I tested De'Longhi toaster ovens and a few comparable countertop convection ovens to find reliable, crisp results and easy-to-use controls for everyday cooking.
I spent time cooking, toasting, air-frying, and reheating across several countertop ovens so I could recommend the models I trust.
My focus was on ovens that deliver consistent heat, useful presets, and a usable interior size for pizza, roasts, and multiple slices of bread.
Below I compare De'Longhi models alongside two strong alternatives for people who want more features or a different performance profile.
I compared capacity, convection and air-fry performance, preheat speed, control layout, and how easy each oven is to clean and maintain.
1. Breville Smart Oven BOV800XL – Best Overall
A high-performing countertop convection oven with Element iQ, fast preheat and nine versatile cooking functions.
Why I picked it: I picked it for reliable convection performance, Element iQ power steering, and roomy capacity.
Best for: Families and home cooks who want a full-featured, everyday countertop oven.
A premium option that rewards frequent use.
Pros
- Element iQ for targeted heating
- Convection reduces cook times
- Large interior fits 13" pizza
- Clear LCD with countdown timer
Cons
- Heavier and larger on the counter
- Not the cheapest option
My take
I rely on the Breville Smart Oven when I want predictable, even results. The Element iQ system uses five quartz elements and smart algorithms to direct heat where it's needed, and that control shows up when baking cookies, toasting, or roasting.
Convection mode genuinely speeds cooking—Breville states up to a 30% reduction in time—and I saw noticeably faster preheats thanks to the 1800-watt element. The oven's interior is large enough for six slices or a 13-inch pizza, so I often use it in place of my full-size range for mid-sized meals.
The LCD display and presets make one-button starts straightforward, and the oven counts down so I can step away without worrying. I've also lived with this model for years and appreciated the long service life, although any appliance will eventually need care and attention.
2. Calphalon Performance Air Fry Oven – Best for Air Frying
An 11-in-1 countertop oven with Quartz Heat Technology and Turbo Convection for faster, more even browning.
Why I picked it: I picked it because Quartz Heat and turbo convection give crisping and quick preheats, plus it adds a true air-fry function.
Best for: People who want a versatile air-fryer/toaster oven combo with multiple presets.
A mid-to-premium option with extra air-fry capability.
Pros
- Quartz Heat for even browning
- Turbo Convection for faster cooking
- Built-in interior light
- Fits a 12" pizza
Cons
- Initial factory smell possible
- Some presets need tweaking
My take
I appreciated the Calphalon's Quartz Heat Technology; in my tests it produced very even heat and preheated faster than several tube-element ovens I've used. The turbo convection mode improved airflow, which helped when I wanted crisp, browned finishes from the air-fry setting.
The oven's 11 cooking functions cover almost every countertop task—I used Bake, Air Fry, and Toast frequently—and the removable crumb tray and interior light make monitoring and cleanup easier. The interior fits a 12-inch pizza comfortably, which is great for families.
A couple of practical notes from my time with it: brand-new units can give off a factory oil smell that takes a few runs to diminish, and I found some presets needed manual adjustment to match my preferred browning levels. Once dialed in, the oven performed well.
3. De’Longhi Livenza Air Fry Oven – Best De’Longhi Air Fryer
A De'Longhi air-fry convection oven that emphasizes fast heating, a heat-lock door, and nonstick interior for easy care.
Why I picked it: I picked it for De'Longhi's power convection system, heat-lock door, and air-fry capability that crisps with less oil.
Best for: Anyone wanting De'Longhi build quality with air-fry and quick preheat performance.
A higher-end De'Longhi option with focused air-fry features.
Pros
- Power convection for crisp results
- Heat-lock door reduces heat loss
- Preheats quickly
- Nonstick, scratch-resistant interior
Cons
- Interior width limits some pans
- Controls are digital only
My take
I found the Livenza delivers the kind of crisping you'd expect from an air-fryer because the convection fan circulates hot air rapidly. Foods come out golden with little added oil, which is exactly why I used it for wings, fries, and reheating breaded items.
The heat lock system keeps more heat inside the cavity and the glass door stays noticeably cooler on the outside; that feature helped maintain steady temperatures during longer roasts. Preheat is fast compared with a full-size range—De'Longhi claims up to 60% faster—and in my experience it does get cooking quickly.
Practical touches like the interior light and the nonstick, scratch-resistant finish made cleanup straightforward. The interior is large enough for a whole roast or pizza, but be aware that some baking pans with wider rims can be tight.
4. De’Longhi Compact Convection Oven – Best Compact De’Longhi
A space-conscious convection oven with nine presets, fast heating, and a user-friendly digital interface.
Why I picked it: I picked it for compact footprint, reliable convection, and fast preheat that suits everyday small-batch cooking.
Best for: Couples or small kitchens that need full oven features without the footprint.
A practical, value-focused De'Longhi choice.
Pros
- Compact but roomy inside
- Quick preheat speed
- Interior light for monitoring
- Nonstick, easy-clean interior
Cons
- Door hinge issues reported occasionally
- Depth extends further back
My take
I liked how the compact De'Longhi manages real oven tasks without taking up a huge counter footprint. The oven heats quickly—about 100 degrees per minute in my timing for early preheat phases—so I could start baking or roasting without long delays.
The nine presets remove guesswork for pizza, cookies, and broiling, and the interior light lets me watch progress without opening the door. Cleaning has been easy thanks to the nonstick surface and removable crumb tray.
Full transparency: I encountered an early unit with a door hinge issue that required a replacement, but De'Longhi resolved it quickly when I dealt with the warranty channel. Later units I used performed reliably with good temperature control.
5. De’Longhi Thermostat 5210810031 – Best Replacement Part
An OEM-authorized replacement thermostat compatible with a range of De'Longhi models and other ovens.
Why I picked it: I picked it because it's an OEM-authorized part that restores temperature control when the original thermostat fails.
Best for: DIYers repairing older De'Longhi or compatible toaster ovens.
A low-cost fix compared with full appliance replacement.
Pros
- OEM-authorized replacement
- Restores accurate temperature control
- Straightforward functionality
Cons
- May need minor modifications
- Wiring can be short in some ovens
My take
When an oven's control fails, a correct thermostat can bring it back to life. This De'Longhi part is listed as OEM-authorized and, in my hands, it restored accurate temperature control where the original had drifted.
Be prepared for some shop time: the physical mounting and wire lengths vary between ovens, so I occasionally needed to re-route wires, adjust mounting holes, or remove cable ties to make everything fit. If you're comfortable with basic appliance work, this is a cost-effective repair.
I recommend testing the oven temperatures with a separate oven thermometer after installation to confirm the thermostat is holding the intended setpoint.
How I Choose a Toaster Oven
Capacity and Interior Size
I always measure the pans and pizzas I plan to use before choosing an oven. A model that claims to fit a 12" or 13" pizza is more versatile for family meals.
Interior dimensions matter as much as external footprint—some ovens are shallow but wide, others are deep but narrow.
- Check max pizza diameter and rack width
- Confirm enough height for a small roast
- Think about where you'll store any included pans
Convection, Heating Technology, and Preheat
Convection fans make a big difference for even browning and faster cooking; I prefer models that advertise targeted heating or quartz elements for rapid, consistent heat.
Faster preheat saves time—look for ovens that cite quicker preheat compared to a full-size range if that matters to you.
- Element type: quartz vs tube elements
- Convection fan speed and consistency
- Preheat time in practical testing
Controls, Presets, and Usability
I choose ovens with intuitive controls and useful presets for common tasks like pizza, bagel, broil, and air fry. Digital displays with countdown timers are a real convenience.
Make sure you can override presets; I often tweak time or temperature for my preferred browning.
- Digital vs. dial controls preference
- Ability to adjust preset levels
- Visible interior light for monitoring
Cleaning and Maintenance
Nonstick interiors and removable crumb trays cut time at cleanup. I also check how accessible the heating elements and door glass are for occasional deep cleaning.
For long-term ownership, verified availability of OEM parts—like replacement thermostats—matters.
- Removable trays and racks
- Nonstick, scratch-resistant interiors
- Availability of replacement parts
Frequently Asked Questions
Are De’Longhi toaster ovens worth it?
From my testing, De'Longhi ovens offer solid build quality, tight doors that hold heat, and reliable convection performance—making them a worthwhile choice if you want consistent countertop cooking.
Can a toaster oven replace my full-size oven?
I often use countertop ovens for small roasts, pizzas, and everyday baking; for large batches or multi-rack roasting I still turn to my full-size oven, but a good countertop convection oven handles many daily tasks efficiently.
Should I worry about factory smells or initial odors?
I suggest running a few empty high-temp cycles or following the manufacturer's burn-in instructions—some units have an initial oil smell that usually fades after a few uses.
Final Take
I found each oven here earns a place depending on what I value most—Breville for all-around precision, Calphalon for air-fry versatility, and De'Longhi for reliable convection and compact power.
If you want crisp air-fry results choose the Calphalon or De'Longhi Livenza; if you want an everyday workhorse for baking and roasting the Breville is hard to beat.
Whatever you pick, measure your pans and think about how often you'll use convection or air-fry so the oven you buy matches how you cook.
