Can a toaster oven replace a regular oven?

For small batches, side dishes, reheating, and toast — yes. For large roasts, multiple baking sheets, or anything requiring more than about 1.2 cubic feet, a full oven is better.

Are toaster ovens energy-efficient?

Yes — a toaster oven uses about one-third the energy of a full-size oven for equivalent small-batch cooking, since it heats a much smaller space and preheats faster.

Do toaster ovens cook as evenly as a regular oven?

Good models with convection come close. Direct baking in toaster ovens can produce hot spots near the elements — rotating your pan halfway through helps.

Best Toaster Ovens Under $100 in 2026

A toaster oven under $100 can replace your microwave for reheating, toast bread better than a toaster, and bake small batches without heating a full-size oven. Modern models at this price even include air fry modes.

We focused on toaster ovens that offer the best combination of cooking performance, internal capacity, and heat-up speed at the $100-or-less price point.

What to Look For

Interior Capacity: Look for 0.8–1.2 cubic feet to fit a 12-inch pizza or a 9×13 baking dish. Smaller models limit what you can cook.
Cooking Functions: Toast, bake, and broil are the essential three. Air fry is a bonus at this price — verify actual performance rather than assuming equivalence to a standalone air fryer.
Preheat Speed: A toaster oven should reach baking temp in 5 minutes or less. Long preheat defeats the purpose of using it instead of a full oven.
Convection Fan: A convection setting circulates hot air for faster, more even baking and crispier results. Increasingly common even at budget price points.
Controls: Mechanical dials are simple and reliable. Digital controls offer more precision — confirm the minimum timer increment is fine enough for toast.

Our Top Picks

#1 Best Overall

Black+Decker TO3250XSB 8-Slice Toaster Oven

Extra-wide 8-slice capacity with convection baking, broil, and keep-warm. Even-Toast technology uses sensors to monitor browning for consistent results every cycle.

~$70 View on Amazon →

#2 Best Air Fryer Combo

Hamilton Beach 31126 Sure-Crisp Air Fryer Toaster Oven

Air fry, toast, bake, and broil — four functions in one compact footprint. The Sure-Crisp air fryer mode crisps frozen foods well without excess oil.

~$80 View on Amazon →

#3 Best Digital Controls

Toshiba AC25CEW-BS 6-Slice Toaster Oven

Convection baking, 10 cooking functions, and a precise digital timer. The large viewing window and interior light let you monitor cooking without opening the door.

~$65 View on Amazon →

#4 Best Premium Pick

Cuisinart TOA-60 AirFryer Toaster Oven

Cuisinart's air fryer toaster oven squeezes 7 cooking functions into a stylish stainless housing. The air fryer basket and baking pan are both included.

~$100 View on Amazon →

Bottom Line

The Black+Decker TO3250XSB is our top pick for its consistent toasting, generous capacity, and convection baking at a price that's hard to beat. If air frying is a priority, consider the Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp.