In the U.S, they're called toaster ovens, but that does seem a bit unfair since they can do so much more than just make toast. In the UK, their called mini ovens, (or sometimes table-top ovens) which seems a fairer reflection of their abilities.

For years, mini ovens have been popular with people who needed to cook tasty and healthy meals “off grid” such as in caravans and boats. Later, they began to find a place in “homes from home”, typically with young adults and now they are really going mainstream, not just because homes are generally becoming smaller, but because people are catching on to the idea that mini ovens not only save space, they save energy (and are less hassle to clean).

Mini ovens are even becoming popular as “overflow” appliances for larger kitchens as they offer the flexibility both to cook meals for one or two at low cost, when most of the family is out, and to provide extra cooking space when catering for larger numbers. They can also be used to provide a back up to the main cooker for extra reassurance.

If you're in the market for a mini oven and you have a good idea what you want then please jump down to our mini oven reviews. If you'd like a little help with picking the best mini oven and grill for you, then please check out our buying guide below.

Best mini oven and grill buying guide

Here are some key points to check when buying a mini oven and grill.

Size/capacity

Obviously there will be a fairly close link between size and capacity, but the reason we've put them in that order is because it’s the external size which will determine whether or not the mini oven will actually fit into your preferred space. Remember that mini ovens of the same capacity may have (slightly) different external dimensions.

On that note, you may also wish to check the internal dimensions to see what size of cookware you can use. If these aren't stated, then a good rule of thumb is to assume that the internal length and height are a couple of centimetres smaller than the external dimensions and the depth about five centimetres shorter.

Weight

Mini ovens are much lighter than microwaves (although mini ovens with hobs can be quite heavy), this fact means that a child could potentially pull them down from a counter, so please think about where you put them.

Even though mini ovens are often called table-top ovens, they're perfectly suitable for wall mounting, for example on a pull-out shelf designed for a microwave, but you'll probably still want to mount the shelf on the studs. Remember to think about usability when you do so. Putting the mini oven higher up the wall will help keep children away from it but if you put it too high, you may create a health-and-safety issue for yourself.

Cable reach

Kitchens (and bathrooms) are bad places for extension cords for all kinds of reasons, so we recommend, in the strongest possible terms, that you only ever plug your mini oven directly into a wall socket. If this means that you have to choose a smaller mini oven so that you can site it within easy reach of a wall plug, then so be it.

Heat

Table-top ovens are small electric ovens, not microwaves, which means that they can become hot to the touch in the same way as regular electric ovens. You, therefore, want to make sure that any surface they touch is made of insulated material, for example, if you put your mini oven on a kitchen trolley, make sure it's a wood one rather than a metal one.

On a similar note, mini ovens generally come with a detachable handle (if not, or if you lose it, you can buy them). The idea behind these is that you put your cookware on a tray and then, when your food is ready, you use the handle to pull out the tray until you can reach your food easily. We strongly recommend using these and using oven gloves as well.

Speaking of racks, make sure that they move easily on their supports and that they can be removed completely for easy cleaning. Having a removable crumb tray is also a big plus.

Timer functions

Most mini ovens work off a timer function, essentially you set the timer, it counts down and then alerts you when ready. That being so, you’ll want to make sure that the maximum time allowed is of a reasonable length, we’d suggest an hour, because it will be enough to cook a lot of dishes and even when dishes do need extra time, the chances are you’ll need to do something to them each hour anyway, for example turn or baste them.

Functionality

Most mini ovens will have at least two heating elements and in all but the smallest mini ovens, these will work independently of each other. This will cover all the essential functions of an oven and grill, such as baking, roasting and, of course, grilling. Some mini ovens have extra functionality; many mini ovens have fans and there are some mini ovens with hobs. A very few mini ovens combine all kinds of added functionality such as also being decent slow cookers.

As always, while more functionality allows for more potential uses, it also increases size, weight and, of course, price, so it’s a good idea to be clear about what you need, what you want and what is really of very little use given your individual lifestyle.
As a rough guide, here is what you can expect of a mini oven depending on its heating elements and whether or not it has a fan.

Lower heating element only – great for crispy bases and thinner tops, for example pizza rather than pie. Can cook denser foods but may struggle with them and will certainly take its time.

Upper heating element only – pretty much the same as a standard grill.

Upper and lower heating elements only – fine for heating up ready made meals including denser ones such as pies, but not really ideal for cooking from scratch. Can usually handle smaller joints of meat.

Upper or lower heating element plus fan – now you basically have a decent regular oven, in which you can cook pretty much anything including casseroles and roasts.

Upper and lower heating element plus fan – now you have a small-size version of a really good regular oven, which can cope with large quantities of food.

Wattage

The wattage is a good indication of how much “muscle” a mini oven has. Realistically, you’d want a minimum of 800 watts if you’re going to use a mini oven as an everyday appliance.

Best Mini oven reviews

Here is our selection of the best mini ovens and grills, and mini ovens with hobs in the UK. We’ve based our selection on build-quality, safety, functionality, user-friendliness and general value for money.

Andrew James Mini Oven

• Product dimensions 29 x 29 x 45 cm
• Capacity 20L
• Power / Wattage 1500 watts
• Temp range 90°C-230°C
• 60-minute timer, set in 5 minute intervals, cooking-end signal
• Two independently-operating heating elements and convection fan
• 2 year manufacturer's guarantee
• Included Accessories: Chrome Plated Grill Rack, Enamelled baking tray, Detachable handle

Anything by Andrew James is likely to be reliable and good value for money and this mini oven and grill is no exception. Our one slight gripe about this mini oven and grill is that it doesn’t have an internal light. It does tick (like a clock) while it’s working, (to remind you that it’s working), but you can’t really see the food cooking through the door, which is a bit of a shame. On the other hand, it does save on power, which might be helpful to those looking to use it “off grid”, e.g. in a caravan.

Sage BOV820BSS the Smart Oven Pro

• Product Dimensions 47 x 32 x 28 cm
• Capacity 21 litres
• Power / Wattage 2400 watts
• Element IQ controls heating elements and convection fan
• 10 pre-set cooking functions including slow cook
• Slow cook settings from 4 to 10 hours
• Auto keep warm
• Construction Materials - Brushed Stainless Steel
• Box Contains: 1 x 12" Pizza Pan, Oven Rack, Grilling Rack and Enamel Roasting Pan

All we can say about this mini oven and grill is that it is the smartest and most functional of all the mini ovens and grills on our list - and priced accordingly, but if you want the very best and are prepared to pay for it, then here it is. Our one small complaint is that the crumb tray is quite thin and therefore needs to be treated with a bit of care. Speaking of crumbs, bakers take note that this is the most consistent mini oven and grill we’ve found.

Cooks Professional 20L Mini Oven & Grill, Electric Multi-Function Cooker

• Product Dimensions 43 x 32 x 28.5 cm
• Power / Wattage 1200 watts
• Temp range 100°- 220°C
• Two independently-operating heating elements and convection fan
• Timer countdown from 5 to 60 minutes
• 2-year warranty upon registration
• Included Accessories: Wire rack, Roasting tray, Detachable metal handle

The Cooks Professional mini oven and grill is very similar to the Andrew James oven and grill, right down to the absence of an internal light, but instead of ticking during use, it has a power light. There is also a 34L Cooks Professional mini oven and grill, which is essentially the same other than being slightly larger and 1800 watt.

Elgento E14025 Compact Mini Oven

• Product Dimensions 25 x 38 x 20 cm
• Capacity 9 litres
• Power / Wattage 800 watts
• Temp range 90- 230 degrees Celsius
• Two quartz heating elements
• 60-minute timer with bell alert
• Transparent door with cool touch handle
• Stainless steel housing with non-slip rubber feet for enhanced stability
• 2 years guarantee
• Includes: baking tray, wire rack and crumb tray

We just had to include the Elegento in our selection since it was the miniest mini oven and grill we could find, which still offered a very respectable performance. If you need a mini oven and grill for the tiniest of spaces, then this is, quite literally, the one for you. The compact size means that there’s no fan (and no internal light) so it can take a little longer than the bigger ovens, but you can still use it for proper cooking. Our one slight gripe is that the markings on the dial could be more visible but you can touch them up with paint.

There’s also a 16L Eleganto mini oven and grill, which is essentially the same other than being slightly larger and 1200 watt.

H.Koenig FO42 Oven

• Product Dimensions 54 x 33.5 x 33.5 cm
• Power / Wattage 2000 watts
• Capacity 42 litres
• Temp range 100°C-230°C
• Timer up to 60 minutes
• Two, independently-operating, heating elements, convection, rotisserie, grill function
• Included accessories: baking tray, oven rack, roasting spit & pliers

It’s rather Ironic that the H. Koenig mini oven and grill comes straight after the Eleganto on our list because we’ve jumped straight from the tiniest mini oven and grill to one of the biggest. This mini oven and grill is plenty big enough to cope with joints of meat and, given the rotisserie function, we’re guessing that’s what its designers had in mind, however it’s a solid, all-round performer.

Laptronix Mini Oven With Hob and Grill

• Size:W50.6xD36.5xH31.5 cm
• Capacity 23 litres
• Power / Wattage 800 watts
• Convection fan
• Double Hot Plates: 600w and 800w
• Accessories Included: Baking tray, Handle and Wire Rack.

As a mini oven and grill, the Laptronix is fairly similar to the Andrew James and the Cooks Professional mini ovens, the big difference being that this is a mini oven with hob. All functions work independently of each other. In other words, you can have one or both hot plates on with or without the oven.

NETTA 23L Electric Mini Oven and Grill

• Product Dimensions 48cm x 31cm x 37cm
• Power / Wattage 1500 watts
• Temp range 100℃-230℃
• Two, independently-controlled heating elements with convection fan
• 4 insertion heights
• 60-minute timer with cooking end signal
• Accessories include: 1Xbake tray, 1Xwire rack, 1Xtray handle

The Netta mini oven and grill has both a convection fan and an interior light and so can actually be seen (and used) as a miniature version of a standard kitchen oven.

Oypla 26 Litre Electrical Mini Compact Oven

Product Dimensions 56 x 39.5 x 41.5 cm
Capacity 26 litres
Power / Wattage 1500 watts
Temperature from 100°C to 250°C
Two oven heating elements and two hot plates (600 watt and 800 watt)
Includes: Baking Tray Wire Rack and Tongs

One of the distinguishing features of the Oypla mini oven with hob is that it doesn’t have a timer. Whether or not this is a plus or a minus will depend on your point of view, nor does it have an interior light or a convection fan. It does, however, have a total of four heating elements (two in the oven and two hot plates), which can be used independently and in any combination.

Tower T14012 Mini Oven and Grill, 23 L

• Product Dimensions 34.5 x 47.5 x 30 cm
• Power / Wattage 1500 watts
• Adjustable temperature ranging from 90 -230 degrees Celsius
• Four heating elements
• 60-minute timer with cooking-end signal
• Includes baking tray, wire rack and tray handle
• 3 years guarantee

Even though the Tower T14012 mini oven and grill doesn’t have an interior light, there’s something about the transparent window, which makes it really easy to see inside. We also really like the fact that the timer is marked in two-minute increments, which makes it easier to fine-tune your cooking or to zap quick meals like something-on-toast. The fact that there are four heating elements helps to compensate for the lack of a fan and they work as a top pair and a bottom pair for greater flexibility at a reasonable price.

Tower T14013 Mini Oven with 2 Hot Plates and Grill

Adjustable temperature ranging from 90 -230 degrees Celsius
Product Dimensions 38.5 x 50.7 x 30.8 cm
Capacity 28L
Power / Wattage 1000 watts
90-230 degrees Celsius, adjustable thermostat
60-minute timer with cooking-end signal
Four heating elements plus two hot plates 600 W and 1000 W
3 years guarantee
Includes baking tray, wire rack and tray handle

Basically everything we said about the Tower mini oven and grill applies to the Tower mini oven with hob, except it’s a bit bigger and has a hob. There’s a 42L version for even more capacity and slightly more functionality.

Best mini oven with hob

In all honesty, any one of the Laptronix, Oypla or Tower mini ovens with hob could be considered the best mini oven with hob. Essentially your choice will probably come down to size, but whatever one you pick, you can be assured of a great performance.

Best table-top oven

If you’re simply looking for a table top oven, then from the perspective of pure functionality, the Sage table-top oven is by far the best table-top oven there is - and it’s priced accordingly. If you’re looking for the best oven for a tiny space, then the Elegenta is the clear winner and if you want a large table-top oven, perhaps for roasting joints, then we suggest the H. Koenig table-top oven (or the very largest Tower table-top oven).

For everyone else, your choice will probably come down to size and minor details between models such as whether you like to hear your table-top oven ticking as it works or if you prefer it to be quiet but show a light.