The Cuisinart Toa-26 and Toa-28 countertop ovens are versatile air fryer and toaster combos that primarily differ in size, cooking capacity, and price. While both deliver reliable performance, the Toa-26 is a more compact unit ideal for smaller spaces, whereas the Toa-28 is a larger model designed to handle bigger meals for families.
Here's a detailed breakdown of both models to help you decide which Cuisinart appliance is the right fit for your kitchen.
Cuisinart Digital AirFryer Toaster Oven (TOA-26)
The Cuisinart TOA-26 is a compact, multi-functional countertop appliance that combines the features of a traditional toaster oven with a powerful air fryer. It's designed for individuals, couples, or small families who have limited counter space but still want the versatility to bake, broil, toast, and air fry without needing multiple devices.
- What it is: A digital air fryer toaster oven combo offering multiple cooking functions in a smaller footprint.
- Key features: Multiple cooking functions including air fry, bake, broil, toast, and warm. Features a digital LCD display with presets and a high-velocity fan for even cooking.
- Price: ~$199-$229
- Dimensions: Approximately 16.5" W x 15" D x 14" H.
- Capacity: Can toast up to 4 slices of bread, bake a 12-inch pizza, or air fry up to 2.5 pounds of food.
- Materials/Construction: Durable stainless steel exterior with a non-stick coated interior for easy cleaning.
- Style: Modern and compact, with a sleek stainless steel finish and a user-friendly digital interface that fits well in contemporary kitchens.
- Pros: Compact size is great for small kitchens and apartments. Heats up quickly and cooks evenly with convection technology. Easy to operate with digital controls and presets. A versatile all-in-one appliance.
- Cons: Smaller capacity limits what you can cook. May not be large enough for families of more than two. Exterior can get hot during operation. Some users find the fan to be slightly loud.
This model is a strong choice for those in smaller households who value cooking versatility but are working with limited counter real estate.
Shop this product: Unfortunately, this model seems to be discontinued, but you may find it at third-party retailers or look into its modern successors.
Cuisinart Digital AirFryer Toaster Oven (TOA-28)
Designed for households that need more cooking space, the Cuisinart TOA-28 offers all the all-in-one functionality of its smaller counterpart but with a significantly larger interior. It's perfect for families, hosting guests, or batch cooking, allowing you to prepare bigger meals like a whole chicken or multiple racks of food at once.
- What it is: A larger capacity multi-function countertop oven with air frying capabilities.
- Key features: Extended list of cooking functions, including air fry, bake, roast, pizza, broil, toast, and warm. Larger interior accommodates more food. Features a digital display with more presets and adjustable timer settings.
- Price: ~$249-$279
- Dimensions: Approximately 17.5" W x 16" D x 15" H.
- Capacity: Can toast 6 slices of bread, bake a 14-inch pizza, or roast a whole chicken up to 4 pounds.
- Materials/Construction: Shares the same quality stainless steel exterior and non-stick interior as the TOA-26, ensuring durability and simple maintenance.
- Style: Similar modern stainless steel look, but with a larger, more prominent presence on the countertop. The control panel is also digital and intuitive.
- Pros: Larger capacity is ideal for families and cooking bigger meals. Offers high versatility with more cooking functions. Strong, even cooking performance thanks to powerful convection. Robust build quality.
- Cons: Takes up more valuable counter space. Higher price point than the TOA-26. Like the smaller model, the exterior can become quite hot.
The Toa-28 is perfect for anyone who needs the space to cook family-sized meals and sees the countertop oven as a true second oven, not just a small appliance.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/airfryers/taf-810/
Toa-26 vs. Toa-28 Comparison
Dimensions & Capacity
The most significant difference between the Toa-26 and the Toa-28 is their physical size and the amount of food they can hold. The Toa-26 measures around 16.5 x 15 x 14 inches, making it a better fit for kitchens where counter space is at a premium. Its capacity is suitable for toasting 4 slices of bread or air frying about 2.5 pounds of chicken wings.
In contrast, the Toa-28 is larger at 17.5 x 16 x 15 inches. That extra space translates into a much roomier interior capable of handling 6 slices of toast, a 14-inch pizza, or even a small whole chicken. If you're cooking for more than two people or enjoy making large batches of roasted vegetables or other foods, the expanded capacity of the Toa-28 is a clear advantage.
Features & Functions
Both models share a core set of features: air fry, bake, broil, toast, and warm. They use Cuisinart's convection technology for fast, even heat circulation and operate with intuitive digital controls. However, the larger TOA-28 usually comes with a few extra preset functions, such as settings specifically for pizza or roasting, which streamlines the cooking process for these common meals.
While both are user-friendly, the expanded menu on the Toa-28 gives it a slight edge in convenience for those who appreciate guided cooking settings. For users who prefer manual control, this may not be a major factor, as both models allow for full control over temperature and time.
Price & Value
Reflecting its smaller size, the Toa-26 is the more budget-friendly option, typically retailing for around $200-$230. It provides excellent value by packing multiple appliance functions into one compact and efficient unit.
The Toa-28 costs about $40-$50 more, usually priced between $250 and $280. The higher price is entirely justified by its increased capacity and additional presets. For a family of four, the value of being able to cook larger meals outweighs the modest price increase, potentially saving time and energy compared to using a full-sized kitchen oven.
Who Each One Works Best For
Deciding between these two comes down to your household needs and kitchen setup. The Toa-26 is tailor-made for individuals, couples, or anyone living in a condo, apartment, or a home with a small kitchen layout. It's an efficient meal-prep tool that conserves space without sacrificing much functionality.
The Toa-28, on the other hand, is the clear choice for families or avid home cooks who often entertain guests. Its ability to handle larger roasts, full pizzas, and bigger batches of baked goods makes it a practical workhorse. If you often find yourself wishing your toaster oven could fit just a little more, the upgrade to the Toa-28 is a necessary and worthwhile investment.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Cuisinart models are excellent performers, but they are built for different users and kitchen environments.
Choose the Toa-26 if:
- You live in an apartment or have a small kitchen with limited counter space.
- You are cooking for just one or two people on a daily basis.
- You want a multi-functional appliance on a slightly tighter budget.
- You primarily need an oven for reheating, toasting, and cooking smaller meals.
Choose the Toa-28 if:
- You have a family of three or more to feed.
- You enjoy batch cooking or preparing large meals.
- You have adequate counter space and can accommodate a larger appliance.
- You want the flexibility to roast a whole chicken or cook a large pizza without using your main oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Cuisinart Toa-26 and Toa-28?
The primary difference is size and capacity. The Toa-28 is larger and can cook more food at once, making it suitable for families, while the more compact Toa-26 is ideal for smaller households and kitchens with limited space.
Can you fit a whole chicken in the Toa-26?
No, the Toa-26 is generally too small to fit a whole chicken. It is better suited for chicken parts like wings or breasts. For roasting a whole chicken (up to 4 lbs), you would need the larger Toa-28.
Which model is easier to clean?
Both models are equally easy to clean. They feature non-stick interiors and removable crumb trays to catch spills and food particles. The included racks and trays are also easy to remove and wash.
Is the fan noisy on these models?
Some users report that the convection fan on both models can be noticeable, which is typical for powerful air fryer toaster ovens. The noise level is comparable to a standard microwave and generally isn't considered disruptive.
Does the outside of the oven get hot?
Yes, like most toaster ovens with high heat capabilities, the stainless steel exteriors of both the Toa-26 and Toa-28 can get very hot during operation. It's important to allow for proper clearance around the unit and use caution.
Which is better for air frying?
Both ovens perform very well for air frying, delivering crispy results thanks to powerful convection fans. The main difference again is capacity. The Toa-28 can air fry larger batches of food in a single layer, which often leads to crispier and more even results than a crowded basket.
What accessories are included with each oven?
Both models typically come with an oven rack, a baking/drip pan, and an air fryer basket. Package contents can sometimes vary by retailer, so it's always best to check the product listing before purchasing.
Is the extra cost for the Toa-28 worth it?
If you have the kitchen space and regularly cook for more than two people, the extra cost for the Toa-28 is absolutely worth it. The larger capacity significantly increases its versatility and allows it to function as a genuine second oven for your home.
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