Available to buy here:
Welcome back to Reviews inside tv! Today, we’re taking a look at the Oster Compact Countertop Oven with Air Fryer, a versatile kitchen appliance that promises to combine four functions in one: a convection oven, an air fryer, a toaster, and a broiler. It’s designed to save you space while still giving you a range of cooking options, but does it deliver on its promises? Let’s dive in.
This Oster model is compact yet functional, offering five cooking settings: air fry, bake, adjustable broil, toast, and warm. The real standout here is the air fry feature, which lets you cook your favorite fried foods with up to 99.5% less oil, compared to traditional deep fryers. Whether it’s crispy fries or a healthier batch of chicken wings, this oven aims to offer a healthier alternative to frying. Its Turbo Convection Technology helps speed up cooking time and ensures food browns evenly, which is always a plus when you’re short on time but want a quality meal.
In terms of size, the oven fits a 9-inch pizza or up to four slices of bread, making it ideal for small to medium-sized meals or snacks. It also offers three rack positions, a 60-minute timer, and an adjustable broil feature, giving you flexibility in cooking. The independent dials for temperature, cook functions, and timer settings are easy to navigate, and overall, the unit feels intuitive for everyday use.
Now, onto real-world testing. Setting it up was straightforward; it’s as easy as plugging it in and setting the temperature. I tried using the air fry setting to make some crispy fries, and the results were impressive—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, all without the heavy oil mess. When baking, it heated up quickly and cooked food evenly, although it did take a few minutes longer than the manufacturer’s estimates. One downside I noticed during my testing was that, while it does toast four slices of bread, it’s not as fast or evenly toasted as a traditional toaster, so you may have to keep an eye on it to avoid over-toasting.
So, what are the pros and cons of this Oster Air Fryer Oven?
The pros:
Versatility: It combines multiple appliances in one, saving you counter space.
Air Frying: The ability to cook with little to no oil is a huge plus.
Turbo Convection: The faster cooking time and even browning are great for quick meals.
Simple Controls: The independent dial system is straightforward, even for those new to countertop ovens.
The cons:
Size: While compact, it might still be too large for some kitchens or those with very limited counter space.
Toasting: The toasting function could use a little improvement for faster and more even results.
Not Ideal for Large Meals: If you’re looking to cook large dishes or meals for a family, you might find the 9-inch pizza and 4 slices of bread limits you.
Now, how does it fare in terms of value for money? The Oster Compact Countertop Oven with Air Fryer is reasonably priced, especially considering it combines four appliances into one. For those with limited space or who want a versatile cooking solution without breaking the bank, it offers solid performance for the price. While it may not perform as perfectly in every category as a standalone appliance, it strikes a good balance of features and affordability.
When comparing it to similar models on the market, like the Cuisinart TOA-60 or the Ninja Foodi Air Fry Oven, the Oster holds its own in terms of versatility, especially with its air fryer function. However, some of the higher-end models offer slightly better performance in specific areas like toasting and broiling, but those usually come at a premium price.
In terms of build quality, the Oster oven is made with aluminum, iron, and chromium, which gives it a sturdy feel. The compact design feels durable enough for regular use, but keep in mind that, given the lower price point, the overall construction might not match the heft of more expensive options.
As for customer support, I didn’t need to reach out during my testing, but Oster has a solid reputation for responsiveness. Users generally report satisfactory experiences when needing assistance, and the brand offers a warranty, which is a nice peace of mind when buying kitchen appliances.
Now, if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, the BLACK+DECKER TO3215SS, which also offers air frying and baking, might be a suitable option. It doesn’t have quite the same versatility but is more budget-friendly.
To wrap things up, the Oster Compact Countertop Oven with Air Fryer is a great choice for anyone looking to save space without sacrificing functionality. It’s particularly ideal for smaller households or anyone who wants to make healthier, air-fried meals quickly. While it has a few minor drawbacks, like toasting speed and size limitations, the overall performance and versatility make it a solid value.
If you’re interested in this product, be sure to check out the link in the comments box. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that bell icon so you don’t miss out on our future reviews. Thanks for tuning in to Reviews inside tv—until next time, keep your kitchen tech smart, not hard!
Available to buy here:
