Last month, I watched a friend burn her third frozen pizza in a row using the same clunky oven she’s had since college. She asked me, a guy who spends his days mixing cocktails and scrubbing kitchens to a shine, what she should buy. That question kicked off a month-long test of three very different toaster ovens—ranging from a budget-friendly compact to a slightly more feature-rich model. We wanted to know which ones actually survive daily use, clean up well, and don’t make your toast taste like last night’s fish sticks.
Here’s the short answer: the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD. It outshined the rest by balancing real cooking versatility with a footprint that doesn’t dominate your countertop. For the price of a few takeout pizzas, it delivers consistent results and wipes down in seconds.
| Product | Best For | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven | Overall versatility | Check Price |
| Elite Gourmet 2-Slice Toaster Oven Aluminum | Budget simplicity | Check Price |
| GOLUX GT12 Black Countertop Toaster Oven | Compact style | Check Price |
How We Tested These Toaster Ovens for Black Friday
Our team integrated these toaster ovens into our daily cooking routines for a full month. That meant using each one for everything from morning bagels to late-night frozen pizzas and even reheating leftovers. We tracked durability—did any knobs loosen or racks warp? Ease of cleaning was a major focus, given my obsession with streak-free surfaces. We also measured how each oven impacted kitchen workflow: Did it preheat fast enough for a quick lunch? Could we fit a 9-inch pizza without rotating it halfway through? Every unit went through at least three full dishwasher cycles (where applicable) and multiple wipe-downs to test stain resistance and residue buildup. We didn’t run lab tests; we lived with them.
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BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD Toaster Oven (Our Top Pick)
In a nutshell: This is the toaster oven you buy when you want real cooking flexibility without spending a fortune. It handles a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread with ease, and the natural convection airflow makes a noticeable difference in even browning.
The first thing we noticed was the solid heft of the stainless steel body—no cheap plastic flex when you push the door closed. The curved interior isn’t just a design trick; it actually helps circulate heat more evenly than the boxy interiors on some competitors. We threw in a frozen pizza straight from the box, and the crust came out crispy on the bottom without the top cheese burning—something our test with the Elite Gourmet struggled with. The 30-minute timer with a stay-on option is a small touch, but we used it constantly when we wanted to broil chicken thighs for longer than half an hour.
Over a month of near-daily use, the crumb tray slid out without sticking, and the interior wiped clean with a damp cloth—no baked-on grease patches. The only real annoyance was the four cooking functions (bake, broil, toast, keep warm) don’t include a dedicated air fry mode, though the natural convection does a decent job mimicking it. If you’re the type who needs preset buttons for every possible food, this might feel a bit manual.
Pros:
- Versatile cooking options — Bake, broil, toast, and keep warm cover 90% of what you’ll need, and the convection airflow helps with even results.
- Compact footprint — Fits under standard cabinets without looking cramped, yet still fits a 9-inch pizza or four slices of bread.
- Easy to clean — The crumb tray slides out smoothly, and the stainless interior resisted staining after a month of greasy chicken thighs.
- Stay-on timer option — Useful for longer broiling or roasting tasks where a 30-minute limit would be annoying.
- Solid build quality — The door hinge felt sturdy, and the knobs clicked into place with satisfying precision.
Cons:
- No air fry mode — If you specifically want an air fryer toaster oven black Friday deal, this isn’t that. The convection helps, but it’s not the same.
- Manual timer only — No digital display or countdown, so you’re setting time with a dial. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.
- Toast settings can be finicky — The marked toast settings are a rough guide; we had to experiment a bit to get our preferred doneness.
Our Take
Ideal for: Anyone who wants a reliable, versatile toaster oven for everyday cooking—pizzas, toast, reheating, and simple broiling. Think twice if: You absolutely need a dedicated air fry function or prefer digital controls with presets.
Elite Gourmet 2-Slice Toaster Oven Aluminum (Budget Pick)
Quick take: This is the cheapest option we tested, and it feels like it. If your budget is tight and you only need basic toasting and small pizzas, it works—but don’t expect premium performance.
The aluminum body is noticeably lighter than the BLACK+DECKER, and the door feels flimsier when you close it. On the plus side, it’s small enough to stash in a dorm room or RV without hogging counter space. The adjustable temperature range from 200°F to 450°F is decent for basic baking, but we found the heat distribution uneven. A batch of frozen bagels came out with one side dark and the other pale—we had to rotate them manually. The 15-minute timer is also quite limiting; you can’t broil chicken or bake a potato without resetting it midway.
Cleaning was straightforward because the interior is non-stick aluminum, but we noticed some discoloration after a few uses. The crumb tray is small and doesn’t catch everything—crumbs ended up on the counter more than once. For the price, it’s hard to complain too much, but if you cook more than toast and small pizzas, you’ll outgrow this quickly. We wouldn’t recommend it for anyone who bakes frequently or wants consistent results.
Pros:
- Very affordable — One of the cheapest toaster ovens we’ve tested, perfect for tight budgets.
- Compact size — Takes up minimal counter space, ideal for small kitchens or dorms.
- Simple controls — Temperature dial and timer are straightforward, no learning curve.
- Non-stick interior — Wipes clean easily, though it discolored slightly over time.
- Lightweight — Easy to move around or store when not in use.
Cons:
- Uneven heating — Bagels and small pizzas needed manual rotation to avoid burnt spots.
- 15-minute timer is too short — You’ll need to reset it for anything beyond a quick toast.
- Feels cheap — The aluminum body and door hinge lack the sturdiness of the BLACK+DECKER or GOLUX.
Final Thoughts
Great match for: Students, temporary living situations, or anyone who only needs basic toasting and reheating. Not great if: You bake often, want even browning, or need a timer longer than 15 minutes.
GOLUX GT12 Black Countertop Toaster Oven (Stylish Compact)
Why it made our list: If counter space is tight but you still want something that looks good and performs decently, the GOLUX GT12 is a solid middle ground. Its 12-liter capacity and sleek black design fit neatly on most counters.
The 1200W power and four stainless steel heating elements promise fast, even heating, and in practice, it preheated noticeably faster than the Elite Gourmet. We tested it with a 9-inch pizza and got a reasonably even bake, though the top crust browned a bit faster than the bottom. The four cooking modes (bake, broil, toast, and a keep-warm option) cover the basics, but the mode selector dial felt slightly loose compared to the BLACK+DECKER’s crisp clicks. The included baking tray and wire rack are functional but nothing special—the tray warped slightly after a few uses.
Cleaning was mixed: the interior is stainless steel and wiped down well, but the crumb tray doesn’t slide out completely—you have to tilt the oven forward to access it fully. Over a month of use, the exterior stayed fingerprint-free, which is a nice perk for a black appliance. The biggest downside is the lack of a stay-on timer; the 30-minute timer is fine for most tasks, but you can’t let it run continuously for longer roasts. If you’re looking for black friday deals on toaster ovens that prioritize aesthetics and compactness, this is a strong contender.
Pros:
- Fast preheating — The 1200W power and four heating elements heat up quickly, saving time.
- Compact and stylish — The black finish resists fingerprints and fits well in modern kitchens.
- Even heating for most tasks — Pizza and toast came out consistently browned, with only minor hot spots.
- Four cooking modes — Bake, broil, toast, and keep warm cover daily needs.
- Stainless steel interior — Easier to clean than non-stick, and didn’t discolor over time.
Cons:
- Crumb tray is poorly designed — Doesn’t slide out fully, making cleanup slightly annoying.
- No stay-on timer option — Can’t run it continuously for longer cooking tasks.
- Baking tray warped slightly — After a few uses, the included tray developed a slight bend.
The Real Deal
Perfect for: Small kitchens or apartments where counter space is precious and you want an appliance that looks good. Pass on this if: You need a stay-on timer for long roasts or want a fully removable crumb tray for easy cleaning.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Toaster Oven This Black Friday
Size and Capacity: Don’t Overestimate Your Counter Space
Before you even look at features, measure your counter. The BLACK+DECKER fits a 9-inch pizza and four slices of bread in a compact footprint, while the GOLUX GT12 is slightly smaller at 12 liters. The Elite Gourmet is the most compact, but you’ll sacrifice even heating. A toaster oven that’s too big for your space will feel like a permanent obstacle.
Heating Performance: Look for Convection or Multiple Elements
Natural convection (like the BLACK+DECKER’s curved interior) or multiple heating elements (like the GOLUX’s four stainless steel rods) make a real difference in even browning. Single-element ovens, like the Elite Gourmet, tend to create hot spots. If you bake frozen pizzas or reheat leftovers often, prioritize even heat distribution over fancy presets.
Ease of Cleaning: A Non-Negotiable for Daily Use
As someone who obsesses over kitchen hygiene, I can’t stress this enough. Look for a removable crumb tray that slides out fully (the GOLUX’s partial tray is a pain). Stainless steel interiors wipe clean more easily than non-stick coatings, which can discolor over time. The BLACK+DECKER’s curved interior also helps prevent food from getting stuck in corners.
Timer and Controls: Digital vs. Manual
Manual dials (BLACK+DECKER, Elite Gourmet) are simpler and less likely to break, but they lack precision. Digital timers and presets (not found on any of these three) offer convenience but add cost. If you’re a set-it-and-forget-it type, a 30-minute timer with a stay-on option is a must—the Elite Gourmet’s 15-minute limit is too restrictive.
Our Final Recommendation
If you want one toaster oven that does everything well without breaking the bank, the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD is our clear winner. It’s versatile, easy to clean, and built to last. For budget buyers, the Elite Gourmet works in a pinch but expect uneven results. The GOLUX GT12 is a solid choice if aesthetics and compact size matter more than maximum features. Whichever you choose, check for toaster oven black friday deals to save a few extra dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a toaster oven to bake cookies or small cakes?
Yes, but you need to watch the temperature closely. Toaster ovens run hotter than conventional ovens due to their smaller size. We successfully baked cookies in the BLACK+DECKER by reducing the recipe temperature by 25°F and checking them a few minutes early. The GOLUX also worked well, but the Elite Gourmet’s uneven heating made some cookies overdone on one side.
What’s the best way to clean a toaster oven without damaging it?
Never use abrasive sponges or harsh chemicals on the interior. For stainless steel models like the BLACK+DECKER and GOLUX, a damp microfiber cloth with a drop of dish soap works best. For non-stick interiors (Elite Gourmet), a soft sponge and warm water are sufficient. Always unplug the oven and let it cool completely before cleaning. The crumb tray should be washed separately in the dishwasher or by hand.
Is an air fryer toaster oven black Friday deal worth looking for?
It depends on your cooking habits. If you already have a dedicated air fryer, a standard toaster oven like the BLACK+DECKER is fine. But if you want to save counter space and do both tasks, look for a model that explicitly includes an air fry function. None of the three we tested have it, so if air frying is a priority, search specifically for an air fryer toaster oven black friday deal from brands like Cuisinart or Ninja.
