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Best tabletop convection oven


The 8 Best Countertop Ovens of 2022

The winner is the Oster Extra Large Digital Countertop Convection Oven

By

Brigitt Earley

Brigitt Earley

Brigitt Earley is a lifestyle writer with a culinary degree and a master's in journalism. Her writing has been published on OprahMag.com and Good Housekeeping.

Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process

and

Jason Horn

Jason Horn

Jason Horn has been writing about food and drinks for more than 15 years and is a Commerce Writer for The Spruce Eats. He once convinced Matthew McConaughey that a hot dog is indeed a sandwich.

Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process

Updated on 11/25/22

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

The Spruce Eats / Photo Illustration by Chloe Jeong / Retailers below

Tested & Approved

Our experts chose the Oster Extra Large Digital Countertop Convection Oven as our winner for its high level of performance, including impressive energy efficiency, extra-large space, and ease of cleaning. For a budget pick, the Black+Decker Crisp N' Bake Air Fry 4-Slice Toaster Oven is a good choice for its above-average cooking performance and compact design.

You don’t need a big, hefty kitchen appliance like a wall oven to do the heavy lifting in the kitchen. The right countertop models can churn out all the power you need to complete a wide range of cooking tasks, from toasting and roasting to baking and broiling. Plus, they require a lot less power than traditional ovens, which makes them much more energy-efficient machines.

To determine which of the most popular models are truly the best, we tested them at home and in our Lab and rated them on performance, ease of use, features, and more. Many English muffins, baked potatoes, and even whole chickens were cooked in preparation of finding which models are worth the buy.

If you're ready to start cooking with this workhorse appliance, here are the best countertop ovens, according to our tests.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Oster Extra Large Countertop Convection Oven at Amazon

Best Budget:

BLACK+DECKER Crisp N' Bake Air Fry 4-Slice Toaster Oven at Walmart

Best Smart:

Breville Smart Oven at Amazon

Best Splurge:

Brava Countertop Oven at Amazon

Best for Pizza:

Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo Pizza Oven at Amazon

Best With Rotisserie:

June Oven Plus at Amazon

Best With Air Frying:

Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Airfryer Toaster Oven at Amazon

Best Multipurpose:

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer at Amazon

In This Article

Courtesy of Amazon. com.

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Oster Extra Large Digital Countertop Convection Oven Review

Who else recommends it? Bob Vila also picked the Oster Extra Large Countertop Convection Oven.

What do buyers say? 87% of 6,500+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

Though countertop ovens are generally more energy-efficient than wall ovens or oven-stove combinations, this particular model uses an extra-impressive 50 percent less energy while still giving you great results. In our home tests, it cooked a juicy meatloaf in just 45 minutes (compared to an hour in a standard oven).

Size is usually the big disadvantage of a countertop oven over a traditional one, but the Oster Extra Large truly lives up to its name. It can accommodate two 16-inch pizzas, 18 slices of bread (seriously!), or—as our tester demonstrated—a full family-size chicken. It has a maximum temperature setting of 450 degrees, and its 90-minute timer automatically turns the oven off in case you get distracted.

It’s easy to use, thanks to convenient digital settings for baking, broiling, toasting, and defrosting. There’s also a dedicated pizza function as well as a warming feature to keep food hot while the rest of your meal cooks. Our tester was particularly fond of the glass door, since it offers a large view window to let you see what’s cooking without having to open the oven, but she did warn that it's a bit delicate. The bottom line is: Any family would be hard-pressed to find a more spacious option with higher efficiency.

Price at time of publish: $179.99

The Spruce Eats / Sage McHugh 

Power Rating: 1,500 watts | Dimensions: 13 x 21.5 x 19 inches | Weight: 26 pounds

What Our Testers Say

"One thing I really love about this oven is how easy it is to clean. The control panel is entirely digital, so there are no dials, knobs, or crevices to collect dirt and grease." — Sage McHugh, Product Tester

Courtesy of Walmart

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Black+Decker's Crisp N' Bake Is a Compact, Efficient Toaster Oven

Though many countertop ovens will run you a few hundred (if not thousand) dollars, this introductory model is much more affordable. Still, you’ll get plenty of the features and cooking power people love about higher-end models. 

As a big bonus for anyone with a small kitchen, this oven is extremely compact and lightweight—it weighs just over 8 pounds. Our tester says this makes it extremely easy to move in and out of storage. The only downside? That lightweight construction means the oven isn’t as heavily insulated as some others, so it gets hot on the outside during cooking. 

If you can look past that, you’ll be impressed by this oven’s capacity. It easily fits a 9-inch pizza, four slices of bread, or a variety of other snacks and meals. It also has five convenient cooking functions: warm, bake, toast, broil, and air fry. (Previous models didn’t have the ever-popular air-fry option.) And, as a bonus for anyone just building out their kitchen—college students, recent grads, newlyweds, and so forth—this model comes with a rack, baking pan, and air-fry basket that fit perfectly in the toaster oven for convenience. 

Performance is surprisingly good, too, according to our reviewer. In tests, bread toasted evenly, frozen food cooked well, and chicken legs cooked adequately using the air fry function new to this particular model.

Price at time of publish: $45

 The Spruce / Donna Currie

Power Rating: 1,150 watts | Dimensions: 15. 5 x 8.2 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 8.51 pounds

What Our Testers Say

“While this isn’t going to do as much as one of the large, expensive models, this does a great job with the tasks it's built for.” — Donna Currie, Product Tester

Walmart

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What We Like

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Breville Smart Oven Review

Though you’ll pay a hefty price for this countertop oven, it’s well worth the money. The 1,800 watts of power and (optional) convection heating help to roast meat, toast bread, and bake in less time than traditional countertop ovens. And the smart heating system, referred to as "Element IQ," provides more consistent power, so your food is cooked to perfection each time. Altogether, this model boasts nine different preset cooking functions, including a "slow cook" option that can cook food for up to 10 hours.

Our tester was also impressed by the LCD screen that helps you easily select one of the many cooking functions. To test them, our reviewer baked pizzas, casseroles, cinnamon rolls, and homemade pies, with each and every test coming out perfectly. It outperformed expectations when it came to baking cookies, too, something that is notorious for cooking unevenly in small oven spaces. You can even modify the presets to customize its cooking to your liking.

Adding to the convenience, this machine has an interior light that automatically turns on when the door is open. Plus, it comes with a baking and broiling tray as well as a nonstick pizza pan. If you're worried about this multi-functional oven looking clunky in your kitchen, our tester found the stainless steel exterior attractive and found it has an unexpectedly low profile that makes the appliance look sleek and modern—not bulky. Plus, you could always opt for the mini version if you’re really short on space. 

Price at time of publish: $269.95

The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie

Power Rating: 1,800 watts | Dimensions: 19 x 13.9 x 14.1 inches | Weight: 22.5 pounds

What Our Testers Say

“I have to be honest, I fell in love with this oven from the first pizza. After using it to make bread, steak, casserole, turnovers, and more, I was amazed with its prowess.” — Donna Currie, Product Tester

The 8 Best Toaster Ovens of 2022

Brava

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Brava Oven Review

When the most basic model costs more than $1,000, there’s no question about it: This small kitchen appliance is a big-time splurge. But for those who are willing to pay the price for convenience, it’s a worthy one. Inside the Brava, your dishes get cooked to perfection by six high-powered halogen lamps that heat to 500 degrees in less than a second. That's right: The Brava cooks by using light. When we sent this to the home of our tester, she found that she could cook two different dishes at different temperatures at the same time, which became her favorite feature. The oven has three zones—each with two lamps—that can be customized individually and really can maintain separate temperatures in separate zones.

Another big highlight for our tester was the custom cook function. You can essentially create your own cooking presets, which help the oven learn your household's culinary preferences. Brava's compatible app is helpful for sharing recipes with friends via text or social media. You can download custom meal programs from the user library, and your phone will notify you before cooking is complete. Lastly, our tester found that customer service is quick with answering any questions, plus there's a Facebook group for additional support.

Price at time of publish: $1,295-$1,795

The Spruce Eats / Renu Dhar


Power Rating: 1,800 watts | Dimensions: 17.3 x 16.4 x 11.3 inches | Weight: 34.4 pounds

What Our Testers Say

"After learning how to use the Brava, I quickly fell in love with the custom cook feature. Once I cooked something and touched it up for some extra searing or to reduce the doneness, I was able to add it as a custom cook to save for the future." — Renu Dhar, Product Tester

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Courtesy of Breville

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Breville The Smart Oven Pizzaiolo Review

Since this particular countertop oven is designed specifically for pizza, it has a slightly different aesthetic than other models. It has a retro design that our home tester called “attractive in an industrial sort of way.” Outside of looks, the design is convenient enough, since it’s wider than it is tall, which makes it easier to store under your cabinets. Our Lab testers noted that if you want to store it between uses, it's "easy to transport, but heavy."

Though functionality is limited—it's a pizza oven designed to make pizza and not much else—it does very well at what it’s meant to do. And there are actually a variety of settings available, designed for a range of pizza styles including frozen pizza, pan pizza, New York pizza, thin and crispy pizza, and "wood-fired" pizza. In both home and Lab tests, it made phenomenal frozen pizza with crispy bottoms and well-browned tops. Our home tester also found that this might be the ultimate machine for nachos (tortilla chip-based pizza, essentially), as it produced still-crispy chips with gorgeously melted cheese.

One of its few downsides with the Breville—besides its high price, of course—is that it's slightly hard to clean, and its included metal pizza peel doesn't work as well as a wooden one. That said, our home tester said it was the most efficient and fuss-free way she’s ever made pizza. 

Price at time of publish: $999.95

The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie

Power Rating: 1,800 watts | Dimensions: 18.1 x 10.6 x 18.5 inches | Weight: 37.47 pounds

What Our Testers Say

“I’ve made pizzas at home several different ways, from the large oven to a countertop oven to an outdoor oven, so I’ve got a lot to compare it to. Breville's Smart Oven Pizzaiolo was undoubtedly the easiest.” — Donna Currie, Product Tester

The 7 Best Pizza Ovens of 2022, Tested and Reviewed

 Courtesy of June Oven

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What We Don't Like

June Oven Review

If you've looked at the June Oven before, you might think, "Wait a minute, that doesn't have a rotisserie function," but it's a new feature included with the release of the Generation 3 version. If you're unfamiliar with the June, this is an incredibly versatile countertop oven. In addition to the rotisserie function, it can do everything from toasting and air frying to proofing dough and acting like a pizza oven. What's more, it has a compatible smartphone app that allows you to watch a live feed of what's cooking via an internal camera.

Our home tester excitedly received the updated June Oven Plus. She was already familiar with many of the functions from the second generation and happily noted a few critical design improvements. During testing, it continued to impress our reviewer whether she wanted to heat up leftovers, toast English muffins, or bake cookies. No matter what she placed in the oven, it recognized the food and gave her the correct options for cooking. She also tested the new pizza function, which baked and broiled pizza to crisp precision.

Of course, the rotisserie function truly wowed our tester. The function is a little hidden, but once you place a chicken in this oven, it will recognize it and begin rotisserie cooking. Unlike cheaper rotisserie-only ovens, many of which get messy inside, this doesn't spin the chicken. Instead, it turns elements on and off, mimicking a spit. The result is one of the best roasted chickens we've ever seen in testing. But you'll pay for that functionality: The June is also one of the more expensive countertop ovens out there.

Price at time of publish: $849

The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie

Power Rating: 1,800 watts | Dimensions: 12.75 x 19.6 x 19 inches | Weight: 39 pounds

What Our Testers Say

“The heating elements turn on and off, mimicking the way a rotating chicken heats and cools. The result was one of the best roast chickens I’ve made." — Donna Currie, Product Tester

The 8 Best Rotisserie and Roaster Ovens of 2022

Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

It may surprise you to learn that some of the best air fryers aren’t dedicated air fryers, but countertop ovens with air-frying functionality. Such is the case with this model by Cuisinart, which “fries” food to that golden brown, crispy perfection using super-hot air, circulated by an ultra-powerful fan.

Choosing a model like this one is a wise choice for anyone with limited counter space, as it combines two appliances in one, but it’s also a great option for families. Traditional air fryers typically don’t offer enough space to cook for more than two people. This model, on the other hand, is large enough to cook up to 3 pounds of food at once, whether meat, veggies, or even snacks.

In fact, our Lab testers found this to be one of the most compact versions of air fryer/oven combos, and it performs exceptionally well as an air fryer. It does run a little hot, so even though french fries and chicken tenders came out golden and tasty, a few were a little too well-done. When roasting chickens to test for versatility, this model produced a crispy-skinned bird that was also delicious and juicy. A couple downsides are manual-only controls and that it is a bit difficult to clean inside.

Price at time of publish: $205

The Spruce Eats / Tamara Staples

Power Rating: 1,800 watts | Dimensions: 15.5 x 16 x 14 inches | Weight: 21 pounds

Lab Test Takeaway

"The roasted chicken we made was so incredibly delicious. It really achieved great golden (dark) results, gorgeous crispy brown skin, and a delicious taste—not dried out."

The 9 Best Air Fryers of 2022, Tested and Reviewed

Courtesy of Williams Sonoma

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Breville makes all kinds of technologically advanced countertop kitchen equipment, and it's no surprise this story includes more than one of the brand's models. The Smart Oven Air Fryer adds air frying capacity to all the many functions of the standard Smart Oven we feature above, with an according increase in price. After testing, our Lab named the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer one of its top picks for air fryers, and it's also a top pick for countertop ovens. We found that it did a great job with both oven functions, including baking cookies, and air fryer functions, such as making golden, crispy french fries.

The machine has a nice capacity, able to fit a 13-inch pizza, nine slices or bread, or almost an entire bag of frozen fries. The Lab was also impressed by how easy it is to clean, with a removable crumb tray and fully disassemble parts that all clean off with a simple rinse or wipe. Another nice feature is its many color options, which will match any kitchen. Just be careful with the door: Its glass gets quite hot while in use.

Price at time of publish: $349.95

The Spruce Eats / Tamara Staples

Power Rating: 1,800 watts | Dimensions: 18. 9 x 15.9 x 10.9 inches | Weight: 29 pounds

Lab Test Takeaway

"It is a great air fryer—the fries were very crispy and cooked up perfectly. The baking setting worked really nicely, and I was pretty happy with the broiler, as well. All in all, I would use this machine for all the functions that it offers."

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Final Verdict

The overall best option is the Oster Extra Large Digital Countertop Convection Oven because of its energy efficiency, roomy interior, and ease of cleaning. If you're looking for something more compact, try the Black+Decker Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry 4-Slice Toaster Oven. Its versatility allows you to warm, bake, toast, broil, and air fry, all while being budget-friendly.

 The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie

How We Tested

After researching a variety of countertop ovens, we sent top-rated models to our experienced at-home testers to put through the paces in their kitchens. We also tested two in our Lab as part of an air fryer test. We evaluated each one on its performance, ease of use, features, and more. Our testers cooked everything from whole chickens and baked potatoes to English muffins and tried out special air frying and rotisserie functions when applicable. Testers then offered additional insights on each model's strengths and weaknesses.

Learn More About How We Test Products

Other Options We Tested

What to Look for in a Countertop Oven

Size

When it comes a countertop oven for your home, there are two size factors to consider: the amount of cooking space you want and how much counter space you have. Ovens with larger interior capacities will generally have a larger footprint, but some use clever design to pack more baking space into less counter space. In addition, many countertop ovens double as toasters or air fryers. These might be bigger than other models, but you can still end up saving space if you combine two or three separate appliances into one.

Features

Besides baking, many countertop ovens have additional features and functions. While most models have have toast, bake, and warm modes, there is a wide range of more advanced technology out there. Higher-end models have more specific and elevated options, including a powerful fan for convection baking and air frying, a rotating rotisserie, or a high-heat pizza mode. Some even have smart functionality to take the guesswork out—you simply tell the oven what you're cooking and it does the temperature and time for you. In general, more features means a higher price, and it might not be worth paying for cooking modes you don't plan to use.

If you plan to use a countertop oven as your main oven, a great feature to look for is a convection setting. "A convection oven is great to have because it cooks food by circulating air at a consistent and dry temperature," said Ron Yan, a private chef in New York City who uses exclusively a countertop oven in his own apartment. "This means that food will cook faster, and the surfaces of meats, such as chicken or turkey, can get delicious crispy skin while keeping the insides juicy and moist. It’s particularly great for roasted meats, vegetables, anything potato-based, cookies, and other pastries.”

Power & Heat Source

Nearly all countertop ovens use electricity, which means their power is measured in watts. Higher wattage means the oven heats up faster—but that's not the whole story. Larger spaces take more power to heat up, so a small-capacity oven might actually work better than a huge one even if it has somewhat less power. The way the oven heats up matters, too. Most ovens use metal heating elements like you'd find in a toaster oven or electric wall oven, but the way those heating elements are shaped and arranged affects how efficiently the oven cooks. (The futuristic Brava oven even ditches the traditional heating elements for super-powerful lights, which gives it some interesting abilities.)

The Spruce Eats / Sage McHugh

FAQs

How do you clean a countertop oven?

After unplugging it and letting it cool completely, you clean a countertop oven in much the same way you'd clean a traditional oven: Remove any removable parts and rinse them in the sink, and wipe out the inside with a damp cloth or sponge. You should always check your particular user manual for full instructions, but few countertop ovens have dishwasher-safe parts; soap and water is typically all you'll need. No matter what, the whole oven should never be rinsed out or submerged in water: This will ruin its electronic parts. It's also a bad idea to use oven cleanser or other harsh chemicals on a countertop oven. Stick to dish soap and plain water.

Does a countertop oven need a special outlet?

No. That's really what sets a countertop oven apart from a full-on wall oven or combination oven/range. Countertop ovens use the standard 110-volt outlet you'll find in most any room of an American house, while electric wall ovens and ranges use the special 220-volt outlets you also need for large appliances like clothes dryers and air conditioners. So you won't need to hire an electrician to "install" a countertop oven; you can simply take it out of the box and plug it in.

What's the difference between a toaster oven and a countertop oven?

There's not exactly a hard line between the two, but a toaster oven is typically smaller, less powerful, less multifuctional, and less expensive than a countertop oven. As the name suggests, a toaster oven is designed for making toast or pretty quick-and-easy heating tasks—reheating a slice or two of pizza or some leftover fried chicken, or baking frozen cookie dough or chicken fingers. It's not large enough to cook a big meal, and it's not usually built to hold a consistent temperature for long enough to do much serious baking or roasting. With a countertop oven, you trade a higher price for more interior space, more power, better temperature control, and more ability to do things like slow-cook and air fry. You can bake a whole from-scratch pizza (or two!) rather than just re-crisp a couple slices.

The Spruce Eats / Renu Dhar

Why Trust the Spruce Eats?

This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer who has spent the last 10-plus years researching the best kitchen accessories for various digital publications, including The Spruce Eats and Good Housekeeping. From countertop ovens to blenders, she’s covered it all. Brigitt also has a culinary degree from The French Culinary Institute and uses a slightly older model of the Breville Smart Oven in her own home. 

The roundup was updated by The Spruce Eats commerce writer Jason Horn to include additional testing insight. He's been covering food and drinks for more than 15 years and wishes he'd been lucky enough to get to test the ultra-expensive light-powered oven of tomorrow.

Each of the ovens featured on this list was either tested in our Lab or by our expert at-home testers.

Sources


Ron Yan is a private chef in New York City who exclusively uses a countertop oven in his own apartment.

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Article Sources

The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. The Best Convection Ovens of 2022 - Top Picks by Bob Vila. Bob Vila. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-convection-oven/

Best Countertop Convection Ovens - Experts' Picks for Top Appliances

A countertop convection oven is a workhouse in the kitchen. It can quickly reheat a cheesy slice of leftover pizza. It can roast potatoes to get them nice and crispy. It can bake ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookies or toast a simple piece of bread to be spread with butter for breakfast.

Convection ovens use a fan to circulate hot air around whatever food is inside. This creates a consistent cooking temperature throughout the whole oven, meaning that your food will heat up evenly. And, because of their size, countertop convection ovens heat up pretty quickly. From toasting to broiling, a countertop convection oven can handle a variety of cooking functions making it a versatile addition to any kitchen appliance collection. While you certainly can live without it, if you have any counter space to spare, a countertop oven will make your life a lot easier.

From Our Shop

That’s why we reached out to four countertop convection oven experts to share their favorites. As home cooks, recipe developers, and chefs, these pros know a thing or two about what makes a countertop oven worth it. Below, they share their thoughts.

Photo by Brava

1. Brava Oven, $1,295+

The Brava does not look like your average countertop oven, and that’s because it simply is not. The Brava is a smart oven, with six internal lamps that can get as hot as a pizza oven– and it can do it in seconds. Brava’s interior is split into three zones, each with two lamps, and you can program each zone to be heated at different temperatures. That way, you can make multiple different things in the oven at once. Did we mention how easy it is to use? The intuitive interface makes it easy to set it, and forget it.

“This is truly the iPhone of ovens!” says TV personality and chef George Duran, who also is a Brava brand ambassador. “As a father of two hungry boys, my Brava has transformed how I cook dinner at the speed of light, literally! I choose over thousands of recipe combinations, place the ingredients on the tray and push a button. The Brava does the rest!”

Shop on Brava, $1,295+

Photo by Julia Gartland

2.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer, $349.95

With 11 different cooking functions in one appliance, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer can be used for whipping up just about anything from air frying chicken nuggets until they’re crispy to cooking casseroles low and slow. The oven features Breville’s Element IQ System, which uses temperature control to ensure precise, even cooking. The oven comes with some practical accessories like a nonstick pizza pan, roasting pan, airfry basket, wire rack, and broiling rack.

Connecticut-based home cook Jamie Berkowitz swears by the Breville. “We use the counter oven daily, multiple times a day- toast in the morning, a frozen pizza for lunch and air fried anything for dinner,” she shares. “We are lucky that we have a lot of counter space because the thing is big, but absolutely worth the kitchen real estate.”

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer also comes highly recommended by baker and Food52 resident Erin McDowell. “It works great as an oven. It’s a very even bake. You can bake cookies, scones, muffins– all sorts of things in this oven,” she shared with Food52. “But, what I love it for is all of the other settings it has.” Her favorite? The proof box setting, which turns your countertop oven into the perfect environment to proof dough and make sure your bread turns out just right.

Shop on Food52, $349.95

Photo by Williams Sonoma

3. Wolf Gourmet Countertop Oven Elite, $749.95

Wolf is known for making luxury, high-performance oven ranges, so it should come as no surprise that their countertop option is just as good. This model is the brand’s most advanced countertop oven yet, with everything you’d get from a Wolf oven in a compact, countertop-friendly size. The appliance has seven different cooking modes—toast, bagel, proof, broil, bake, warm, roast—thanks to five heating elements.

TikTok personality and home cook Violet Witchel (also known as @violet.cooks) counts the Wolf as her favorite countertop option. “The Wolf Countertop Oven is a bit more intuitive and better suited to home chefs,” she shares, comparing it to some bigger ranges. “You can control it remotely which is great for if you’re paranoid about leaving the oven on or burning your food. It will cook a chicken or cookies perfectly. The convection is amazing and very even.”

Shop on Crate & Barrel, $749.95

What’s The Difference Between A Convection Oven And A Toaster Oven?

You can use a convection oven to make toast, yes, but you can also use it for so much. Making cookies, crisping up a slice of pizza—pretty much anything you’d make in a real oven, you can make in a countertop convection oven. A convection oven has a fan which helps circulate hot air throughout the oven space. This helps the food cook evenly and quicker than conventional ovens too.

A toaster oven, on the other hand, is more akin to a conventional oven. While it’s smaller than a regular oven, it similarly radiates heat from the top and bottom walls of the appliance. Because of this, toaster ovens tend to heat things up a bit slower than a convection oven. The way each oven distributes heat is the main difference between toaster and convection ovens.

If you’re just in need of an appliance to toast, heat, and reheat, a toaster oven should do the trick. They tend to be a bit smaller and cheaper than countertop convection ovens too. But, if you’re looking for something more versatile and have the counter space to spare, a convection oven is well worth the cost. These days, many convection ovens are even equipped with more extensive capabilities like air frying and slow cooking, which can be used for more serious cooking.

What's your favorite way to use your convection oven? Let us know in the comments!
This post contains products independently chosen (and loved) by our editors and writers. As an Amazon Associate and Skimlinks affiliate, Food52 earns a commission on qualifying purchases of the products we link to. Prices are subject to change.

top 10 rating according to KP

Mini-oven, or roasters - a compact analogue of an oven. In terms of the quality of work, it is not inferior to the “big brother”, and due to the smaller dimensions of the working chamber, it consumes less electricity. The demand for mini-ovens is understandable, they are functional, convenient and do not take up much space. In the mini-oven, you can cook fish, bake meat or vegetables, and experiment with baking. What is important - food cooked in the oven is much more useful than, say, in a frying pan. If only because you can cook without the use of oil or with a minimum amount of it.

The mini-oven is also very convenient to use. All that is required is to set the temperature and the timer - and you can safely go about your business. All mini-ovens have the same purpose - baking at a certain temperature. Main functions: upper heating, lower heating, combined. Also, depending on the model, there may be a grill function and convection. Rotisserie ovens are the most expensive. Komsomolskaya Pravda talks about the best mini-ovens in 2022 - we publish the rating.

Editor's choice

Oberhof Mofen L24

Oberhof Mofen L24. Photo: minioven.oberhof.ru

The oven of the European brand, despite its miniature size, has outstanding functionality. It performs the role of not only an oven, but also a dehydrator and air grill - an excellent solution for a small kitchen. Also the furnace can work in a turbo mode and in the convection mode. In it, you can cook almost everything according to the most complex recipes: from meat and pastries to yogurt and marshmallows. According to the owners, the mini-oven is very convenient to use. Even the most inexperienced chefs will be able to cook their masterpiece thanks to 10 built-in programs, an accurate timer. It is very easy to choose the operating mode of the furnace due to the presence of a backlit LCD display and a Russified menu.

Editor's Choice

Oberhof Mofen L24

The best solution for a small kitchen

Oven, dehydrator and convection oven in one device. 10 built -in programs will help prepare a delicious dish even the most inexperienced culinary specialists

Find out the cost of checking the characteristics of

The main characteristics
24 liters 99
volume
250 ° C
Management Mechanical
Additional characteristics 10 modes, 5 modes, Timer, internal backlight, mechanical control, LCD display with a Russified menu
Plus and minuses

EU functionality and equipment, convenient operation

Top-9 rating according to KP version

1. KRAFT KF-MO 3801

KRAFT KF-MO 3801. Photo: yandex.market.ru

A very simple mini-oven, both in terms of design and functionality. However, it is voluminous. It comes in three colors: white, silver and black. It heats up quickly, the light indicator indicates that the required temperature has been reached. Switches do not crack - they work smoothly. You can set it to minimum power and use it to dry food without fear of burning. The set includes two large baking sheets and a wire rack. Users note that during operation, the device heats up unevenly from different sides. This does not affect cooking - everything is baked the same way. You just need to consider not to grab the hot part. It is interesting that roasters are made not in China, but in Turkey. Please note that the device is heavy - almost 10 kg, once again you cannot move it from place to place.

No door closer, quality of materials: does not break, but it is clear that the components are budget

2. KEDR plus ShZh-0.625/220

KEDR plus ShZh-0.625/220. Photo: yandex.market.ru

Another mini-oven, which is available in all sorts of colors. However, we cannot praise this feature here. They look really toxic. We are not talking about the quality of materials, but the degree of saturation of the paint. It seems that there are also neutral black and silver colors, but they only emphasize the strange shape of the case. The domestic company claims the effect of the Russian stove. Maybe this is the reason for the shape that is interesting for a mini-oven? The description of the roaster says that heat is distributed evenly throughout the entire volume and envelops the pastries. In general, the reviews do not contradict this. It is also a fairly economical device in terms of the load on electrical networks. On its website, the manufacturer claims that the service life of the device is up to 20 years. Inside you can put dishes made of ceramics, glass or metal pallets. Please note that this is a budget device. Don't have high expectations for it.

3. GFgril GFO-38B


GFgril GFO-38B. Photo: yandex.market.ru

The product of a young Russian company that specializes in the production of grill equipment. Stainless steel roaster, black lacquered. The device weighs 7.5 kg. But the device itself does not look bulky. Mini-oven of large volume of 38 liters. Anything can be baked. There is a convection mode for uniform frying of complex dishes.

Controlled by simple mechanical controls. One of them seems redundant - just convection, just ON and OFF. Why not bring this function to the button and save space on the front panel? Probably, this will lead to an increase in the cost of the model. The minimum possible temperature of 100 degrees is hardly suitable for delicate heating. The sleep timer is set to a maximum of one hour. The set includes one baking sheet, a wire rack and a clamp to get the finished dish.

The grate sags under heavy dishes, there is no indication that the desired temperature has been reached

4. Simfer M4558

Simfer M4558. Photo: yandex.market.ru

A Turkish company that specializes in the production of stoves, and indeed all kinds of household appliances for the kitchen. This is the largest mini-oven in the ranking of the best. For a volume of 45 liters, the dimensions do not seem too bulky. Works in six modes: different combinations of heating and grill. The timer can be set to 90 minutes. It is unlikely that any of the dishes will require more. There are three levels of guides inside. The manufacturer boasts of thermal insulation: everything inside is sheathed with a contour seal so that extra degrees do not go outside for safe use and reduce electricity costs. Interestingly, the kit includes not only a wire rack and a traditional rectangular baking sheet, but also a round one, for example, for pizza, casseroles and pies.

Time and timer on one button, weight

5. REDMOND SkyOven 5706S

REDMOND SkyOven 5706S. Photo: yandex.market.ru

Roster for demanding customers. The manufacturer himself calls it a smart oven. Suitable for cooking everything: main dishes, homemade breads, desserts and muffins. You can control the device through an app on your smartphone. There are 16 programs to choose from, you can postpone the start, turn on the heating. Inside the mini oven there is a fan for the convention. What is convenient is the automatic program for recipes. In addition to the ordinary, like "fish" or "vegetables", there are interesting dishes like ciabatta bread, scrambled eggs or cheesecake. An interesting program of languor. The oven can operate at low power for up to 10 hours. Despite the wide choice of auto programs, you can modify them manually - increase the temperature, add a few minutes. The set includes a spit and a grill grate. Of course, after such cooking, you will have to wash the roaster from fat. A removable tray is designed to simplify the process.

Pros and cons

Functionality, volume

The front part is heated, price

6. BBK OE0912M

BBK OE0912M. Photo: yandex.market.ru

Most people associate this company with audio equipment. In fact, the range of its products is wider. It also has a mini oven worthy of mention in the ranking of the best for 2022. This is a very compact roaster, often called a sandwich maker. Chicken carcass, big pie will not fit. A small piece of meat, potato wedges, mini pizza or tea casserole - that's the intended purpose. Note that there is a very small distance from the grate to the upper heating element - only one and a half matchboxes. Therefore, the products must lie in one layer. The timer here is only 30 minutes. But with such proximity to the food, it is unlikely that anything will require a longer cooking time. The manufacturer ambitiously puts a grill grate in the kit. But the handle for the baking sheet is a very convenient thing, and it is here.

The main characteristics
volume 9 liters
The maximum heating temperature 230 ° C
Mechanical mechanical timer
Pros and cons

Price, durable

Heats up, fries unevenly when used for a long time

7. Moulinex Optimo OX464E32

Moulinex Optimo OX464E32. Photo: yandex.market.ru

Although not the most powerful, but worthy of mention in the list of the best mini ovens in 2022. There is a convection and grill mode. Separately, it is worth mentioning the defrost function. Still, a handy thing if there is no microwave or time. In front of the case, in addition to the adjusting wheels, there are two indicators - switching on and reaching the set temperature. Interestingly, the device's timer can be adjusted up to 120 minutes. This is a record in our ranking. When finished, the device beeps and turns off. The kit comes with a pair of stainless steel grates, a baking sheet and a grill spit. Holds two dishes at the same time. Seven operating modes are available to users, depending on the type of product. On which to fry meat, and on which pastries - you will have to look in the instructions. On the front part of the designation are only sources of heat supply.

Main characteristics
, defrost, convection, top + bottom heating, mechanical timer
volume 33 liters
Pros and cons

Double glass door, easy operation

Heat flow goes up, price

8.

Panasonic NU-SC101 Panasonic NU-SC101. Photo: yandex.market.ru

Compared to other mini-ovens in the rating, it stands out for its design and cost. It looks like a compact copy of a conventional oven. It’s worth mentioning right away that it doesn’t have a classic working principle for roasters. Here everything is fried and baked thanks to convection. The bet is made precisely on the air processing of cooked food. There are even three steam settings - for vegetables and puddings, chicken and fish, or the most powerful one for frozen foods. In addition, the manufacturer makes a nod to families with small children - you can sterilize dishes with steam. Don't think it's a steamer. You can also cook pastries, moreover, complex ones, for example, cake biscuits. Note the fermentation mode - suitable for infusing sourdough for yogurt or dough. In the upper part there is a display and a control panel with a choice of operating mode. Can be used as a microwave without fear that the food will burn or dry out. The chicken is placed inside.

The main characteristics
cooking, electronic timer, internal lighting, touch control, display
volume 15 liters
Pros and cons

Number of functions, appearance

Price, due to the use of steam it can rust, there is no wipe

9. De'Longhi EO 12562

De'Longhi EO 12562. Photo: yandex.market.ru

On the official website of the company it is said that the product has been withdrawn from the assortment, but there are still stocks in store warehouses in 2022. This successful model from the Italian brand can be found on sale at a good price. Simple and stylish mini-oven with bevelled door. There are five cooking modes, including convection, grill and defrost. A keep warm function is available so that the dish does not cool down. Only three switches are responsible for control, which can be sorted out without instructions. Please note that the volume of the oven is small. That is, a whole shank or a solid baking sheet with meat will not enter. Although the broiler carcass is placed. Even pots fit in.

The main characteristics
9ARE , defrost, keep warm, convection, top+bottom heating, mechanical timer, interior lighting, mechanical control
volume 12 liters
The maximum heating temperature 220 ° C
Mechanical
Pros and cons

Nothing superfluous, dimensions

Judging by the reviews, the timer often fails, it used to cost two to three times cheaper

Experts from Komsomolskaya Pravda — Dmitry Dubasov , head of the procurement department at STARWIND and Andrey Trusov , founder and development director of V-Import, spoke about the secrets of choosing the best mini-oven.

Chamber volume

Decide on the desired chamber volume. If you have a small family or plan to use a mini-oven as an additional equipment for preparing snacks, then a volume of 5-8 liters is enough. For families of three to four people, models with a chamber volume of 20-25 liters are suitable, it will be enough to cook one dish. Chambers with a volume of 25-70 liters are needed for large families of 5-7 people. It can cook two dishes at the same time.

Power and maximum temperature

The price will also depend on the volume of the chamber. If you are used to cooking in small portions for one meal, then you do not need a large volume of the oven. But if you need to feed a large family and guests, then you will need a larger oven. However, it should be borne in mind that models with a small chamber volume (up to 18 liters) may not have internal illumination.

Timer, indicator light, and a set of accessories (baking tray, removable grid and removable drip tray handle) are available for all models, regardless of price.

rating of the best models of 2022

Modern convection ovens are gaining more and more popularity among Russian consumers thanks to revolutionary technologies. Perhaps the convection mini-oven will replace the microwave counterparts in the kitchen in the near future.

At the same time, cooking time is significantly saved, and heat is transferred through the movement of hot air, so the products are evenly processed from all sides.

To find out all the advantages of the new compact equipment, to know the method of its correct use, as well as the criteria for choosing such household appliances, you need to carefully read this article.

Energy EN-1003

From 2460 ₽

Affordable stainless steel mini oven with a capacity of 20 liters. The device maintains a temperature between 100 and 250 °C. For convenience of preparation the device has 6 working modes. When the device is operating, the noise level reaches 55.4 dB, which can be compared with a loud conversation. The mini oven is easy to operate, mechanical control with round rotary switches.

Centek CT-1530-36 Convection

The temperature range is wider than the first model, from 100 to 320°C. But the number of modes is less, only four. There are a number of additional features, including a built-in 90-minute timer and an audible alert. Unit weight - 10 kg. The rotary switches are used for setting.

Energy En-1002

The device provides heating from 100 to 250°C. During operation, the noise level reaches 56.2 dB. The device has 6 built-in operating modes. The whole mini oven slightly exceeds 5 kg. Users note that the internal panels do not have a very comfortable relief, which makes it difficult to care for the equipment.

Kraft KF-MO3804KR

From 3690 ₽

A mini oven with mechanical control and four operating modes will become a reliable assistant in the kitchen. The device power of 1.50 kW provides heating up to 320°C. The device has a timer for 1.5 hours and a sound signal. The capacity of the device is 38 liters.

AVEX TR 300 BCL

The device provides heating from 100 to 250°C. The noise level during operation does not exceed 51 dB. Among the additional options, we note a built-in timer, a skewer is also included in the kit.

Why these units are needed

Convection oven with steam humidification is used by professional chefs, mainly such equipment is installed in bakeries, confectionery shops, where mass baking takes place. To prevent the finished dough from drying out when processed at high temperatures, a certain amount of steam is added to the process.

Compact convection units designed for home cooking. In addition to baking, they cook meat, fish and poultry, but it is better to use a special food sleeve so as not to splatter the inner panels with grease, because some manufacturers use porous metal for finishing, which is much cheaper than stainless steel.

The difference between the finished product is a fragrant crispy crust, and under it you will find an incredibly tasty and fragrant dish, made by yourself with the active help of a mini-helper. A survey of real users showed that such ovens are compact and easy to use, and there is no better alternative for baking homemade pies and cakes.

The universal tabletop oven is used for the following purposes:

  1. Cooking frozen convenience foods.
  2. Reheating previously cooked food.
  3. Baking cakes, pies, homemade muffins and cakes.
  4. Meat and fish cooking, vegetable stewing.

The Electric Convection Oven allows you to speed up your food processing many times over, saving you on your energy bill. This happens due to the fact that its heating speed is many times faster - in this it surpasses any electric oven in its class, while the food retains all the vitamins and the original beneficial properties of the products. Due to its compactness, the small desktop convection oven blends harmoniously into the interior of any kitchen.

Types

Such equipment is divided into several types according to certain parameters, which significantly affect the final price. According to the humidification system, they are divided into 2 types:

The steam oven is used for baking baked goods in confectioneries, bakeries, because it prevents the finished product from becoming too dry. The dough approaches quite quickly, and the products become more airy, this is especially necessary when baking glazed buns, moisturizing is done at the very beginning of the baking process.

According to the method of steam generation, such devices are also divided into two types:

In the second option, steam is generated by direct injection of water onto the heating element, and the first option is the most popular because of its accuracy and simplicity - there is no need to calculate the amount of water for injection. The disadvantage of boiler furnaces is their high cost, so injection devices have been developed.

In addition, products are divided according to capacity and control, since compact ovens for home baking do not vary much in volume, we are primarily interested in the control method. It is of two types: mechanical and electronic, in the first case, all parameters are set using rotary controls, such furnaces are more reliable in use. Electronically controlled ovens make the work of cooks in large restaurants and cafes much easier.

 

Functionality

In the domestic Russian market, you can find similar ovens with automatic programs that simplify the process of cooking food:

  1. Automatic start.
  2. Temperature probes.
  3. Sleep mode.
  4. Possibility to program cooking modes.
  5. Chamber cooling function.
  6. Moisture and air extraction.
  7. Recessed interior lighting.

Standard trays are used, four trays or racks are placed in each product.

Pros and cons

The main advantage of convection ovens is their simple operation. Experts identify the following advantages:

Quick warm-up before starting work saves users energy.
There are also minor drawbacks: a big minus is that convection products cannot cook dishes in different ways. A small amount of cooked product at a time is also considered a disadvantage, but if the chamber is fully loaded, it will take more time and energy consumption will increase markedly.

How to choose

To choose the best convection type oven for your family, you must consider the following criteria:

  1. Dimensions. Some steam models will be 1.5 times larger than a standard microwave, while others will be about the same size or slightly smaller.
  2. Power. The speed of cooking products directly depends on this parameter, so it is better to buy an oven of at least 1.3 kW.
  3. Temperature range: should be between 100-250°C.
  4. The steam function makes all cooked foods more tender.
  5. Programming. The required process is ensured by the selection of the appropriate program, but such models are much more expensive than with simple mechanical control. This feature is used by professional chefs while working in the large kitchens of elite restaurants.
  6. The product should organically fit into the interior of your kitchen, so pay special attention to the design.
  7. There are many manufacturers, and everyone is trying to install a control panel that is understandable to consumers, but some complicate it a little, so choose an informative option that is clear at first glance.
  8. Pay special attention to the quality certificate, which indicates what material the device is made of, if it is plastic, then only food-grade, which does not emit toxic substances when heated.
  9. The model you choose should be easy to use and require minimal maintenance.

Please note that additional features, which are often offered by manufacturers, increase the cost of the model.

Many models have the inscription Made in China, do not be afraid that this is a low-quality product - many manufacturers known throughout the world, for example, Tefal, Philips, as well as domestic Polaris, REDMOND, have long been producing small kitchen appliances in China. Production is much cheaper, but representatives of firms check the quality of assembled models. Many Chinese companies have greatly improved the quality of their products, which are practically in no way inferior to the European assembly.

Conclusion

Mini ovens are mainly manufactured in China, as many brands have given Chinese specialists the prerogative of production due to low labor costs.

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