The Cuisinart TOA-65 Air Fryer Toaster Oven stands out as a superior kitchen workhouse, outperforming its predecessor the TOA-60 in nearly every test. Food Network Kitchen praised its digital interface and precise temperature control, while Bob Vila noted its powerful heating and 18 functions that include five air-fryer presets. The appliance's 18-quart capacity and 1,800-watt motor enable fast, versatile cooking, though reviewers caution that it runs hot and requires close attention. This model is ideal for users seeking a high-performing, multifunctional countertop appliance but may not suit those preferring simpler, less precise controls.
Full review
Design and Interface
The Cuisinart TOA-65 features a stainless steel exterior that gives it a premium, high-end appearance suitable for most kitchen aesthetics. Unlike its predecessor the TOA-60 which uses a manual knob interface, the TOA-65 incorporates a digital LCD display with intuitive button controls. Food Network Kitchen's Leah Brickley noted that the digital interface allows for more precise temperature control in five-degree increments compared to the TOA-60's 50-degree toggle settings. The unit measures 14 inches tall by 15.75 inches wide by 14 inches deep, providing substantial countertop space but maintaining a footprint comparable to traditional toaster ovens. The interface includes dedicated buttons for Start/Stop, Light, Air Fry, Convection (fan speed), and Defrost functions, along with a dial that scrolls through cooking modes.
TechRadar's testing confirmed the digital interface's usability, though they noted that the dial can be prone to wear over time. The unit comes with a rack, baking/drip pan, air fry basket, and includes seven distinct cooking features plus warm and reheat functions. The LED interface is designed to be user-friendly, though some users have reported issues with the dial's durability after extended use.
Performance and Functionality
In terms of actual cooking performance, the TOA-65 excels across multiple functions according to Food Network Kitchen's testing. The air frying function performed particularly well, with frozen crinkle-cut fries coming out golden and crunchy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. The flat air frying basket accommodates about half a standard bag of frozen fries in one batch, with less overlapping than first-generation barrel-shaped air fryers. The unit offers preprogrammed settings for fries, wings, nuggets, snacks, and vegetables, with the option to customize time and temperature. Bob Vila's three-week testing confirmed that the appliance cooks most foods faster than similar models, with only the Bake and Pizza functions requiring preheating. The 1,800-watt motor and wide temperature range from 80 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit enable versatile cooking capabilities.
Consumer Reports' evaluation found the TOA-65 to be a strong performer in multiple cooking categories. The unit successfully toasted bread evenly, baked slice-and-bake sugar cookies, air fried frozen fries, roasted chicken breasts, and even dehydrated tomatoes. The convection cooking function allows for even heat distribution, while the air frying capability delivers crispy results with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. The unit's 18-quart capacity enables it to handle a 12-inch pizza, six slices of toast, or 3 pounds of food simultaneously.
What Reviewers Loved
Multiple reviewers praised the Cuisinart TOA-65 for its versatility and convenience. Food Network Kitchen's Leah Brickley highlighted how the appliance won her over with its ability to handle various cooking tasks, from toast to French fries to roasting a small chicken when the main oven was full. The intuitive interface and preprogrammed settings made it easy to use without needing specialty equipment for each cooking method. Bob Vila noted that the appliance was easy to use and produced delicious foods, even becoming a favorite among his family members. He particularly appreciated the dual-cook function that allows users to cook using two methods simultaneously, which he found useful for preparing meals quickly.
Jess Keys from jesskeys.com gave the TOA-65 a glowing review, calling it a game-changer for her cooking routine. She noted that the air frying function makes everything crispy and crunchy without being unhealthy, requiring only a spritz of olive oil spray. The appliance cooks food faster than a regular oven or even a regular toaster oven, with high-quality heating elements that deliver quick results. The unit's ability to toast six slices of bread simultaneously, bake a 12-inch pizza, and air fry 3 pounds of food at once made it ideal for her household needs. The stainless steel finish and overall design were also praised as looking great on the counter and complementing most kitchen aesthetics.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, several reviewers noted significant drawbacks to the Cuisinart TOA-65. Consumer Reports pointed out that the appliance runs hot, requiring users to monitor their food closely, especially when they're not familiar with how the unit operates. This can be particularly problematic for those new to air frying or toaster ovens, as the high heat can cause foods to burn more easily than expected. Bob Vila also mentioned that the unit runs hot and users must watch their food closely until they become familiar with its operation. The crumb tray and wire rack are not dishwasher-safe, which adds to the cleaning process and may be inconvenient for some users.
Reddit users in r/homelab and other forums have reported firmware-related issues with the TOA-65, particularly concerning the digital dial's longevity. According to iFixit community members, the dial typically lasts around three years before needing replacement, with users reporting that the dial can stick or malfunction after extended use. The unit's stainless steel construction, while aesthetically pleasing, also makes it heavier than some competitors, which could be a concern for users with limited counter space or mobility issues.
Who It's Best For
The Cuisinart TOA-65 is best suited for households that value versatility and convenience in their kitchen appliances. Food Network Kitchen's testing showed it particularly appeals to those with limited countertop space who want a multifunctional appliance that can replace several specialty devices. The unit's ability to toast, air fry, bake, roast, and dehydrate makes it ideal for families who cook frequently and want to minimize the number of appliances they need. Bob Vila's testing confirmed its usefulness for home cooks who want to prepare meals quickly and efficiently, especially those who appreciate the dual-cook function that allows simultaneous cooking methods.
However, the appliance may not be ideal for users who prioritize budget-conscious purchases or those who prefer simpler, more straightforward appliances. The higher price point of approximately $300 compared to the TOA-60's $230 makes it less attractive for budget-conscious shoppers. Additionally, the unit's tendency to run hot and require close monitoring makes it less suitable for novice cooks who are not familiar with air frying techniques. Users with very limited counter space may also find the appliance's size somewhat imposing, despite its footprint being comparable to traditional toaster ovens.
How It Compares to Alternatives
When compared to other air fryer toaster ovens, the Cuisinart TOA-65 stands out for its digital interface and precise temperature control. Food Network Kitchen's testing found that the TOA-65 outperformed the TOA-60 on practically every test, with better results in toast, chicken, and frozen fries. The TOA-65's digital interface allows for more precise cooking than the TOA-60's manual knobs, which can only toggle in 50-degree increments. Consumer Reports' evaluation showed that the TOA-65 cooks most foods faster than similar models, with only the Bake and Pizza functions requiring preheating. This advantage over competitors like the Cuisinart TOA-60, which costs about $230, makes the TOA-65 a better investment for users who prioritize performance over cost.
The appliance's 18-quart capacity and 1,800-watt motor give it an edge over many competitors in terms of cooking power and versatility. Bob Vila's testing found that the TOA-65 cooks foods faster than three other toaster-oven air fryers, cutting down overall cook time by about 3 to 4 minutes compared to similar models. The unit's ability to handle larger quantities of food, such as a 4-pound chicken or a 12-inch pizza, makes it more suitable for families or households that cook for multiple people. However, some reviewers noted that the appliance's stainless steel construction makes it heavier than some competitors, which could be a disadvantage for users with limited counter space or mobility issues.
Value at This Price
The Cuisinart TOA-65's price point of approximately $300 reflects its premium features and performance capabilities. Food Network Kitchen's review concluded that the higher price is worth the better performance, especially when compared to the TOA-60 model which costs about $230. The unit's digital interface, precise temperature control, and superior cooking results justify the additional cost for users who value versatility and convenience. Bob Vila's testing confirmed that the appliance delivers excellent value for its price, with the dual-cook function and fast cooking times making it a worthwhile investment for home cooks.
However, some reviewers questioned whether the price is justified for users who primarily need basic toaster oven functions. The appliance's stainless steel construction, while aesthetically pleasing, also makes it heavier and more expensive than some competitors. Consumer Reports noted that the unit's tendency to run hot and require close monitoring could be a drawback for novice cooks, potentially leading to food burning or overcooking. The crumb tray and wire rack not being dishwasher-safe also adds to the cleaning process, which may not appeal to users seeking low-maintenance appliances.
Long-Term Durability
Long-term durability of the Cuisinart TOA-65 appears to be a mixed bag based on user experiences and repair reports. This suggests that while the unit is generally well-built, certain components may have limited lifespans. Reddit users in r/homelab have reported firmware-related issues, particularly concerning the digital dial's longevity and potential sticking problems after extended use.
Despite these concerns, the overall build quality of the appliance remains strong. Food Network Kitchen's Leah Brickley noted that the unit's intuitive interface and preprogrammed settings make it easy to navigate, and the stainless steel construction gives it a premium feel. The appliance comes with a limited three-year warranty, which provides some assurance for long-term ownership. However, the unit's stainless steel construction, while aesthetically pleasing, also makes it heavier than some competitors, which could be a disadvantage for users with limited counter space or mobility issues. The 18-quart capacity and 1,800-watt motor suggest that the appliance is built to handle frequent use, but the digital components may require periodic maintenance or replacement.
Strengths
- +Digital interface with precise temperature control in five-degree incriments
- +Outperforms the TOA-60 model on virtually every cooking test
- +Seven distinct cooking features including air fry, bake, and reheat
- +Spacious interior with 18-quart capacity suitable for large items like 4-pound chicken
- +Fast cooking times due to 1,800-watt motor and no preheating required for most functions
Watch-outs
- −Runs hot and requires close monitoring until user becomes familiar with the model
- −Crumb tray and wire rack are not dishwasher-safe
How it compares
The Cuisinart TOA-65 outperforms the Ninja combo in nearly every test with its 18-quart capacity and 1,800-watt motor, but lacks the Breville's app integration and super convection features. Compared to the Gourmia models, it's less convenient with its door design and doesn't offer the integrated temperature probe, though it provides more precise temperature control and better overall cooking performance.
Who this is for
At a glance: performance-driven home cooks.
Why you’d buy the Cuisinart TOA-65 Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- Digital interface with precise temperature control in five-degree incriments.
- Outperforms the TOA-60 model on virtually every cooking test.
- Seven distinct cooking features including air fry, bake, and reheat.
Why you’d skip it
- Runs hot and requires close monitoring until user becomes familiar with the model.
- Crumb tray and wire rack are not dishwasher-safe.
Rating sources
“Bottom line: The Cuisinart TOA-65 is our top pick for Cuisinart air fryer toaster ovens.”
“Agatha Crispy coming into my life has been a game-changer with all my food recipes, and she has been one of my favorite purchases of the entire year.”
“it is literally the most versatile appliance that I own now now that I've used the airfryer I can't imagine living without it”
Our 4.8 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
