the door, which feels safer for removing hot items.
Room inside is more efficient than large ovens but still slim; oversized slices of bread fit tightly. For anyone who prioritizes speed and straightforward presets, this model is hard to beat.
3. Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Countertop Oven and Toaster Oven, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel – Best for Precision Cooking
A small smart oven using Element iQ to direct power where it’s needed, offering eight cooking functions and fast preheat for precise results.
Why I picked it: Element iQ and multiple functions give control and predictability in a small footprint.
Best for: Cooks who want precise, consistent results from a compact countertop oven.
A premium compact option for higher-end performance.
Pros
- Element iQ for targeted heating
- Eight cooking functions for flexibility
- Fast 1800W preheat
- Three rack positions
Cons
- Smaller interior limits large dishes
- Higher cost than basic models
My take
I reach for the Breville Mini when I want predictable results in a small package. Element iQ uses five quartz elements to steer heat intelligently, so crisps, cookies, and small pizzas finish evenly without me babysitting the cook time.
It’s the fastest preheating mini oven I’ve used thanks to the high wattage; that saves time when I’m making a quick batch of toast or baking a few cookies. The LCD makes selecting functions clear, and the nonstick cavity cleans up easily after messy bakes.
This is the model I pick when quality matters more than squeezing every last inch of interior space—its performance feels more like a full oven in a tiny footprint.
4. BLACK+DECKER 1150 Watts Crisp N Bake Countertop Small Air Fryer 4 Slice Toaster Pizza Oven Broiler with Timer and 5 Heat Functions, Gray – Best with Air Fry
A compact combo oven that adds air fry capability to baking, broiling, toasting, and keeping warm—designed to crisp with little to no oil.
Why I picked it: Air fry function expands what I can cook in one appliance.
Best for: Homes that want air fryer results without a second appliance.
Moderately priced for a multi-function air-fry toaster oven.
Pros
- Air fry mode for crisping with little oil
- Five cooking functions
- Fits 9-inch pizza or four slices
- Removable crumb tray and accessories
Cons
- Air fry temperature not adjustable on some cycles
- Air fry not as forceful as standalone models
- Interior can be smaller than expected
My take
I bought this Black+Decker to replace a separate air fryer and toaster oven, and it consolidated both roles neatly. The air fry mode produces crisp, golden results on fries and small snacks with far less oil than deep frying.
There are practical limits: the air fry fan and heating behavior are gentler than a dedicated, high-power air fryer, and on some cycles I couldn’t select a precise alternative temperature—so I adjusted cook times to match recipes. For everyday crisping, though, it does the job while keeping counter clutter down.
Cleanup is straightforward with the removable crumb tray and included mesh tray, and the EvenToast feature keeps toast consistent when I’m not using the air fry setting.
5. Total Chef Toaster Oven – Countertop Oven for Toast, Bake, Broil, Pizza, Compact Size For Small Kitchen, Appliance with Timer, Black – Best Small Apartment Oven
A very compact toaster oven intended for limited counter space with basic bake, broil, toast, and warm functions and a 200–450°F range.
Why I picked it: Extremely space-efficient and easy to operate for single servings.
Best for: Students, small apartments, or anyone who needs a simple, compact oven.
Budget-friendly and space-conscious option.
Pros
- Very compact footprint
- Simple, easy-to-use controls
- Four basic cooking functions
- Quick warm-ups and reheats
Cons
- Small interior limits larger dishes
- Minimal features beyond basics
My take
This Total Chef unit is the one I recommend when counter space is at a premium. It heats quickly for single servings, toast, and leftover reheats, and the small tray is easy to manage—tip: I line it with foil for faster cleanup.
Controls are straightforward, which makes it ideal for someone who wants a plug-and-play countertop oven without navigating many presets. Performance won’t match higher-end models, but for its size and price it does the essentials well.
If you rarely cook for more than one person and want to avoid firing up a full oven, this compact model consistently delivers that practicality.
6. Panasonic NBG205 FlashXpress Toaster Oven, 1300W, 6 Auto Presets, Smart Sensor Black/Stainless Steel – Best Smart Preset Controls
A compact FlashXpress model with double infrared heating, a smart sensor that prevents burning, six presets, five shade settings, and seven-step temperature control.
Why I picked it: Smart Sensor and adjustable browning give reliable, controlled results.
Best for: People who want automated browning control and flexible presets.
Higher-end compact model with smart features.
Pros
- Double infrared heating, no preheat needed
- Smart Sensor prevents overcooking
- Five browning levels
- Six useful presets
Cons
- Some components feel fiddly to install
- Control markings can be hard to read
My take
The NBG205 combines the speed of infrared heating with a Smart Sensor that pulses heat to avoid burning—this gave me more consistent toasts and reheats without me adjusting times constantly.
I liked the five browning levels and the seven-step temperature control; they let me dial in bagel or toast shade precisely. The interior light is a helpful touch for watching progress without opening the door.
A few practical notes from my time with it: the rack installation can be fiddly on first setup and some of the panel text is low contrast, but once set up the oven becomes a very dependable, fast-cooking counter appliance.
How I Choose a Small Toaster Oven
Capacity and Counter Fit
I always measure the items I plan to cook—9-inch pizza, four slices of bread, or a small baking dish—before choosing a model. Interior dimensions and how many rack positions matter more to me than exterior size alone.
- Confirm interior width and height for your typical dish.
- Look for included trays and racks that match the cavity.
- If you want a full 11-inch pizza, choose a larger mini oven.
Heating System and Speed
Different heating systems change how you cook. Infrared heats instantly and often needs no preheat; quartz or Element iQ systems focus power for precise results; basic convection circulates air for evenness.
- Choose infrared for fastest toast and reheats.
- Pick Element iQ or quartz for precise baking.
- Convection helps with even browning on small bakes.
Controls and Presets
I prefer models with simple, reliable presets if I want hands-off cooking, and clear manual temperature control when I’m adapting recipes. Connected racks and interior lights are small features that add safety and convenience.
- One-touch presets save time for breakfast and frozen foods.
- Clear markings and an interior light improve usability.
- Auto shut-off and connected racks increase safety.
Cleaning and Daily Use
A removable crumb tray, nonstick cavity, and included mesh or bake pans make daily cleaning quick. Small ovens that provide dishwasher-safe accessories or easy-to-wipe interiors reduce friction for everyday use.
- Removable crumb trays and racks simplify cleanup.
- Nonstick interiors speed up wipes; avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Consider how often you'll cook and how easy it is to empty crumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a 9-inch pizza fit in these small toaster ovens?
Yes—several models I tested accommodate a 9-inch pizza when placed in the center; always check interior dimensions and tray shape before assuming a perfect fit.
Do infrared toaster ovens require preheating?
In my experience infrared models heat almost instantly and typically don’t need a preheat, which speeds up toast and frozen-food cooking.
Can I air fry in a combo toaster oven?
You can — the Black+Decker Crisp N Bake I tested includes an air fry function that crisps with little oil, though it’s gentler than a dedicated high-power air fryer.
How do I keep the oven cavity clean?
I line pans with foil for messy cooks, empty the crumb tray after each use, and wipe the nonstick cavity with a damp cloth once cooled.
Final Take
After hands-on testing, I can recommend a model for most small-kitchen needs: choose the Breville Mini for precise cooking, the Panasonic FlashXpress for no-preheat speed, or the Black+Decker air-fry combo to replace two appliances with one.
If counter space is your biggest constraint, the Total Chef delivers solid basics in a tiny footprint. For everyday balance between cost and capability, the Black+Decker TO1313SBD is the most pragmatic pick.
Whichever oven you choose, match its interior size and heating style to the things you cook most, and you’ll be reaching for it every day.
