Best ovens for baking – a list of top 6 models (Latest)

Whether you want to celebrate Christmas or the birthday of your little one or you have just been promoted, one thing is common to all these occasions – a cake. In other words, cakes are the heart and soul of all celebrations, be it personal or official. Furthermore, baking cookies or muffins is the sure-shot way of making your little ones happy by creating some sweet and delicious treats at home. Hence, I have done exhaustive research to get you the best ovens for baking.

Health benefits of baking

Baking has a far more reaching impact than just creating mouth-watering treats. In fact, you can bake your way into a healthy lifestyle by selecting the best oven for baking other foods as well. For instance, instead of frying your seafood, you could just put it in an oven and bake it with very little oil. Since this would avoid your consuming too much oil with your fried fish, it is certainly a healthy option. Furthermore, start your day with a fresh fruit smoothie from the list of blenders we have so diligently compiled for you.

However, you need to keep in mind that you use minimum oil content in your preparation so as to get the maximum benefit of this way of cooking. For some more information on the health benefits of baking, you can refer here.

Types of ovens

There are many different varieties of ovens available in the market based on size and heating technology, etc.

Ovens based on capacity

These could be counter-top ovens starting with 0.5 to 1.5 cubic feet volume and heights up to 24 inches. These are great space savers and can do both baking and grilling jobs. They are also called single ovens because cooking and grilling can’t happen simultaneously in them.

Then there are double ovens which have a higher capacity which can be as high as 35 inches. They are built-in under the counter. They are roomier than the counter-top ones and are more versatile.

Ovens based on heating technology

To start with, conventional ovens have a stationary heating technology. In effect, the heat rises from the bottom up. As a result, the heat is disproportionate resulting in unequal cooking at times. However, these can use both gas or electricity for heating.

On the contrary, the other types of ovens are called convection ovens. They use a fan to circulate the hot air. Hence, they tend to produce more even heating in the oven chamber as compared to the conventional ovens. In fact, various studies on the impact of temperature and airflow conditions have shown a significant impact on the quality of baking. For a detailed view on this, you can refer to this article.

Ovens based on cleaning technology

Today’s technology has made it very easy for us to bake without worrying about the after-bake cleaning rigmarole. This has been achieved by using two types of oven technologies – pyrolytic and catalytic technologies.

The pyrolytic ovens clean off food stains by putting them through very high temperatures. As a result, the food-remains burn down to ashes and you just have to remove the debris from the bottom.

On the other hand, catalytic ovens are lined with chemicals to absorb food spills. However, some users are skeptical about the impact of these chemicals on humans. Moreover, both these technologies add to the overall product cost.

Ovens based on the source of heat

Based on what source does your oven use for baking, there can be two types of ovens – gas or electric. Evidently, gas ovens use gas for baking which results in faster heating. However, because of uneven heating, the cooking requires some amount of manual interference for the best results. As a result, these ovens are not very popular.

In contrast to gas ovens, electric ovens use electric coils for heating. Hence, they take some time to reach the desired heat level. However, the heat distribution is quite steady the oven chamber remains dry.

Summary list of the best ovens for baking

#1. Overall Best oven for baking

Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Convection – Perfect choice for your serious baking needs. This one will sweep you off your feet with its immense capability.

#2. Best oven for baking – mid-range

Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven – Once again, Breville’s smart oven outperforms others for your medium-capacity baking needs.

#3. Best oven for baking – Chef’s choice

Cuisinart TOB-260N1 Chef's Convection Toaster Oven – If you are a Chef, then with this Cuisinart you can see your vision turning to reality. You couldn’t ask for more.

#4. Best affordable oven for baking

Oster Extra Large Digital Countertop Convection Oven – Extra-large yet affordable oven, this oven is your party genie. No matter how much you need, this Oster will never fall short.

#5. Best small-size oven for baking

Panasonic FlashXpress Compact Toaster Oven – While it may seem small, this Panasonic oven is certainly big at its job.

#6. Best low budget oven for baking

BLACK+DECKER CTO6335S Countertop Convection Toaster Oven – If you want to go easy on your pocket without any compromise on quality, then this is the one.

Best ovens for baking – features and ratings

#1. Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Convection

The first on my list of the best ovens for baking is the Breville model BOV900BSS smart oven. You will soon find out why this is the best in class.

This spacious oven with super convection technology is one of the finest in this category. This technology provides for a two-speed convection speed so that you have greater control over your cooking. Additionally, it ensures an even heat distribution leading to perfect baking outputs.

Furthermore, it has been endowed with Precision cooking and Element IQ. This unique technology uses 6 independent quartz heating elements. As a result, they provide more heat to areas that need more of it for flawless output.

User Experience

Talking about user experience, for the most part, users are quite impressed with its functionalities. Specifically, the air fryer mode has found special favor with users cutting down on oil. Manufacturers have done a tremendous job on its design, features as well as capacity. To list a few, high-quality racks, double racks, magnetic rack-puller design, and much more.

However, some users have found the fan noise to be quite high. Another not-so-good feature is the front panel fan switching on even when not needed. Well, we could live with these flaws, especially, when there are numerous other useful features to counter these.

Pros

• Dual speed convection – Super and Regular
• Even distribution of heat
• Eliminates the need for buying a separate air-fryer
• Large interiors –  1 cubic foot volume
• Versatile – 13 preset programs
• 2-year limited warranty
• Wide and clear LCD display
• Power – 1800 Watts

Cons

• Expensive
• Loud fan sound

My Verdict: Perfect own for the serious bakers. Features fully justify the price. So, you can go for this one without any second thoughts.

At the same time, if you are looking for some more kitchen gadgets don’t forget to refer to my article on best rice cookers.

#2. Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven

Another intelligent oven from Breville appears on my list of the best ovens for baking. But this time it’s the BOV800XL model which is slightly small than the previous one. Having said that, I would like to emphasize that it is in no way lagging in the basic features. That is to say, it has the Element IQ technology that is the unique feature of this brand. Then the preset functioning is also available, albeit 9 viz a viz 13 of the higher model. Similarly, the quartz heating elements are 5 as against 6 in the 900BSS. However, it has the backlit LCD just the same. In short, this little brother of the mighty 900BSS is equally competent while being light on your pocket.

Pros

• 5 quartz heating elements for higher heat coverage
• Eliminates the need for buying a separate air-fryer
• Medium interiors –  13 in Pizza or 6 slice toaster capacity
• Versatile – 9 preset programs
• Wide and clear LCD display
• Power – 1800 Watts

Cons

• Some user issues with the non-stick accessories included
• Only 1-year limited warranty

My verdict – This is a perfect mid-capacity oven at a reasonable price.

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#3. Cuisinart TOB-260N1 Chef's Convection Toaster Oven

In the third place, we have the Chef’s choice from Cuisinart. Now, this is the best oven to bake for a chef because of its unparalleled functionalities.

To begin with, it comes with advanced cooking technology. What I specifically liked about this is the controllability of cooking. For instance, you can customize the heat level as per the number of slices for toasting. Thus, every time you will get the optimized toasting time and perfect outputs. Similarly, you can choose the pizza size (up to a max 13-inch) you are cooking. Hence, the oven will automatically adjust the heating as per the size to give you a precisely cooked pizza.

Another unique feature that swept me off my feet is the numerous cooking options available to choose from. Whether you want to bake a Bagel or a Waffle or anything else, you just name it and the function is there. What I found to be even more enticing is the dual cook function. In effect, you can run 2 cooking functions at totally distinct temperatures consecutively. Additionally, you can manually add 30 seconds to the cooking cycle in any of the 30+ options. And finally, with a plethora of accessories and 4 interior rack positions, this is a Chef’s fantasy fulfilled.

Pros

• Extra-large capacity – 9 bread slices, 13-inch pizza, or 5-pound chicken
• 4 rack capacity
• 2-rack simultaneous usage ability
• Accessories include 2 oven racks, broiling pan, 13-inch pizza stone, removable crumb tray, recipe booklet
• Oven light while cooking
• Non-stick interiors
• 5-Quartz heating
• Programmable pizza size and bread slice options
• 2-convection setting
• Auto slide-out rack
• Quiet functioning
• 3-year warranty
• Power -1800 Watts

Cons

• Some users experienced an issue with the function labels rubbing off pretty easily
• Expensive

My Verdict: An absolute dream come true for a Chef. Perfect for your experimental cooking!

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#4. Oster Extra Large Digital Countertop Convection Oven

Another exceptional product on our list of the best ovens for baking is the Oster Convection oven. While this one has a huge capacity, it is also an affordable one. I have included it on my list because it has all the features of a top-end oven yet it is not as expensive.

Firstly, it comes with an immense capacity to hold as many as 2 large frozen pizzas. In fact, I was quite impressed by its capacity to accommodate up to 14 slices of bread at a time. Secondly, its multilevel cooking functionality makes it perfect to entertain a large gathering with your baked menu. Besides, it is very easy to use with its digital display and various preset programs. Above all, its 90-minute auto shut-off timer and the turbo convection technology make it even more convenient to use. Not to mention, its removable crumb tray makes it easy to clean. Undeniably, this is one of the best ovens for baking for your party.

Pros

• Extra-large capacity
• Affordable
• Digital settings
• 90-min auto-off timer
• Easy to use as well as clean
• Multi-level cooking
• Turbo convection baking
• Power – 1500 Watt

Cons

• Time-consuming programming process and operating controls

My Verdict: If you love to bake for a party or have a big family, this Oster oven will work like a genie. An affordable option for all your baking needs.

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#5. Panasonic FlashXpress Compact Toaster Oven

While it may be true that a spacious oven has higher utility than a smaller one, yet you cannot ignore the relevance of a small size. This is specifically true if you have a small family or single-user kitchen, or even if you are a bachelor living alone. With this in mind, I have included the Panasonic FlashXpress oven on my list of the best ovens for baking.

However, don’t let the small size mislead you on its quality. I was, in fact, quite surprised to find that despite its size, it can cook up to 40% faster than a conventional oven of similar capacity. This is achieved because of its double infrared heating technology. Thus, you can expect evenly toasted slices every time you toast. Furthermore, its precise temperature controls and 6-auto cook programs help you get the same results each time with ease. Additionally, its backlit compartment makes it easy to monitor the food while it’s being baked. And lastly, the removable crumb tray also makes it easy to clean.

Pros

• The compact size makes it perfect for small kitchens
• No preheating required
• 40% faster than a conventional toaster oven
• Fits up to 4 bread slices or a 9-inch pizza
• Accessories include a removable crumb tray and baking tray
• Reminder beep for the alert on food
• Internal lights
• Heating range up to 500 degrees F
• Power – 1300 Watt

Cons

• The timer can only be for up to 25 minutes

My verdict: All good things come in small packages! Undeniably true with this little master.

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#6. BLACK+DECKER CTO6335S Countertop Convection Toaster Oven

Lastly, I have the Black+Decker oven on my list of the best ovens for baking. Though high in quality, this oven is very easy on your pocket. Firstly, it comes with extra-deep interiors. So, you can fit-in a 12-inch pizza with ease. Then, with a dual position rack, it gives you the flexibility to fit-in large items as well as position your items as per the heat intended. What’s more, the 8-preset programs give you the convenience of baking with consistent results each time.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Spacious interior
• 2-year warranty
• Dual-position racks
• 8-preset programs
• Removable crumb tray

Cons

• No interior lights
• Not very high-quality controls

My verdict: Easy on your pocket, yet perfect for baking. My full thumbs up to this one.

How I shortlisted the 6 best ovens for baking

Choosing the right oven can be a harrowing experience, especially when there is a deluge of options available in the market. With the aim of reducing this agony for you, I have collated a list of some points that cannot be ignored while making a purchase. Though I have ensured that all the models I have shortlisted conform to these norms, it’s important you know about them as well.

1. Need identification

Whether you plan to buy the most advanced oven or the very basic one, unless you have identified your exact need, you will end up regretting your decision in any case. Hence, first, understand what exactly you need the oven for. For instance, if you are a professional baker, then you would need a more advanced oven with a bigger capacity as compared to what you would need as a novice.

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2. Capacity

Another important aspect to keep in mind is the holding capacity of the oven. Again, if you are a professional a big oven would be the best fit for you. So you might even like to look at built-in under-the-counter ovens. At the same time, if you need it for home baking needs, then a counter-top oven might suffice. Here, I would like to point out that I have only considered the countertop ovens in my search. These ovens can on one hand be good enough for a large pizza, while on the other they can be small enough to fit in 4 bread slices at a time. Hence, they can provide you with as much capacity as you need while saving you space in the kitchen.

3. Physical Size

Once again, size does matter! So, depending on your needs choose the one that suits you the best.

4. Type

While this feature has a wide scope, you can limit it to the ones discussed at the beginning of this article. So, basically, you need to decide between the heating technology used, the cleaning technology you need, and placement in your kitchen.

5. Budget

Though this aspect seems to be most important, it is highly dependent on your need. The more sophisticated and large oven you choose, the higher will be the cost.

6. Programs

This particular aspect again depends on the usage. If you are a beginner, the more programs the device has, the better and more consistent the output will be. Nevertheless, preset programs can be great time-savers for professionals as well.

7. Temperature controls

Next, we have the temperature controls. These are specifically useful for those who have varied baking requirements. For instance, if your oven can provide varied temperatures simultaneously at the top and bottom ends, then it could be useful for various dishes.

8. Timer and alarms

Undoubtedly, these are good to have features for consistent results. They also save you the hassle of monitoring the food being cooked.

9. Non-stick trays

If you are one of those who are skeptical about the impact of non-stick material on health, then you need to look for specific accessories. However, non-stick trays make it easy to clean from the inside.

10. Internal lighting

Though not a necessity, internal lightings can be a real convenience. This is especially true if you want to see the status of the food inside without opening the oven.

11. Accessories

Ovens come with a lot of accessories. Make sure that all the basic accessories are included in the overall deal, else you will have to spend extra to get them.

FAQs

1. Is the convection oven better than the conventional one?

The basic technology of convection ovens ensures even distribution of heat. Hence, generally, the baking is faster and better. However, for delicate cooking, like a souffle, the circulating air might not let it settle into the right physical shape. Another problem with this technology is that you could overcook your food since it cooks fast. Nevertheless, these are some specific scenarios that can be easily controlled with practice. A conventional oven on the other hand creates heat pockets. Hence, the output is at times not evenly cooked.

2. Can a microwave oven not be used instead of a convection oven for baking?

Both the ovens have their own advantages. A microwave oven heats the food from the inside while convection cooking involves heating from outside first. Hence, getting a crusty top for your cake is far easier in a convection oven than in a microwave. In fact, sometimes in a microwave oven, the food seems uncooked from the outside even though it is burned from the inside. So, for your crisping, browning, grilling, and roasting needs, a convection oven is better. On the other hand, a microwave is good for defrosting, reheating without very high nutrition loss, and cooking.

3. Should I go for a built-in under-the-counter oven or a countertop one?

It completely depends on your usage needs and space availability. If you have a large kitchen and you need to do a lot of baking, grilling, and roasting, then the built-in ovens are the best. However, if your usage is limited to occasional baking needs, then irrespective of kitchen size you can go for counter-top ovens. In fact, the majority of high-end countertop ovens have a lot of advanced features and a good capacity range.

A few cooking tips for baking in your convection oven

Conclusion

Whether you choose the most expensive model or the budget oven, convection cooking will certainly add taste and health to your food. Undeniably, there are numerous models and brands of ovens available in the market. However, I have endeavored to attain a balance between brand-name, functionalities, and price in my list of the best ovens for baking.

As a result, on top of the list, you have the Breville BOV900BSS Smart Air Convection Oven that is the overall best viz a viz features and brand, albeit expensive. At the same time, you also have the BLACK+DECKER CTO6335S Countertop Convection Toaster Oven , which is absolutely easy on your pocket without much compromise on quality. Besides, the other models featuring in the list are all great in quality while also being affordable.

So, just pick the one that suits your needs and enjoy sumptuous as well as healthy food. Nevertheless, if you plan to go for any models other than the ones listed above, make sure to refer to the shortlisting criteria I have collated for you.