I'm Quitting My Oven for the Instant Pot InstantHeat Toaster

Fast Facts

• Cook modes: 7
• Max temperature: 450 degrees F
• Max timer: 30 minutes
• Accessories: 4 (air fry basket, crumb tray, wire rack, baking tray)

Consider this review me planting a flag in the sand. I don't think I'm going to turn my oven on again. Generally, I try to avoid it because it takes forever to heat up and is a major energy suck. The Instant Pot toaster requires no pre-heating (a major draw) and doesn't become a terrible heat vortex. While the glass viewing pane and top of the toaster will get hot, the sides are surprisingly cool to the touch when in operation.

My number one concern with kitchen appliances is space, given that I don't have any kitchen counters. The toaster oven managed to fit right into the space the old one occupied and deliver better results. I love this appliance because you can do a ton with it: Bake, broil, air fry, toast, roast and warm, plus a pizza setting. The temperature dial also goes up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. I also appreciated the versatile accessories—chrome rack and basket, square baking pan and crumb tray for easier cleaning.

In the past, I've tended to think of air fryers as single-use appliances, but InstantHeat Mini changed my mind. Of course, the air fryer function crisped my frozen French fries to perfection. As a french fry enthusiast and mild addict, it was thrilling to discover that I could load up on a giant $5 bag of frozen spuds at the supermarket instead of spending the equivalent for handful at a restaurant. It also performed well with frozen calamari and taquitos. But it was the baking and broiling functions that really hooked me.

My friend and I made a batch of ube brownies, which came out chewy with crispy edges. The six-inch pan is great for small gatherings and the dessert-for-one crowd, though we did end up baking in two batches. Then, I decided to start broiling salmon. Truthfully, I had major doubts about this, but I've shockingly cooked the best salmon of my life. The fish has always come out juicy and never overdone, which is something I normally struggle with. The heat also gave the salmon a lovely color. My only downside was that it didn't really crisp up, despite me placing the fish directly next to the heating element.

There are two things I'd keep in mind if you're contemplating the InstantHeat Mini. First, the broiler isn't a great crisper (though the air frying and baking functions deliver). The second is minor but important. This toaster oven doesn't have a great center of gravity. When I open the door, a light press on the rim sends the whole appliance tipping forward. Meaning, don't set down a tray or try to do anything on top of the open door; the toaster will tip over.

The Bottom Line

Overall, I scored the 4-Slice InstantHeat Mini Air Fryer Toaster Oven 95/100 on the PureWow scale. It's modestly priced compared to other options on the market, while delivering sleek design, easy user interface and versatility in the kitchen. Because it doesn't generate a ton of heat, I've also got no qualms about using it in the summer, when normally I avoid cooking at all costs.