We all know how valuable our counter space is. There are very many appliances and other stuff that want to take up your countertop space. It becomes really hard to consolidate. A toaster oven is a great option for you if you have a smaller kitchen, a dorm, or would just like to reduce the electricity bill. The problem we have is the kitchen space.
Truth is, we all want ways in which we can save up on our space. Nobody wants an appliance that will stand out awkwardly or even take up a lot of your space. Luckily, you can solve that problem with an under cabinet toaster oven.
An under-counter toaster oven has a design that allows it to reduce the amount of counter space you are using while remaining inconspicuous. These appliances are supposed to fit inside or under the cabinet. If this is the kind of appliance you are looking for, then you are reading the right article. We have included several under cabinet toaster oven reviews to help you find one that will suit your needs and complement your kitchen’s décor. Read on for detailed reviews coupled with the pros and cons of each selected appliance.
Features you should look for
Before we get into the top picks on our list, we will discuss the main features that the best under-counter toaster oven should have.
The Cooking Functions
One way that a toaster oven will save most of your time when cooking is with cooking functions. Most of the models in the market will have pre-set functions that include reheating, broiling, toasting, or even grilling. If you have these pre-set functions, you will not need to set your time or temperature. Instead, the machine will do it automatically for you. What’s more, it will give you the best results.
For those who are new to using an under-counter toaster oven, you should consider a model that has multiple pre-set functions. That way, you will not need to worry about setting your temperature and time. The machine will handle it for you. All you will need to do is place the food inside the machine and it will do the rest.
Consider the Size
In regards to the size, there are two main things you should consider. The first is the size of your family. A large family that features more than four people would require a larger toaster oven compared to an oven that you would require if you live alone.
The second thing you should think about is the space under your counter. A large unit will require more space under the cabinet. You should take the measurements under your cabinet, then make a purchase based on these measurements. If you have a smaller space, then you might require a more compact oven.
Maintenance Costs
You will likely purchase a toaster oven that can do more than bake or toast. Therefore, if you want the machine to give you top-quality service, you will need some maintenance. Some of the more expensive models might feature a feature for self-cleaning. However, if you have an energy-saving machine, then it might have a crumb tray, which will collect all the burnt or broken pieces of food, preventing the food from falling.
The walls of the toaster oven should be in peak shape so that the circulation of hot air can be efficient. You should also realize that an interior with smooth steel or non-stick material will be easier to clean with a damp cloth. The food particles and grease will not stick.
Also Read: Best Oven Cleaner For Baked on Grease
The consumption of energy
Think about it this way, each appliance has to use electricity. However, there is a wide variety of appliances, some of which will use up less electricity. The result? You will reduce your electricity bills significantly. The general rule is that the larger the oven, the more electricity it will use up. Remember, the usage of the appliance will also determine the amount of energy consumed. Frequent use will result in more consumption of electricity.
The Ease of Use
Be honest. When choosing a machine, you will make sure that it not only looks good but also be easy to use. Nobody will enjoy using a machine that only causes headaches. Nevertheless, you will find certain models whose design is complicated. These types of models will then confuse you and cooking your food will take longer. Consider the buttons and design to make sure that you will be able to see all the functions clearly and will be able to set it without a problem.
Installation is another thing to put in mind. Before you purchase a product, make sure that all parts are available to make the installation a breeze.
The Cost
If you check the market, you will realize that the under-mount toaster oven is cheaper compared to the convection microwave ovens and regular countertop convection oven. It is therefore an ideal machine to have in your kitchen. However, you should know that purchasing a high-end model would require more money. It will, however, improve the kitchen’s beauty.
Even though it might look good, you might be on a strict budget. In that case, it would be advisable to consider what you can afford and restrict your options to the price range in which you are comfortable.
Our Top Picks
On to the best toaster ovens we tested.
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Black + Decker Spacemaker Toaster Oven
This under cabinet toaster oven appears at the top of our list for several reasons. You might note that the name is “spacemaker” and there is a good reason for that. This machine will save you some space. The machine has a compact design that will allow it to fit properly and easily under your kitchen cabinet regardless of how small the cabinet is. For that reason, it becomes a perfect choice for our household uses, as well as offices and RVs. It is an awesome choice for any place where your priority is saving some space.
Let’s talk about the installation process. The process is easy. You will need several things before you start the installation. First, you will require a tape measure, ahead screwdriver, safety glass, as well as an electric drill. The other accessories that you will require will be together with the unit. Finally, you will get a mounting guide for the toaster oven. The steps will then guide you and you will have an easy time installing it under your cabinet.
You can prepare a wide range of meals with this appliance. If you are a fan of pizza, then this might just be the appliance you are looking for. It has adequate space for four bread slices, as well as a 9-inch pizza. It is an impressive feature considering its compact size. It will help you defrost the pizza you purchase in a store within a very short period.
It features a control panel with buttons dedicated to turning it on and off. What’s more, it features three preprogrammed functions that you can enjoy to make a wide variety of meals. You can bake, keep food warm, or even toast. The temperature allows is up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
When it comes to cleaning, you would expect the process of cleaning a cabinet-mounted toaster oven to be quite hard. Luckily, cleaning this machine is quite easy. It features a crumb tray for storage of bread crumbs. You can take out this tray using a simple knob. After pulling it out, simply remove the crumbs, wipe the tray and machine, after which you can return the tray and continue having fun cooking.
Pros
- + Saves quite a large amount of space
- + It has a great design and appearance
- + Installation is easy
- + It is a unique machine.
Cons
- – More expensive than others of the same company
- – The timer will only run for 30 minutes.
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Black + Decker 8-Slice TO3250XSB Toaster Oven
Black and Decker have produced another machine that we just enjoyed and know you will too. This stainless steel machine has such an amazing design that will complement any kitchen’s décor. It features more accessories that you will simply enjoy when cooking. It features a baking pan, a broil rack, as well as a toasting rack.
The amazing interior will fit around eight bread slices, as well as a 12″ pizza. The internal dimensions, 16.5 inches by 12.5 inches by 9.5 inches will surely be an adequate size for most of your cooking requirements. You can be able to fit baking pans inside even if the pan has a handle. The machine will cook your food quickly and evenly by circulating the hot air with the help of a convection fan. It also features a dedicated timer that is extremely easy to use. You will also have a function for selecting the toast slices shades.
What about the heating elements? The under-mount toaster oven features heating elements that heat up quickly, in turn cooking your food within a short period. No need to wait for long, especially if you are in a hurry to go to work.
This machine is different from most in the market because it features a timer that runs for sixty minutes. That will be adequate time for most of the baking requirements you might have. It is therefore extremely versatile and is a great option for your kitchen.
When it comes to cleaning, the machine is made of stainless steel. That material is not only easy to clean, but also makes the toaster oven durable.
Pros
- + The convection fan is adequate for the circulation of hot air, which results in even cooking and great results.
- + The wide interior is adequate for most cooking functions
- + The stainless steel makes it easy to clean and durable
- + It is flexible.
Cons
- – The controls might not be as efficient as you would expect
- – It might be a bit noisy.
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Ninja Foodi Digital Convection Oven
This 15.72-pound machine is one of the best under counter toaster ovens in the market. You can tell how good it is from the top ratings received from customers who have purchased and used it. it has a perfect design for installation under the cabinet. However, the design is not the only good thing about this professional machine. The food it produces will make you look like a pro. You will enjoy the quality of the service it gives.
The machine has around 7.5 inches in height. Therefore, you can fit it wherever you wish without a problem. You might have to use up some space when you are cooking with this machine. However, storage is easy. Simply turn it vertically so that you can save space when cooking. You will get a user manual with more details to help you find out the dimensions and the installation process.
The machine features 8 preprogrammed cooking functions so that you can work with a wide range of recipes. The most unique features are air frying, convection cooking, as well as dehydrating. Some of the other functions that you will enjoy include tasting, air roasting, air broiling, baking, as well as keeping warm.
If you enjoy pizza, then this machine will allow you to prepare a 13-inch pizza. It can also fit up to nice toast slices.
When it comes to cleaning, the removable crumb tray reduces stress.
Pros
- + Controls are easy to use and understand
- + It has a very spacious interior
- + You can remove the back so that you can have an easier time cleaning
- + Storage is easy because it can store vertically
- + When you are air frying, you will not get any odors in your house
- + If you want to cook flat items such as pizza and toast, it is a perfect option.
Cons
- – The timer starts after preheating
- – The height space is minimal
- – It will not get your pizza crispy.
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Cuisinart TOB-260N1 Chef’s Toaster Oven
If you have had an experience with Cuisinart, then you know how good their products can be. This model is no exception. It is a machine that competes with the next item on our list. The only difference is that it is easier on your wallet.
This machine features 15 functions, which means that you can prepare any type of meal you want. If you have a lot of recipes you would like to try, then this is an adequate machine for you. You can prepare whichever meal you want and whichever amount you want. It is an oven with adequate space to fit up to a 13-inch pizza. You can also fit up to 9 toasts of bread at the same time. If you have a large family, then you just might enjoy cooking with this cabinet-mounted toaster oven.
Considering the number of functions that you will get with this machine, you might think that it is complicated to use. However, it is user-friendly and you will have an extremely easy time using it. it features a LED screen that shows you all the functions clearly. Additionally, you will get a single dial with which you can select the function you intend to use for your meal.
Its simplicity does not end there. You will get another button for adding 30 seconds at a time to the time if you think the food should cook for longer. If you want to see how your food is cooking, you do not need to open the door. Simply press the light button and the light will light up inside so that you can check on your food and determine if it has cooked adequately.
Cleaning is very easy. It features a removable tray that holds any burnt foods or broken crumbs of bread. Remove that and wipe the interior and voila!
Also Read: Cuisinart TOB 195 Convection Toaster Oven Review
Pros
- + It has a reasonable price
- + Using the machine is quite easy
- + It features an interior light for easy monitoring of food
- + You will get a 3-year warranty
- + The heating capacity is great
- + It has a rack ejector on the door.
Cons
- – It is not insulated, which might lead to more energy consumption due to loss of heat
- – The labels might come off after some use.
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Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven
Being one of the popular models in the market, it is a great option for your kitchen for several reasons, which include smart features. It features an intelligent oven that will make your work completely easy.
So, what makes it a smart oven? Honestly, it is not that it will think like a human being or anything like that. However, it will be able to determine the adequate temperature for the food you are cooking and it will get to that temperature in a very short period. No need to wait for long for the machine to preheat. Additionally, the distribution of heat will make it one of the best machines to have.
Another smart feature is the element IQ that manages the heat, transferring it across four elements. That will then result in an even distribution of heat. The result? Your baked foods will be cooked evenly without any hot spots.
It also features an amazing exterior that will complement your kitchen décor. It also has a bright screen that will illuminate when you are cooking. When you are cooking, it has an orange color. Once your food finishes cooking, the light will turn blue. You can easily note when your food is done cooking. It is an interactive design; don’t you think?
It also features 8 preprogrammed functions that include reheating, cookies, pizza, baking, roasting, broiling, toasting, as well as a bagel. You will not need to set the temperature or time when cooking. It will be able to change these settings automatically for you.
To make the deal sweeter, this machine features a memory that will store the settings and modifications you make when cooking your meals. Therefore, you will not spend a lot of time adjusting the settings that you use daily. Simply select the function you want to use and the machine will adjust the settings for you.
It features a great capacity for cooking. It can hold an 11” pizza and hold four slices of bread.
You can also adjust the removable rack to three positions depending on the size of the meal you want to prepare. The final amazing feature is the automatic shut-off feature that will save your energy.
Pros
- + Eight pre-programmed cooking functions you can select from with ease
- + Color coding LCD backlight
- + Preheats in a very short period
- + Smart regulation of heat.
Cons
- – Toasting function might not give the best results
- – Complaints of the machine becoming too hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can you put any toaster oven under a cabinet?
The main reason why you might use the space under a cabinet is the reduced counter space. However, not all models in the market can be mounted under the cabinets. Therefore, if you want to know whether a toaster oven can be mounted under a cabinet, then you need to check the manual. A model that can be put under an oven will include a mounting kit, as well as instructions so that you can install it with ease. In most cases, you will have a simpler time installing the machine under the cabinet. Be careful where you install the machine because it can get extremely hot.
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Can you mount a toaster oven?
Unfortunately, not all toaster oven models can be mounted under a cabinet. The only model in the market we could find is the top oven on our list.
Remember, unless the appliance is made to be mounted, you should not mount it. it can very hot since it is not insulated. The heat might rise and it might just cause a fire.
Conclusion
When you are choosing a toaster oven from the list provided, make sure that you have accurate measurements so that you can purchase the right machine. Additionally, make sure that you purchase a machine that will meet all your needs. Get one today and have fun cooking!
Related Articles:
- Best Made in Japan Toaster Ovens Reviewed
- Difference Between Toaster vs Toaster Oven
- Can Air Fryer Replace Toaster Oven?
- Best Energy Efficient Toaster Ovens
Now I’d like to hear from you.
Did I miss one of your favorite under-counter toaster ovens?
Or maybe you have a question about something.
Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.
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