What's a good high end convection toaster oven?
February 17, 2020 4:02 PM Subscribe
My apartment came with a really weak microwave and an electric oven with a crappy thermostat. Both work fine most of the time, but just suck to use. I'm thinking I'd like some kind of high end countertop oven ($200-600) but there's a lot of options and I'm not sure what to get!
My idea is something good for reheating stuff better than the microwave, and for baking small things where the regular oven's thermostat drift would be annoying (I looked it up, I can't replace the sensor because they don't make it anymore). For example, single layer cakes or a tray of cookies. Also toast and reheating stuff, and heating up prepared foods.
Looking around, I hear good things about Cuisinart and Breville's higher end convection toaster ovens. Those look pretty nice and straightforward. I also see newer ovens that explicitly market themselves as convection ovens plus air fryers, and which come with modes for proofing dough or dehydrating. I'd like that, assuming those features actually work well. I also worry about the longevity of a more complicated appliance. It doesn't help that Amazon features reviews from people who got error codes just out of the warranty up top on five-star appliances.
And I also saw something called the Breville 3-in-1 Combi Wave, which has an appealing pitch (a high end microwave plus convection oven in a countertop appliance!) but I'm having trouble finding a lot of reviews that aren't from people who got a free oven. Replacing the microwave entirely with a neat do-everything gadget would be nice for counterspace, but I can probably get a better microwave than what I have for $70 if this is likely to be unreliable.
I mostly want something that performs as advertised and that will live long enough to follow me to another place in 3-5 years. I'm somewhat handy and have done stuff like replacing sensors and boards in ranges and microwaves in the past, but I don't know if tabletop ovens are made as modular and repairable. What's a good investment along these lines?
My idea is something good for reheating stuff better than the microwave, and for baking small things where the regular oven's thermostat drift would be annoying (I looked it up, I can't replace the sensor because they don't make it anymore). For example, single layer cakes or a tray of cookies. Also toast and reheating stuff, and heating up prepared foods.
Looking around, I hear good things about Cuisinart and Breville's higher end convection toaster ovens. Those look pretty nice and straightforward. I also see newer ovens that explicitly market themselves as convection ovens plus air fryers, and which come with modes for proofing dough or dehydrating. I'd like that, assuming those features actually work well. I also worry about the longevity of a more complicated appliance. It doesn't help that Amazon features reviews from people who got error codes just out of the warranty up top on five-star appliances.
And I also saw something called the Breville 3-in-1 Combi Wave, which has an appealing pitch (a high end microwave plus convection oven in a countertop appliance!) but I'm having trouble finding a lot of reviews that aren't from people who got a free oven. Replacing the microwave entirely with a neat do-everything gadget would be nice for counterspace, but I can probably get a better microwave than what I have for $70 if this is likely to be unreliable.
I mostly want something that performs as advertised and that will live long enough to follow me to another place in 3-5 years. I'm somewhat handy and have done stuff like replacing sensors and boards in ranges and microwaves in the past, but I don't know if tabletop ovens are made as modular and repairable. What's a good investment along these lines?
I have an older (5 years or so) version of the Breville Smart Oven and I love it so much. I'm just cooking for one, but I basically stopped using my oven the day I brought this home. With just this and an element of some sort (induction probably) I could happily live. In 5 years the only thing that's gone mildly wrong so far is the convection fan is starting to sound a little nosier than I'd like, but it's not a big deal at all.
Personally I wouldn't want to combine this with a microwave, the Breville as is just does one thing and does it well. (I actually have a combo microwave / convection oven in my RV, and it's... decidedly meh, at best. But it's also not an expensive version like the Breville.)
posted by cgg at 4:18 PM on February 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
Personally I wouldn't want to combine this with a microwave, the Breville as is just does one thing and does it well. (I actually have a combo microwave / convection oven in my RV, and it's... decidedly meh, at best. But it's also not an expensive version like the Breville.)
posted by cgg at 4:18 PM on February 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
Something to know about the Breville Smart Oven Air (if you were thinking of getting that model) is that they are HEAVY. Like once that sucker is on your counter, it's not going anywhere. I've heard great things about it, though.
This is different from something like the Power Air Fryer 360, which works ok... nothing to write home about... but which is light enough to move around easily for cleaning or whatever.
posted by fingersandtoes at 4:32 PM on February 17, 2020
This is different from something like the Power Air Fryer 360, which works ok... nothing to write home about... but which is light enough to move around easily for cleaning or whatever.
posted by fingersandtoes at 4:32 PM on February 17, 2020
Response by poster: As for why convection, I mostly want something that quickly and evenly reheats leftovers. And my roommate is curious about air fryers and I hear convection is most of how those work. I also like the idea of having a more modern oven with a better thermostat for the rare dish that calls for precise baking, like meringues and some cakes. And I don't have a toaster or want to make space for one, so I also like that a nicer convection oven is decent at that.
I've considered replacing the range myself or making the case for my landlady to replace it (it also has a dead burner) but she's a real pain about this kind of thing. And I can't take a new range with me.
posted by ikea_femme at 4:42 PM on February 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
I've considered replacing the range myself or making the case for my landlady to replace it (it also has a dead burner) but she's a real pain about this kind of thing. And I can't take a new range with me.
posted by ikea_femme at 4:42 PM on February 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
Cook's Illustrated just did a toaster oven review in August and they recommend the Breville Smart Oven too (that's the particular model they chose).
posted by jocelmeow at 5:12 PM on February 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by jocelmeow at 5:12 PM on February 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
We've had a Breville Smart Oven for 2-3 years now and love it for anything too small to justify starting up the full-sized oven. Would definitely recommend.
posted by briank at 5:18 PM on February 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by briank at 5:18 PM on February 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
That "Combi Wave" reminds me of a story I will tell you:
I stayed with a friend who had fancy gleaming appliances. The microwave was also a convection oven and maybe other things too, it was hard to tell. The thing I always wanted it to do, which was to turn on the microwave for a minute to heat my leftovers, was buried three levels deep in the menus on a shitty user interface built with one large weird (gleaming) knob that rotated and clicked in various ways. Every time you wanted to use it, you had to rotate the knob and first select "microwave" or "convection", and then I think you had to select between "timed" and "shrimp risotto" and "pop tart" settings or something, and then you could painstakingly enter the one minute, I think in 10 second increments, still with the weird knob.
My microwave which was $10 used has a "turn on for one minute" button. If you push it twice, you get two minutes. This covers 99.9% of the use it gets.
What I'm saying is you might want to check out in person whatever high-end appliance you're considering buying because some are beautiful and expensive but diabolical to actually use. I think they might be status appliances for people who don't actually ever use their kitchen.
posted by fritley at 5:18 PM on February 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
I stayed with a friend who had fancy gleaming appliances. The microwave was also a convection oven and maybe other things too, it was hard to tell. The thing I always wanted it to do, which was to turn on the microwave for a minute to heat my leftovers, was buried three levels deep in the menus on a shitty user interface built with one large weird (gleaming) knob that rotated and clicked in various ways. Every time you wanted to use it, you had to rotate the knob and first select "microwave" or "convection", and then I think you had to select between "timed" and "shrimp risotto" and "pop tart" settings or something, and then you could painstakingly enter the one minute, I think in 10 second increments, still with the weird knob.
My microwave which was $10 used has a "turn on for one minute" button. If you push it twice, you get two minutes. This covers 99.9% of the use it gets.
What I'm saying is you might want to check out in person whatever high-end appliance you're considering buying because some are beautiful and expensive but diabolical to actually use. I think they might be status appliances for people who don't actually ever use their kitchen.
posted by fritley at 5:18 PM on February 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
I have this Cuisinart toaster oven, and highly recommend it. I did a bunch of research when I was getting ready to buy it and opted for this over one of the ones that also had an air fryer since I'm a cast iron kind of person. A close friend has and loves one of their toaster oven/air fryer combos though so no shade on that - it just wasn't what I thought I would get the most use out of. I have a lot of kitchen appliances (like, more than ten... yeah...) and for whatever I can't find for under $5 at a yard sale I usually get Cuisinart.
posted by bile and syntax at 5:23 PM on February 17, 2020
posted by bile and syntax at 5:23 PM on February 17, 2020
My Breville Smart Oven is the smaller version and it’s 5 years old and I love it. I never even liked any toaster ovens before but this thing has made turning on my fancy full-sized oven a once a month occasion.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 5:26 PM on February 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by otherwordlyglow at 5:26 PM on February 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
yes Breville Smart Oven
posted by oflinkey at 5:41 PM on February 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by oflinkey at 5:41 PM on February 17, 2020 [2 favorites]
I’ve been very happy with my Ninja Foodi Oven/Air Fryer.
It has heating elements and fans above and below, and various modes that work with different combinations of fan speed / direction / and heat. I use it mostly for leftovers but also for casseroles and general cooking. I use it almost every day. It doesn’t proof dough but does a great job with cupcakes and small sheet cakes.
One big plus for me: it pivots up and against the wall to free up counter space. The down side of this ability is that it is not as spacious top-to-bottom as some other countertop ovens. This hasn’t been an issue for me but if you want to roast a whole chicken you’d be out of luck.
It’s around $200 including a “fry” basket and and a sheet pan. I also bought the optional cupcake pan and 2 inch deep casserole pan.
posted by The Deej at 5:44 PM on February 17, 2020
It has heating elements and fans above and below, and various modes that work with different combinations of fan speed / direction / and heat. I use it mostly for leftovers but also for casseroles and general cooking. I use it almost every day. It doesn’t proof dough but does a great job with cupcakes and small sheet cakes.
One big plus for me: it pivots up and against the wall to free up counter space. The down side of this ability is that it is not as spacious top-to-bottom as some other countertop ovens. This hasn’t been an issue for me but if you want to roast a whole chicken you’d be out of luck.
It’s around $200 including a “fry” basket and and a sheet pan. I also bought the optional cupcake pan and 2 inch deep casserole pan.
posted by The Deej at 5:44 PM on February 17, 2020
I also recommend the Breville. This is a little off subject. I put dinner plates on top of it since it has no insulation (Do any toaster ovens?) and have warmed plates to serve dinner to the two of us.
posted by tmdonahue at 5:52 PM on February 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by tmdonahue at 5:52 PM on February 17, 2020 [3 favorites]
We splurged in May and got the Breville air fryer combo and it is huge and we LOVE it. We have absolutely cooked stuffed peppers in it and other small dinner things. It fits a 9.5x13 pan. It roasts veggies well. It air fries amazingly. It was worth every single penny.
Breville BOV900BSS Convection and Air Fry Smart Oven Air, Brushed Stainless Steel
posted by kellygrape at 6:16 PM on February 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
Breville BOV900BSS Convection and Air Fry Smart Oven Air, Brushed Stainless Steel
posted by kellygrape at 6:16 PM on February 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
What we love about our Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air:
1. crumb tray pulls out conveniently from the front (last oven had it in the back)
2. has smooth-action dials for temperature and time (other ovens you have to punch a button repeatedly, or press and hold then overshoot)
3. fits a jelly roll pan and 2.5qt Le Creuset, or 2 quarter-sheet pans side by side. Not quite big enough for half-sheets though.
4. proofing is great for frozen croissants
5. air-frying is great for tater-tots, roasted veggies, and gratins
The only downside is that toasting bread takes a bit longer due to the large interior, and counter space. Totally worth it though. We hardly use the big oven ever. Also, we covered the crumb tray with aluminum foil even though it says not to; works fine.
posted by dum spiro spero at 9:20 PM on February 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
1. crumb tray pulls out conveniently from the front (last oven had it in the back)
2. has smooth-action dials for temperature and time (other ovens you have to punch a button repeatedly, or press and hold then overshoot)
3. fits a jelly roll pan and 2.5qt Le Creuset, or 2 quarter-sheet pans side by side. Not quite big enough for half-sheets though.
4. proofing is great for frozen croissants
5. air-frying is great for tater-tots, roasted veggies, and gratins
The only downside is that toasting bread takes a bit longer due to the large interior, and counter space. Totally worth it though. We hardly use the big oven ever. Also, we covered the crumb tray with aluminum foil even though it says not to; works fine.
posted by dum spiro spero at 9:20 PM on February 17, 2020 [1 favorite]
Probably already obvious, but I'll add to the chorus to say that my 6-7 year old Breville Smart Oven is great. No issues whatsoever, and even though it's not a convection oven, it heats up super quickly.
posted by stovenator at 9:57 PM on February 17, 2020
posted by stovenator at 9:57 PM on February 17, 2020
I bought your linked to Cuisinart for my father and he love, love, loves it. I picked it off of the Wirecutter recommendations. Coincidentally, they state that the best air fryer is really a convection oven.
posted by mmascolino at 10:26 AM on February 18, 2020
posted by mmascolino at 10:26 AM on February 18, 2020
nthing the Breville (not the 3-in-1 which I'm suspicious of for the same reasons you are). Easy to clean, easy to use, and it's our "default oven" these days for all oveny activities. I've had one for YEARS and given many as gifts. We only turn on the big oven very rarely for big cooking (aka anything that requires a full cookie sheet or dutch oven).
posted by nkknkk at 12:20 PM on February 18, 2020
posted by nkknkk at 12:20 PM on February 18, 2020
I got myself a Breville Smart oven for Christmas - it's fantastic (if pricey).
I can bake two large loaves of bread in it and they bake very evenly.
The convection also makes frozen "bar foods" much better than the microwave; they don't get mushy but instead crisp up nicely.
One consideration is if you're roasting stuff like meats or grilling vegetables, you'll want to have it close to the kitchen exhaust vent.
It heats up quickly and doesn't shed too much "waste" heat.
posted by porpoise at 12:41 PM on February 18, 2020
I can bake two large loaves of bread in it and they bake very evenly.
The convection also makes frozen "bar foods" much better than the microwave; they don't get mushy but instead crisp up nicely.
One consideration is if you're roasting stuff like meats or grilling vegetables, you'll want to have it close to the kitchen exhaust vent.
It heats up quickly and doesn't shed too much "waste" heat.
posted by porpoise at 12:41 PM on February 18, 2020
Do not buy a Cuisinart. We got one last year on the strength of the Wirecutter's rec, and loved that it was so much cheaper than the Breville, but it lasted 10 months and felt super flimsy the whole time, especially compared to the 10-year-old Delonghi it replaced.
We replaced it with a Smart Oven a couple months ago, and it's nicer in EVERY WAY. Big fans, for sure.
posted by uberchet at 2:15 PM on February 18, 2020
We replaced it with a Smart Oven a couple months ago, and it's nicer in EVERY WAY. Big fans, for sure.
posted by uberchet at 2:15 PM on February 18, 2020
+1 for the Breville Smart Oven. I use my large oven for storage. I am able to feed a family of five with it and do all the PTA baking, too. It fits a 12 inch frozen pizza just fine. When my children are ready to go live on their own and adult I plan to buy them a Smart Oven and a Bosch drill to get them rolling in the right direction.
posted by jadepearl at 3:03 AM on February 19, 2020
posted by jadepearl at 3:03 AM on February 19, 2020
We have a fancy two-oven oven (not a true double; one of those with two oven spaces in one footprint). It's GREAT for things that require it, but living in Houston we find reasons NOT to turn it on in the summer.
The Breville is also INSANELY faster to head up and thus to use. This makes sense; it's smaller. But it's also nice because it means it's more efficient and produces less waste heat, etc. And if you're at all adventurous with cooking, it means you can do more things at once. (We are, and we do.)
posted by uberchet at 7:19 AM on February 19, 2020
The Breville is also INSANELY faster to head up and thus to use. This makes sense; it's smaller. But it's also nice because it means it's more efficient and produces less waste heat, etc. And if you're at all adventurous with cooking, it means you can do more things at once. (We are, and we do.)
posted by uberchet at 7:19 AM on February 19, 2020
I have had the Breville Smart Oven for a couple of years, and love it. I use it for baking and it's as good as any regular oven I've ever used. I also like that it's light enough to carry, and I like being able to take it out onto my patio during the summer months so I don't heat up the kitchen.
I did a lot of online research and comparisons at the electronics retailer I bought it from, but mostly I went off the "recommendation" of seeing a popular tv chef here in Australia using it regularly on his "on location" cooking segments. I figured if it was good enough for a professional it's good enough for me.
posted by Zaire at 9:37 PM on February 20, 2020
I did a lot of online research and comparisons at the electronics retailer I bought it from, but mostly I went off the "recommendation" of seeing a popular tv chef here in Australia using it regularly on his "on location" cooking segments. I figured if it was good enough for a professional it's good enough for me.
posted by Zaire at 9:37 PM on February 20, 2020
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by jessamyn at 4:10 PM on February 17, 2020 [2 favorites]