10 Best Cool Touch Toaster Oven 2026 in the United States

The Breville Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro offers an impressive range of features that set it apart in the cool-touch toaster oven category. One notable strength is its Element IQ system, which uses six independent quartz heating elements to ensure food is cooked evenly and precisely. With 13 pre-set smart cooking functions, this appliance caters to various cooking needs, from air frying to dehydrating, making it quite versatile. The automation offered by Joule Autopilot simplifies the cooking process, allowing users to set it and forget it, which is perfect for those who might not be very confident in the kitchen. Additionally, the integration with voice activation through Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa adds convenience for tech-savvy users.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The size might be an issue for those with limited countertop space, as it has a substantial footprint at 17.3 inches deep and 21.5 inches wide. While it boasts many advanced features, this may come with a learning curve for users who are not familiar with technology or app controls. Cleaning can also be a concern; while some parts are easy to wipe down, other components might require more effort to keep tidy. Lastly, it tends to be pricier than basic toaster ovens, which could be a downside for budget-conscious consumers.

For those who love cooking and want to explore various recipes without the hassle of multiple appliances, the Breville Joule Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro could be an excellent addition to the kitchen. Its ability to air fry and dehydrate along with other cooking functions makes it a great all-in-one solution, especially for families or individuals who enjoy experimenting with food.

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact stands out as a versatile countertop oven that combines traditional baking and toasting with advanced air frying technology. Its compact size (about 16" tall and 10" wide) fits well on most kitchen counters without taking up too much space, yet it is large enough to roast a 4.5-pound chicken or fit an 11-inch pizza, making it suitable for small families or individuals who want flexibility without a bulky appliance.

The oven uses an 1800-watt heating system with super convection, allowing faster cooking times, especially when air frying, which can reduce cooking by up to 30%. It covers a good temperature range suitable for baking, broiling, toasting, and specialized air fry modes. Controls are user-friendly with a dial and buttons, aided by guided recipes and cooking tips through the Breville+ app, which helps those less confident in cooking. The "Crispy Reheat" feature is a useful addition to bring leftovers back to life without drying them out.

Safety is addressed by a cool-touch exterior, though the interior is stainless steel with a nonstick coating but not dishwasher safe, so cleaning requires some manual effort. Energy use is reasonable for a high-powered oven, but the 1800 watts means it draws similar power to other ovens in this class. The oven’s smart Element IQ system improves cooking precision by adjusting heat where needed, enhancing results. If you want a multi-function toaster oven that excels at air frying alongside everyday cooking with easy controls and quality build, this model delivers well. However, if dishwasher-safe parts or a larger capacity are priorities, there are other options that might suit those needs better.

The Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven is a compact option that fits well in kitchens with limited counter space, comfortably handling up to 4 slices of bread or small baking tasks. Its temperature range from 250 to 500°F covers most standard cooking needs, and the six one-touch preset functions make it easy to cook, reheat, or defrost common foods without fuss. The double infrared heating elements positioned at the front and back help cook foods quickly and evenly, often without the need to preheat, which can save time and energy.

Safety is thoughtfully designed: the baking rack is attached to the door for smooth access, and an automatic shut-off feature helps prevent overcooking or burns. Controls are via touch, which modernizes the interface, though some users might prefer tactile buttons for easier adjustment without looking. Cleaning is relatively straightforward thanks to included removable parts like the crumb tray and baking pan.

While it’s energy efficient for its class, it’s not the smallest toaster oven available, so very tight spaces may still pose a challenge. This oven is well suited for users looking for a reliable, easy-to-use, and moderately versatile toaster oven with strong safety features, especially if quick cooking and preset convenience in a sleek silver design are priorities.