MomSkoop
If you’ve ever stared at your countertop oven wondering if it’s secretly plotting to burn dinner, you’re not alone. These compact cooking companions promise fast, even, and energy-efficient results—but do they really deliver?
With dozens of models out there, it can be tough to know which one deserves that precious spot next to your coffee maker. To find out, we did what any curious (and hungry) home cook would do: we put five of the most popular countertop ovens to the test. Same recipe, same temperature, same time.
1. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
Luxury and performance finally meet in a countertop oven that actually lives up to the hype. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro feels more like a mini professional oven than a kitchen gadget, with its precise temperature control and even heat distribution.
From perfectly browned chicken to crispy fries, it consistently delivers results that make you forget your full-sized oven exists.
Using it feels intuitive, too. The digital display, multiple presets, and air-fry function make experimenting effortless—even for weeknight dinners. It preheats quickly, cooks evenly, and rarely burns or undercooks anything.
Of course, quality comes at a price. It’s expensive and takes up counter space, but if you cook often, it’s absolutely worth it. The Breville is the gold standard for countertop ovens—quiet, powerful, and ridiculously reliable.
2. Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven
Compact, clever, and versatile—the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven packs a lot into a slim, foldable frame. It’s part air fryer, part toaster oven, part convection cooker, and somehow still easy to use.
With its lightning-fast preheat time and powerful fan, it churns out golden fries, crispy wings, and evenly baked pizzas with impressive speed.
The controls are simple but effective, letting you switch between cooking modes in seconds. Cleanup is also refreshingly easy thanks to its flip-up design that saves space and exposes the crumb tray.
That said, its smaller size limits what you can fit inside—no whole chicken here. Still, for families or apartment dwellers, this multitasking marvel is an everyday hero. It’s fun to use, fast to clean, and easy to love.
3. Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven
Dependable and consistent, the Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven feels like that steady friend who never lets you down. It doesn’t have the flashiest features, but it nails the basics with chef-approved precision.
Every dish—from cookies to casseroles—comes out evenly cooked, thanks to its dual convection fans and spacious interior.
The interface is old-school but comforting. Knobs instead of touchscreens make it easy to adjust on the fly, and the sturdy build feels like it could survive a kitchen apocalypse.
It also has a “dual cook” feature that automatically switches from one temperature to another, which is a small but brilliant touch.
On the downside, it’s a bit bulky and slower to preheat than some newer models. But for cooks who prioritize reliability over novelty, the Cuisinart remains a classic choice that quietly outperforms expectations every single time.
4. Instant Omni Plus Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Instant’s leap from pressure cookers to countertop ovens was bold—and mostly successful. The Instant Omni Plus brings the same versatility and convenience that made the Instant Pot a household name.
With 10 cooking functions, including air fry, broil, roast, and dehydrate, it’s a jack-of-all-trades that genuinely earns its keep.
Performance-wise, it’s impressive. The chicken came out evenly browned and juicy, and frozen snacks cooked beautifully without needing to flip them halfway through.
The digital interface is clean and intuitive, and the accessories—like the rotisserie spit—add real value for families who love variety.
However, its preheat time is noticeably longer than some competitors, and it runs a little hot. Still, the payoff is flavor-packed results and true versatility. If you already swear by your Instant Pot, this oven feels like its natural sidekick—reliable, modern, and endlessly useful.
5. Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Air Fry Toaster Oven
Budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean “basic,” and the Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp proves it. This affordable oven surprised us by handling everything from toast to chicken thighs with grace.
While it lacks the polish of pricier models, it still manages to produce crispy, evenly cooked results most of the time. The controls are analog—just dials and timers—but that simplicity works in its favor.
You won’t find digital presets or Wi-Fi here, but you also won’t spend five minutes figuring out how to start it. It preheats quickly, stays fairly quiet, and fits comfortably on smaller counters.
The main trade-off? A smaller interior and slightly uneven heat distribution. You may need to rotate your dish midway through. But for under $100, the Sure-Crisp punches far above its weight class. It’s a great starter oven for students, small households, or anyone who loves a good deal.