The Cuisinart SS-700 and the Cuisinart SS-780 are two premium countertop ovens that differ primarily in performance features, size, and price. The SS-780 is the larger, more advanced model with a convection baking function for faster, more even results, while the SS-700 offers a generous capacity and versatile functions at a more budget-friendly price point.
Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide which Cuisinart toaster oven is the right fit for your kitchen.
Cuisinart SS-700
The Cuisinart SS-700 is a versatile and spacious toaster oven designed for everyday kitchen tasks. It combines a sleek stainless steel aesthetic with user-friendly digital controls, making it a reliable choice for families or anyone needing a capable countertop appliance for baking, toasting, and reheating without the complexity of advanced features.
- What it is: A large-capacity, multi-function toaster oven with a modern stainless steel finish.
- Key features: Spacious interior that fits a 13-inch pizza, multiple preset cooking functions, intuitive digital display, and easy-to-use controls.
- Price: Typically around $250-$300.
- Dimensions: Approximately 19.5" W x 15" D x 11" H. Its streamlined design is suitable for many kitchen countertops.
- Materials/Construction: Features a high-quality stainless steel exterior with a non-stick, easy-to-clean interior. Backed by a 3-year limited warranty.
- Style: A modern and clean look that fits seamlessly into contemporary kitchen designs.
- Pros: Excellent value for its size and features. Large capacity is great for family-sized meals. User-friendly interface is simple to operate. Its slightly smaller footprint is better for kitchens with limited space.
- Cons: Lacks a convection cooking feature. Doesn't offer the precise temperature controls found on more premium models. Larger jobs may take longer to cook compared to a convection oven.
The SS-700 is ideal for those who want a hard-working, stylish toaster oven with plenty of space at an affordable price and don't require the speed of convection cooking.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping-appliances/toasters/ss-700/
Cuisinart SS-780
Positioned as the more premium option, the Cuisinart SS-780 is a professional-grade countertop oven built for serious home chefs. It enhances performance with convection baking, a larger capacity, and more precise controls, making it perfect for everything from delicate pastries to perfectly roasted chicken.
- What it is: A high-performance, extra-large capacity toaster oven with a convection feature.
- Key features: Convection baking for fast and even cooking, a larger interior capable of accommodating bigger dishes, precise temperature and timer controls, and robust build quality.
- Price: Usually priced between $350-$400.
- Dimensions: Approximately 20" W x 17" D x 11.5" H, requiring more counter space.
- Materials/Construction: Built with durable stainless steel and high-quality components. It also features a non-stick interior and comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
- Style: Boasts a commanding, industrial-inspired look that signals professional-grade performance and complements modern kitchens.
- Pros: Convection fan circulates hot air for superior baking and roasting. Extra-large capacity handles bigger family meals and entertaining. More precise controls allow for greater cooking accuracy. Sturdy and built to last.
- Cons: More expensive than the SS-700. Its larger footprint takes up significant counter space. May have more features than a casual user needs.
This model is designed for the home cook who wants the top-tier performance of convection cooking and the space to tackle larger, more ambitious recipes.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping-appliances/toasters/ss-780/
Cuisinart SS-700 vs. SS-780 Comparison
Cooking Functions & Performance
The most significant difference between these two models lies in their cooking performance. The Cuisinart SS-780 includes a convection feature, which uses a fan to circulate hot air inside the oven. This leads to faster, more consistent cooking and better browning and crisping for things like roasted vegetables or baked goods. Its temperature controls are also more precise, which is crucial for recipes that demand accuracy.
The Cuisinart SS-700 uses traditional thermal cooking, which is perfectly effective for standard tasks like baking pizza, toasting bread, and reheating leftovers. While it performs reliably, it won't offer the speed or perfectly even results that the SS-780's convection system can provide. For everyday use, it's more than sufficient, but ambitious cooks may miss the advanced capability.
Dimensions & Capacity
In terms of size, the SS-780 is noticeably larger. At approximately 20" W x 17" D x 11.5" H, its deeper profile offers a more generous interior capacity perfect for larger roasts or multiple dishes at once. However, it requires a significant amount of counter real estate.
The SS-700 is slightly more compact, measuring around 19.5" W x 15" D x 11" H. While still spacious enough to fit a 13-inch pizza, its smaller footprint makes it a better choice for kitchens where counter space is at a premium. Before buying either, be sure to measure your available space carefully.
Materials & Construction
Both toaster ovens are built with Cuisinart's signature quality, featuring durable stainless steel exteriors and non-stick interiors for easy cleanup. The build quality on both units is robust, with sturdy digital rotary dials and solid construction designed for long-term use. This is backed by Cuisinart's 3-year limited warranty on both models, indicating a similar level of confidence in their longevity and durability.
Price & Value
There is a price gap of approximately $100 between the two models. The Cuisinart SS-700 provides outstanding value, delivering a large-capacity, feature-rich appliance that meets the needs of most households at an approachable price. It is a workhorse appliance that looks great on the counter.
The Cuisinart SS-780 justifies its higher cost with superior performance. If you regularly bake, roast meats, or need the extra space and precision, the investment in its convection technology and larger cavity is well worth it. The value here is in its professional-grade capabilities, not just its size.
Style & Aesthetics
Both models share a modern, premium look with their brushed stainless steel finish and digital displays. The SS-700 has a clean, streamlined design that blends in nicely with other appliances. The SS-780 has a slightly more industrial and professional appearance, given its larger size and more commanding presence. The choice here comes down to personal preference and whether you prefer a subtle appliance or one that makes a statement.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Cuisinart toaster ovens are excellent choices, but they are built for different users and kitchen needs.
Choose the Cuisinart SS-700 if:
- You're looking for the best value and want a large capacity oven under $300.
- You don't need or plan to use a convection cooking feature.
- Counter space is a slight concern, and a more compact footprint is advantageous.
- Your main uses are everyday toasting, baking, broiling, and reheating.
Choose the Cuisinart SS-780 if:
- You are a serious home cook who will benefit from faster, more even convection cooking.
- You frequently cook large meals for family or guests and need maximum interior space.
- You have plenty of counter space and want an appliance with a professional look and feel.
- You're willing to invest more for better performance, precision, and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the SS-700 and SS-780?
The single biggest difference is that the SS-780 has a convection fan for faster, more even cooking, while the SS-700 does not. The SS-780 is also larger in size and has a higher price tag.
Is the Cuisinart SS-780's convection feature worth the extra money?
For those who frequently bake, roast meats, or toast large batches of food, the convection feature is absolutely worth it. It provides professional-level results that are hard to achieve with a standard toaster oven. For users who primarily toast bagels or reheat leftovers, it may be an unnecessary expense.
Which Cuisinart model is better for a small kitchen?
The Cuisinart SS-700 is better for smaller kitchens due to its slightly more compact footprint. It's about two inches less deep than the SS-780, which can make a big difference on a crowded countertop.
Can the Cuisinart SS-700 fit a whole chicken?
Yes, the SS-700's large interior can typically fit a small-to-medium-sized chicken (around 4-5 lbs). The SS-780's even larger capacity provides more room for bigger birds and better air circulation when roasting them.
How do you clean these toaster ovens?
Both models feature non-stick interiors that make them easy to wipe down. A removable crumb tray at the bottom catches fallen debris and can be washed separately.
Are both models energy efficient?
Yes, both the Cuisinart SS-700 and SS-780 are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they meet strict energy performance standards set by the EPA and operate efficiently.
What is the warranty on the SS-700 and SS-780?
Both toaster ovens come with a 3-year limited warranty from Cuisinart, which covers defects in materials and workmanship.
Do these models make a lot of noise?
The SS-700 operates very quietly. When its convection feature is active, the Cuisinart SS-780 will produce a low humming sound from the fan, which is normal for convection ovens and is generally not considered disruptive.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
