Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill Review 2026

If you want one appliance that can air fry, grill, bake, broil, and toast, the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill (TOA-70) promises to do it all.

This 1800W countertop oven has earned thousands of positive ratings from home cooks across the country. But does it live up to the hype in 2026?

I spent weeks researching real user feedback, expert reviews, and hands-on test results. This post covers everything you need to know before you buy.

Cuisinart Air Fryer

Key Takeaways:

  • The Cuisinart TOA-70 is an 8-in-1 countertop oven that handles air frying, baking, convection baking, broiling, convection broiling, grilling, toasting, and warming. This single appliance can replace several kitchen gadgets and free up storage space.
  • Air frying performance is a clear strength. The powerful fan and included mesh basket produce crispy, golden results on fries, chicken wings, and vegetables. Most users report food is ready in under 20 minutes with minimal oil.
  • The built-in grill function sets it apart from most competitors. The reversible grill plate offers both a flat griddle side and a lined grill side. This feature is rare in the air fryer toaster oven category.
  • Temperature stability is the biggest weakness. The oven tends to run hotter than the set temperature. Baking delicate items like cookies and cakes may require you to lower the heat and monitor food closely.
  • The 0.6 cubic foot interior fits a 12-inch pizza, 6 slices of bread, or 3 pounds of chicken wings. It serves 1 to 4 people well but may feel small for larger families.
  • Analog dial controls keep operation simple and reliable. There is no digital screen. Some users prefer this approach because there are fewer parts that can break over time.

Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill (TOA-70): Overview

The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill carries model number TOA-70. It is part of the Cuisinart lineup that has become a staple in American kitchens. This oven runs on 1800 watts of power and offers 8 cooking functions inside a compact stainless steel body.

The product dimensions are 15.75 inches wide, 12.25 inches deep, and 13.75 inches tall. It weighs about 23 pounds. The cooking chamber measures roughly 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep. That gives you 0.6 cubic feet of interior space.

Cuisinart bundles this oven with a wire rack, a baking pan, an air fry mesh basket, and a reversible grill plate. Every accessory fits inside the oven for convenient storage. The oven comes in several color options including Stainless Steel, Black Stainless Steel, White, and Navy Blue.

The MSRP sits around $229, though prices vary by retailer and color. It has maintained strong ratings on Amazon with thousands of verified reviews praising its cooking results and build quality.

Design and Build Quality

The Cuisinart TOA-70 has a classic, retro-inspired look with brushed stainless steel panels and four round analog dials on the front. The build feels solid and heavy. At 23 pounds, it stays firmly in place on your counter.

The front door pulls down to open. This triggers the oven to automatically shut off, which is a helpful safety feature. Closing the door resumes the cooking cycle right where it left off. The door also has a glass window so you can watch your food while it cooks.

An interior oven light lets you check on food without opening the door. You activate it with a small button below the indicator light on the control panel. The interior walls have a non-stick coating that Cuisinart calls an easy-clean surface.

One potential concern is the oven’s footprint. It takes up significant counter space. If you have a smaller kitchen, you will want to measure your available area before purchasing. This oven works best with a dedicated spot on your countertop where it can stay permanently.

Control Panel and Ease of Use

The Cuisinart TOA-70 uses a four-dial analog control system. There is no digital screen, no touchpad, and no smart features. Some buyers see this as a major advantage because analog controls are straightforward and durable.

The third dial selects your cooking mode. The second dial sets the temperature between 180°F and 450°F. The first knob controls the timer for most functions, while the fourth knob manages toast darkness. Turning a timer knob powers on the oven and activates the cooking indicator light.

Learning the controls takes only a few minutes. You do not need to read the manual to figure out basic operations. Set the mode, choose a temperature, dial in the time, and walk away. The oven shuts off automatically when the timer runs out.

The simplicity does come with a trade-off. There is no preheat mode, no digital timer display, and no programmable presets. If you prefer precise digital control with memory settings, this oven may feel limited. However, many users find that less technology means less frustration in daily use.

Top 3 Alternatives for Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill

If the Cuisinart TOA-70 does not fit your needs, here are three strong alternatives worth considering.

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV900BSS) is a premium pick with 13 cooking functions and Element IQ technology. It offers a larger capacity and better temperature stability. It costs more but delivers outstanding baking and roasting results.

The Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Fry Oven (DT201) brings 10 cooking functions and True Surround Convection. It fits a 13-inch pizza and two full sheet pans. The built-in digital thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking meats.

The COSORI 11-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo is a budget-friendly option with a flat-sealed heating element that makes cleaning easy. It offers smart features like app control and Alexa integration. The ceramic-coated interior adds a non-toxic appeal for health-conscious buyers.

Air Frying Performance

Air frying is where the Cuisinart TOA-70 truly shines. The oven has a powerful convection fan that circulates hot air at high speed around the included mesh basket. This setup produces crispy, golden results on popular foods like French fries, chicken wings, and spring rolls.

In testing by RTINGS, the oven achieved 70% crispy fries with 0% overcooked. The remaining 30% were slightly undercooked but still edible. Real-world users on Reddit and Amazon report even better results with minor adjustments to cook time and shaking the basket halfway through.

The air fry mode reaches cooking temperature fast. There is essentially no preheat wait. You can go from frozen fries to a crispy snack in about 15 to 20 minutes. The mesh basket allows air to flow freely around each piece of food for even browning.

One tip from experienced users: do not overcrowd the basket. A single layer of food gives the best results. If you need to cook a large batch, do it in two rounds. The speed of this oven makes multiple batches quick and painless.

Grilling Function: A Unique Feature

The grill function is what separates the Cuisinart TOA-70 from most of its competitors. This mode activates only the bottom heating elements while running the fan on high. The result is direct heat from below, similar to cooking on an outdoor grill.

The included reversible grill plate has two sides. One side features raised grill lines that leave authentic grill marks on steaks, burgers, and vegetables. The other side is a flat griddle surface that works well for pancakes, eggs, and fish fillets. Drip holes in the plate channel excess fat and grease into the baking pan below.

You flip your food halfway through cooking, just as you would on a regular grill. This creates those desirable char marks on both sides. The grill plate gets hot enough to sear meat effectively.

This feature works best for thinner cuts of meat and smaller portions. Do not expect full grill performance on thick steaks or large roasts. The limited interior height restricts what you can fit. However, for quick weeknight dinners, this grill function is genuinely useful and saves you from firing up an outdoor grill.

Baking and Roasting Performance

Baking is the weakest area of the Cuisinart TOA-70. RTINGS gave it a score of just 5.9 out of 10 for baking. The main issue is temperature stability. The oven tends to overshoot the selected temperature by a significant margin, especially during the first portion of the cooking cycle.

This means delicate baked goods like cookies, muffins, and cakes can burn on the outside while remaining underdone inside. One reviewer described their first batch of chocolate chip cookies as “practically incinerated” because they used the same temperature as their full-size oven recipe.

The solution is simple but important. Lower your temperature by 15 to 25 degrees compared to your regular oven recipe. Also reduce the cook time. After a few attempts, most users develop a feel for the adjustments this oven requires.

Roasting smaller items like salmon fillets, chicken pieces, and vegetables works much better. These foods benefit from the high heat and fast cooking. Salmon comes out evenly cooked and flavorful. Chicken pieces brown nicely in about 30 minutes. The convection bake mode helps with more consistent results for roasting.

Toasting Performance

The Cuisinart TOA-70 can toast up to 6 slices of bread at once. However, the quality of results depends on how many slices you load. With 4 slices placed toward the center, the toast comes out evenly browned and satisfying.

At full 6-slice capacity, the results drop noticeably. RTINGS found that slices near the back center can burn while slices closer to the door remain nearly raw. The face-to-face difference at max capacity is significant.

The toast darkness dial gives you control over how light or dark you want your bread. Most users find the medium setting produces the best all-around results. The toasting speed is moderate. It takes about 5 minutes to reach golden brown, which is slower than a dedicated pop-up toaster.

For daily toast making, the oven handles the job well if you stick to 4 slices or fewer. If you routinely need 6 perfectly toasted slices at the same time, a dedicated toaster or a larger oven would serve you better.

Capacity and What It Can Fit

The interior of the Cuisinart TOA-70 holds 0.6 cubic feet of cooking space. That translates to a chamber about 12 inches wide, 11.4 inches deep, and 4.5 inches of usable height. There are 2 rack positions inside the oven.

In practical terms, this oven fits a 12-inch frozen pizza, 6 slices of bread side by side, or 3 pounds of chicken wings in the air fry basket. It can hold a standard loaf pan for quick breads. The baking pan measures roughly 10.4 by 11.8 inches.

The oven is ideal for households of 1 to 4 people. Couples and small families will find it more than adequate for most meals. It handles side dishes, snacks, and individual portions with ease.

Where it falls short is larger cooking tasks. You cannot fit a 9×13 inch baking sheet, a whole chicken (without cutting it up), or multiple racks of food at once. If you regularly cook for 5 or more people, you will want a larger oven like the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro or the Ninja Foodi XL Pro.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping the Cuisinart TOA-70 clean is easier than most air fryer ovens. The interior walls have a non-stick coating that wipes down with a damp cloth after most cooking sessions. Grease and food splatter come off with minimal scrubbing.

The included baking pan doubles as a crumb and drip tray. It catches oils, fats, and food particles that fall during cooking. You can wash it by hand or place it in the dishwasher. The wire rack, mesh air fry basket, and grill plate are also easy to clean with warm soapy water.

The main challenge is the upper heating elements. These have covers with tight spacing that makes them hard to reach. The covers also have sharp corners, so you need to be careful when cleaning around them. A soft brush or damp cloth works best for this area.

For regular maintenance, wipe the interior after each use and deep clean the accessories weekly if you use the oven daily. The exterior stainless steel panels can show fingerprints. A quick wipe with a stainless steel cleaner keeps the oven looking fresh.

Noise Level and Heat Output

The Cuisinart TOA-70 runs a convection fan during most cooking modes. The fan operates at either low or high speed depending on the selected function. Users consistently describe the noise level as quiet and non-disruptive. You can hold a normal conversation in the kitchen while this oven runs.

The only mode without a fan is the Warm function. Every other mode engages the fan at some speed. The air fry, convection bake, convection broil, and grill modes use the fan at high speed for maximum air circulation.

Heat output from the exterior stays moderate. The top surface gets warm during cooking but does not become scorching hot. This is a welcome improvement over some older Cuisinart models that drew complaints about excessive external heat. Still, you should keep the oven away from cabinets, walls, and heat-sensitive surfaces during operation.

The oven generates less ambient heat than a full-size oven. This makes it a good choice for summer cooking when you want to avoid heating up your entire kitchen. It is also well suited for small apartments, dorm rooms, and RVs where managing heat is important.

Cuisinart TOA-70 vs. Cuisinart TOA-65: What Changed?

The Cuisinart TOA-65 is the older digital model that preceded the TOA-70. Both share similar exterior dimensions and 1800W power. However, several key differences set them apart.

The TOA-65 uses a digital control panel with buttons and an LED display. The TOA-70 uses analog dials with no screen. If you want to see exact time and temperature at a glance, the TOA-65 has the advantage. If you prefer simple, reliable mechanical controls, the TOA-70 wins.

The TOA-70 adds a dedicated grill function with a reversible grill plate. The TOA-65 does not include this feature. For users who value indoor grilling, this upgrade alone may justify choosing the newer model.

The TOA-65 has a few more cooking presets and offers slightly better temperature control in some tests. The TOA-70 edges ahead in air frying performance with a more powerful fan setup. Both ovens share the same 0.6 cubic foot capacity and cook similar quantities of food.

Pros and Cons Summary

The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill delivers strong value for its price point. Here is a quick look at what works and what could improve.

On the positive side, the air frying performance is excellent. Food comes out crispy and well-browned with little to no oil. The unique grill function adds real cooking versatility that competitors lack. The analog controls are simple and reliable. Build quality feels premium with solid stainless steel construction. Preheating is fast, and the oven gets to work almost immediately.

On the negative side, temperature stability is mediocre. The oven runs hot and can overshoot your set temperature. Baking results require recipe adjustments. Toasting at full 6-slice capacity produces uneven results. The oven has a large footprint that demands dedicated counter space. There is no digital display for precise time tracking.

For the price of around $229, you get a well-built, versatile appliance that excels at air frying and grilling. If those are your primary uses, this oven is a strong buy. If precise baking is your priority, look at alternatives with better temperature control.

Who Should Buy the Cuisinart TOA-70?

This oven is best suited for small to mid-size households that want a versatile countertop appliance. If you cook for 1 to 4 people and want to air fry, grill, toast, and bake without using your full-size oven, the TOA-70 delivers excellent everyday value.

It is ideal for anyone who wants to reduce oil consumption with air frying. Health-conscious cooks will appreciate how the mesh basket and powerful fan create crispy food with a fraction of the fat. Weeknight dinners become faster and simpler.

The grill function appeals to apartment dwellers and condo owners who cannot use outdoor grills. Getting grill marks on burgers and vegetables without leaving your kitchen is a genuine convenience.

This oven may not be the right choice if you bake frequently and need precise temperature control. It also may feel too small if you regularly cook for large groups. Buyers with very limited counter space should measure carefully before committing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cuisinart TOA-70 worth buying in 2026?

Yes, the Cuisinart TOA-70 remains a strong option in 2026 for air frying and general countertop cooking. Its 8-in-1 functionality, solid build quality, and unique grill feature offer good value at its price point. The air frying performance holds up well against newer models.

Can the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill replace my regular oven?

It can replace your regular oven for small to medium meals. It handles tasks like baking pizza, roasting chicken pieces, toasting bread, and air frying snacks. However, it cannot fit large dishes, full-size baking sheets, or whole turkeys. It works best as a supplement to your main oven.

How loud is the Cuisinart TOA-70 during operation?

The oven is quiet enough for normal kitchen use. The convection fan runs during most cooking modes but produces minimal noise. Users describe it as a soft hum that does not interfere with conversation or watching TV nearby.

Does the Cuisinart TOA-70 get hot on the outside?

The exterior gets warm during operation but does not become dangerously hot. The top surface reaches moderate temperatures. You should still keep clearance from walls, cabinets, and heat-sensitive countertop materials as a precaution.

What accessories come with the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill?

The oven includes a wire rack, baking pan, mesh air fry basket, and a reversible grill plate. The grill plate has a flat griddle side and a lined grill side. All accessories store neatly inside the oven when not in use.

How do I prevent food from burning in the Cuisinart TOA-70?

The oven tends to run hotter than the set temperature. Lower your recipe temperature by 15 to 25 degrees and reduce cooking time slightly. Check food a few minutes before the expected finish time. After a few uses, you will develop a feel for the oven’s heat characteristics.

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