Air fryer toaster ovens have become a staple in modern kitchens, combining the versatility of a convection oven with the quick-cooking, crispy results of an air fryer. Among the top contenders in this category is the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven, a multifunctional appliance that promises to toast, bake, broil, grill, and air fry—all in one compact unit. But is it worth the investment?
Overview of the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a highly versatile appliance. An ideal choice for single occupiers not wanting to use a conventional oven for day-to-day cooking, or for larger households needing extra oven space. Although the imprecise dial settings can prove a little frustrating, after some experimentation, I was cooking up a storm.
The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is big and square, measuring 16 x 14 x 13.5 inches. While Cuisinart says the toaster oven has a 4-slice capacity, we were able to toast 6 slices at once and get fairly even results. Toasting times are considerably longer than in a pop-up toaster; it took almost 5 ½ minutes to brown on medium and almost 7 minutes on dark. Using the keep warm setting, we were able to keep four cups of macaroni and cheese piping hot for 45 minutes without drying it out. The dials on the Cuisinart are easy to turn and completely intuitive to set. However, as they aren’t digital and don’t click into place at the various settings, they’re hard to set precisely.
Key Features and Specifications
The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven comes in several models, including the TOA-60, TOA-65, and TOA-70, each with slight variations in features. Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications, based on the TOA-70 model:
- Size: 13.23″D x 13.23″W x 14.37″H
- Capacity: 10 quarts, large enough to toast 6 slices of bread, air fry 3 pounds of chicken wings, bake a 12-inch pizza, or roast a 4-pound chicken
- Cooking Modes: Air Fry, Convection Bake, Convection Broil, Bake, Broil, Warm, Toast, Grill
- Temperature Range: 80°F to 450°F
- Controls: Analog dials (TOA-70) or digital interface (TOA-65)
- Accessories: Oven rack, baking sheet/drip pan, air fryer basket, grill plate, crumb tray
- Power: 1800 watts
- Warranty: Limited 3-year warranty
The air fryer measures in at 15.5L x 16W x 14H and weighs 21 pounds. This premium 1800 watt toaster oven and air fryer, is equipped with a convection bake setting, convection broil, pizza, roast, bagel, reheat, warming feature, defrost, high/low convection fan speed options and dual cook with a wide temperature range (80°F to 450°F). The air fryer has superior operation. Comes with auto shut-off for safety. There are no plastics in the cooking area which comes in contact with food. It is PFOA, PFTE, and BPA-free and meets FDA guidelines.
Performance and User Experience
In my testing, the Cuisinart TOA-65 cooked most foods faster than the three other toaster-oven air fryers. This was due in part to the fact that only the Bake and Pizza functions required preheating. For all other functions, I could put the food in right away, which cut down on overall cook time, compared to similar models, by about 3 to 4 minutes. The Cuisinart also did well with broccoli, which is a somewhat finicky vegetable to roast, as the florets can burn easily while the stems remain undercooked. In testing, the florets were crisp enough without being overdone, and the stems were tender, all in about half the time it takes to roast broccoli in an oven.
Given that it’s also a toaster, I put bagels and bread in it as well. Though cooking does take about 2 minutes longer than it would with a regular toaster, it toasts more evenly. Another upside is that it fits up to six slices of bread, so more hungry bellies can enjoy their toast at the same time. I also found that it reheated food well, particularly foods that should be crispy, like wings and french fries. It was as convenient as a microwave (and nearly as fast) but yielded the results of an oven. It’s really the best of both worlds.
As a family of 3, the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill has been an absolute game-changer in our kitchen! It’s incredibly convenient and versatile with its 8 cooking functions: air fry, convection bake, convection broil, bake, broil, warm, toast, and grill. This appliance does it all, saving us counter space and making meal prep a breeze. We upgraded from a regular air fryer that turned out to be toxic, and the difference is night and day. This one’s stainless steel, so it feels sturdy, safe, and built to last. Plus, the design fits perfectly with our kitchen aesthetic.
However, not all experiences are flawless. I’ve had this for a month and I just can’t figure out how to cook my food to satisfaction. When I follow the instructions given on the food I’m cooking-it’s way too over done. I tried to use the toaster oven function to see if it helps and it completely burned my pizza. Is it this just trial and error? Or is something wrong with the appliance? Generally take down temperature and time from regular oven instructions by 20%. But I generally just keep an eye on my stuff if I never cooked it before easier to put it back in if not done. But can’t un-burn it, sorry bud.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Versatility: The Cuisinart TOA-70 easily replaces a toaster and an air fryer while adding the value of convection oven functions like bake and broil (plus convection bake and convection broil) and grilling.
- Fast Cooking: In my testing, the Cuisinart TOA-65 cooked most foods faster than the three other toaster-oven air fryers.
- Large Capacity: The air fryer measures in at 15.5L x 16W x 14H and weighs 21 pounds. Large enough to air fry up to 3lbs, toast 6 slices of bread, bake a 4 lb chicken or 12″ pizza.
- Quiet Operation: The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven has easy-to-operate twist knobs—a nice break from digital screens—but what really won me over was how quiet it is when operating. Even on the “air fry” convection setting (typically the loudest function with the highest fan speed), it cooks and crisps with only a gentle hum.
- High-Quality Build: The sleek stainless steel design not only adds a touch of elegance to my kitchen but also reflects the high-quality build of this appliance.
Cons
- Cleaning Challenges: When hand washing the accessories, I found it tricky to clean the tray and air-fry basket depending on what was cooked. Some foods left little residue, like French fries, while other foods, like chicken wings, would sometimes stick to the basket, requiring additional scrubbing to release the debris.
- Imprecise Controls: The dials on the Cuisinart are easy to turn and completely intuitive to set. However, as they aren’t digital and don’t click into place at the various settings, they’re hard to set precisely.
- Overheating Exterior: During use, the dials and the handle stay cool to the touch and the stainless steel top and sides don’t get hot enough to cause burns, however the glass door reaches 259°F, which is dangerously hot.
- Steam Emission: The Cuisinart was offensive here, with clouds of steam escaping through the top of the machine. Both it and the Instant produced so much steam, that it collected on the glass door and eventually leaked onto the counter.
- Baking Limitations: Its only downside is that it’s not good at baking, so if you’re looking for a toaster oven for cakes and cookies, this isn’t the choice for you.
Comparison with Other Air Fryer Toaster Ovens
To help you make an informed decision, here’s a comparison table of the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven (TOA-70) with two other popular models: the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and the Ninja Foodi Air Fry Oven.
| Feature | Cuisinart TOA-70 | Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro | Ninja Foodi Air Fry Oven |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $229.95 | $399.95 | $199.99 |
| Capacity | 10 quarts | 1 cu. ft. | Small (fits 9×13-inch pan) |
| Cooking Modes | 8 (Air Fry, Bake, Broil, etc.) | 13 (Air Fry, Proof, Dehydrate, etc.) | 8 (Air Fry, Roast, Broil, etc.) |
| Controls | Analog dials | Digital | Digital |
| Air Fry Performance | Powerful, but can overcook | Excellent, even cooking | Best in class |
| Cleaning | Tricky, non-dishwasher-safe accessories | Easier, some dishwasher-safe parts | Difficult due to small interior |
| Size | 13.23″D x 13.23″W x 14.37″H | 21.5″L x 17.2″W x 12.7″H | 19.7″W x 7.6″H x 15″D |
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is unique in that it offers two convection-fan speeds for more control—unlike most pod-shaped air fryers—as well as the power to crisp up food more quickly than other models in this category. The Ninja Foodi is my favorite air fryer toaster oven because it bested all others in my final assessment and placed either first or second in nearly every single test I ran, blending fierce power, consistency and control. The Ninja preheated the fastest (by far) and kept its heat consistent throughout. The air fryer function was also best in show and it broiled a salmon filet nicely.
Purchase Guide: Is the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven Right for You?
Before purchasing the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven, consider the following factors:
- Kitchen Space: The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is 12.25 inches by 15.75 inches by 13.75 inches, and the metal housing on top gets hot. The only issue I’ve had with this air fryer is that it’s much too big for the counter space that I have available. However, it’s worth noting that I live in an apartment in New York City, a place known for the Empire State Building, great pizza, and ever-decreasing counter space.
- Cooking Needs: If you’re space challenged in the kitchen and want one multitasking product rather than several, the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven can fill the bill as long as you don’t want to use it for baking.
- Budget: At its list price of $299.99, the Cuisinart toaster-oven air fryer is on the higher end. However, its versatile design enables it to do so much more than egg-shaped air fryers, and with fewer accessories. It can often be found on sale for around $100, making it the best-value oven on our list.
- Ease of Use: The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven has easy-to-operate twist knobs—a nice break from digital screens—but what really won me over was how quiet it is when operating. If you prefer digital controls, consider the TOA-65 model.
For those interested in purchasing, you can find the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven on Amazon: Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven on Amazon.
In-Depth Analysis: Why Choose the Cuisinart?
The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven stands out for its ability to replace multiple appliances, saving counter space and reducing the need for separate toasters, air fryers, or even microwaves for reheating. Its large capacity and powerful 1800-watt heating element make it suitable for families or those who frequently cook for gatherings. The air fryer function, in particular, excels at producing crispy results with minimal oil, as noted by Nutrition Lab Director Stefani Sassos: “Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying and pan frying, so it can provide a lower-calorie and lower-fat alternative that still delivers a crisp texture.”
However, the appliance’s aggressive heat output, driven by its large top-mounted fan, can be a double-edged sword. The Cuisinart Digital Air Fryer Toaster Oven runs aggressively hot, in large part due to the XL fan on the top; every test produced dark, almost-burnt results. Users must adapt by lowering temperatures and cooking times compared to standard oven instructions—typically by 20%, as suggested by Reddit users. This learning curve can be frustrating, but once mastered, the Cuisinart delivers consistent results.
Another unique aspect is its quiet operation, a rarity among air fryers. The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is hands-down the quietest air fryer I’ve ever used. Now, quietest doesn’t mean much when you know how loud air fryers can be, so let me amend that and say, it is just quiet. This makes it an excellent choice for small apartments or shared living spaces where noise can be a concern.
FAQs
Q: Is the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven easy to clean?
A: Cleanup is fairly easy as well. Though the crumb tray and wire rack are not dishwasher-safe, the air-fryer basket and drip pan are, which is great because those are the two accessories that get dirty the quickest. However, some foods, like chicken wings, would sometimes stick to the basket, requiring additional scrubbing to release the debris. To prevent baked-on messes, we recommend giving the oven a wipe down with a wet cloth once it has cooled.
Q: Can it replace a full-size oven?
A: The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven suits any busy home cook who wants to air-fry delicious foods but would like the convenience of a multifunctional product. It could also replace a toaster for those who want to conserve countertop space. In short, its versatility may be worth the higher price tag for many shoppers. However, it’s not good at baking, so if you’re looking for a toaster oven for cakes and cookies, this isn’t the choice for you.
Q: How does it compare to basket-style air fryers?
A: Air fryer toaster ovens, like the Cuisinart TOA-70, are among the most popular air fryer styles. These have an air fryer function built into a toaster oven so they can air fry and truly toast, bake, roast and more. Air fryer toaster ovens sound like dreamy multifunctional appliances, but few can air fry as quickly or as well as standalone air fryers; we’ve also found their cleanup to be a little cumbersome since the baskets are often made of stainless steel, which is hard to clean.
Q: Is the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven safe to use?
A: Comes with auto shut-off for safety. There are no plastics in the cooking area which comes in contact with food. It is PFOA, PFTE, and BPA-free and meets FDA guidelines. However, the glass door reaches 259°F, which is dangerously hot, so caution is advised.
Q: What warranty does it offer?
A: The air fryer comes with a limited 3-year warranty. We contacted Cuisinart customer service and were able to quickly speak to a live person. After hearing our problem, the representative agreed that our oven sounded defective and within 10 days we received a new one.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a fantastic choice for those seeking a versatile, space-saving appliance that can handle a wide range of cooking tasks. Its ability to air fry, toast, bake, broil, and grill makes it a true kitchen workhorse, as evidenced by its high ratings across multiple review platforms. The quiet operation, sturdy stainless steel build, and large capacity are significant advantages, particularly for families or frequent cooks.
However, it’s not without its flaws. The learning curve for temperature and time adjustments, cleaning challenges, and baking limitations may deter some users. If baking is a priority, you might want to consider the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, available at Amazon. For those focused on air frying performance, the Ninja Foodi Air Fry Oven is a strong competitor, found at Amazon.
Ultimately, the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is worth the investment if you value multifunctionality and are Angularity is not an issue for you. For a reliable, versatile appliance that can streamline your kitchen setup, check out the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven at Amazon.