Benchtop ovens

Before you buy, consider these factors.

• Easy cleaning: A non-stick interior lining is easy to clean. Look for models without too many cracks and crevices to accumulate dirt. All compact models had a removable crumb tray, which makes cleaning up spills easier.
• Size: Check the oven is the right size to fit into the space you have available and is large enough to handle your cookware.
• Controls: Should be clearly labelled and easy to press, grip or turn. Most compact models have at least three rotary controls: temperature, function selection and a timer. Glass convection models usually have two rotary controls for temperature and time, and a handle that also acts as an off/off switch.
• Baking trays: Some ovens come with trays designed to fit the oven. This makes the best use of its limited space.
• Racks and rack positions: The compact ovens in our test have three rack positions and some have reversible racks that give two height options for each position. A glass convection oven usually has two or three racks of different height.
  
• Accessories: For compacts these can include a roasting tray (some come with a drip tray insert that allows fat to drain from the meat), pizza tray, biscuit tray, a handle for safer handling of the trays and racks, and a rotisserie for roasting meat. Glass ovens may have a height extension ring, an air fryer insert, rack tongs and lid holder for resting the hot lid.
  
• Usable capacity: Our measured capacity is sometimes different to what’s claimed by manufacturers. Our height measurement is taken between the lowest shelf and the top element, and manufacturers often measure from the roof to the floor of the oven.