Cuisinart TOA-60 Air Fryer Toaster Oven Deep Dive Review (2025): The Ultimate Kitchen Multitasker? Check Price on Amazon
With its 7-in-1 functionality, stainless steel construction, and blend of air fryer and toaster oven capabilities, is the Cuisinart TOA-60 the ultimate kitchen multitasker? We used it daily for three weeks to put all its functions to the test.
Quick Specs
- 0.6 cubic foot interior capacity
- 1800 watts of power
- 7 functions: air fry, convection bake, convection broil, bake, broil, warm, toast
- Adjustable temperature up to 450°F
- 60-minute timer/auto-shutoff
- Includes: oven rack, baking pan, air fryer basket
- Non-digital analog controls
What's in the Box?
- Cuisinart TOA-60 Air Fryer Toaster Oven unit
- Air fryer basket/crisper tray
- Oven rack
- Baking pan
- User manual and recipe booklet
Performance Across Multiple Modes
The real appeal of the Cuisinart TOA-60 lies in its versatility. It's not just an air fryer; it's a capable toaster oven that *also* air fries. We tested all 7 functions extensively. The **Air Frying** performance is very good. While it might not produce the exact same intense crisp as a dedicated, high-wattage basket-style fryer (like some Ninja models), it still delivers satisfyingly crispy chicken wings, french fries, and vegetables. The advantage here is the larger capacity of the oven-style cavity, allowing you to spread food out more for better air circulation, leading to even results, particularly for bigger batches that wouldn't fit in a standard basket. (Need timing help? Consult our Air Fryer Cooking Times Chart).
Where it truly excels compared to basket air fryers is in its **Toasting** and **Baking** capabilities. It toasts up to 6 slices of bread evenly, which is far beyond what a basket model can do. The baking function works much like a small convection oven, perfect for cookies, muffins, small cakes, or even heating up individual pizzas to perfection. **Broiling** is fast and effective for melting cheese or finishing dishes. The Convection Bake and Broil options further enhance cooking speed and evenness.
The fan noise during operation is generally quieter than dedicated air fryers, emitting a gentle hum. It takes slightly longer to preheat than compact basket models (around 3-4 minutes), but this is typical for oven-style units with a larger interior volume.
Controls & Usability
The TOA-60 utilizes simple, non-digital analog dials for selecting the function, temperature, timer, and toast shade. This manual control setup means there's absolutely no programming knowledge required – just turn the dial to your desired setting. For users who find complex digital interfaces overwhelming, this simplicity is a major plus. The clear viewing window on the door is a standout feature, allowing you to easily check on your food's progress without opening the door and releasing heat. The interior light also automatically turns on when the door is opened, which is a thoughtful touch. Overall, the learning curve is minimal; anyone familiar with a basic toaster oven will feel right at home.
While the analog timer is easy to set, it doesn't offer the precise minute-by-minute or second-by-second control of digital timers. If you require exact timing for sensitive recipes, you might need an external timer. For any operational questions or unexpected issues, our Air Fryer Troubleshooting Guide can offer assistance.
Cleaning
Cleaning the Cuisinart TOA-60 is relatively straightforward for a multi-function oven. The pull-out crumb tray at the bottom catches drips and debris, making daily cleanup simple. The non-stick interior surfaces wipe clean easily once the unit has cooled completely (always allow ample cooling time!). The included accessories – the air fryer basket, oven rack, and baking pan – are all dishwasher safe, which simplifies cleanup after cooking greasier foods. The stainless steel exterior generally resists fingerprints and smudges, requiring just a quick wipe with a damp cloth to keep it looking sharp.
Pros & Cons: Is the Compromise Worth It?
Pros:
- True Multitasker: Effectively replaces a standard toaster, toaster oven, and provides air frying capabilities.
- Excellent Build Quality: Durable stainless steel construction with metal interior components where food cooks.
- Generous Capacity: Large enough interior for small roasts, multiple servings, or baking items.
- Easy Monitoring: Viewing window and interior light are invaluable for checking food.
- Simple Controls: Analog dials are intuitive and reliable, with no digital complexity.
- Versatile Cooking: Handles toasting, baking, broiling, and air frying well.
Cons:
- Larger Footprint: Takes up more counter space than a dedicated basket-style air fryer.
- Exterior Gets Hot: Requires adequate clearance around the unit during operation.
- Less Precise Timer: Analog dial lacks minute/second precision of digital controls.
- Air Fry Performance: Good, but generally not as intensely crispy as top dedicated air fryers.
- Premium Price: Costs more than basic air fryer models.
Who Is This For? And Who Might Need a Different Option?
The Cuisinart TOA-60 is an ideal appliance for home cooks who want to consolidate multiple countertop devices. It's perfect for households that regularly use a toaster oven for baking, broiling, or reheating, and also want to add air frying capabilities without bringing in a separate basket-style unit. If you value durable, high-quality construction and prefer the simplicity of analog controls over digital interfaces, this unit is a strong contender. It's also suitable for families or individuals who need a larger capacity than most basket air fryers offer, especially for baking or toasting larger quantities.
However, if your primary goal is *maximum* air frying crispiness above all else, a dedicated basket-style air fryer might be slightly better. It's also not the best choice if counter space is severely limited, as its footprint is larger than compact models (see options for smaller spaces). Those who prefer precise digital timers or numerous preset cooking programs might also find the analog controls limiting.
FAQ: Quick Answers
Q: How does air frying compare to basket-style air fryers?
A: The TOA-60's air frying is effective and produces good crispiness, especially with proper food placement. It might not achieve the *extreme* crisp of some high-wattage, dedicated basket models, but its larger capacity and even circulation make it excellent for foods that need more space or for cooking multiple servings.
Q: Does it really replace a toaster?
A: Yes, completely. It functions as a full-fledged toaster oven, capable of toasting up to 6 slices evenly with adjustable shade control.
Q: Is it difficult to switch between functions?
A: Not at all. Switching between air fry, bake, broil, toast, etc., is as simple as turning the function dial. The controls are very intuitive.
Bottom Line
The Cuisinart TOA-60 is a premium multi-function appliance that delivers strong performance across all its cooking methods. If you're looking to consolidate appliances without sacrificing quality, this well-built unit deserves serious consideration despite its higher price point. It's a versatile powerhouse ideal for those who need more than just a basic air fryer.
Explore More Air Fryer Resources
- Air Fryer vs. Toaster Oven: Which Is Right For You?
- Cuisinart vs. Breville Air Fryer Oven Comparison
- Find More Options in Our Air Fryer Buying Guide
- See Our Top 10 Air Fryers List
