Last Updated on July 11, 2023 by Lori Walker
In my culinary adventures, I’ve stumbled upon a delightful kitchen companion that has revolutionized my cake-baking endeavors: the countertop oven.
Compact yet powerful, this little wonder has taken my baking game to new heights.
After thorough exploration and experimentation, I can confidently share the best countertop oven for baking cakes. Keep reading to know more.
Top 10 Countertop Ovens for Baking Cakes at Home
1. Instant Pot Plus 10-in-1 Modern Toaster Oven Combo
Average Price: Roughly $ 249.95 (Amazon)
Why We Like It: The Instant Pot Plus 10-in-1 is one of the best modern toaster ovens for baking delicious cakes.
I love to cook at home, so this versatile oven for baking with ten functions suits me well. Unlike traditional ovens, this countertop oven can broil, bake, dehydrate, and convection.
I noticed that it has a fast preheating feature and a large capacity which is very useful for baking cookies, cakes, pizzas, and more.
“In the realm of cake perfection, the best countertop oven reigns supreme – a firsthand delight.”
– Leonelli Bakery
It fits easily on the counter space and has an accurate internal temperature after trying to bake a cake. Also, the removable crumb tray and the digital timer are plus points.
Pros:
- Powerful and large capacity
- Double-layer glass door for optimal cooking
- Easy to use and clean
- Fast preheat and cooking
- Versatile and multi-purpose
Cons:
- The instruction manual can improve.
2. Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven
Average Price: Roughly $279.95 (Amazon)
Why We Like It: It is an excellent convection toaster oven for baking cakes and is a game changer because of its five quartz heating elements.
The best oven has ten functions, and I appreciate that the convection setting helps reduce the 30% cooking time compared to a regular oven.
It comes with interior oven light that automatically turns on after the end of the cooking cycle, and this Breville smart oven is easy-to-operate, too.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Excellent oven features
- Easy to clean
- Great external and internal size
- Good manufacturing quality
Cons:
- The oven operation needs improvement.
- Loud convection fan
3. Oster Toaster and Convection Oven
Average Price: Roughly $168.59 (Amazon)
Why We Like It: Surprisingly, the Oster Countertop Convection oven toaster rivaled those more expensive countertop toaster ovens.
It has convection technology [1] which is helpful because it makes cooking faster than a traditional oven.
This countertop oven for baking has a stainless steel exterior that is slick and easy to clean. Also, I appreciate that it comes with a digital setting and temperature range for ease of usage.
It may not be the best countertop oven for baking cakes, but it does the job if you are on a tight budget.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Ideal for everyday use
- Impressive design
- Easy digital and easy to clean
- Energy efficient
Cons:
- Blinking interior light can be an issue.
- 90-minutes cooking time
4. Calphalon Quartz Heat Countertop Toaster Oven
Average Price: Roughly $259.99 (Amazon)
Why We Like It: I explored the capabilities of the Calphalon Quartz Heat Countertop, and I was impressed because it is versatile enough to bake cake within its compact interior.
I noticed that it delivers 40% more heat and preheats faster than conventional ovens. Also, it has an extra-large capacity that can pass up as a pizza oven.
It may not be a portable oven, but it has 11 preset cooking functions ideal for convection baking. Also, it has an LCD and knobs for baking temperature that is easy to operate.
Pros:
- Big capacity
- Easy to use
- Multi-purpose
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Great quartz elements
Cons:
- It can be challenging to clean
- Knobs can improve
5. Cuisinart TOB-260N1
Average Price: Roughly $219.99 (Amazon)
Why We Like It: As I was seeking a versatile convection oven, I came across Cuisinart TOB-260N1 and was impressed with its powerful and functional oven features.
It has 1800 watts of power, so I managed to dual cook, an oven feature I couldn’t do in my small toaster oven. It also has a large capacity to bake a whole 13″ pizza or toast bread.
Pros:
- Great for everyday use
- It comes with air-fryer combo functions
- It cooks evenly
- Great exterior design
- High build quality
Cons:
- Cooking time can be better
- The timer ring needs improvement
Check out these commercial ovens you can use for baking bread here.
6. BLACK+DECKER Crisp N’ Bake Air Fry 4-Slice Toaster Oven
Average Price: Roughly $45.99 (Amazon)
Why We Like It: If you don’t plan on going big in baking and just looking for a small oven, the Black+ Decker oven can do the work.
It uses hot air to bake cakes and deep fry without oil and fat [2]. It is a mini oven with five cooking functions and is cheaper than any conventional oven.
In addition, it has a removable air-fry basket, wire rack, and pizza pan.
Pros:
- Mini oven
- Easy to operate
- Durable
- Adjustable temperature settings
- Easy to clean
Cons:
Timer needs improvement
Not suitable for big batches
7. Ninja DT201 Foodi
Average Price: Roughly $299.49 (Amazon)
Why We Like It: A good friend recommended the Ninja brand, so I explored the capabilities of Ninja DT201 Foodi when baking cakes.
I observed that it has more power than a traditional convection toaster oven. The 10-in-1 oven offers excellent versatility, and I was impressed with its 90-second preheat time.
Also, it has 2-level even cooking, which is ideal for air-frying and rotisserie cooking, but I was more impressed because it effortlessly accommodated a multi-layered strawberry shortcake.
Going over its display, I like the exterior design of the best countertop ovens from Ninja. It looks very modern, plus the displays are functional.
Pros:
- Ease of usage
- Great temperature control
- Cleaning is a snap
- Optimal and fast cooking
- Works great as advertised
Cons:
- Cooking guide inclusion is better
- Some design flaw needs work
8. COSORI Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
Average Price: Roughly $159.99 (Amazon)
Why We Like It: The COSORI toaster caught my attention due to its rapid heating capabilities. It is an excellent option in replacement of gas ovens and electric ovens because of its versatility.
It has 12 functions and two layers of cooking, so it works perfectly when baking cakes and other pastries.
Also, I like that it is made of stainless steel because it is safe to use and very durable.
COSORI is one of the best countertop ovens because it is digitalized and advanced. I enjoyed the hands-free control with their VeSync app [3] through Google Assistant.
Pros:
- High-tech operation using a smartphone
- Comprehensive and versatile cooking operation
- Minimal learning curve
- Impressive bake function
- Easy clean up
Cons:
- Control knobs need improvement
- Turning off operating could be better
9. TOSHIBA AC25CEW-BS
Average Price: Roughly $99.99 (Amazon)
Why We Like It: TOSHIBA AC25CEW-BS is one of the best budget-friendly countertop ovens for baking cakes.
It has ten functions for all cooking needs, and the control knobs and LCD are easy to use.
Also, it has a large interior and comes with accessories like a baking pan, oven rack, crumb tray, and lifter.
Pros:
- Robust
- Versatile
- Budget-friendly
- Ease of operation
- Large capacity
Cons:
- Some trouble with the LCD screen
- No preheat function
10. GE Mechanical Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Average Price: Roughly $139.00 (Amazon)
Why We Like It: GE Mechanical is one of the excellent multi-purpose countertop ovens for baking cakes. It has manual controls, so you can adjust the settings as needed.
It has seven cooking functions that are very useful for baking cakes and other cooking methods.
Pros:
- It works great and is easy to use
- Great size
- Stylish
- Quiet when cooking
- It comes with a start and stop buttons
Cons:
- The plastic timer can be better
- Needs drip tray
Read: What To Use Instead Of A Dutch Oven?
Factors To Consider When Choosing Countertop Ovens
Size & Capacity
When choosing the best countertop oven, consider the available space in your kitchen and the capacity you require.
“Baking is done out of love”
― Anna Olson, Chef
Opt for a size that fits your needs without overcrowding your countertop, ensuring it can accommodate the pans and dishes you typically use for baking.
Power Rating
The power rating of a countertop oven determines how efficiently it can heat up and bake cakes.
Higher-wattage ovens tend to heat up faster and provide more even cooking. Find out how long it takes an oven to cool down here.
Display & Functions
A clear and user-friendly display makes operating the oven a breeze. Features like convection settings, air-fry, slow-cook timers, and temperature probes can significantly enhance your baking experience and allow for greater precision.
Price
While higher-priced models often come with advanced features and better build quality, there are also affordable options that deliver satisfactory results.
Determine the features you truly need and strike a balance between quality and affordability.
FAQs
How do you bake a cake in a countertop oven?
Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature to bake a cake in a countertop oven.
Prepare the cake batter as instructed. Pour it into a greased and floured baking pan, and place it in the oven. Set the timer and monitor the cake for doneness using a toothpick or cake tester [4].
What type of oven is best for baking cakes?
Convection ovens are the best type for baking cakes. Their fan-forced air circulation ensures even heat distribution, resulting in consistent baking and browning.
However, countertop ovens with convection features or models specifically designed for baking cakes can also deliver excellent results.
Find out the comparison between a Dutch oven and a braiser here.
Is a countertop oven similar to a toaster oven?
No, the countertop oven is not similar to a toaster oven. The countertop ovens often offer more advanced features and versatile cooking functions beyond toasting.
Is a countertop oven the same as a convection oven?
No, countertop ovens are not the same as convection ovens.
A countertop oven refers to a portable oven that sits on a countertop. In contrast, a convection oven is an oven that circulates hot air using a convection bake/fan, which can be found on a countertop or a larger wall oven.
Final Thoughts
After thoroughly exploring and testing various countertop ovens, it is clear that the Instant Pot Plus 10-in-1 Modern Toaster Oven Combo reigns supreme as the best countertop oven for baking cakes.
Its versatile functionality, spacious interior, and precise temperature control consistently deliver exceptional results.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced baker, this countertop oven is a reliable and worthy investment for your cake-baking adventures.
References:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/convection-ovens
- https://www.britannica.com/science/human-nutrition/Fats-and-oils
- https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/vesync/
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/doneness-tests-481232
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