10 Best Countertop Ovens

The Toshiba 26L Air Fry Auto Menu Combo microwave is a versatile countertop oven ideal for households looking for a multi-functional cooking appliance in a moderate size. With a 26-litre capacity, it offers enough space to cook meals for small to medium families without occupying too much kitchen space. Its 900-watt power and Origin Inverter technology ensure steady and efficient heating, which helps food cook evenly and reduces energy use. The 6-in-1 cooking functions—microwave, air fry, grill, convection, steam, and combi—make it a flexible tool for various recipes, from steaming vegetables to grilling meats and air frying favourites in a healthier way.

The 10 auto menu settings, including chef defrost and 9 air fry options, simplify cooking by removing guesswork, which is great for users who want quick meal prep without fiddling with settings. The steamer function is a healthy bonus, locking in nutrients for veggies and seafood. Measuring 44.5 x 49.5 x 29 cm, it fits comfortably on most kitchen counters, and the stainless steel interior promises durability and easier cleaning. The microwave also comes with useful safety features like a child lock and operates quietly at 57dB, making it suitable for family homes.

Its 900-watt power is moderate, so cooking larger or denser foods might take longer compared to higher-wattage models. While the multiple presets are helpful, advanced users might find the temperature range and manual controls slightly limited for fine-tuning. Additionally, the 12.2 kg weight means it’s stable but not very portable. This Toshiba model is well-suited for users wanting a reliable, compact, and multifunctional countertop oven that balances convenience, health-conscious cooking, and safety, making it perfect for everyday meals without the complexity of a full-size oven.

The Tower T17102 Vortx Vizion Dual Compartment Air Fryer Oven is a versatile countertop oven with an 11-litre total capacity split into two 5.5L compartments, allowing you to cook different foods simultaneously. Its standout feature is the exclusive Vortx air frying technology, which cooks food up to 30% faster than traditional ovens and creates a crispy texture with little or no oil, making it a healthier choice. It offers five cooking functions—air fry, roast, bake, grill, and dehydrate—covering a wide range of meal options. The digital touch panel includes 10 preset cooking modes, making it user-friendly for those who want convenient, one-touch cooking.

In terms of size, it measures about 32 x 41 x 32 cm, which is compact enough for most kitchen counters but might be bulky for very small spaces. The plastic construction keeps it lightweight at 1 kg, but plastic may not feel as durable as metal alternatives. The dual compartments add flexibility but also mean you need to clean two ovens, which could take a little extra effort. Safety is well addressed with an auto shutoff feature. It operates on a standard 240V UK supply.

This model is well suited if you want a multi-function countertop oven that cooks quickly and promotes healthier frying, especially useful for small households or those who like to prepare different dishes at once. If you prioritise simplicity and speedy cooking with some health benefits, it’s worth considering, though its size and dual compartments mean it needs a bit more kitchen space and cleaning attention.

The Breville Halo Flexi Air Fryer is a versatile countertop oven with an 11-litre capacity that’s large enough to serve 10 or more people, making it a great choice for families or gatherings. It offers 12 different cooking methods, including air frying, baking, grilling, roasting, and reheating, thanks to its smart dual-compartment design that can split into two 5.5-litre zones. This split feature allows you to cook two dishes at once, either at the same temperature or timed to finish together, which is very convenient for preparing complete meals.

The 2400-watt power ensures it heats up quickly and cooks food efficiently, and Breville claims it can save you around £65 a year on energy bills compared to a traditional oven. This is thanks to its 360° air circulation technology that cooks food evenly with much less oil, supporting healthier meals. In terms of size, it’s fairly compact for what it offers but does take up a decent amount of counter space (about 41 cm each way) and weighs 10 kg, so it’s best suited for those with enough kitchen room. The oven features 10 preset cooking options, which simplifies operation for everyday dishes like chips or chicken. It also includes safety features such as auto shutoff, adding peace of mind.

The materials used are aluminium and plastic, which should be easy enough to clean, although the dual compartments and accessories may require a bit of extra care to keep spotless. Some users have mentioned a learning curve for mastering all the functions, but the included presets help reduce that. This Breville air fryer oven is a strong option for anyone seeking an energy-efficient, multi-function cooker that handles large meals with flexibility and convenience, although it may be larger and a bit pricier than simpler air fryers.