If you’re using your toaster oven only for making toast, tuna melts, and Bagel Bites, you’re not getting the most out of it. In recent years, toaster oven technology has improved so much that they’re now considered a small, secondary oven. They bake, roast, broil, reheat, and keep food warm. And they’re so convenient to use: They preheat quickly, they're easy to clean, and they won’t heat up kitchens on hot days. Just last night I made dinner for myself—miso salmon, broccoli rabe, and sweet potatoes—using only the toaster oven.
When we purchased our winning toaster oven, it came with a few pieces of cooking equipment: an enameled baking pan, an enameled broiling rack, and a nonstick pizza pan. But if you want to utilize the full potential of your toaster oven, these three pieces of add-on equipment will make your life easier.
Breville Smart Oven
Our previous winner once again aced all our tests, producing evenly baked cookies; golden-brown pizza and tuna melts; tender-crisp asparagus spears; and a bronzed, crispy-skinned chicken.
Buy Now1. Nordic Ware Quarter Sheet Pan
The pans that come with toaster ovens can become warped and worn. Upgrading to a sturdy one is your best bet for long-term toaster oven cooking success. Get it here. (While you’re at it, get a quarter-size cooling rack.)
Carolyn’s suggested recipes
2. Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Pro Muffin Pan, 6-Well
This muffin tin makes half the number of full-size baked goods as our winning muffin tin, so it’s perfect for a smaller batch of muffins and cupcakes. It's easier to store than a 12-cup muffin tin, too, which is a plus in kitchens with limited space. Get it here.
Carolyn’s suggested recipes
- Any half batch of muffins or cupcakes
- A half batch of these mini pies or cheesecakes
- Muffin Tin Frittatas
3. Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Nonstick Cake Pan, 9" x 13"
Our winning toaster oven impressively fits an entire 13 by 9-inch pan (without handles), which means that you can make full-size sheet cakes and brownies any time the mood strikes. Get it here.
Carolyn’s suggested recipes
Toaster Oven Perfection
Streamlined recipes that save time and energy and make your cooking life easier. Featuring 150 foolproof recipes, Toaster Oven Perfection transforms everyone’s favorite (but underutilized) appliance into a meal-making powerhouse.
Save 26% right nowFor more tips like this, check out Toaster Oven Perfection. In the meantime, read some other articles written by our team of equipment experts: