The FlashXpress compensates for the increased temperature by automatically reducing the cook time, so the results are the same every time. These were some of the fastest toasting times of all the toaster ovens we tested. If you get a toaster oven with a convection setting, you can also use it for air frying (air frying is, after all, just convection baking).
Eventually, we were able to find the sweet spot on the dial for our desired doneness, but it took multiple attempts. That said, the toast came out remarkably even for a toaster oven of this caliber. Like most toaster ovens, the Hamilton Beach will get hotter after each batch of toast you make in a row.
The Breville Smart Oven Pro is nearly identical to the Breville Smart Oven. The Pro does add a couple of minor features, like a slow-cook mode and an internal light. But the Bagel Bites we toasted between the door and the front of the oven’s rack were noticeably paler than those toasted in the middle and back of the oven. The FlashXpress’s retro LED display looks more like a time bomb from a 1990s action thriller than a modern kitchen appliance (but we kind of love it). Although it’s not hard to read the display dead-on, it can be tricky to discern from some angles.
There’s generally a tray at the bottom that catches crumbs, melted cheese or other debris. Pull it out and wipe it down, and most of your cleaning is done. Odds are you won’t be sharing much of the frozen foods you cook in the Easy Reach. Due to its compact size, it barely accommodates a 9-inch pizza, while the most other ovens fit a standard size 12-inch pizza. If tater tots are your thing, this oven will struggle to fit half a bag’s worth.
Since most of the crevices and protrusions are rounded, it’s easier to clean than sharp corners. The back corners are the hardest bits to clean, but they’re also the least likely places food would spatter. The top elements are at the very front and back of the oven, so I was surprised at how evenly my open-faced grilled cheese sandwiches cooked when I set the oven to broil. I was also pleased when I used the broil setting to sauce and broil some ribs I had cooked the previous day. The broiler isn’t super-fast or powerful, though, so it’s not the perfect replacement for the broiler in a standard oven. At 15 inches high, 23.4 inches wide, and 18 inches deep, this is a fairly large oven that eats quite a bit of countertop space.
Considering its versatility and roomy interior, I found the price was very reasonable. This could be an oven replacement for pretty much everything except the Thanksgiving turkey or other massive meals. We purchased the Hamilton Beach Countertop Oven With Convection and Rotisserie 31104D so our reviewer could put it to the test in her kitchen.
To prep your toaster oven, you’ll need to run several cycles with the machine empty before using it to cook anything you plan to eat. This way, any industrial residues in the oven (these are applied to prevent corrosion during shipping and storage) can burn off and won’t have a chance to get into your food. Do this in a ventilated space if possible; depending on the oven, you’ll smell fumes during the first round or two. While you wait, take the time to wash the rack and accessories in warm, soapy water. You should also know that as soon as the oven is preheated, the timer starts counting down. This can be annoying if you’re not quite ready to put your food in the oven, but we think it’s easy enough to adjust the timer once you’re ready.
We found that the displays on the pricier Cuisinart and Breville toaster ovens were easier to read. Keep in mind that a large toaster oven can be pretty heavy and hamilton beach air fryer is more cumbersome to move; this means it’s more likely to live on your counter. Small toaster ovens are much lighter and easier to tuck away in a cupboard.