That moment when you stare at leftover pizza and realize you need to choose between a sad, soggy microwave reheat and waiting ten minutes for a full-size oven to preheat. That’s the real kitchen dilemma. After spending a full month cooking, reheating, and cleaning up after two very different countertop appliances, we can finally settle the toaster oven vs microwave argument — at least for our own kitchens. The short version: if you want one appliance that does more than just nuke leftovers, the BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven is the clear winner. But the Chefman microwave has its place, and we’ll tell you exactly where.
Our top pick: the BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven. It reheats crispy food without the sogginess, air fries with minimal oil, and actually makes decent toast — all in a footprint smaller than a microwave. The Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave is a solid backup for quick reheats if you already own a toaster oven, but as a standalone appliance, it’s limited.
| Product | Best For | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Countertop Convection Toaster Oven | Versatile countertop cooking | Check Price |
| Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. | Quick reheating on a budget | Check Price |
How We Tested These Countertop Ovens and Microwaves
We integrated both appliances into our daily cooking routines for a full month, tracking durability, ease of cleaning, and overall impact on kitchen workflow. That means we reheated leftovers in both, air-fried frozen foods, baked small batches of cookies, toasted bagels, and even tried to make a full meal using each appliance exclusively. We noted how quickly each preheated, how evenly it cooked, and — this matters a lot — how much of a pain each was to clean after a greasy meal. We also paid close attention to noise levels, button responsiveness, and whether the exterior got dangerously hot during use. No lab coats here — just real meals, real messes, and honest notes.
BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Countertop Convection Toaster Oven (The Versatile Winner)
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. (The Quick Reheat Specialist)
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BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Countertop Convection Toaster Oven (The Versatile Winner)
Here’s the deal: If you’re debating whether to get a toaster oven instead of a microwave for your small kitchen, this BLACK+DECKER model makes a very strong case for itself. It’s a 5-in-1 that air fries, bakes, broils, toasts, and keeps warm — and it does most of those jobs better than we expected from a unit in this price range.
The first thing we noticed pulling it out of the box? The stainless steel exterior feels solid — not flimsy like some budget toaster ovens we’ve handled. The door hinge has a reassuring resistance when opening, and the interior crumb tray slides out without catching. We immediately tested the EvenToast technology by making two slices of sourdough. The toast came out evenly golden across the entire surface — no pale corners or burnt centers. That’s rare in a toaster oven under $100.
Over a month of daily use, we put the air frying function through its paces. Frozen french fries came out crispy with just a light spritz of oil — significantly better than any microwave could manage. We also baked a small batch of chocolate chip cookies (350°F for 12 minutes) and they turned out with perfectly browned edges and soft centers. The convection fan runs quietly — noticeable but not annoying. One honest annoyance: the dial for setting temperature and time feels a bit imprecise. It clicks through settings, but we found ourselves overshooting the exact temperature we wanted. The interior light is dim, too; you’ll need to open the door to really check doneness. For more on baking with these types of ovens, our guide to the best toaster ovens for baking covers other top performers we’ve tested.
Pros:
- EvenToast technology — Produces evenly browned toast without rotating the bread halfway through.
- Air frying performance — Gets frozen foods crispy with minimal oil; better than most dedicated air fryers we’ve tested.
- Compact footprint — Fits under standard upper cabinets without looking bulky.
- 5-in-1 versatility — Replaces a toaster, air fryer, and small oven for most households.
- Easy cleanup — The removable crumb tray and non-stick interior wipe down quickly.
Cons:
- Imprecise dial — The temperature and time dial clicks through settings but lacks fine control.
- Dim interior light — Hard to see browning without opening the door, which lets heat escape.
- No built-in timer display — The dial timer is mechanical and not as accurate as digital.
Our Take
Ideal for: Anyone who wants one countertop appliance that can toast, reheat, air fry, and bake small items. It’s perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or anyone looking to reduce counter clutter. Think twice if: You only ever reheat leftovers and never cook from scratch. If you just want 30-second soup reheats, a microwave is simpler and faster.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. (The Quick Reheat Specialist)
Quick take: This Chefman microwave is exactly what it says on the box — a compact, no-fuss reheating appliance. It doesn’t try to be anything more, and for $50-ish, that’s fine. But if you’re comparing a convection oven vs toaster oven vs microwave as your primary countertop appliance, this microwave’s limitations become clear fast.
The first thing that stood out: the 700W of power is noticeably weaker than a standard 1000W+ microwave. A bowl of soup that takes 2 minutes in a full-size microwave takes closer to 3 minutes here. Not a dealbreaker, but something to know. The digital controls are straightforward — six presets for popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, and more — and the buttons have a satisfying tactile click. The door opens and closes smoothly with a solid latch feel. The interior is coated in a glossy white finish that looks clean but shows every fingerprint.
Over a month of daily reheating, the Chefman handled leftovers consistently. Rice reheated without drying out, pizza came out warm but with a soggy crust (as all microwaves do), and the popcorn preset actually worked — no burnt bags. The 0.7 cubic foot interior fits a standard dinner plate, but just barely. A larger pasta bowl won’t fit without tilting. The main drawback? This microwave can’t crisp or brown anything. If you’re used to reheating pizza in a toaster oven, going back to a microwave feels like a downgrade. It’s best as a secondary appliance for quick reheats, not a primary cooking tool. If you’re interested in baking, you might find our guide to making sourdough without a Dutch oven useful for alternative methods.
Pros:
- Compact size — Fits in tight spaces where a full-size microwave won’t.
- Simple presets — Popcorn, pizza, and beverage presets work reliably.
- 10 power levels — Offers flexibility for defrosting and gentle reheating.
- Easy-to-clean interior — The glossy white surface wipes clean with a damp cloth.
- Quiet operation — The fan and turntable are whisper-quiet.
Cons:
- 700W is underpowered — Takes longer to heat food than standard microwaves.
- Small interior — A standard dinner plate fits, but larger bowls or casserole dishes won’t.
- No crisping capability — Wet reheating only; pizza and fried foods come out soggy.
Final Thoughts
Great match for: Someone who needs a backup microwave for quick reheats and already owns a toaster oven or air fryer. Also good for small apartments or office break rooms where space is tight. Not great if: You’re relying on this as your only cooking appliance. It can’t brown, crisp, bake, or toast — you’ll miss those functions badly.
BLACK+DECKER vs Chefman: Spec Comparison
| Specification | BLACK+DECKER | Chefman |
|---|---|---|
| EXTRA-QUICK COOKING | — | Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes. |
| LOW TO HIGH POWER | — | This 700W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments. |
| DIGITAL CONTROLS | — | It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button. |
| SAFETY FIRST | — | The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally. Just pull upwards on the top edge of the handle to open the microwave. |
| MUTE OPTION | — | Silence this counter top microwave with the Audio Button, turning off any annoying beeps if you’re trying to stay quiet or not wake up your kids. |
| MODERN DESIGN | — | This microwave countertop design fits in well alongside your other kitchen appliances. Its compact frame and sleek, black finish blend in well with any home décor. |
| EASY TO CLEAN | — | Don’t worry about grease or scuffs; this black microwave exterior is durable and wipes clean with a damp towel. Additionally, the glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe. |
Buying Guide: How to Choose Between a Toaster Oven and a Microwave
After a month of using both, here’s what we learned about the toaster oven vs microwave decision. It’s not about which is “better” — it’s about what you actually cook.
Consider your cooking habits
If you mostly reheat leftovers, microwave oatmeal, and pop popcorn, a microwave is faster and more efficient. If you like crispy food, toast, small baked goods, or air-fried vegetables, a toaster oven will make you happier every single day. The BLACK+DECKER toaster oven we tested does all of that; the Chefman microwave only does one thing well.
Counter space and footprint
Both appliances take up about the same footprint on your counter — roughly 16 to 18 inches wide. But a toaster oven sits taller and needs clearance above for heat to escape. A microwave can be placed under cabinets with less worry. Measure your space before buying. If you have limited counter space and already own a toaster, the Chefman microwave might be the better fit.
Energy efficiency
Microwaves use less energy than toaster ovens for short reheating tasks — about half the wattage for a 2-minute job. But if you’re preheating a toaster oven for 10 minutes to bake a small item, the energy cost adds up. For quick reheats, the microwave wins. For longer cooking, the toaster oven’s versatility justifies the extra energy use.
Can a toaster oven replace a microwave?
That’s the million-dollar question. The honest answer: it depends. If you’re willing to wait 5-7 minutes for reheating instead of 1-2, then yes — a toaster oven can absolutely replace a microwave for most households. The BLACK+DECKER model we tested reheats pizza and fried foods better than any microwave. But if you value speed above all else, keep a microwave on hand. For more on bread-making techniques that work in either appliance, check out our step-by-step guide to mixing dough without a mixer.
Our Final Recommendation
After a month of cooking, reheating, and cleaning both appliances, the winner is clear: the BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven is the better all-around countertop appliance for most people. It toasts, air fries, bakes, broils, and reheats — all with better texture and flavor than any microwave can deliver. The Chefman Countertop Microwave is a fine secondary appliance for quick reheats, but if you’re choosing just one, go with the toaster oven. It’s the appliance you’ll reach for every day, for everything from morning toast to crispy leftover pizza. If you’re considering using a toaster oven instead of a microwave as your main cooking appliance, this BLACK+DECKER model makes that swap easy and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a toaster oven replace a microwave for everyday use?
Yes, for most people. A toaster oven can reheat leftovers, toast bread, bake small items, and air fry foods — all with better texture than a microwave. The trade-off is speed: a microwave heats food in 1-2 minutes, while a toaster oven takes 5-10 minutes. If you’re willing to wait a few extra minutes for better results, a toaster oven is the better choice.
Is a convection oven better than a toaster oven or microwave?
A convection oven uses a fan to circulate hot air, cooking food faster and more evenly than a standard toaster oven. Many toaster ovens (like the BLACK+DECKER we tested) include convection technology. A convection toaster oven is generally better than a microwave for texture and browning, but a microwave is faster for simple reheating. The best setup is having both.
How do I clean a toaster oven vs a microwave?
Microwaves are easier to clean — just wipe the interior with a damp cloth or heat a bowl of water and vinegar to loosen grime. Toaster ovens require more effort: you need to remove the crumb tray, wipe down the interior walls, and occasionally clean the heating elements. The BLACK+DECKER model’s non-stick interior helps, but it’s still more work than a microwave.
