With bake, toast, broil and convection settings, today's toaster ovens can be a good stand-in for a regular oven. Unlike standard toasters, these small countertop ovens can do more than just toast bread. They can bake cookies, heat up a frozen pizza or roast a small chicken. Toaster ovens don't, however, toast bread as evenly or quickly as traditional, standard toasters. Top-rated toaster ovens have convection technology, which uses a small fan to circulate hot air throughout the oven. Experts agree that convection is superior to coil heating alone when it comes to even cooking and more even browning.

Basic toaster ovens, often $40 and below, lack a convection fan, and 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 among less costly toaster ovens. Common issues include very hot exterior surfaces, uneven temperature control and poor toasting ability. Many consumers also say 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 a few solid options. Here are some additional things to consider before you buy a toaster oven.

  • Know your needs. If all you want is evenly browned toast, you're better off buying a toaster and using your oven for more involved tasks like roasting chickens.
  • Size matters. Most toaster ovens require a few inches of clearance in the back for heat dispersal. Some products have crumb trays that must be emptied from the back, requiring even more square footage. Plan ahead to ensure your oven will be compatible with your counter space.
  • Consider cleanup. Ovens with removable rather than hinged crumb trays are easier to clean, as are crumb trays that can be removed from the front rather than the back. Nonstick interiors can also speed cleanup. Some models also offer a self-cleaning interior, which causes food particles to disintegrate over time.
  • Put safety first. Most toaster ovens become very hot during use and this can, in some cases, create a fire hazard. To prevent problems, look for products with safety features, like a timer that shuts the oven off when cooking ends.
  • You can find a decent microwave oven for about the same price as a mid-range toaster oven. Microwaves, of course, are not adept at toasting and browning, though they do heat leftovers more quickly. See our report on microwaves for more information.
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