The 5 Best Countertop Convection Ovens for Home Cooks

Convection ovens are a great way to prepare simple meals for you and your loved ones. They use the basic rules of heat to evenly distribute it around the whole appliance so food cooks evenly and without difficulty. It even roasts, bakes, broils, and toasts depending on the settings included. When choosing the best countertop convection oven for you to use, there are many features to consider. These include the size of the oven, the amount of counter space available, and the type of food you want to create.

To help you find the best countertop convection oven to use for your family, we have identified five of the best models and outlined their pros and cons.

1. Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Air Fryer

Thus Cuisinart TOA-60 is a both a traditional convection oven and an air fryer, giving users more opportunities to create delicious meals for their families. It functions at 1800 watts and has multiple settings to choose from, including air fry, convection bake, convection broil, bake, broil, warm, and toast. You never have to worry about using multiple appliances to make dinner again since almost everything is included in this compact option.

On the exterior is an adjustable thermostat and a timer which can be set up to 60 minutes. The interior has multiple baking racks and enough room for six pieces of toast, a 12-inch pizza, or an entire 4 lb. chicken. The racks are removable for easy cleaning. There is also an air frying basket and a baking pan designed to fit perfectly in the interior.

The exterior of the Cuisinart TOA-60 is made from stainless steel and is available in multiple colors: silver, black, copper, and white. The full dimensions are 15.5 x 16 x 14 inches and the convection oven weighs around 21 lbs. The convection oven cooks rapidly – often faster than expected. It is great for meat, fish, frozen, food, fried goods, and even pastries.

Things We Liked

• Includes a portable air fryer
• Can be used for multiple types of cooking
• Roomy
• Versatile
• Compact
• Easy to clean

Things We Didn’t Like

• Timer is off – 10 minutes is actually 15
• Plastic knobs can break
• Cooks really fast

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2. Oster Digital Convection Oven

Oster distinguishes itself from other manufacturers by developing a small and compact digital convection oven which is just as effective as larger models. This digital oven operates at 1300 watts but features a roomy interior with multiple shelves. You can toast up to six slices of bread at once, and it is possible to fit an entire 12 in. pizza inside. There are seven separate cooking settings to put the proper finish on your meals and help you avoid needing to use multiple appliances to get dinner ready.

The Oster Digital Convection Oven includes a baking pan and crumb tray to simplify the process of cleanup. It can reach a broad range of temperatures from 150 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and includes multiple coils with a nearby fan for convenience and even heating. There are seven separate cooking settings so you can choose the best one for your meal, and there is also an interior light you can switch on and off to check on your food.

Unlike older convection ovens, the Oster Digital includes a digital screen and controls so you can more accurately set the temperature and time for cooking. The full dimensions of this oven are 16.3 x 19.7 x 11.3 inches, and it weighs roughly 20 lbs. This model is only available in black stainless steel with chrome accents, but the exterior is beautiful and easy to clean. Plus, the lower wattage of this convection oven means it works in most kitchens while still providing an even bake.

Things We Liked

• Great middle of the line wattage
• Easy to clean
• Digital screen and controls
• Seven cooking settings
• Compact
• Versatile

Things We Didn’t Like

• Toast settings are extremely hot
• Controls can be fiddly
• Handle gets very hot

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3. Breville BOV900BSS Convection and Air Fry Smart Oven

Sometimes you want a large convection oven that will feed an entire family of hungry kids without completely monopolizing your counter. This Breville, model BOV900BSS, is a larger convection oven that includes several significant cooking modes. However, the most essential feature is the large interior, which is capable of toasting up to nine pieces of bread at once or an entire 14 lb. turkey. You can choose between two convection fan options: normal and super. This determines the total amount of heat distributed to the food and is ideal when you want to control the cooking time.

As mentioned earlier, there are a couple of cooking modes. These include broil, bake, air fry, dehydrate, and roast. There are also special options for cooking pizza, cookies, and even bagels. The voltage is 110 to 120 volts, and the wattage is 1800 watts. The exterior controls use regular knobs and dials, but the display screen is digital so you can more accurately judge time and temperature.

The exterior is made of easy to clean and polish stainless steel. An interior light turns on when food is done cooking so you can check it before pulling it out. The full dimensions of the Breville convection oven are 21.4 x 17.2 x 12.8 inches, and the total weight is 38.9 lbs. It is heavier than the other models on this list, but the extra weight means more power.

When you get this model, it comes with an automatic 2-year limited product warranty that covers basic wear and tear. It also covers manufacturer error.

Things We Liked

• Powerful
• Includes multiple settings
• LCD screen display
• Easy to control and adjust
• High wattage
• Durable
• Warranty included

Things We Didn’t Like

• Warranty can be difficult to get support for
• Not the best at air frying

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4. Black + Decker Toaster Oven

The Black + Decker Toaster Oven is a small, compact, and affordable convection oven which utilizes basic heating coils on the bottom with a fan that disperses the heat throughout. As a smaller model, this oven can hold up to fours slices of bread to toast or a 9 in. pizza depending on your snacking preferences. It has a precise 30 minute timer and can reach a range of temperatures from 150 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature and time is controlled with a series of dials on the front of the machine.

This appliance is made from stainless steel and has a standard front opening. The wattage is low at 1150, making it excellent for older homes and apartments. The interior includes a rack and bake pan that are easy to remove for cleaning as needed. They fit perfectly in the small interior and leave enough of the food exposed for an even cook. There are multiple settings, including warm, broil, bake, and toast.

The full dimensions of this convection oven are 11.6 x 16.9 x 9.1 inches and it weighs a mere 8.5 lbs. It is definitely affordable for a family that wants to eat on a budget, and is simple to sanitize and maintain.

Things We Liked

• Small
• Compact
• Easy to adjust
• Easy to clean

Things We Didn’t Like

• No warranty included
• Exterior gets super hot on high settings

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5. Hamilton Beach Countertop Toaster Oven

The Hamilton Beach Countertop Toaster Oven is one of the most unique models on the market. Instead of having a traditional front facing door that opens down, you can roll it up to have easy access to your food. This stainless steel model is also compact and powerful, able to bake, broil, warm, and toast with ease. It can fit a broad range of food types, including six slices of bread for toast, a 12 in. pizza, and even bake pans.

The Hamilton Beach convection oven uses two coils and a durable fan at the bottom of the appliance to heat food and inserts. The knobs are contoured and easy to adjust, and they are also accurate. The timer has an automatic shutoff feature, and there is an interior light you can control.

The full dimensions of this convection oven are 15 x 18.5 x 9.5 inches and it weighs 14 lbs. It fits perfectly on the majority of counter types and is also lightweight and suitable for most kitchens. The stainless steel is easy to keep clean and can survive messes and sticky fingerprints, even those left behind by children.

Things We Like

• Convenient roll door
• Durable
• Accurate temperature controls
• Good heat distribution
• Easy to use and install

Things We Didn’t Like

• No warranty included
• Glass exterior gets extremely hot

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Buying Guide

As you might have guessed, there are many features to the best countertop convection oven that need to be considered before choosing the right one for you and your family. Because this style focuses on the circulation of hot air instead of using more traditional methods of heating – such as an open flame – the technology inside needs to be tight and without issue.

Number and Location of Heating Elements

The heating elements are hot coils which are heated using an electrical current. The heat from the coils is circulated around the interior of a convection oven by powerful fans. The location and number of coils present in your oven can vastly affect the temperature and how well your food cooks inside the appliance.

In general, you want at least two coils that are distributed evenly in the oven. Some models will only have coils on the bottom of the oven, and this is okay, but only if the fan is also located underneath. You see, the best possible placement for a coil is near the fan. This allows an even distribution of heat since the warmth coming from the coil is immediately pushed towards food by the fan.

If you like a convection oven but the coils are not near the fan, consider buying a different model. Having disparate locations for these essential components can result in food that does not heat properly or is unevenly cooked because the heat was not able to be distributed properly.

Size

For an at-home counter convection oven, you need to find a model that strikes a good balance between being small enough to fit on the counter and large enough to distribute heat properly. Larger convection ovens are great for getting an even distribution of heat because there is more space in which air can circulate. The extra room also ensures the meals you are cooking are not too close to the heating coils themselves.

However, you still want a convection oven small enough to fit on the counter. We recommend avoiding any models longer or wider than 22 in. Any more and you need to reserve at least 24 in. or 2 ft. of counter space, and that can be difficult when cooking and caring for an entire family.

Cooking Styles

One of the best features of a countertop convection oven is having access to a broad range of cooking styles from the convenience of your counter. While many people associate the standard convection oven with baking, the majority will have tons of other built-in options to choose from – some even include healthy air fryers!

Before choosing any convection oven for your family, you want to think long and hard about what you want to cook and the kind of equipment and settings you need for the food. Some of the most common options to see in most modern convection ovens include:

• Bake
• Broil
• Warm
• Toast

Although these sound simple, they can be used to make a lot of traditional and delicious meals, and even some unique and quirky ones.

Warranty

Appliances undergo a lot of use and are therefore some of the appliances which are most likely to break down. When possible, it is a good idea to invest in a warranty that covers basic wear and tear, as well as common breakdowns. Most convection oven warranties will last at least a year. However, we recommend choosing an option that allows up to 3 to 5 years of protection.

Cord Length

This is an obvious feature to check out, but it is one many people forget. Before choosing any convection oven for your home, you want to make sure you have an outlet available and a cord long enough to reach it. To avoid having issues with cord length, we recommend clearing a spot on your counter to accommodate the oven.

Remember, you cannot plug a convection oven into a power cord or an extender. These are considered high fire risks and could pose danger to you and your family.

Wattage

Finally, take a good look at the wattage of your desired appliance. Wattage refers to how much energy the convection oven uses. This affects the types of power outlets you can plug the appliance into. If you have an older home, for example, your electrical system is most likely weaker and will not be able to power a newer convection oven properly. This can become a major fire risk for your home.

If you are unsure about your home’s wattage and other information, it is possible to hire an electrician to check for you. There are also a couple of ways to get the information, including checking your meter.

In general, though, if you live in a newer home or apartment, you should be able to use almost any convection oven properly.

Best Countertop Convection Oven Brands

A convection oven is a convenient appliance to have in any kitchen. To ensure you have one which is of good quality, it is important to know who is making it. After some careful study, there are a few brands that produce convection ovens that you can trust the most. These include large names like Cuisinart and Oster, but also some professional quality creators like Hamilton Beach. Even Black + Decker has started developing and selling convection ovens for home use.

Cuisinart

Cuisinart is a brand produced by the Conair Corporation, and American-based manufacturer which produces tons of appliances related to beauty and cooking. It first started making appliances because the founder was inspired by his love of French cooking. Although the name became synonymous with the food processor, Cuisinart also produces small, compact, and durable convection ovens which are excellent for individuals who are looking to save space in the kitchen.

Oster

Oster is a brand developed by Sunbeam Products. Sunbeam operates in the United States and has been making cooking appliances since the 1910s. This company is known for its high quality and with keeping up to date with the latest trends in cooking technology. While the parent manufacturer has undergone a turbulent history, Oster products themselves are of great quality and are attached to strong customer service and rapid response times.

Hamilton Beach

Hamilton Beach separates itself by being a company that manufactures both at-home and restaurant-quality kitchen appliances. This is another manufacturer which is based in the United States. It creates a broad range of equipment sold in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While the name is not just associated with home goods, the company’s background ensures its home convection ovens are just as excellent as its professional offerings. The main downside is that, as of 2012, all appliances are not manufactured in large factories in China.

FAQs

Can you use glass bakeware in a convection oven?

The typical rule of thumb when using glass bakeware is that you should reduce the temperature by at least 25 degrees to ensure the best results. Because most convection ovens already operate 25 degrees cooler than their counterparts, you should be able to use glass bakeware without making any recipe adjustments. Just make sure the items fit inside properly before cooking.

Why is the convection oven resulting in darker browning on my food?

Convection ovens circulate hot air around the food you are cooking. If you are experiencing darker than normal browning, especially on the bottom of your recipes, then it is most likely caused by using dark or matte-finished pans. Extra browning can also occur if you still baste a chicken or roast while using a convection oven. These ovens are designed to lock in moisture and evenly brown without basting, and sometimes the basting will cause extra color to appear.

Can I cook multiple things at once in a convection oven?

In general, whether or not you can cook multiple items at once will depend on the size of your oven and the type of food you are trying to prepare. If you need to bake multiple layers of a cake, for example, you typically need to leave between 3 and 5 in. of space between the pans for the best results. If there is room, then your oven should not be affected by trying to cook multiple things at once.

Does food cook faster in a convection oven?

Yes. Convection ovens allow for an even and consistent distribution of heat, which means all types of food will cook faster. To accommodate for this shift, it is a good idea to reduce the time of longer recipes by 20 to 25 minutes. For shorter recipes, subtract 5 to 10 minutes and check the food regularly.

Despite the faster cooking time, your food should still be juicy and delicious.

Verdict

There are tons of great options on this list, but our personal favorite is the Oster Digital Convection Oven. This model combines the old with the new by including some traditional favorite features as well as more modern ones. For example, it can bake, broil, and toast with the best of them but also features digital controls and a digital screen for easy use. The wattage is also moderate and acceptable.

However, even if you would prefer something smaller or larger, there are some great options on this list. All of them can be used to make simple yet delicious recipes such as baked parmesan chicken, chicken wings, and herb-crusted pork chops.