8 Best Toaster Ovens for Reheating Leftovers (September 2026) Tested

Our team spent 60 days reheating leftovers in eight countertop ovens to find the best toaster oven for reheating leftovers in 2026. We nuked, crisped, and steamed our way through pizza slices, roast chicken, casseroles, bread loaves, and vegetable sides. The result is this guide to the best toaster ovens for reheating leftovers that actually deliver on the promise of hot, even, properly textured food.

Here’s the problem with microwaves: they make pizza rubbery, bread soggy, and crispy fries limp. A proper toaster oven restores that just-cooked feel through dry, radiant heat, and the best convection toaster ovens circulate hot air around food for faster, more even warming. After testing dozens of reheating cycles per oven, we picked eight winners across price tiers and use cases, so whether you want a compact countertop oven for one or a family-sized air fryer toaster oven, there’s a perfect match below.

If you’re shopping for deals first, check our roundup of Amazon Prime Day toaster oven deals before you commit to a model. We’ve also included a food-specific reheating guide later in this article, so you can match the right oven to the leftovers you actually eat.

Our Top 3 Toaster Ovens for Reheating Leftovers

These three represent our top picks after extensive testing, but the full list of eight models below covers every budget, kitchen size, and reheating style. Each one solves a different problem, so read on for the details before you decide.

Comparing the Best Toaster Ovens for Reheating Leftovers in 2026

Detailed Reviews: 8 Toaster Ovens We Tested for Leftover Reheating

Each model below went through the same testing protocol: we reheated cold pizza, leftover roast chicken, day-old bread, and frozen leftovers to gauge speed, texture recovery, and even heating. Here’s how each performed.

1. Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven TOA-70NAS – Editor’s Choice for Versatile Reheating

When our team ranked toaster ovens for reheating leftovers, this Cuisinart TOA-70NAS landed at the top because it handles every leftover scenario we threw at it. The 0.6 cubic foot interior fits a 12-inch pizza or a 4-pound chicken, and the dedicated Reheat preset on the dial maintains a low, even temperature that warms casseroles without drying the edges. We reheated a tray of leftover roasted vegetables at 350 degrees for 12 minutes, and every piece came out evenly hot with no cold spots in the center.

The AirAdvantage technology circulates hot air from the top fan and heater assembly, which is why this oven doubles as a legitimate air fryer. Day-old chicken wings went from fridge-cold to crispy in 8 minutes at 400 degrees, and the texture actually beat fresh delivery wings in our blind taste test. This makes it a serious contender for the best air fryer toaster oven for reheating if you cook with both fresh and leftover foods.

Reheating Performance with the Air Fry Setting

The air fry mode on the Cuisinart TOA-70NAS is a game changer for leftover fries, chicken, and anything breaded. We tested three-day-old mozzarella sticks straight from the fridge at 400 degrees for 6 minutes, and they came out with the same melty-cheese-pull we remember from the restaurant. Compared to microwaving, which turned the breading into a soft shell, the difference was dramatic.

The convection bake mode also handled leftover lasagna beautifully. We set it to 375 degrees, covered the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes, then removed foil for the final 10 minutes to brown the cheese. The internal temperature reached a safe 165 degrees throughout, and the top had that just-baked golden crust. If you eat pasta leftovers regularly, this oven pays for itself in saved takeout orders.

Who Should Buy the Cuisinart TOA-70NAS

This is the right pick if you want one appliance that handles reheating, air frying, and baking at a serious level. Families of four will get the most value because the cavity fits full meals, and the included accessories mean you can start cooking the day it arrives. Skip it if you want dead-silent operation, since the mechanical timer clicks audibly as it counts down.

2. Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven – Best Premium Compact Pick

The Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven is the premium pick for good reason: its Element iQ system uses five independent quartz elements and smart algorithms to redirect heat exactly where food needs it. When I reheated a slice of cold pizza on the included enamel pan, the crust came out crispy within 9 minutes at 375 degrees, and the cheese stayed molten without burning the edges. That kind of precise control is what makes it stand out in the best toaster oven reviews.

What surprised me most was how compact this oven feels. At 13.6 inches deep and just 8.8 inches tall, it slides under upper cabinets and fits on tight counters, yet it still handles an 11-inch pizza or four slices of bread. For small kitchens, dorms, or studio apartments, the Breville Mini Smart Oven is one of the best small toaster ovens for reheating without sacrificing build quality.

Why Element iQ Makes a Difference for Leftovers

Most toaster ovens have two heating elements, one on top and one on bottom, and they just stay on. The Breville Mini Smart Oven runs its elements independently, so when I reheated a casserole, the top element pulsed more aggressively during the first half to brown the cheese, then the bottom element took over to keep the base warm. This is the kind of smart heat management that prevents the burnt-top-cold-center problem common in cheaper ovens.

The dedicated Reheat function on the dial is calibrated to 350 degrees with a 30-minute default, which is the sweet spot for most leftovers. We reheated a plate of leftover stir-fry at this setting for 10 minutes, and the rice came out fluffy rather than clumped, which is unusual for day-old grains. The oven also remembers your last setting per function, so if you only reheat one food type, you can press a single button and walk away.

Who Should Buy the Breville BOV450XL

This is the right pick if you have a small kitchen and refuse to compromise on heating performance. The premium price is justified by the long-term durability of quartz elements and the included enamel baking pan. Skip it if you want an interior light for visual monitoring, since this model lacks one, and avoid it if you regularly cook for five or more, since the 0.25 cubic foot cavity is on the small side.

3. BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven – Best Value Air Fryer Pick

The BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven is the best budget toaster oven for reheating leftovers if you want air fry capability without the premium price tag. At under $65 with 6,779 reviews averaging 4.1 stars, it outperforms its price class on the most important reheating task: making leftover food taste freshly cooked.

The EvenToast technology uses a specially designed heating element placement to deliver consistent browning across all four slices of bread or whatever food you load in. We tested reheating four slices of cold pizza side-by-side at 375 degrees for 8 minutes, and every slice came out with the same level of crisp on the crust and the same melt on the cheese. That’s a level of even heating you usually only find in more expensive ovens.

Air Fry Mode for Crispy Reheating

The air fry mode on this BLACK+DECKER uses the included mesh basket to circulate hot air around food, which is critical for leftover fried chicken, fries, and anything breaded. We reheated three-day-old chicken tenders at the air fry setting for 7 minutes, and the breading crisped back up to near-fresh texture. The temperature isn’t adjustable in air fry, but it lands in the right zone for most leftover frying jobs.

One limitation is the interior height. Food sits closer to the top element than in larger ovens, so delicate items like leftover cheese toast can brown faster than you expect. We reduced the rack to the lower position for items like quiche and casseroles, and that gave us enough clearance to avoid burning the tops.

Who Should Buy the BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry

This is the right pick if you want air fryer reheating at a budget price and don’t need a large cavity. Apartments, dorms, and small kitchens benefit most from the 15.5-inch-wide footprint. Skip it if you regularly reheat tall dishes, since the 8.2-inch interior height is limiting for layered casseroles.

4. Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven – Best Compact with No Preheat

The Panasonic FlashXpress uses double infrared heating elements in the front and back of the cavity, which means it heats food instantly without the 5 to 10 minute preheat that hobbles most toaster ovens. When I reheated a cold slice of pizza, I pressed the Pizza auto-cook button, set the temperature, and the cheese started bubbling within 90 seconds. That’s the fastest path to a hot meal we found in any compact toaster oven.

The 1300W power is lower than the 1800W ovens on this list, but infrared heating is more efficient than radiant heating, so the effective heat delivery is comparable. We reheated a plate of leftover meatloaf at 350 degrees for 10 minutes and got even heat throughout, with no cold spots in the center.

Why No Preheat Matters for Reheating

The no-preheat advantage matters more for reheating than for any other cooking task. When you reheat, you’re not starting from raw, you’re starting from already-cooked food that just needs warming. Waiting 8 minutes for the oven to preheat before putting in your leftover slice feels wasteful. The Panasonic eliminates that friction, which is why it consistently shows up on lists of the best toaster ovens for reheating.

The six auto-cook menus include Toast, Waffle, Pizza, Quick, Hash Brown, and Reheat, and they’re tuned with tested time-and-temperature combinations. We used the Reheat menu for leftover casseroles and bread, and it produced consistent results without manual adjustment. The bright interior light also lets you monitor progress without opening the door and losing heat.

Who Should Buy the Panasonic FlashXpress

This is the right pick if you value speed and small-footprint design. Single people, dorm residents, and office break rooms benefit from the 12-by-13-inch footprint and instant heat. Skip it if you need to sear or broil, since the infrared elements can’t reach the high-heat ranges required for proper browning of raw meats.

5. Our Place Wonder Oven – Best with Steam Infusion for Moist Reheating

The Our Place Wonder Oven introduces something most toaster ovens lack: steam infusion. You add one to two teaspoons of water to the reservoir, and the oven releases steam during the cooking cycle to keep food from drying out. When we reheated leftover roasted chicken breast at 350 degrees with steam for 8 minutes, the meat came out noticeably juicier than the same reheating job done in a dry-heat oven.

This is the best toaster oven for reheating leftovers if you regularly reheat proteins that tend to dry out. Fish, chicken breast, and lean cuts of beef all benefit from the moisture injection, and the difference is visible after just one reheating cycle. The Wonder Oven also preheats 75 percent faster than traditional toaster ovens, which is a real time-saver on busy weeknights.

Steam vs Dry Heat for Different Leftovers

The steam function works best for lean proteins, vegetables, and grains that dry out easily. We tested leftover salmon fillet both with and without steam, and the steamed version came out flaky and moist while the dry-heat version was tougher. For bread and crispy items like leftover fried chicken, you’ll want to skip the steam and use the standard air fry or convection mode.

The 12.7-quart interior fits a 4.5-pound chicken and includes two rack positions for cooking multiple dishes at once. We reheated a casserole on the lower rack and bread rolls on the upper rack simultaneously, and both finished at the same time without any flavor transfer. The 360-degree convection system circulates heat evenly between the two levels.

Who Should Buy the Our Place Wonder Oven

This is the right pick if you reheat a lot of lean proteins or vegetables that dry out in standard toaster ovens. The stylish design and color options also make it appealing for open kitchens where the appliance sits on display. Skip it if you don’t want to refill a water reservoir, or if your counter setup can’t accommodate the protruding door handle.

6. Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic – Best for Pizza Reheating

The Cuisinart TOB-40N is the best toaster oven for reheating pizza, full stop. The 0.5 cubic foot cavity fits an 11-inch pizza with the rack centered, and the Always Even Shade Control monitors toasting temperature to prevent burnt edges. We reheated a full cheese pizza at 400 degrees for 8 minutes, and the crust came out crispy while the cheese stayed molten with that characteristic stretch.

With 7,569 reviews and a 4.2-star average, this Cuisinart has earned its reputation as a workhorse toaster oven. The brushed stainless steel exterior looks at home on most counters, and the cool-touch handle means you can pull food out without oven mitts. For anyone whose leftover routine revolves around pizza night, this oven is the right tool.

Always Even Shade Control for Consistent Results

The Always Even Shade Control is a unique feature that adjusts toasting time based on the actual heat output, rather than running on a fixed timer. This means the oven compensates for variations in line voltage, food moisture, and ambient temperature. We tested the same pizza reheating job five times in a row and got nearly identical results each time.

The auto-slide rack is another thoughtful touch. When you open the door, the rack pulls out toward you so you can grab your pizza without reaching into a hot cavity. This is especially helpful when reheating heavier dishes like full casseroles or roasts.

Who Should Buy the Cuisinart TOB-40N

This is the right pick if pizza is your primary leftover or if you want a simple, no-frills toaster oven that does the basics well. Families will appreciate the 11-inch pizza capacity. Skip it if you need digital controls or an automatic timer for bake mode, since this model uses analog dials.

7. BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD – Best Budget Pick Under $60

The BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD is the best budget toaster oven under $60 that we tested. With over 22,000 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, it’s one of the most popular toaster ovens on Amazon, and our testing confirmed it earns that reputation. The natural convection design circulates heat without a separate fan, which is impressive at this price point.

For reheating pizza, toast, and small casseroles, the TO1313SBD performs at a level that rivals ovens costing twice as much. The 30-minute timer with stay-on function gives you flexibility for longer reheating cycles, and the removable crumb tray makes cleanup a 10-second job.

What You Get for Under $60

The TO1313SBD includes 4-slice capacity, fits a 9-inch pizza, and offers four cooking functions: toast, bake, broil, and keep warm. That’s enough functionality for most reheating jobs. We tested leftover garlic bread at 375 degrees for 5 minutes and got a crispy exterior with soft, warm interior. For a budget oven, the heat distribution was surprisingly even.

The 1150W power is lower than the 1800W premium models, which means slightly longer cook times. A reheating job that takes 6 minutes in a premium oven might take 8 to 9 minutes in this BLACK+DECKER, but the tradeoff is a price that’s accessible to anyone. If you’re outfitting a first apartment or a college dorm, this oven makes a strong case as the best toaster oven under $100 for reheating basics.

Who Should Buy the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD

This is the right pick if you want a reliable, no-frills reheating oven at the lowest possible price. The 22,000+ reviews give it social proof that few competitors can match. Skip it if you need air fry functionality or precise temperature control at lower settings.

8. BLACK+DECKER TO1760SS Natural Convection – Best for Families

The BLACK+DECKER TO1760SS is the best toaster oven for reheating family-sized leftovers. With 14,539 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, it’s another crowd-pleaser from BLACK+DECKER, and the natural convection system circulates heat evenly enough to handle multiple plates of leftovers at once. We reheated four plates of varied leftovers (pizza, chicken, vegetables, rice) simultaneously, and all four finished hot and properly textured in 12 minutes.

The 16.9-inch width is wider than most compact ovens, but that’s what gives it the capacity to handle family-sized meals. The stainless steel exterior feels more premium than the price suggests, and the 2-year warranty provides peace of mind that budget models sometimes lack.

Why Natural Convection Works for Family Reheating

Natural convection relies on the natural movement of hot air rather than a mechanical fan, which means fewer parts to break over time and quieter operation. For reheating multiple plates of food, the wider cavity gives heat more room to circulate, and we saw even temperatures across all four plates in our testing.

The four functions (Convection Bake, Broil, Toast, Keep Warm) cover all the reheating jobs a family typically needs. The Keep Warm function is particularly useful when you’re staggering reheating cycles for different family members, since it holds already-warmed food at serving temperature without continuing to cook it.

Who Should Buy the BLACK+DECKER TO1760SS

This is the right pick if you regularly reheat for four or more people. The wider cavity and even heat distribution handle family-sized plates better than most compact ovens. Skip it if counter space is at a premium, since the 16.9-inch width is larger than average.

Buying Guide: How to Choose a Toaster Oven for Reheating Leftovers

Not every toaster oven is built for reheating duty. Some prioritize toasting, others focus on baking, and a few rare models like the Our Place Wonder Oven add steam for moisture retention. Here’s how to pick the right one based on what you actually reheat.

Heating Technology: Convection vs Infrared vs Quartz

Convection ovens use a fan to circulate hot air, which delivers faster, more even heating than static ovens. The Cuisinart TOA-70NAS and Breville Mini Smart Oven both use convection, and we saw 20 to 30 percent faster reheating cycles compared to non-convection models. Infrared ovens like the Panasonic FlashXpress heat instantly without preheat, which is ideal for quick meals. Quartz elements in the Breville deliver precise, targeted heat that’s perfect for delicate items.

For most people, a convection toaster oven is the sweet spot. The fan-assisted circulation prevents the cold-spot-in-the-middle problem that’s common with budget ovens, and the faster cook times save energy over the life of the appliance.

Capacity and Interior Size for Leftovers

Capacity matters more for reheating than most guides admit. A 0.25 cubic foot cavity fits a single plate, while a 0.6 cubic foot cavity fits a 12-inch pizza or full casserole dish. If you reheat for one or two people, compact ovens like the Breville Mini or Panasonic FlashXpress are sufficient. For families, look at the 0.5 cubic foot and larger options like the Cuisinart TOA-70NAS or BLACK+DECKER TO1760SS.

Consider not just capacity but interior shape. Tall items like layered lasagna need interior height, while wide plates of food need interior width. The Breville Mini Smart Oven has limited height but plenty of width for plates, while the Cuisinart TOB-40N has more vertical clearance for tall dishes.

Temperature Range and Preset Reheat Functions

A good reheating oven should reach at least 450 degrees for pizza and high-heat jobs, and ideally drop to 200 degrees for warming bread without toasting it. The Cuisinart TOA-70NAS, Breville Mini, and Panasonic FlashXpress all offer this range. The BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD tops out at 450 but doesn’t offer low-end temperature control, which is a limitation for delicate reheating jobs.

Dedicated Reheat presets simplify the process by using a pre-programmed temperature and time. The Breville, Panasonic, and Our Place Wonder Oven all include dedicated Reheat functions, and we found these worked reliably for most leftovers without manual adjustment.

Air Fry Capability for Crispy Reheating

Air fry is no longer a luxury feature in toaster ovens. Models like the Cuisinart TOA-70NAS, BLACK+DECKER TO1787SS, and Our Place Wonder Oven all include air fry modes that crisps leftover fried foods better than standard bake modes. If you regularly reheat fried chicken, fries, mozzarella sticks, or anything breaded, air fry capability is worth the upgrade.

The air fry performance varies between models. The Cuisinart TOA-70NAS uses AirAdvantage technology with optimized airflow, and we got the crispiest results from it. The BLACK+DECKER TO1787SS performs well at its fixed air fry temperature but lacks adjustable control. Choose based on how often you’ll use the air fry mode.

Steam Features to Prevent Drying Out

Steam infusion is a relatively new feature in countertop ovens, and the Our Place Wonder Oven is the standout model in this category. Adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of water to the reservoir before reheating produces noticeably moister results for lean proteins, vegetables, and grains. If you regularly reheat chicken breast, fish, or rice, steam is a feature worth prioritizing.

Steam isn’t useful for everything, though. Pizza, fried foods, and bread all benefit from dry heat, so you’ll use standard modes for those items. The Wonder Oven’s 6-in-1 design lets you switch between steam and dry heat for different leftovers.

Build Quality and Long-Term Durability

Toaster ovens are mechanical appliances with heating elements that eventually wear out. We tracked owner reviews across all eight models and found that the Cuisinart and Breville ovens tend to last 5+ years with regular use, while some BLACK+DECKER models see element failure around the 3 to 4 year mark. The 3-year warranty on the Cuisinart TOA-70NAS and the 2-year warranty on the BLACK+DECKER TO1787SS provide good protection.

Look for stainless steel interiors, which resist corrosion and clean more easily than painted interiors. The Cuisinart TOA-70NAS, Breville Mini Smart Oven, and BLACK+DECKER TO1787SS all have stainless interiors. Non-stick interiors are also common but require gentler cleaning to preserve the coating.

How to Reheat Different Leftovers in a Toaster Oven

The right technique varies by food type. Here are our tested approaches to get the best results from each leftover category.

Pizza: Getting the Crust Crispy Again

Pizza is the most reheated leftover in America, and toaster ovens handle it better than any other appliance. Preheat to 375 degrees, place the slice directly on the rack (not a pan, which traps moisture), and heat for 5 to 8 minutes. The dry heat crisps the crust while the top melts the cheese. For deep-dish or thick-crust pizza, drop the temperature to 350 and extend the time to 10 minutes to allow the center to heat through without burning the top.

The Cuisinart TOB-40N is particularly good for pizza because of its 11-inch pizza capacity and Always Even Shade Control. If pizza is your primary leftover, this oven earns its place on your counter.

Roasted Meats and Casseroles

Cover roasted meats and casseroles with foil for the first half of the reheating cycle to prevent drying, then remove the foil for the second half to restore any crust. Set the oven to 325 degrees and plan for 15 to 20 minutes for a typical casserole. Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165 degrees for poultry and 145 degrees for other meats.

The Cuisinart TOA-70NAS handles casseroles best because of its larger cavity and dedicated Convection Bake mode. The Our Place Wonder Oven is the best choice if you reheat lean meats often, since the steam function keeps proteins moist.

Bread, Pastries, and Baked Goods

Bread dries out faster than almost any other leftover, so wrap it in foil and heat at 300 degrees for 5 to 10 minutes. The foil traps moisture while the gentle heat warms the bread without toasting it. For pastries like croissants or biscuits, skip the foil and heat at 350 degrees for 4 to 5 minutes to restore flakiness.

The Panasonic FlashXpress is excellent for bread because it heats instantly without preheat, so you can have warm bread on the table in under 5 minutes total.

Vegetables and Grains

Vegetables reheat best with a small amount of added moisture. Toss them with a teaspoon of water or broth before heating at 350 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes. Grains like rice and quinoa can dry out, so cover with foil and add a splash of water before reheating at 325 degrees.

The Our Place Wonder Oven’s steam function is particularly useful here, since the built-in moisture eliminates the need to add water manually. For plain reheating without steam, the Cuisinart TOA-70NAS handles vegetables well thanks to its convection bake mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Toaster Oven Should You Buy for Reheating?

After 60 days of testing, our top pick for the best toaster oven for reheating leftovers is the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven TOA-70NAS. It handles every leftover category well, includes air fry capability for crispy reheating, and comes with useful accessories. For pizza specifically, the Cuisinart TOB-40N is a focused specialist at a lower price.

If you’re shopping by user type: families should consider the BLACK+DECKER TO1760SS for its wider cavity and even heat. Budget shoppers get the most value from the BLACK+DECKER TO1313SBD under $60. Small kitchens and single people should look at the Breville Mini Smart Oven for premium quality in a compact package, or the Panasonic FlashXpress for instant-heat speed. If you reheat a lot of lean proteins, the Our Place Wonder Oven’s steam infusion is worth the investment.

Whatever you choose, a quality toaster oven will save you takeout orders, reduce food waste, and deliver better leftovers than a microwave ever could. Browse the latest deals on our Amazon Prime Day toaster oven deals page to find the right model at the right price.