The Cuisinart Air Fryer TOA-70 offers versatile cooking capabilities in a compact design, with reviewers praising its simple controls and sturdy build. However, tests revealed inconsistent toasting performance due to hot and cold spots, particularly with the quartz heating elements. While it delivers good results for air frying and roasting, the analog timer system lacks automatic adjustments found in digital models. This appliance suits users looking for a multi-functional countertop option but may not meet expectations for consistent toast quality.
Full review
Toasting performance and consistency
The toaster oven delivers consistent results when toasting bread, with the medium setting producing the ideal golden brown color in five minutes. Testers noted that while the top of the bread achieved the desired crispness, the bottom exhibited uneven browning with blotchy darker and lighter patches. These hot and cold spots appear to stem from the quartz heating elements and lack of convection fan during toasting cycles. When a second batch was processed using the same settings, the results showed increased crispiness and more pronounced browning, though the uneven bottom browning became more apparent. The analog timer does not automatically adjust for subsequent batches, which can lead to over-toasting if not manually managed. Testers rated the toast performance 8.7 out of 10, with the first batch achieving excellent texture balance while the second batch showed the oven's tendency to intensify heat exposure over repeated use.
Air frying and pizza cooking
Air frying performance exceeded expectations, with a 9-inch thick crust meat pizza completing in just 3 minutes and 30 seconds at maximum temperature of 450°F. The crust achieved perfectly golden brown edges with a slight crunch, while the bottom was nicely cooked through thanks to the basket support. Vegetables and cheese showed even charring and caramelization, indicating effective heat distribution during the air frying cycle. Testers awarded the pizza a 9.8 out of 10, praising the oven's ability to replicate restaurant-quality results in a compact space. The ceramic-coated griddle option was recommended for fresh pizza preparation, as it provided an extra preheated surface that enhanced crust crispiness. The air fryer function demonstrated strong performance for frozen foods and small portions, with the powerful fan and top heating elements creating the necessary hot air circulation for crisp textures.
Roasting and chicken cooking
Roasting a three-pound whole chicken at 350°F proved successful, with the oven maintaining precise temperature control as verified by an internal thermometer. The chicken was positioned on the lower rack level, and the results showed even cooking throughout with proper browning on all surfaces. The oven's convection capabilities were evident during this test, with heat circulating efficiently around the bird. Testers noted that the oven's performance improved with the quartz heating elements compared to previous models, though the lack of a convection fan during roasting cycles meant some unevenness in heat distribution. The chicken cooked evenly with crispy skin and tender meat, demonstrating the appliance's capability for larger items. The oven's ability to maintain steady temperature and provide consistent heat distribution made it suitable for roasting poultry and other substantial foods.
Design and build quality
The oven features a polished interior that should provide some level of nonstick performance, though this was not explicitly tested. The design retains the simple control layout with top-mounted convection fan, but replaces the previous nickel heating elements with quartz elements. This change appears to improve heat distribution and energy efficiency. The carrying handles remain, but the back buffers are now integrated into the base, making the unit more sturdy and easier to wrap the cord around. The overall shape and construction suggest durability for regular use, though the oven's compact size limits its capacity for larger items. The control dial layout is straightforward with time, temperature, function, and toast settings, though the timer dial was noted as not being precise enough for fine-tuned cooking timing. The oven's dimensions are 12.25 x 15.75 x 13.75 inches, and it includes an oven rack, baking pan, air fryer basket, and grill tray.
Grill functionality and versatility
The grill plate functionality proved effective for cooking salmon filets, with the skin side achieving a nice crisp texture while the top remained flaky and moist. The grill marks were light but visible, indicating proper heat transfer and surface contact. The grill plate doubles as a griddle when flipped, providing additional cooking options. Testers found that the grill setting required preheating for at least 10 minutes, with 15 minutes being optimal for best results. The combination of top and bottom heating elements with the convection fan created the necessary heat environment for grilling, though the performance was not as robust as dedicated grills. The oven's versatility was demonstrated through its ability to handle multiple cooking functions including toast, broil, bake, warm, air fry, grill, convection bake, and convection broil, making it a comprehensive kitchen appliance for various cooking needs.
Capacity and accessories
The oven's capacity is rated at 0.6 cubic feet, which is sufficient for 6 slices of bread, a 12-inch pizza, or up to 3 pounds of wings. The included accessories include an oven rack, baking pan that doubles as a drip pan and crumb tray, air fryer basket, and grill tray. These accessories are designed to maximize the oven's functionality across different cooking modes. The baking pan's dual purpose as a drip pan and crumb tray helps with cleanup, though the accessories are not dishwasher safe and require hand washing with hot water and dish soap. The oven's compact size makes it suitable for small kitchens or apartments, but may limit its usefulness for families requiring larger cooking capacity. The included accessories provide good value for the price point, though the lack of dishwasher-safe components could be a drawback for users seeking convenience.
Performance limitations and drawbacks
The oven's performance shows several limitations, particularly with delicate foods that may be affected by the strong fan and extra heating elements. The analog timer dial was noted as not precise enough for fine cooking timing, which could be problematic for users requiring exact timing. The lack of a convection fan during certain cooking modes, such as toasting, contributes to uneven heat distribution and hot/cold spots. The oven's design, while functional, does not include any digital displays or advanced features that might appeal to tech-savvy users. The quartz heating elements, while more efficient, may not provide the same level of heat consistency as the previous nickel elements. Additionally, the oven's capacity, while adequate for small portions, may not meet the needs of larger families or those requiring more substantial cooking capacity.
Strengths
- +Versatile cooking modes including air frying, toaster oven, and grill functions
- +Simple control panel with intuitive toast shade dial
- +Polished interior for easier cleaning and food release
- +Sturdy construction with reinforced base and carrying handles
Watch-outs
- −Uneven toasting with hot and cold spots noted in tests
- −No automatic timer adjustment like digital models
How it compares
The Cuisinart Air Fryer TOA-70 is more affordable than the Cuisinart TOA-65 but suffers from inconsistent toasting due to hot and cold spots, unlike the TOA-65 which offers precise temperature control. Compared to the Breville Air-Fryer Toaster Oven, it has a simpler analog interface but lacks the convection fan and even heating. It's less versatile than the Cosori 12-in-1 but more budget-friendly.
Rating sources
Our 4.2 score is the average of the 2 scored reviews above; 2 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. More about methodology.
