Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven Reviews: Is It Worth It?

Are you in the market for a new kitchen appliance that can do it all? The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven has become increasingly popular among home cooks looking to save counter space while expanding their cooking options. But is it really worth your hard-earned money? Let’s dive deep into what makes this appliance special, its pros and cons, and whether it deserves a spot in your kitchen.

What is the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven?

The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a multifunctional kitchen appliance that combines the capabilities of an air fryer with those of a conventional toaster oven. It promises to deliver the crispy texture of deep-fried foods with little to no oil, while also handling traditional toaster oven tasks like toasting, baking, and broiling.

Available in various models including the TOA-60, TOA-65, and the digital TOA-28, these appliances offer different features at various price points. The standard model typically includes 7 functions: air fry, convection bake, convection broil, bake, broil, warm, and toast.

What sets this appliance apart from standalone air fryers is its versatility and capacity. You can toast 6 slices of bread, air fry 3 pounds of chicken wings, or even bake a 12-inch pizza—making it ideal for families or anyone who entertains regularly.

Key Features and Specifications

Before making any purchase decision, it’s important to understand what you’re getting. The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven packs several impressive features:

Design and Build Quality

The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven features a stainless steel construction that not only looks sleek on your countertop but also promises durability. At approximately x 16 x 14 inches, it’s larger than a standard toaster oven but smaller than having separate appliances for each function.

The interior is spacious enough to accommodate a 4-pound chicken or a 12-inch pizza. The unit comes with an oven rack, baking pan, and air fryer basket—all the accessories you need to start cooking right away.

One thing that users particularly appreciate is the viewing window that allows you to monitor your food without opening the door and losing heat. The controls, depending on the model, range from simple dials to digital displays with preset cooking functions.

Cooking Performance

In terms of cooking capabilities, this appliance operates at 1800 watts of power, allowing it to heat up quickly and maintain consistent temperatures. The air fryer function circulates hot air around your food, creating that coveted crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil.

According to a review by Good Housekeeping, “The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven cooked food to a beautiful golden brown with a crispy texture that was moist on the inside.” The review also noted that it performed exceptionally well when cooking frozen foods, particularly french fries and chicken nuggets.

The convection feature helps distribute heat evenly, which is especially beneficial when baking. Users report that it preheats faster than a conventional oven and can reduce cooking times significantly.

Pros and Cons of the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven

As with any kitchen appliance, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider before making your purchase:

Advantages

The versatility of the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is perhaps its biggest selling point. Instead of cluttering your counter with multiple appliances, this single unit can handle a wide range of cooking tasks.

According to a customer review on Amazon, “I’ve been able to get rid of my old toaster, air fryer, and even use my regular oven less since purchasing this. It’s like having a mini kitchen on your countertop!”

Another significant advantage is the time savings. The air fryer function cooks food faster than a conventional oven, and the ability to switch between functions without changing appliances streamlines the cooking process.

The quality of food preparation also stands out. Many users report that the air fryer function produces results comparable to deep frying but with significantly less oil, making it a healthier option. The toasting function is also praised for its even browning.

Additionally, the ease of cleaning is worth mentioning. The removable crumb tray and accessories are dishwasher safe, making post-cooking cleanup relatively painless.

Disadvantages

No appliance is perfect, and the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven does have some drawbacks. First, its size may be an issue for those with limited counter space. While it replaces multiple appliances, it’s still larger than a standard toaster oven.

Some users have reported that the exterior gets very hot during operation, which can be a safety concern, especially in households with children. Using oven mitts when handling the appliance during and after cooking is strongly recommended.

The learning curve for optimal cooking times and temperatures can also be steep, especially for the air fryer function if you’re new to air frying. As one reviewer noted, “It took me a few tries to get the timing right for certain foods, but once I did, the results were fantastic.”

Price is another consideration. Starting at around $200 for the basic model and going up for versions with digital controls or additional functions, it’s a significant investment compared to basic toaster ovens or standalone air fryers.

How Does It Compare to Other Air Fryer Toaster Ovens?

The market for air fryer toaster ovens has expanded significantly in recent years, with brands like Breville, Ninja, and Instant Pot offering competing models. So how does the Cuisinart stack up?

Cuisinart vs. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is often considered a premium alternative to the Cuisinart. It offers more cooking presets (13 compared to Cuisinart’s 7) and features a more sophisticated digital interface. However, it comes at a significantly higher price point, often retailing for over $

In terms of performance, both appliances deliver excellent results, but the Breville’s Element IQ system provides more precise temperature control. That said, many home cooks find the Cuisinart’s simpler controls more intuitive and the performance difference negligible for everyday cooking tasks.

Cuisinart vs. Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven

The Ninja Foodi is another popular competitor. Its standout feature is its unique flip-up design that allows it to be stored vertically when not in use, saving valuable counter space. It also heats up faster than the Cuisinart.

However, the Cuisinart generally offers a larger cooking capacity and, according to many users, more even cooking results. The Ninja, while innovative, sometimes struggles with consistent heating across larger items.

As one kitchen appliance tester from Wirecutter noted, “The Cuisinart produces more evenly browned food from edge to edge, while the Ninja can sometimes leave lighter spots where the air doesn’t circulate as well.”

User Experiences and Reviews

When making a purchasing decision, it’s helpful to consider the experiences of those who have already invested in the product.

What Customers Love

Many customers rave about the versatility of the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven. As one user expressed, “I use this appliance daily, sometimes multiple times a day. From toasting breakfast bagels to air frying lunch to baking dinner sides—it handles it all beautifully.”

The quality of air-fried foods is frequently mentioned as a highlight. Users report crispy, evenly cooked results that rival deep frying but with a fraction of the oil. Foods like chicken wings, french fries, and even vegetables come out with a satisfying crunch.

The durability of the appliance is another common praise point. With its stainless steel construction, many users report years of reliable use without issues. This longevity helps justify the initial investment.

Common Complaints

On the flip side, there are some recurring complaints. The exterior heat issue mentioned earlier is one of the most common concerns. Users advise keeping the appliance away from walls and other items during operation.

Some users also mention that the controls on the non-digital models can be difficult to read, especially in low light conditions. The markings tend to wear off over time, adding to this issue.

Noise level is another consideration. While not excessively loud, the fan that circulates air during the air fry function does produce noticeable sound. As one reviewer put it, “It’s quieter than my standalone air fryer, but you’ll definitely know it’s running.”

Is the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven Worth It?

Now for the million-dollar question: Is this appliance worth your money?

Who Should Buy It

The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is an excellent investment for several types of consumers:

If you’re short on kitchen space but want the functionality of multiple appliances, this all-in-one solution makes perfect sense. It’s ideal for small apartments, tiny homes, or anyone looking to declutter their countertops.

Health-conscious cooks who want the crispy satisfaction of fried foods without the excess oil will appreciate the air fryer function. It’s a great way to enjoy your favorite comfort foods with less guilt.

Busy families will benefit from the time savings and versatility. Being able to quickly prepare different types of meals without preheating a full-sized oven can make weeknight dinner prep much more manageable.

If you frequently cook for 2-4 people, the capacity is just right—large enough to prepare a complete meal but not so large that it wastes energy when cooking smaller portions.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

That said, this appliance isn’t for everyone:

If you rarely cook or primarily use a microwave for reheating, the features of this appliance may go unused, making it difficult to justify the price.

Those who regularly cook for large groups might find the capacity limiting. While you can certainly cook a 4-pound chicken, preparing a Thanksgiving turkey or large roasts would still require your full-sized oven.

Budget-conscious shoppers who don’t need all the functions might be better served by less expensive, single-purpose appliances. If you just need a toaster or only want an air fryer, dedicated appliances might be more cost-effective.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven

If you do decide to purchase this appliance, here are some tips to maximize its potential:

For best air frying results, don’t overcrowd the basket. Air needs to circulate around food for that perfect crisp. Working in batches might take longer but yields better results.

Use the right function for each task. While it might be tempting to use the air fryer function for everything, the traditional bake function might work better for some items like cakes or bread.

Take advantage of the accessories. The included baking pan can be used to catch drips when air frying fatty foods, preventing smoke and making cleanup easier.

Experiment with cooking times. Because the appliance is smaller than a conventional oven, it often cooks faster. Start checking your food earlier than you normally would until you get a feel for the timing.

Check out online resources for recipe ideas specifically designed for this appliance. Cuisinart’s website and various cooking blogs offer recipes that are optimized for the air fryer toaster oven’s functions.

You can find the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven on Amazon with various models to suit your specific needs.

Final Verdict: A Versatile Kitchen Workhorse

After weighing the pros and cons, examining user experiences, and comparing it to competitors, the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven proves to be a valuable kitchen tool for the right consumer. Its versatility, consistent performance, and quality construction make it a worthwhile investment for many home cooks.

While not without its flaws—notably the exterior heat issue and the learning curve—the benefits generally outweigh the drawbacks for those who will use its multiple functions regularly.

As kitchens continue to evolve toward multi-functional appliances that save space and energy, the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven represents a forward-thinking approach to home cooking that balances convenience with quality results.

Whether you’re air frying chicken wings for game day, toasting your morning bagel, or baking a small batch of cookies without heating up your entire kitchen, this appliance handles it all with impressive competence. For many households, that versatility is indeed worth the investment.