We put Cuisinart TOB-5 through daily kitchen trials
Our kitchen has been welcoming a new countertop workhorse: the cuisinart Toaster Oven with Broiler,Stainless Steel,TOB-5. After a few weeks of testing everything from six slices of toast to an 11″ pizza and a small roast, we can say the 1800 watts and Cuisinart’s Always Even technology make for consistently reliable results. The cool-touch handle, auto-slide rack, interior light and easy-clean nonstick finish made everyday use straightforward, and the included baking pan, wire rack and removable crumb tray were convenient additions. In this review we’ll walk through performance, features, and real-world pros and cons to help you decide if this toaster oven earns a spot on your countertop.
Our Overview of the Cuisinart Toaster Oven with Broiler in Stainless Steel

We found this compact oven impresses with 1800 watts of high-performance power that delivers consistently even results thanks to the Always Even toast shade control. It comfortably handles an 11-inch pizza or up to six slices of bread in its .5-cubic-foot interior, and the dedicated pizza function bakes quickly without fuss. For everyday convenience the unit offers a range of modes — toast, bagel, bake, broil, pizza and keep-warm — plus a handy interior light so we can monitor progress without opening the door. Highlights that made daily use easier for us include:
- Cool-touch handle and auto-slide rack for safer, simpler access
- Easy-clean nonstick interior with removable crumb tray and cool-grip
- Included baking pan and wire rack make it ready to use out of the box
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 11″ pizza / 6 slices |
| Power | 1800 W |
| Functions | Toast, Bagel, Bake, Broil, Pizza, Keep Warm |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
we appreciated the thoughtful extras — removable crumb tray, included accessories and BPA-free construction — that make maintenance painless and add long-term value. If you want to see current pricing and decide for yourself, grab one here: Check it out on Amazon
What We Liked About the Design Cooking Performance and Build Quality

We appreciated the sleek stainless steel face and thoughtful touches that make this countertop appliance feel premium without fuss. The cool-touch handle and front removable crumb tray with a cool-grip make daily use and cleanup quietly satisfying, while the easy-clean nonstick interior wipes down in seconds. The oven’s .5‑cubic‑foot capacity comfortably fits six slices of bread or an 11″ pizza, and the included baking pan and wire rack mean we were ready to cook straight out of the box. Highlights we loved include:
- Stainless-steel front for a timeless look
- Auto‑slide rack for safe, hands‑free access
- Removable crumb tray for fast maintenance
- Compact but roomy — 11″ pizza fits snugly
The cooking performance matched the thoughtful build: with 1800 watts of power and Always Even toast shade control we consistently got uniform results whether toasting, baking or broiling. A dedicated pizza function produces a crisp crust and melty toppings in minutes, the interior light helps us monitor progress without opening the door, and a suite of modes — toast, bagel, bake, broil, pizza and keep warm — kept our meal prep flexible. Speedy reference:
| Mode | Best For |
|---|---|
| Toast | Even browning of 6 slices |
| Pizza | 11″ pizza, crisp crust |
| Broil | Golden tops, quick finish |
We also appreciated the included accessories and the peace of mind from the limited 3‑year warranty.Ready to upgrade our counter? See current price and buy on Amazon
How We Tested the Broiler and Oven Functions in Everyday Kitchen Use

To evaluate the broiler and oven in everyday use, we put the unit through a week of meals — from quick six-slice toasts and bagels to a full 11-inch pizza and a small roast. Because it delivers a strong 1800 watts of power, preheating felt brisk and broiling reached crisp edges without long waits. We leaned on the Always Even toast shade control for breakfast runs and used the pizza function for a perfectly browned 11″ pie in minutes. The auto-slide rack and interior light made checking progress simple and safe, while the cool-touch handle and slide-out wire rack helped us remove hot pans without fumbling. Cleanup after a busy night was painless thanks to the easy-clean nonstick interior and the removable front crumb tray with a cool-touch grip.
Our hands-on checklist included a mix of toast, broiled fish and steak, baked roast, pizza and reheats — each item revealing strengths in speed and consistency.Results at a glance:
- Toast & Bagels — consistent browning across six slices with shade control.
- Pizza (11″) — even bake and crisp crust using the pizza preset.
- Broil — quick searing and controlled browning with visible results via the interior light.
| Function | Typical Time | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Broil | 6–10 min | Good sear |
| Bake | 12–25 min | Even cook |
| Pizza | 8–12 min | crisp crust |
We also appreciated the included baking pan, wire rack and removable crumb tray during testing, plus the unit’s BPA-free construction and the reassurance of a limited 3-year warranty.if you want to try the same versatile setup in your kitchen,grab one here: See it on Amazon
Temperature Accuracy Toasting Consistency and Energy Use from Our Trials

In our trials the unit proved predictably reliable for both temperature accuracy and toasting consistency. With its Always Even technology and a robust 1800 watts of power we found preheat times short and results repeatable — six slices of bread toasted evenly across the rack and an 11″ pizza browned uniformly with the pizza function.We logged internal temperatures against set points and saw onyl minor variance, which translated to consistent browning and predictable bake times. Our notes highlighted a few practical points:
- Preheat: typically ~5 minutes to stable temp
- toast consistency: even across all six slices
- Bagel mode: crisp exterior,warm center
- Interior light: handy for monitoring without opening the door
| Mode | Typical Time | Energy Use | Consistency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toast | 5 min | 0.15 kWh | Excellent |
| Bake (350°F) | 20 min | 0.60 kWh | Good |
| Pizza | 12 min | 0.36 kWh | Vrey Good |
Energy use in day-to-day cooking was reasonable as the compact 0.5-cubic-foot interior heats quickly and keeps run times short; that small volume plus powerful elements makes it more efficient than larger countertop ovens for small batches. The included baking pan, wire rack and removable crumb tray speed up prep and cleanup, and the easy-clean nonstick interior means we spend less time (and energy) on aftercare. Practical tips we took away from repeated use include:
- Toast or bagel settings for quick jobs instead of full bake cycles
- cook multiple items at once on the auto-slide rack to maximize each heating cycle
- Use the interior light to check doneness instead of opening the door
We also appreciated the cool-touch handle and the peace of mind from the 3-year warranty and BPA-free construction. if you want to compare current pricing and buy one for yourself, check it out here: See Latest Price on Amazon
Cleaning Maintenance and Long Term Reliability Based on Our Experience
From routine wipe-downs to deeper cleans after heavy use, our maintenance routine has kept the oven looking and performing like new. As of the easy-clean nonstick interior and the front removable crumb tray with cool-touch grip, the most frequent tasks are quick: empty the crumb tray and give it a rinse, slide out the rack and wipe or wash the baking pan and wire rack, and wipe the stainless steel front with a soft cloth to avoid streaks. Our simple checklist keeps buildup at bay and prevents lingering odors — the interior light and cool-touch handle also make these tasks easier and safer. Quick cleaning steps we follow:
- Daily: Empty crumb tray after heavy toasting sessions.
- Weekly: Wipe interior and exterior with a damp cloth; wash wire rack and baking pan.
- As needed: Deep clean nonstick surfaces for stuck-on grease (avoid abrasive pads).
Long-term,the combination of 1800 watts of power and the always Even control has proven durable — we’ve been impressed that consistent results haven’t required frequent recalibration or special care. The auto-slide rack and included accessories hold up to regular use, and the unit’s build shows no signs of weakening; add the peace-of-mind of a limited 3-year warranty and BPA-free construction, and it’s a reliable kitchen workhorse. Below is the practical maintenance schedule we use to protect performance and extend lifespan:
| Part | How Often | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Crumb tray | After heavy use | Rinse and dry |
| Wire rack & baking pan | Weekly | Warm soapy water |
| Interior | Weekly | Soft cloth, non-abrasive |
| Exterior stainless | As needed | Microfiber polish |
See current price and buy on amazon
Who We Think This Toaster Oven Suits and When to Choose It
Perfect for small households and anyone who wants one reliable countertop appliance to handle morning toast,a quick weeknight roast or an 11″ pizza. With 1800 watts and Always Even toast shade control, we find it especially well suited to busy kitchens where even, predictable results matter—whether you’re browning bagels for brunch or finishing a broiled topping. Its .5‑cubic‑foot capacity (fits six slices or an 11″ pizza) and a dedicated pizza function mean you don’t need a full-size oven for many everyday tasks.
- Apartment dwellers and students who need space-saving power
- Families that want consistent toast and a quick pizza option
- Home cooks who value multi-function versatility (toast, bake, broil)
When to choose it: pick this model when you want a high-performance, all-in-one toaster oven that’s easy to use and maintain. The cool-touch handle, auto-slide rack and easy-clean nonstick interior make loading, checking and wiping down a breeze, while the included baking pan, wire rack and removable crumb tray add immediate practicality. We also appreciate the interior light for quick checks and the limited 3‑year warranty for added peace of mind.
| Feature | Quick Detail |
|---|---|
| Power | 1800 W |
| Capacity | 6 slices / 11″ pizza |
| Functions | Toast,Bagel,Bake,Broil,Pizza,Keep Warm |
| Extras | Interior light,removable crumb tray |
Practical Tips and Tweaks We Recommend for Best Results
We find the best results come when we treat this countertop workhorse like a mini-oven rather than just a glorified toaster. Always start by preheating for baking or pizza — the 1800 watts heat up fast and the dedicated pizza function will crisp an 11″ pie in minutes. For even browning, use the Always Even toast shade control and place bread on the middle rack; for bagels, switch to the bagel setting and use the top position so the cut side gets maximum heat. Take advantage of the auto-slide rack and cool-touch handle when removing pans,and keep an eye with the interior light so we don’t overcook delicate items.
- Preheat for 3–5 minutes before baking or pizza.
- Use the provided wire rack and baking pan for broiling and roasting to promote even air flow.
- Empty the removable crumb tray regularly to avoid smoke and easy cleanups.
- Wipe the nonstick interior after it cools slightly — spills lift much easier before they bake on.
For everyday use and maintenance we stick to simple settings and a quick routine so performance stays reliable. The unit’s .5-cubic-foot capacity handles up to six slices or an 11-inch pizza, so plan rack positions accordingly and don’t overcrowd. If we’re in a rush we’ll use higher power for shorter broil bursts, and for things that need gentle finishing we use the keep-warm function.The included baking pan, wire rack and front removable crumb tray make setup and cleanup painless, and the BPA-free construction plus the limited three-year warranty give us extra peace of mind.
| Setting | Good For | Rack Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Toast / Always Even | 6 slices, even browning | Middle rack, 2–4 shade clicks |
| Pizza | 11″ pizza, crispy crust | Lower rack, preheat 3–5 min |
| broil | Thin cuts, melts | Top rack, short bursts |
Pros & Cons
After putting the Cuisinart TOB-5 through our daily kitchen trials, we found a lot to like — and a few trade-offs to consider. Below is a compact, honest rundown based on our time using it every day.
Pros
- Serious heating power: 1800W means fast preheat and confident broiling — we rarely waited.
- Always Even toast control: Toast and bagels came out consistent, which saved morning guesswork.
- True multi-use: Toast, bake, broil, pizza, keep-warm and an interior light — one unit replaced several appliances for us.
- Counter-ready design: Stainless-steel front and cool-touch handle look sharp and feel safe to operate.
- User-friendly cleaning: nonstick interior, slide-out rack and removable crumb tray made wipe-down quick.
- Handy accessories: Included baking pan and wire rack mean you can start cooking right away.
- Warranty & safety: BPA-free and backed by a limited 3‑year warranty — peace of mind if something goes wrong.
Cons
- Counter footprint: It’s 0.5 cu ft — plenty for most meals, but it can dominate small countertops.
- Pizza size cap: Tops out at an 11″ pizza, so no large family pies.
- No convection mode: We missed a convection setting for faster,crisper roasts and batch baking.
- Basic controls: If you prefer touchscreen timers or presets, the TOB-5’s simpler dials are less flashy.
- Careful with utensils: The nonstick interior cleans easily but can be scratched if metal tools are used.
- Warm exterior under heavy use: The handle stays cool, but the unit’s top and sides can warm during long broils.
Quick Snapshot
| Why we’d keep it | why we might skip it |
|---|---|
| Powerful and consistent results | Too big for very small kitchens |
| Versatile (toast, broil, pizza, bake) | Pizza limited to 11″ |
| Easy to clean and use daily | No convection or advanced digital controls |
In short, the TOB-5 is a dependable, versatile countertop oven that earns our stamp for everyday cooking — especially if you want fast heat, even toasting, and a clean, stainless look. If you need larger capacity, convection baking, or touchscreen controls, it might not be the perfect fit for your kitchen.
We put the Cuisinart TOB-5 through daily kitchen trials, and it proved to be a dependable multitasker — from evenly toasted slices to impressively crisp 11″ pizzas and a broil that handled a small roast with ease. We appreciated the Always Even toast control, the roomy .5-cubic-foot interior, and thoughtful touches like the cool‑touch handle, auto-slide rack, removable crumb tray and easy‑clean nonstick finish. With 1800 watts of power and a limited 3‑year warranty, it’s a solid fit for cooks who want ovenlike results without firing up a full-size range.
it’s not a replacement for a full conventional oven, but as a counter‑top workhorse for everyday toasting, baking, broiling and reheating, we found it earns its place in a busy kitchen. If you’re ready to see how it performs in your own routines, check current pricing and reviews below.
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