Budget Toaster Ovens

Basic toaster ovens lack convection

Basic toaster ovens cost less but generally don't offer convection cooking, so they may not be as effective at browning or crisping foods. However, if your primary need is reheating, a basic toaster oven can be a cost-efficient way to fit the bill. That said, several reviews complain of a lack of quality in toaster ovens priced $40 and below. Common issues include very hot exterior surfaces, uneven temperature control and poor toasting ability. Many consumers also report that their budget toaster ovens can't manage the basic functions of toasting, baking and reheating, and some break down within a few months of use. Lack of durability of hinges and doors is also mentioned frequently. Still, there are some solid options, and we did manage to unearth a few.

The first, the Cuisinart TOB-30BW (*Est. $80) is slightly smaller than the top-rated Cuisinart TOB-195 Convection Toaster Oven, but it lacks a convection fan, which helps to distribute heat evenly. Like its fancier siblings, the Cuisinart TOB-30BW has a broil function and a three-year warranty. Unfortunately, that's where the similarities end. Owners say the Cuisinart TOB-30BW's performance can't compete with that of the TOB-195. The TOB-30BW toaster oven is not included in any professional reviews, and owners posting to Amazon.com award it below-average ratings. Several owners say the Cuisinart TOB-30BW doesn't turn off as expected, while others say their units produced sparks, creating a fire hazard. Reviews at Cooking.com are more favorable but less descriptive; owners say that the Cuisinart does a good job of toasting bread and is easy to clean.

The Cuisinart TOB-155 (*Est. $160) does much better in user reviews at Amazon.com. This toaster oven is almost identical to the highly rated TOB-195, except that it doesn't have a convection fan. Users praise its cooking ability and solid construction. However, complaints at Amazon.com are similar to those for the TOB-195: It gets very hot, and it can burn users when they open the door. It's also expensive for a non-convection toaster oven, but owners say that it performs better than most, with even heating and good toasting, baking and broiling performance.

Strapped for counter space? Sanyo has attempted to overcome this problem with its vertically oriented Space Saving Toasty Oven SK-7S (*Est. $50), which has a 10-inch-square footprint. Although this model isn't included in professional tests, the Toasty receives high ratings at Amazon.com, Cooking.com, and Buzzillions.com. especially compared to other ovens in the budget category. Owners say that the compact Sanyo toaster oven does a good job with bread, frozen waffles and single-serving frozen pizzas. However, its timer is limited to 15 minutes, it lacks a broil function, and the Toasty can't roast chicken or broil a steak. The Toasty also lacks a temperature setting, but you can set the control to light, medium or dark. You can't fit more than two slices of sandwich bread in the Toasty at one time (on the top and bottom racks). Although it has a removable crumb tray, the deeper reaches of the Toasty can trap crumbs, making it somewhat difficult to clean. Additionally, a few owners say the Toasty requires some babysitting, as food cooks faster on the top rack than on the bottom. The Toasty comes in silver as the SK-7S or white as the SK-7W (*Est. $50).

With slots for upright toasting and horizontal baking racks, the Hamilton Beach 22708 Toastation Toaster and Oven (*Est. $40) aims to combine the functions of a traditional toaster and toaster oven. Although this toaster oven gets good scores in one professional test, plenty of owners posting to Amazon.com don't suggest it. Some say toast jams inside or falls through to the oven section, and others say the oven burns food quickly. Additionally, many say it can't do the most basic of tasks: brown toast evenly.