Completing the cooking course and joining a popular cooking group in your neighborhood was one of the best decisions that you made.
You can’t wait to try out the new recipes, cooking methods, and techniques to impress your acquaintances and visitors to your home.
As a kitchen enthusiast, cooking is more than a hobby, it is a calling, and you can prepare the best dishes like a master painter on a canvas. The kitchen is your canvas.
Unfortunately, your current kitchen space is not so much, and you are running out of options on the best oven that is sufficient for space.
But you don’t need to worry as the best countertop oven will do the trick.
Name | Dimension (in) | Material | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Breville BOV800XL | 18.5 x 16.2 x 11.2 | SS | |
BLACK+DECKER Countertop | 22.8 x 13.4 x 15.5 | SS | |
Breville BOV450XL Mini | 16 x 14.25 x 8.5 | SS | |
Oster Extra Large Digital | 24 x 21.5 x 16.7 | SS | |
Hamilton Beach 31103A | 23.3 x 18.1 x 15.5 | SS | |
Wolf Gourmet WGCO100S | 16.6 x 22.4 x 12.6 | SS |
Table of Contents
Our Pick of Top-Rated Countertop Convection Oven
Countertop convection ovens are now popular devices that allow you to cook different foods. The best thing about countertop convection ovens is that they are compact, easy to use, and versatile.
However, it is not always that you come across a fully efficient countertop convection oven.
But it is not impossible as this Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven indicates. The convection oven incorporates contemporary technology, and efficient convection feature to cook foods the best way possible.
The smart heat distribution from the convection oven ensures even baking, and you will not have uncooked spaces that may embarrass you to the guests.
It also has a memory that remembers settings for different foods, and your only task is to choose the most appropriate settings.
7 Best countertop convection oven reviews
The wide variety of countertop convection ovens can leave you confused, and spoilt for choice. But that only happens if you don’t have an idea of what a good convection oven is all about.
Lucky for you, below are some of the best suggestions, and you can pick any of them based on preferences.
Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven-1800-Watt Convection Toaster Oven
What makes this convection toaster oven stand out is the smart feature that it boasts.
We are living in a world of devices and convenience brought about by technology, and nothing best highlights the fact that this convection toaster oven.
Smart
The one thing that arises to mind when we talk of smart devices is the memory. It is when a particular device can remember your selection or settings to make it easy for you. in the world of toaster ovens, this convection oven is as smart as can be to make it convenient for you.
But what does it do that other standard oven cannot?
The element IQ helps transfer power to the food at the right time and in the correct position.
You can, therefore, adjust the heat according to the dish that you are cooking. Of course, one of the problems that you have been facing when cooking is heat delivery.
It is either too much or too little to have any beneficial effect, and that has been holding you back from producing the best dishes that your friends will remember for a long time.
But that is in the past with this countertop oven and its intelligent element IQ.
Efficient Heat Distribution
As a kitchen enthusiast, you already know that different foods require different heating methods. For example, baked food will need even heating, which is a contrast with roasted meat.
Most toaster ovens on the market do not distribute heat effectively, and that can affect the outcome in a significant way. The smart oven adjusts the temperature according to the type of food you are cooking, and you can get the best results from the exercise.
The smart oven manages to customize the heat according to the different foods by moving the five quartz heating elements appropriately. There are also nine different menu options that allow you to customize the cooking further.
Flexible Wattage
The heating elements of most countertop ovens come with a fixed wattage that you cannot adjust in any way. That in a way becomes a problem when cooking certain foods, especially those that you are trying out for the first time, such as a cooking program on television.
The smart oven automatically adjusts the wattage of the different heating elements according to the food you are cooking. For example, broiling requires a significant amount of heat from above.
To that effect, the smart oven increases the wattage of the heating element above to have the desired effect, and cook the food as is necessary. Well, the outcome may not be accurate, but the flexibility is always a good thing in a countertop oven.
Convection Heating
Convection heating is the most appropriate for baked foods. Unfortunately, it is not all toaster ovens on the market that can boost accuracy in the use of convection heating.
Some of them are just flimsy, and that is not a good thing, especially for those that love baked foods.
You will also find some other devices that do not even have convection heating, and you cannot have the best-baked foods as you want. They may perform well with different cooking methods, but the convection feature is wanting.
Breville countertop ovens have an efficient convection heating feature that will help you prepare some of the best-baked foods that everyone will appreciate. They say cooking is an art, but you still need the best equipment to produce masterpieces, and the convection heating feature will help you achieve that.
Durable
The smart oven comes with a reinforced stainless steel body for durability. Considering the significant amount of heat that toaster ovens encounter, it is always good to ensure that the material as one of the most durable.
Another benefit of stainless steel is that it is easy to clean. The toaster oven will often have grease and other debris that may be hard to clean off if the material, other than stainless steel.
And unlike other toaster ovens that use common metal in heating elements, this toaster oven uses quartz which response better to heat, and you can customize efficiently according to the dish you’re cooking.
Pros
- Smart heat distribution according to the type of food
- It remembers the settings for different food items
- The oven has nine different menu options to customize the cooking
- Convection heating for efficient baking
- Durable stainless steel body
- Three rack positions and non-stick interior
Cons
- The oven may not be very durable
- The thermostat may malfunction after some time
Oster Toaster Oven | Digital-Convection Oven
You have been tight on budget, and your options on toaster ovens have not been that good.
However, you don’t need to throw in the towel in your search of an affordable countertop oven. The Oster toaster oven is not only the best small toaster oven for those on a budget but also efficient.
Sufficient Cooking Space
The six-slice cooking space is not so bad for a medium-sized family. But you may not understand the size of the interior, especially if you are a first-time buyer. To put it into perspective, the interior is enough for a 12-inch pizza.
Most of us know how big a 12-inch pizza is, and you can imagine how big the interior is in that context. The two rack positions can accommodate so much food that you will wonder where the device was all this time.
Durability and Maintenance
The removable crumb tray is quite functional, and it makes cleaning easy. It also has a durable baking pan that easily tolerates high temperatures. That means you’re going to use it for a long time, and you can enjoy some baked food in most days of the week.
Digital Control Panel
The digital control panel is a one-touch functionality that you can easily use to cook in the right manner by selecting the correct settings. Different foods require different settings, and the digital control panel makes the process easy for you.
In particular, you can choose the temperature, time, and heat. There are also options for pizza, broil, heat, toast, and convection bake. That means you don’t have to remember the settings for cooking different foods.
Convection Technology
It also utilizes convection technology that allows you to bake evenly for the best results. It is such technology that makes cooking fun. Mostly, you get the results that you desire easily and quickly.
The temperature range of between 150 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit is quite decent and applicable for a variety of cooking applications. You can finally try out the new recipes from the cookbook your mother-in-law gave you.
The hot air that circulates inside the toaster oven makes cooking to be a pleasurable exercise. You can finally get the flakier crusts on the baking that your family loves so much. The browning and crispier edges are easier to achieve than before.
Furthermore, you can toast, roast, and broil whenever you need to, and that makes the toaster oven versatile. Considering the toaster oven only takes a small space in your kitchen, the versatility is an added advantage.
Cooking Settings
The good thing about contemporary smart cooking devices is that you can customize according to preferences and needs.
In the context of a countertop oven, it is possible to get the right temperature for cooking various foods. Even better, you can choose between the seven settings that this smart toaster oven comes with.
The digital control panel is easy to use, and you can get rid of guessing from the cooking. It is possible to get the exact settings and temperatures to cook food according to the MasterChef that you follow on social media.
The broiling functionality is exceptional in this device. You can do proper melting, broiling and browning just the way you like it. You can operate with low temperatures or temperatures that are as high as 500 degrees.
The low temperatures are ideal for melting parmesan, and the high temperatures are perfect for broiling, and baking.
Other Convenient Features
The toaster oven also has other convenient features that make it possible to control it, and to cook the best foods. For example, the interior light makes it possible to monitor the food as it cooks. Sometimes having a good look is necessary, especially when it is a new dish that you are trying.
There’s also a timer that shuts off the toaster oven at the 90-minute mark, and you can have peace of mind.
At times, you rush out of the house for an important meeting and forget to switch off the oven. The shut-off timer may seem ordinary, but it is an important feature, and especially so if you live alone in the house.
Pros
- The toaster oven is quite affordable
- It has a big interior that can hold up to a 12-inch pizza
- Removable crumb tray for easy cleanup
- Utilizes convection technology for efficient cooking
- Seven cooking settings that you can choose from
- An easy-to-use digital control panel
- A convenient internal light to monitor the food
- 90 minute shut off timer that conveniently switches off the device
- An attractive polished stainless steel surface
Cons
- There are some complaints that the buttons get stuck after some time
- The handle gets hot, and it can be a safety risk
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Convection Toaster Oven
Black and Decker is a brand that needs no introduction. They are an authority in the market of kitchen stuff, and the like.
But what does that mean in terms of toaster ovens? Is it the best countertop convection oven?
Well, your supposition is as good as mine. Having a black and Decker toaster oven means reliability, quality, and of course, good food.
Convection Heating
It seems that convection heating is a trend among toaster ovens, and it is almost impossible not to find it in contemporary countertop ovens.
However, the feature is not efficient in all devices, and some only leave your food hard and dark.
The convection feature in this black and Decker oven is quite efficient. It has a powerful fan that circulates hot air inside the cooking space so that you can have the best-baked food you have ever come across.
Heating consistency is essential, especially when it comes to baking, more than other cooking methods, and this device makes sure of that.
The two rack positions provide more flexibility when cooking. Overall, it has a wattage of 1500, which is most cases sufficient for preparing most dishes.
Easy-to-use Digital Controls
The digital controls on this oven are user-friendly, and you don’t have to spend a lot of time trying to figure them out. In particular, they allow customization of the heat in terms of temperature, time, and function.
The functions include bagel, baking, toast, broil, frozen, pizza, snacks, cookies, and potatoes. It is quite convenient and makes your cooking task more manageable.
One of the most overlooked features in a toaster oven is the shut-off timer. For safety reasons, it is vital to have it, and as you would expect from a top brand like black and Decker, it is present. Most of the other shut off timers shut the device after 90 minutes.
Unfortunately, the 90 minutes may not be sufficient, especially when you are slow baking.
If the device is not efficient, you may need to keep on switching it on after the timer runs out. In the black and Decker oven, the shut-off timer is 120 minutes, which is sufficient time for most cooking.
The ready indicator light informs you when the food is ready, and everyone can prepare to have a bite. You don’t have to wait for long, as the toaster oven is quite efficient, and the temperatures are alright depending on the dish.
Big Internal Space
The first time you come across the toaster oven, you will notice the expanded shape that fits nicely on the countertop. As a result, it is quite firm and has sufficient space for cooking.
To put it into perspective, the toaster oven can feed six slices of bread and a 12-inch pizza.
The maximum temperature on this device is 400°, and that makes it possible to cook most foods. If you are the guy that loves cooking, the significant internal space and the big temperature range are sure to make you love the toaster oven.
Therefore, if you love the casserole dishes, then this is the perfect cooking device for you. And to Spice it up for you, it is quite affordable. That is not to mention that the oven is from a reliable brand.
Easy to Clean and Maintain
You will have to admit that the stainless steel surface is attractive to look at. It makes your kitchen look beautiful and inviting. The toaster oven is not too imposing and does not take a lot of space in the kitchen.
But besides the attractive design, the oven is easy to clean.
But what do you expect from the stainless steel surface?
Mainly, you can use a piece of cloth dipped in a mixture of water and a light soap to wipe the surface before you can do something else quickly.
The removable crumb tray also makes it easy to clean the device.
We cannot also forget to mention the clear glass window that allows you to keep an eye on the food as they cook. Yes, you have put the necessary settings, but having the ability to see what is happening inside the oven is priceless for some of us.
Pros
- An efficient convection heating for baking
- User-friendly digital control panel
- It has various functions that you can choose depending on what you’re cooking
- 120 minute shut off timer for safety
- An expanded toaster oven that fits nicely on the counter
- Attractive stainless steel surface
- A maximum temperature of 400 degrees
- An indicator light
Cons
- The toaster can get very hot on the surface when cooking
- You may have a problem seeing the controls in dim light
Breville BOV450XL Mini-Smart Oven with Element IQ
If you have a small space in the kitchen, you may think that your options are minimal when it comes to ovens. However, that may only be a misconception as this Breville Mini Smart Oven is quite compact, and good-looking as well.
Compact and Attractive
At only 15 pounds in weight, this Breville Mini Smart oven is lightweight and compact. As such, it only takes a small space on the counter, and that is a good thing. The townhouses are quite small, and getting a device that is compact and functional is the main idea.
Another feature worth highlighting is the beautiful design.
We must admit that the Mini Smart oven looks good on the counter, and it is a great aesthetic addition to any kitchen. Your friends and relatives that come to the kitchen will notice it and appreciate you for having it.
Some people may have the wrong impression when talking about Mini Smart ovens.
It is not very small, as you would think. In particular, it can fit four slices of bread and an 11-inch pizza. The size is especially perfect for people that live alone or have a small family.
Smart Cooking
The smart element IQ that is a characteristic feature of Breville smart ovens is quite innovative. It transfers the heat intelligently to the four heating quartz elements to produce the best results in cooking, just the way you intend.
Smart cooking utilizes precise and constant heating to get the best flavor in the food. If it’s your first time, then you’ll notice the difference in the texture and taste as a result.
With a rating of 1800 watts, the compact smart oven is very fast in cooking, and you don’t have to wait for long for the dish. Sometimes you are too hungry to exercise patience.
The convenient eight cooking functions in the smart oven is something worth applause. You only push a button to position the heating elements according to the food you are cooking.
For example, you don’t have to memorize the settings for cooking pizza or bagels, they are present on the machine, and that is what being smart is all about.
Easy-to-read and use LCD
The LCD screen on the smart oven is easy to read and has a backlight. That means you can operate the oven in Dim lightings, such as early in the morning when you don’t feel like switching on the lights just yet.
It calculates the correct temperature and time so that you can have perfectly cooked food and you can enjoy the dinner after a long day at work. Sometimes food is the perfect therapy for a tired mind and body.
It has different illuminating colors on the LCD. When cooking or preheating, the LCD is orange. It turns to Blue when the process is complete. Therefore, you can know when your food is ready by taking a glance at the oven from across the room.
Durable and Easy to Maintain
You must admit that the stainless steel surface on the smart oven is easy to clean. We all have stainless steel equipment at our homes, and we appreciate how simple it is to maintain them. That is particularly factual when dealing with food items and grease.
Only wipe the surface with a damp cloth dipped in mild soapy water, and the top will look as good as new. Maybe not as good as new, but something close.
The cavity coating is non-stick and exceptionally easy to clean. The non-stick surface also makes cooking, a pleasurable experience. Of course, it is pleasurable when you don’t have to deal with a sticky mess inside the oven, now and then.
Pros
- A compact and attractive design
- The smart oven is lightweight
- Precise and constant heating to get the best texture and flavor
- The smart oven is superfast in cooking
- Convenient eight cooking functions
- It can fit four slices of bread and an 11-inch pizza
- A backlit LCD screen that is easy to operate
- The smart oven is easy to clean and maintain
- The stainless steel surface and the non-stick cavity coating makes it easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Placing the wire rack may be problematic
- Some users say that it gets too hot to handle safely
- It may not toast bread evenly
Oster Extra Large Digital Countertop Convection Oven
If you have a big family or your love large pizzas, and oversized casserole, then this countertop convection oven is the device for you.
Nothing should come in between you and your love for an oversized pizza. A small piece is never enough, and you must have the convection oven that allows you to have the small pleasures of life.
And while this device may not be the largest countertop oven, its size is entirely sufficient for cooking food for a medium-sized family.
Sufficient Space for Cooking
This is the countertop convection oven for the oversized pizza and casserole. It is understandable if you have a medium-sized family, and the current crop of countertop ovens is not sufficient for you.
With the space to accommodate large casserole and pizza, the extra-large convection oven will sufficiently serve your needs.
The temperature range of between 200 and 450 degrees is pretty much sufficient for a variety of cooking applications. No worrying about uneven cooking because the heat is not enough.
And despite the significant space for cooking, it is still a countertop convection oven, and it does not take a lot of space in the kitchen. You may not need to clear the countertop to make way for it since space you already have may be sufficient.
Shut Off Timer
The shut-off timer is becoming a MainStay feature in most countertop ovens, and it is quite essential to have it.
Some ovens may not have it, and it will do you good to check and make sure it is there. The shut-off timer switches the oven off after a particular period for safety, and to prevent overcooking.
Efficient Cooking
The convection cooking is quite efficient and conserves a significant amount of energy.
Currently, there’s so much focus on global warming, and every one of us has a role to play in reducing the harmful effects on the environment. The fact that the countertop oven is energy-efficient is quite crucial towards the goal of less harm to the environment.
But apart from the reduced harm to the environment, the convection oven is kind to your savings. You don’t spend a lot of energy, and you can use the funds for something else important.
Most kitchens that have inbuilt ovens or a wide variety of ovens usually have problems with the heat. The kitchen is generally too hot and uncomfortable. The situation becomes worse during hot Summers, and that affects your motivation for cooking.
But that is one factor that you will not need to worry about, as the convection functionality on this oven is quite efficient and does not affect the surrounding environment. Your kitchen remains cool despite the weather outside.
You can also place the adjustable racks in two different positions when cooking some types of food. It is impossible to prepare a family size chicken and a large piece of meat comfortably, and you may not need to cut it into small sizes.
Digital Settings
You have to appreciate the growth of technology and the convenience it brings along in our life. It is now possible to cook different foods at the touch of a button, and that is what the digital settings in this oven are all about.
The functions include broil, bake, pizza, defrost, and toast. of particular note is the defrost feature that you can use in preparing the frozen foods for cooking. Freezing foods is currently a popular method of preserving food, and having an efficient way of defrosting is essential.
Farther from that, the various functions are the most important for cooking food, and you can finally enjoy cooking your food. This is especially at a time when processed foods are becoming unpopular.
The turbo convection baking is another great option if you want your food quickly. Essentially, the turbo convection baking bakes your food in a super fast speed, before the guests arrive.
We all have those guests that visit our homes on short notice, and we can do very little to avoid the situation.
Easy to Clean and Maintain
The attractive stainless steel surface is easy to clean and maintain. The same case applies to the interior of the oven, and it quite looks exceptional. It is vital that the toaster oven is easy-to-clean based on the fact that it handles different types of food and grease.
Pros
- Extra-large convection oven to accommodate large casserole and pizza
- Temperature range of between 200 and 450 degrees
- The 90-minute auto shut-off timer
- The oven is energy-efficient
- Digital settings that allow you to select a cooking mode conveniently
- Turbo convection baking for superfast baking
- The countertop oven does not take a lot of space in the kitchen
Cons
- The door design is not the best
- It may not handle the pressure of everyday use
Hamilton Beach 31103A Countertop-Oven
The compact size and features make this countertop oven a good option for those people that do not have a lot of space to spare in the kitchen.
Hamilton Beach countertop oven is compact, user-friendly, and efficient. It is just the right equipment that people starting out alone deserves.
Compact and Efficient
The first thing that you notice, the first time you lay your eyes on this Hamilton Beach countertop oven is the compact design.
It is a small size oven that will not take a lot of your space in the kitchen. You will agree that most of us do not have so much space in the kitchen, and adding one more device is usually a headache.
However, it should not be too much hassle finding the right spot for the countertop oven.
Even better, it has the full features of other full-size ovens, and you don’t lose anything by making the big change. You can still prepare your favorite rotisserie and pizza just the way you like it.
And despite the compact design, the countertop oven has sufficient space to cook family meals and for a party. It is not too small as some people may think.
We might also mention that the oven is energy-efficient, and you don’t have to feel the pinch in the energy bills. That means you can finally enjoy cooking your favorite meals without worrying about the bills at the end of the month. Good food, friends, and family is what makes life worth living.
The compact countertop oven does not heat the entire kitchen when cooking. Most of us are familiar with how much heat some cooking equipment can produce, and that makes the kitchen uncomfortable. There is no enjoyment in cooking in a scorching environment.
As such, the cool environment is quite comfortable, and you can finally take your time to produce the masterpiece in the kitchen. You will not be looking to escape the kitchen. Instead, you will be comfortable making the best food for your visitors and family.
Versatile Cooking Options
It is not once or twice that you will come across people with a hard time believing that the compact oven can cook any meaningful meals. Surprisingly, the little device comes with versatile cooking options that allow you to play around with different recipes.
You can broil or roast an entire 5 lb chicken for the whole family. You can Crisp the cookies and bake the bread right after cooking the pizza. The options that you get from this countertop oven can make you fall in love with cooking.
You also don’t need to cook food separately when you have this countertop oven. It has a big space inside, and you can use the racks for cooking different foods.
That means you can finally replace the microwave at home or in the office, and enjoy cooking fresh food to enhance the quality of life.
Easy to Clean and Maintain
The nonstick interior and the stainless steel exterior makes cleaning to be a simple exercise. With just a damp cloth, you can leave the oven shining, and without any trace of grease and food items. The enamel-coated baking pan is also easy to clean and use.
Control Panel and Dial
The control panel and dial are easy to use, and you can customize the temperature, cooking time, and heat based on the food that you want to cook. The temperature dial is easy to understand and use, and you can forget about guesswork when cooking different meals.
You will also find the function dial to be easy to use, and you can make the selection of the cooking method that you want. The main program options that you can choose from include rotisserie, broil, bake, and convection. Typically, these are the main cooking methods that most people use.
The two-hour cooking timer automatically shuts off the oven for safety purposes. And unlike some ovens in the market, this countertop oven has audio tones to alert you when the food is ready.
Pros
- Compact design that doesn’t take a lot of space in the kitchen
- It has full features to enjoy the cooking
- The countertop oven is energy-efficient
- It has a versatile cooking options
- A significant amount of space for cooking different food items together
- Non-stick interior and stainless steel design for easy cleaning and Maintenance
- The function dial allows you to choose between different pre-programmed options for cooking
- 2 hour shut off timer
Cons
- It does not have LED lighting and using it in dim light may be difficult
- The toaster oven can also become very hot
Wolf Gourmet WGCO100S Countertop Oven with Convection
The convection countertop oven is a favorite model for people that love cooking. It does not take a lot of your counter space and is quite useful in cooking different dishes. As a result, the countertop oven is the best equipment to have at home and cook your favorite dishes.
Six Cooking Modes
The Wolf oven has up to six cooking modes that allow you to cook the food in different methods. For example, you can bake the cinnamon rolls or buns in the way that you like them. It is not everyone that cooks the way you want, and if they can’t do it, why not cook it by yourself?
You can also enjoy that roast beef or roast chicken by choosing the roast option on the control panel. There’s also bake, broil, warm and toast. The ‘warm’ option is excellent for the leftovers, and you can enjoy them in the same way you would fresh food.
Advanced Convection
The perimeter convection functionality is popular in wolf gourmet countertop oven and is an innovative feature that you get with this countertop oven. Mostly, the perimeter convection is quite efficient in circulating hot air inside the cooking space, and your baking improves significantly. It is the same case with other methods of cooking.
The caramelization that you get from this device is superior, and it will not be a surprise if some of your friend’s request for another meet up at your place. They will want to sample whatever you have for them from the countertop oven.
Temperature Probe
The integrated temperature probe is one of the features that you will not find in other countertop ovens. It allows you to determine the temperature of the food, and you can tell when it is ready.
You cannot always trust the timer and the heat that you input on the control panel. That is especially so when you dealing with a new food item that you picked from the cookbook or the online groups.
It is not necessary to open the oven door to use the temperature probe. It is conveniently in place, and you can use one hand to tell the internal temperature of the food and make the necessary changes.
Temperature control
Superior temperature control is the secret behind cooking the best foods. Every food item requires a particular temperature to cook efficiently and maintain the texture and flavor. The intuitive controls on this device allow for the precise temperatures to cook specific foods.
The advanced electronics and five heating elements work together to deliver the best wattage when cooking. The device does not use a lot of energy, and you will not complain about energy bills that spiral out of control.
Some of us do not trust this new cooking equipment because of energy consumption, but you don’t have to worry about it with this conventional oven.
The spring-loaded door prevents heat loss, and the food cooks faster with less heat. It is essential to mention that the spring-loaded door helps keep the kitchen temperature down. It does not get uncomfortable, and you can stay in the kitchen for some time when cooking.
Easy to clean and maintain
The countertop oven is easy to clean with a non-stick BPA-free interior. It only takes a few minutes to wipe off the debris and splatters from the food you were cooking. You don’t spend so much time cleaning.
You will also find the external stainless steel body to be quite easy to clean, and it is unlike some other equipment on the market. Of course, you will find some brands using different types of metals on the exterior, and they are not durable.
The stainless steel construction is durable, and it does not rust.
Its lightweight design also makes it easy to move from one spot to the other when cleaning. Moving it is sometimes necessary so that you can reach the splatters and other foodstuffs inside the convection oven.
Pros
- Compact design and does not take a lot of your counter space
- It has six cooking modes that you can choose from
- Perimeter convection that efficiently circulates hot air
- A convenient temperature probe that you can use to tell the internal food temperature
- It is energy efficient
- The convection oven is easy to clean and maintain
- The stove is lightweight and easy to move
- The spring-loaded door that prevents heat loss
Cons
- It can take longer to heat up compared to the other countertop ovens on the market
- The oven does not have a light to illuminate the food
What to Look For while buying the Best countertop convection oven
A countertop oven is a favorite for many people based on the small space it takes. You can put it on top of the counter in the kitchen and benefit from its efficiency in cooking various dishes.
However, you will still need to find the best countertop oven, and the following factors will help you towards that goal.
Size
The size and volume of the toaster oven will depend on a variety of factors such as the amount of space that you have in the kitchen.
Do you have sufficient space to put your new countertop oven?
Or you’re going to scratch your head deciding whether to get rid of the refrigerator, the cabinet or any other device in the kitchen?
To avoid problems, head out to the manufacturer’s website or the online store and check the product descriptions. You are going to get the product dimensions, and you can use them to determine whether that particular toaster oven will be a good fit in your kitchen.
The slice capacity of a particular oven will give you a good idea on whether it will be a good fit for you. For example, an oven with a size capacity of 6 may be sufficient for cooking a chicken for your small family.
However, don’t lean too much on this measuring capacity as different models can have different slice capacities. For example, 1 model that can fit six slices of bread may be large enough then another model with a capacity of 8 slices of bread.
The cubic foot measurement is the best to help you determine whether a particular device is sufficient for you. For example, 0.6 cubic foot cabinet oven may be adequate for cooking food for a family of 5.
They may be small and convenient than the under cabinet toaster oven (we have an article on this), but it is always good to check.
Pans, Racks, and Extras
Similar to regular ovens, countertop ovens will come with pans, racks and other equipment to help you in cooking or baking. In the majority of the cases, you will find at least one rack and one pan. Bigger ovens will have two racks.
The best commercial countertop convection oven will give you the option of removing the racks so that you can have sufficient space to cook more food. It is not always that you use the racks, and certain types of food will require more space.
You will find at least one baking pan that you can use to cook food by baking. And if you want to cook food with other methods such as broiling, roasting, and cooking, it will do you good to choose the countertop oven with such options. At a minimum, it should have a roasting pan.
Heating Options
Broiling, roasting, and baking are the three heating options available in contemporary countertop ovens. These options will allow you to broil fish or chicken, roast some meat, and bake your breakfast whenever necessary.
However, they are not the only options you have. Some counter ovens will have more, and that is a good thing for kitchen enthusiasts. So, which are these options we are talking about?
More advanced ovens will include other options such as reheating food. We all have those leftovers that we enjoyed last night, and we will not let it go to waste. The reheating choice is excellent in such a situation.
Another option is defrosting. The option allows you to defrost meat and other foods before cooking them. It would be impossible to prepare such meals without defrosting safely so as not to lose the flavor and nutrients.
Some of us are in love with roasted food, and the roasting option is an excellent addition in any oven. But it is not all of us that fancy the idea of having the roast option in the countertop oven. We prefer the outside grill that is more efficient and has more options, but we are different, and you cannot say the same for everyone.
The ‘cookies’ and ‘pizza’ options are other fantastic characteristics that make it possible to prepare the best breakfast for the whole family. Instead of ordering the expensive pizza and cookies, you can make them yourself, and it is quite enjoyable. There’s nothing like making your cookies and adding your favorite ingredients to satisfy your taste buds.
It is not everyone that makes the pizza or the cookies just the way you like them.
You may also find some countertop ovens with brick inserts to authenticate and replicate the flavor of real brick ovens. It will make you feel like you’re having the real thing, and your friends will never believe that you prepared the food using a countertop oven.
Installation Needs
Different models will have different installation needs, and it is always good to check whether you can fulfill the requirements before you purchase. Check whether a fire suppression system is necessary.
Don’t forget to check whether you have everything for installation, such as the equipment and tools.
Energy Efficiency
No doubt, countertop ovens demand small energy compared to their bigger counterparts.
The built-in ovens will require a more extensive energy footprint, and they may be expensive to run in the long run. The current economy may be unfavorable to you, but it shouldn’t affect the pleasure of enjoying food.
Electricity and Gas Options
There’s no argument that gas is quite energy-efficient. However, even still need electricity to run the fan. Of course, it cannot run on gas.
Maintenance Needs
The ease of maintenance and cleaning should be one of the factors that you consider first. The best countertop oven should be easy to clean and maintain. Ideally, the equipment should not demand a lot from you since you are not a technician.
We are living in a world of convenience, and simplicity, and the countertop oven should reflect that, don’t you think so?
Budget
The good thing about globalization and improved technology is that there are more devices on the market than a few years ago. Take advantage of it, and choose the most pocket-friendly device for you. Pick one countertop oven, and compare it against others with the same features.
However, exercise a bit of flexibility so that you can get the best.
Remember that you will not get the best oven on pocket change. After all, it is an investment, and you must be ready to spend some money.
FAQ
Wrapping Up
The best countertop oven has specific features that make cooking effortless, and most importantly, efficient. Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven has all the right features that any ardent cook finds useful.
For example, the smart cooking functionality, and memory that remembers settings makes it quite convenient to use.
Other essential features include the nine different menu options to customize the temperature, cooking time, and heat to get the best results. The durable stainless steel body is the icing on the cake of what is an exceptional countertop oven.
References
https://www.breville.com/us/en/smart-ovens/element-iq-system.html
https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/wolf-gourmet-countertop-oven/