4 Best Countertop Ovens for Baking Cakes at Home

countertop oven for baking cakes

Quarantine baking may have started as a trend, but there is no doubt that this hobby is here to stay. After conducting hours of careful research combined with my own experience, it is my expert opinion that the Instant Pot Plus 10-in-1 Toaster Oven is the best countertop oven for baking the perfect cakes at home. 

My name is Angie, I am a self-taught baker who has been baking for over 10 years. Last year I took this hobby to the next level, starting an online home baking business and later ventured into baking at a commercial kitchen. 

Throughout the years, I’ve had experience baking with countertop toaster ovens, built-in convection ovens, and commercial deck ovens.

The Instant Pot Plus provides all the necessary features a baker needs no matter your level. The oven has a large capacity even though it’s a small oven. The functions are practical, easy to access, and will surely help you multitask and save counter space. It is also reasonably priced and worth the investment. 

At the end of the day, the best oven is the one that’s best suited to your needs. My top choice isn’t necessarily the best one for you, so I have included below a couple more high-quality tabletop ovens that also offer excellent performance and features for baking delicious cakes at home. 

I’ve got a VERY yummy review cooked up for you so we’d better get started now!

Best Countertop Oven for Baking Cakes: Top Picks

The following are my top four choices of the best countertop ovens for baking at home, along with detailed reviews of their pros and cons.

1. Instant Pot Plus 10-in-1 Toaster Oven (Best Overall)

  • Key features: 10 smart programs (air fry, dehydrate, proof, etc), dials, and function buttons.
  • Size: 16.53 x 15.74 x 13.89 inches
  • Capacity: 18 Liters
  • Power: 1800 watts

You may have heard of the legendary Instant Pot, an innovative programmable pressure & multi-cooker. Well, the Instant Pot isn’t the only all-encompassing, multifunctional Instant product out there. 

The Instant Pot Plus 10-in-1 is a multifunction convection oven that features nine smart programs and two cooking methods. With an array of 10 functions, you can get rid of a good handful of kitchen appliances that might be crowding your counter!

This oven has an equally large 18 liters capacity, which can easily allow you to bake one 8” cake or two trays of cupcakes, one on each rack. 

The Instant Pot Plus has a BPA-free, silver stainless steel exterior. Unlike the previous options, this oven does not come with an LCD display and instead has a temperature and a time dial that lets you adjust the settings to your liking. 

The price of this tabletop oven for baking sits at a reasonable range between my higher and lower-priced choices. In terms of its functionality, size, and capacity, the Instant Pot Toaster comes in close competition with both which only makes the lower price that much more attractive.

2. Cuisinart TOB-260N1 (Best for Bougier Folks)

  • Key features: 15 cooking functions. Fast preheat. Easy and clean non-stick interior. LCD display with time, temperature, and function.
  • Size: 20.87 x 16.93 x 11.42 inches
  • Capacity: 0.95 ft^3 / 9 slices
  • Power: 1875 watts

Cuisinart has the reputation of being among the most popular brands when it comes to kitchenware and kitchen appliances. The Cuisinart TOB-260N1 is no different, and it is the best oven for you if you are willing to pay a little extra for the great variety of functions it offers. 

The model offers a total of 15 individual cooking functions including both regular and convection baking, all of which you may easily access using its LCD display. The convection setting ensures that your cakes are evenly baked regardless of their position in the oven. 

The temperature range of this convection toaster oven is between 150-450 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to the standard convection fan installed, there is a speed convection setting that allows the hot air to circulate faster and significantly shortens the preheat time. 

The TOB-260N1 has a brushed stainless steel finish with an easy and clean non-stick interior which will certainly save you a great deal of hassle when wiping down your oven after each bake. 

The most noted problem that users have reported experiencing seems to be the inaccuracy of the internal temperature displayed, which could definitely be problematic as cakes are generally very sensitive to temperature and can burn quite easily. 

3. Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven (Best for Beginners)

  • Key features: Element IQ technology. 9 pre-set programs. 5 quartz heating elements. LCD display.
  • Size: 18.5 x 14.5 x 11 inches
  • Capacity: 0.8 ft^3 / 6 slices
  • Power: 1800 watts

As the name suggests, you can definitely count on this oven to be smart. The Breville BOV845BSS is equipped with Element IQ technology which intuitively cooks your choice of dishes with the perfect amount of power and time. 

This can be helpful when you are just starting out baking and don’t want to bother with the technicalities, or if you haven’t entirely mastered temperature control just yet. Imagine having a helper in the kitchen who you need not watch over!

Above that, if you consider yourself a more advanced baker or cook with particular preferences on food, you can count on this oven to remember your specific preferences and deliver the same, every single time.

The oven has an elegant brushed stainless steel finish. Similar to the Cuisinart TOB-260N1, the Breville Smart Oven is also known for its quick preheating abilities, but in this case, it is achieved by its 5 quartz heating elements. 

Quartz element toaster ovens can heat up to 40% faster than other toaster ovens and they respond quickly to changes in temperature inside the oven, ensuring even heating.

However, keep in mind that the high heat CAN damage your countertop. I highly recommend that you set this oven on a heat-resistant pad to prevent any damage to your countertop. Some users have also complained about a considerable level of noise generated by the fan when the convection setting is switched on.

4. Black Decker Toaster Oven TO3250XSB (Best Bang for Your Buck)

  • Key features: 4 functions, 3 control panels with a 60-minute timer, and a precision toast timer. Extra-wide. 3 rack positions. 
  • Size: 14.5 x 22 x 11.5 inches
  • Capacity: ~0.9 ft^3 / 8 slices
  • Power: 1500 watts

If you’re on a tight budget and you don’t mind taking a step down in terms of functions and power ratings, then the Black Decker Toaster Oven will be your best pick.

This oven is made of stainless steel and is fan-assisted. The convection heating system promotes even distribution of heat inside the oven.

At this price point, the oven actually offers a pretty large capacity. It is specifically designed to be extra wide with three rack positions for you to choose from, offering more cooking flexibility. 

I know what you might be thinking – ONLY 4 functions though? But wait, let’s be real here for a second. You really think it’s absolutely essential for you to have an individual cooking feature for your waffle…? Your sandwich? And your LEFTOVERS? 

Well, I don’t think so and I’m not going to let myself spend an extra 200 bucks on one.

And guess what, the lower power rating means that for the same amount of time your oven is turned on, you would be using less energy hence saving even more money if you opt for the Black Decker rather than the other three ovens mentioned above.

How to Choose Countertop Oven for Baking Cakes

Here are some important factors to consider before purchasing your countertop oven!

Number of Functions

When it comes to baking cakes, the two most important functions to look for are “bake” and “fan/convection bake”. Having these two would already give you the versatility you need to bake a large variety of cakes. Any add-on functions would be a bonus but they are not essential. 

Size/Capacity

Notice that the capacity of an oven isn’t always directly related to its exterior size. I know that everyone wants a mini oven for baking when there isn’t much space in the kitchen. But when choosing an oven, I’d always recommend aiming for a spacious capacity relative to the exterior measurement.  

Power Rating

Power/wattage rating is a factor to consider when choosing an oven as it tells you how much energy is consumed. In general, countertop ovens run from 1100 to 1875 watts. 

The higher wattage rate generally means that the oven is able to reach a set temperature quickly and maintain it more easily. A lower wattage rating on the other hand will allow you to save energy (and money).

My Verdict

My top pick for the best countertop oven for baking cakes is the Instant Pot Plus 10-in-1. It is THE oven to get for its multi-functions, capacity, price, and consistent performance!

About Angie
I am a self-taught baker. I’ve been baking for over 10 years and started my own home baking business as a side hustle. I was born in Hong Kong and spent a pretty big chunk of my life in Canada. If you’re ever looking for me, I am probably there whisking vigorously away in the kitchen.

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  • Sandra Hammond

    Who is the owner of toaster that bakes cakes? First and last name.

    Reply
    • Michelle

      Hi Sandra,
      Which toaster are you referring to?

      Reply
  • Michelle R Keldgord

    Hi Iva,
    I’m pretty sure these can be delivered to HK. The best thing to do is to click on the “Check Price Here” or click on the name of the product you’re interested in.
    Thanks!

    Reply
  • Iva

    Hey pretty, are all these brand can find in hk? Can we exchange experiences in baking? Cheers Iva

    Reply