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The Best Toaster Ovens of 2026 for Easy Countertop Cooking

Here's everything to know about choosing the right toaster oven.

David Watsky CNET 24 Jun 2026, 13:00 2 min read 4/10

The Best Toaster Ovens of 2026 for Easy Countertop Cooking

Key Takeaways

CNET tested 42 toaster ovens from 15 brands over 200 hours, using standardized tests for toast, cookies, pizza, roasted vegetables, and reheated leftovers.
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro earned the top spot with a 4.8/5 rating, offering 13 cooking functions and a super convection setting that cuts cooking time by 30%.
The Cuisinart Chef's Convection Toaster Oven (model TOB-260N1) scored 4.5/5, featuring a 0.95-cubic-foot capacity and dual cook functions for simultaneous baking and broiling.
Balmuda's The Toaster (MSRP $299) uses steam injection technology that adds 5ml of water before toasting, resulting in a 95% satisfaction rate for bagels and artisan bread.
Energy test results show that a typical toaster oven uses 1.5 kWh per week for daily use, compared to 4.2 kWh for a conventional oven, a 64% energy savings.
Price range across all tested models: $59.99 to $499.99, with the best value cluster between $150 and $250.
Toaster oven market grew 12% year-over-year in 2025, driven by remote work trends and demand for compact, multifunction appliances.

The humble toaster oven has undergone a revolution—2026 models are smarter, faster, and more versatile than ever, making countertop cooking almost effortless. CNET engineers tested 42 toaster ovens to determine which ones deliver the best balance of performance, size, and features for the modern kitchen. The best toaster oven 2026 pick, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, combines 13 cooking functions with a super convection setting that reduces cooking time by up to 30%. Other top contenders include the Cuisinart Chef's Convection Toaster Oven, which offers a spacious interior and simple controls, and the Balmuda The Toaster, a compact design praised for its steam injection technology that keeps bread soft inside and crispy outside. CNET's testing methodology includes baking cookies, toasting bread, roasting vegetables, and reheating pizza to evaluate consistency across all modes. The review also considers energy efficiency: modern toaster ovens consume 50% less electricity than a full-size oven for small meals. Price points range from $60 to $500, with the sweet spot for value around $150–$250. According to CNET's lead home editor, the 2026 crop shows major improvements in air frying capabilities, with most models now including a dedicated air fry basket. The shift toward multifunction appliances means a single machine can replace a toaster, microwave, air fryer, and small oven—saving both counter space and money. Analysts note that the toaster oven market has grown 12% year-over-year as remote work increases demand for fast, efficient meal solutions. Looking ahead, expect more integration with smart home platforms like Alexa and Google Home, as well as self-cleaning features that use steam or pyrolytic cycles. For anyone seeking the best toaster oven 2026, CNET's guide is the definitive starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

CNET's top pick for 2026 is the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. It scored 4.8/5 for its 13 cooking functions, super convection setting, and consistent results across all tests. It costs around $280.

The best value toaster ovens fall between $150 and $250. Models under $100 often lack air frying capabilities and even heating, while those over $400 add premium features like steam injection or smart connectivity that may not justify the cost for most users.

Key features to consider are cooking functions (especially air fry), size and capacity (able to fit a 12-inch pizza), ease of cleaning (non-stick interior and removable crumb tray), and presets for common foods. Convection fans and even heat distribution matter for consistent results.

Yes, toaster ovens use about 50–64% less energy than a conventional oven for small meals. CNET's energy tests show an average of 1.5 kWh per week for daily use compared to 4.2 kWh for a full-size oven.

A toaster oven can replace a microwave for reheating leftovers, but it takes longer. For speed and convenience, a microwave is still better for liquids and simple reheats. However, a toaster oven produces crispier results and offers more cooking versatility.

Models with a non-stick interior and a fully removable crumb tray clean easiest. The Cuisinart Chef's Convection Toaster Oven and the Breville Smart Oven both have these features. Avoid stainless steel interiors without non-stick coating, as food residue sticks more.

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