Best Small Ovens - These Small Ovens Outperform Full-Size Ovens 2026

Let’s be real — not everyone has the luxury of a massive kitchen. Whether you’re living in a studio apartment, a dorm room, or simply want a small oven that can handle your everyday baking and reheating without taking up half your countertop, you’re in the right place. The best small oven market has exploded in recent years, and picking the right one can feel like navigating a maze. But don’t worry — we’ve done the heavy lifting for you.

Before we dive into our top picks, here’s a quick tip: if you’re also curious about how compact ovens stack up against full-size kitchen appliances, check out our handy guide on how to choose an oven — it’s packed with insights that’ll help you narrow down exactly what you need. Now, let’s get into it!

Quick Links for Best Small Ovens

Why Does a Small Oven Even Matter?

Great question! A small oven isn’t just a “mini” version of your regular oven — it’s a seriously practical solution for a bunch of everyday kitchen problems. Think about it: full-size ovens use a ton of energy just to preheat, they take up a ridiculous amount of space, and honestly, how often do you actually roast a whole turkey? For most of us, the answer is “rarely.”

A compact oven, on the other hand, heats up in minutes, uses way less electricity, and can handle everything from toasting bread to baking a casserole. Plus, for those of us who rent or live in smaller spaces, a small oven can be the difference between cooking a proper meal and surviving on microwave dinners. According to Wikipedia’s overview on toaster ovens, these compact appliances have evolved dramatically over the years — from simple toast-makers to full-fledged convection and air-frying powerhouses.

Here’s why people love them:

Energy-efficient — they use significantly less power than a standard oven.
Fast preheating — most small ovens are ready to cook in under 5 minutes.

Compact footprint — perfect for small kitchens, apartments, and dorms.
Versatile cooking — many models can toast, bake, broil, roast, and even air-fry.
Great for reheating — say goodbye to soggy microwaved leftovers!

Small Oven Comparison at a Glance

Choosing between small ovens can get confusing fast. That’s why we put together this handy comparison table to help you see the key differences side by side. This should make your decision a whole lot easier — no price tags here, just the specs that actually matter.

Oven Name	Type	Capacity	Wattage	Best For
Breville Smart Oven Toaster	Convection	12-Slice	1800W	Versatile everyday use
Hamilton Beach Toaster Oven	Convection	12-Slice	1450W	Budget-friendly families
Cuisinart TOB-200	Convection	12-Slice	1800W	Precise bakers
Black+Decker Toaster Oven	Conventional	6-Slice	1050W	Compact kitchen spaces
Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer	Air Fry/Oven	10-Slice	1700W	Multi-function cooks
Cosori Airfryer Oven	Air Fry/Oven	12-Slice	1700W	Healthier cooking fans
Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer 360	Air Fry/Oven	12-Slice	1500W	Home chefs & enthusiasts
Cuisinart TOA-65	Air Fry/Oven	12-Slice	1800W	Crispy & baked dishes

The Best Small Ovens – Detailed Reviews

Alright, now for the fun part! We’ve tested, researched, and (yes) actually used these small ovens so you don’t have to stress about it. Each pick below has been evaluated for performance, build quality, ease of use, and overall value. Let’s break ’em down one by one.

1. Breville Smart Small Oven

If there’s one small oven that consistently tops every “best of” list, it’s the Breville Smart Oven Toaster. This isn’t your grandma’s toaster oven — it’s sleek, powerful, and genuinely smart. Breville has a knack for engineering kitchen appliances that look good AND perform beautifully, and this model is no exception.

What Makes It Great

Element IQ technology distributes heat evenly, which means no more burnt corners and cold middles.
12 preset cooking functions — yes, twelve! From toast to pizza to dehydrate.
Large enough interior to fit a 12-slice pizza or a whole roasted chicken.

The non-stick interior makes cleanup genuinely painless.

Things to Keep in Mind

It takes up a decent amount of counter space for a “compact” oven.
Can get warm on the outside during extended use, so keep it away from walls.

Verdict: The Breville Smart Oven Toaster is the gold standard. If you want a best small oven that does almost everything well, this is it. Pair it with some quality cookware and you’re set — check out our review on best oven-safe skillets for the full picture.

2. Hamilton Beach Small Oven + Toaster

Looking for a solid, no-fuss small oven that won’t break the bank? The Hamilton Beach Toaster Oven is a fantastic option. It’s straightforward, reliable, and gets the job done without any unnecessary bells and whistles.

What Makes It Great

Simple dial controls — no confusing digital menus or apps to navigate.
Spacious interior that comfortably fits a 12-slice pizza.
Built-in timer with auto shut-off for peace of mind.
Lightweight and easy to move around your kitchen.

Things to Keep in Mind

The cooking functions are more basic compared to premium models.

Temperature accuracy could be a bit more precise on some settings.

Verdict: For families or anyone who just wants a dependable small oven without overthinking it, Hamilton Beach delivers. It’s a smart, budget-conscious pick.

3. Cuisinart TOB-200 Small Oven

Cuisinart has been a trusted name in kitchen appliances for decades, and the TOB-200 is proof that they still know how to deliver. This small oven is a favorite among home bakers who want precise control without stepping up to a full-size oven.

What Makes It Great

Features a TrueConvection system that circulates air for even, consistent cooking.
15 versatile cooking functions — bake, broil, toast, warm, and more.
Has a handy crumb tray that slides out for super easy cleaning.

The interior light helps you monitor your food without opening the door.

Things to Keep in Mind

The manual could be more detailed for first-time users.
Slightly larger footprint — make sure you measure your counter space first.

Verdict: The Cuisinart TOB-200 is a best small oven pick for anyone who takes baking seriously. The TrueConvection feature alone is worth it. You might also want to explore our take on convection oven ranges for more context on how convection technology works.

4. Black+Decker Small Oven

If “compact” is the name of your game, the Black+Decker Toaster Oven is hard to beat. This slim, no-frills small oven is tailor-made for people with seriously tight kitchen space — think studio apartments, college dorms, or tiny galley kitchens.

What Makes It Great

Ultra-compact design that barely takes up any counter real estate.
Handles toasting, baking, and broiling with ease.
Simple and intuitive controls — unbox and use right away.

Surprisingly durable for its size and price point.

Things to Keep in Mind

Only fits about a 6-slice pizza, so it’s not great for feeding a crowd.
Fewer cooking presets compared to the Breville or Cuisinart models.

Verdict: This is the small oven for minimalists and space-constrained living. Don’t let the size fool you — it punches well above its weight for basic cooking tasks.

5. Ninja Foodi

Now HERE’S where things get interesting. The Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer isn’t your typical small oven — it’s an air fryer and oven hybrid that redefines what a compact cooking appliance can do. If you love crispy food, this one’s going to be your new best friend.

What Makes It Great

Dual-zone air frying means you can cook two different foods at two different temperatures simultaneously.
The FlexDrawer system lets you use the space as one big cooking zone or split it into two.

Cooks food incredibly fast — we’re talking 20-30% faster than a traditional small oven.
Produces genuinely crispy results that rival deep-frying.

Things to Keep in Mind

It’s a bit bulkier than your standard toaster oven.
The learning curve is slightly steeper if you’ve never used an air fryer before.

Verdict: If you want a small oven that also doubles as a top-tier air fryer, the Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer is a knockout. Also check out our deep dive on ninja air fryers and dual basket air fryers to see how they compare across the board.

6. Cosori Small Airfryer Oven

Cosori has quickly built a reputation for making quality air fryers that don’t cost a fortune, and their Airfryer Oven is no different. This small oven blends air-frying magic with traditional oven cooking in a sleek, modern package.

What Makes It Great

13 cooking presets cover virtually every cooking scenario you can think of.
The transparent door lets you watch your food cook in real time — no guessing.

Remarkably even heat distribution thanks to its convection fan design.
Comes with multiple accessories (trays, racks, crumb tray) right out of the box.

Things to Keep in Mind

A tad louder than some competitors when the fan is running at max speed.

The accessories can be a bit tricky to fit together initially.

Verdict: The Cosori Airfryer Oven is a stellar best small oven pick for health-conscious cooks who still want incredible flavor. Want to compare air fryer options? Our guide on Cosori vs. Ninja air fryer breaks it down perfectly.

7. Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer 360

Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse put his name behind this one, and it shows. The Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer 360 is a full-on cooking station disguised as a small oven. With 360° air circulation, this appliance can toast, roast, air-fry, bake, dehydrate, and more — all in one compact unit.

What Makes It Great

360° air circulation delivers seriously even cooking every single time.
The sheer number of cooking modes (12+) makes it absurdly versatile.
Premium build quality — this thing feels sturdy and well-made.

Great for dehydrating, which most small ovens can’t do at all.

Things to Keep in Mind

It’s on the larger side for a “small” oven — plan your counter space wisely.
Can take a bit of time to learn all the cooking modes.

Verdict: This is the small oven for serious home cooks who want maximum versatility. If you’re cooking for the family regularly, this is a phenomenal investment.

8. Cuisinart TOA-65

Rounding out our list is another Cuisinart gem — the TOA-65. This small oven is essentially an air fryer and toaster oven rolled into one beautifully designed package. If crispy chicken wings and perfectly toasted bagels are your thing, pay attention.

What Makes It Great

A dedicated air-fry function that produces incredibly crispy results.
12 cooking functions covering everything from toast to roast to air-fry.

The large interior comfortably fits a whole 12-slice pizza.
Cuisinart’s reliable build quality — this oven is made to last.

Things to Keep in Mind

The air-fry basket can be a pain to clean if food gets stuck.
Slightly louder than average during air-fry mode.

Verdict: The Cuisinart TOA-65 is a best small oven that nails the air-fry/oven combo formula. For a side-by-side comparison, definitely check out our article on Cuisinart TOA-60 vs. TOA-65 — it’ll help you pick the right Cuisinart for your kitchen.

Pros & Cons: The Quick Breakdown

We know you’re busy, so here’s a no-fluff summary of the big-picture pros and cons of owning a small oven. Keep these in mind as you make your final decision.

✅ Pros of Owning a Small Oven

Saves a ton of energy compared to running a full-size oven.
Preheats in minutes — seriously, it’s almost instant.
Compact and portable — move it around your kitchen as needed.

Perfect for small kitchens, dorms, apartments, and RVs.
Modern models can toast, bake, roast, broil, and even air-fry.
Great alternative if your main oven is broken or being renovated.

❌ Cons to Consider

Limited cooking capacity — not ideal for large gatherings or holiday meals.

Can get hot on the outside, so placement near walls or other appliances matters.
Cooking times may vary from what you’re used to with a full-size oven.
Some premium models take up more counter space than you’d expect.

Cleaning the interior can be tedious if you don’t use liners or parchment paper.

The Ultimate Small Oven Buying Guide

Alright, so you’re sold on getting a small oven — awesome! But HOW do you actually pick the right one? There are dozens of options out there, and the spec sheets can be overwhelming. Here’s your step-by-step buying guide to make sure you end up with the perfect oven for your lifestyle.

1. Figure Out Your Cooking Needs

Before you even glance at a product listing, ask yourself: what am I actually going to cook? If you mostly toast bread and reheat leftovers, a basic 6-slice toaster oven will do the trick. But if you want to bake muffins, roast vegetables, and air-fry chicken wings, you’ll want something with more cooking presets and a larger interior. There’s no point paying for features you’ll never use — or worse, not getting the features you actually need.

2. Consider the Size & Capacity

“Small” is relative. A 6-slice oven is genuinely compact and barely takes up any space. A 12-slice model is still way smaller than a full kitchen oven but will take up more of your counter. Measure your available counter space BEFORE you start shopping. Trust us — you don’t want a gorgeous new oven that doesn’t physically fit where you planned to put it. For more on sizing, our article on standard oven size gives you a great reference point for comparison.

3. Convection vs. Conventional vs. Air Fry

This is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. Here’s the quick rundown:

Conventional small ovens use direct heat from heating elements. They’re simple and affordable but can cook unevenly.

Convection ovens add a fan that circulates hot air, resulting in faster and more even cooking. A definite upgrade. Learn more on Wikipedia’s convection oven page.
Air fryer ovens take it a step further with powerful fans that create a crispy, almost fried texture — with way less oil. If healthy, crispy food is your goal, this is the way to go. Curious about air fryers in general? Our air fryer guide is a great starting point.

4. Pay Attention to Wattage

Wattage determines how fast and how hot your small oven can get. Generally speaking, anything above 1,200W will give you solid cooking performance. Higher wattage (1,500W–1,800W) means faster preheating and more consistent results, especially for baking. If you’re on a budget, don’t stress too much — even lower-wattage models can perform well for lighter tasks like toasting.

5. Think About Cleanup

Nobody enjoys scrubbing oven racks. Look for small ovens with a non-stick interior, a removable crumb tray, and easy-to-clean accessories. Some models even have self-cleaning features (though those tend to be rarer in compact ovens). If you want to keep things even easier, air fryer liners and parchment paper can be absolute game-changers for keeping your oven sparkling clean.

6. Don’t Forget Safety Features

Auto shut-off is basically non-negotiable. If you’re the type to wander away from the kitchen (guilty!), an oven that turns itself off when the timer ends is a lifesaver. Also look for cool-touch handles and exterior surfaces if you have kids or pets in the house. Safety isn’t glamorous, but it’s important. Some higher-end models even come equipped with overheat protection, which is an excellent peace-of-mind feature. When comparing models, take a quick look at the safety specs — it’s easy to overlook, but it makes a real difference in how confidently you use your oven every day. And always remember: leave a couple of inches of clearance between your oven and any wall or cabinet behind it. Heat needs room to escape properly.

7. Read Reviews from Real Users

Spec sheets only tell part of the story. Real users will tell you things like “the knobs feel cheap” or “the door doesn’t seal as tightly as I’d like.” Before you buy, spend 10 minutes reading reviews on Amazon, Reddit, or cooking forums. You might catch an issue that no product description would ever mention. And hey — that’s literally what we do here at KitchenDeets! So bookmark us and keep coming back. 😄

Bonus Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Small Oven

Already have your eye on a small oven? Or maybe you just bought one? Here are a few pro tips to make sure you get the absolute most out of it:

Preheat every time. Yes, even for toasting. It only takes a couple of minutes and makes a noticeable difference in your results.
Use the right cookware. Make sure whatever pan or tray you use fits inside your oven. Our guide on roasting pans has some great compact-friendly picks.

Don’t overstuff it. Air needs to circulate for even cooking. If you pack the oven too full, you’ll end up with unevenly cooked food. Better to do two rounds than one crowded one.
Keep it clean as you go. Wipe down the interior after each use while it’s still slightly warm. Baked-on grease is SO much harder to remove later.
Rotate your food. If your small oven has hot spots (and most do), rotating your food halfway through cooking time will give you much more even results.

Experiment with cooking modes. If your oven has 10 presets and you’ve only used 3, you’re leaving a ton of value on the table. Try the dehydrate mode, the broil setting, or the air-fry function — you might discover your new favorite way to cook!

How to Keep Your Small Oven in Top Shape

A well-maintained small oven can last you years — and it’ll cook better the longer you keep it clean. Here’s how to make sure your compact oven stays in peak condition for as long as possible:

Regular Cleaning

Make it a habit to wipe down the interior after every use. A damp cloth with a little dish soap does wonders when the oven is still slightly warm. Don’t wait for grease and crumbs to bake on — it’s SO much harder to remove after the fact. Pull out the crumb tray after every cooking session and empty it. Trust us, your future self will thank you.

Deep Cleaning (Once a Week)

Once a week, give your oven a proper deep clean. Remove all racks and trays, soak them in warm soapy water for 15-20 minutes, then scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge. For the interior walls, a paste of baking soda and water works like magic on stubborn grease spots. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners or steel wool — they can damage the non-stick coating and ruin your oven’s performance over time.

Protecting the Exterior

The outside of your small oven can get surprisingly grimy from splatters and fingerprints. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after each use keeps it looking sharp. For stainless steel models, a little bit of mineral oil on a cloth can help prevent fingerprint buildup and keep it looking like the day you unboxed it.

When to Replace

Even the best small oven has a lifespan. If you notice the heating elements glowing unevenly, the door seal is worn out, or the temperature readings are consistently off, it might be time for an upgrade. Most quality small ovens last 3-5 years with regular use, but proper maintenance can extend that timeline significantly. When the time comes to replace, our updated guides here on KitchenDeets will help you find the perfect next oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a small oven replace my full-size kitchen oven?

For everyday cooking — absolutely! Toasting, baking small batches, reheating, roasting veggies — a good small oven handles all of that like a pro. But for big holiday meals or cooking for a large group, you’ll still want access to a full-size oven.

What’s the best small oven for baking?

For baking, you want an oven with a convection function and accurate temperature control. The Cuisinart TOB-200 and the Breville Smart Oven Toaster are both excellent baking companions. Our guide on ovens for baking goes into even more detail on what to look for.

Are small ovens safe to use?

Yes, as long as you use them properly! Keep them away from walls and curtains, never leave them unattended for long periods, and make sure you’re using the right cookware. Modern small ovens come with built-in safety features like auto shut-off and cool-touch handles that make them very safe for home use.

How much energy does a small oven use?

A typical small oven uses between 1,000W and 1,800W, which is significantly less than a full-size kitchen oven (which can draw 2,000W–5,000W). This means you’ll see a noticeable drop in energy usage — and your electricity bill will thank you.

Can I use a small oven for air frying?

Many modern small ovens have built-in air frying capabilities! Models like the Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer, Cosori Airfryer Oven, and Cuisinart TOA-65 all come with dedicated air-fry modes. If air frying is a priority, just make sure the model you’re eyeing has that feature. Our top 10 best air fryers list is a great supplementary read.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best small oven comes down to understanding what YOU need in your kitchen. Whether you’re a college student who just needs to toast some bagels, a busy parent who wants to whip up quick dinners, or a home cook who’s passionate about getting crispy, delicious results — there’s a small oven on this list that’s perfect for you.

The Breville Smart Oven Toaster remains our top overall pick for its versatility and performance. The Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer and Cosori Airfryer Oven are incredible if you want that air-frying edge. And for budget-conscious shoppers, the Hamilton Beach and Black+Decker models are hard to beat.

Whatever you choose, a quality small oven is one of the best investments you can make for your kitchen. It’ll save you time, energy, and a whole lot of frustration. And honestly? Once you start using a compact oven regularly, you might be surprised at how rarely you reach for the big one. These little powerhouses have a way of becoming the go-to in your kitchen. So go ahead, grab one of our top picks, experiment with some new recipes, and enjoy cooking the way it’s meant to be enjoyed. Happy cooking! 🎉

Don’t forget to explore more of our kitchen guides — whether you’re curious about mini ovens, electric pizza ovens, or even non-toxic cookware, Kitchen Deets has you covered!

Best Small Ovens – These Small Ovens Outperform Full-Size Ovens

Quick Links for Best Small Ovens

Why Does a Small Oven Even Matter?

Small Oven Comparison at a Glance