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Is the Cuisinart TOA-70 the Only Countertop Oven You Need?
Kitchen counter space is arguably the most valuable real estate in any home. We are constantly battling clutter, juggling a standalone toaster, a bulky air fryer, and perhaps even an indoor grill for those rainy days. The dream is to find one appliance that can actually do it all without sacrificing quality.
Enter the Cuisinart TOA-70NAS Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill. While Cuisinart has dominated the toaster oven market for years, the TOA-70 attempts to bridge the gap between a high-end convection oven and an indoor grill. It promises to air fry wings, toast bagels, and—crucially—sear steaks with a dedicated grill plate.
But does an 8-in-1 multi-cooker end up being a “jack of all trades, master of none,” or is this the stainless steel workhorse your kitchen has been waiting for? We dove into the specs and performance to find out.
Standout Features and Design
The first thing you notice about the TOA-70 is the aesthetic. Unlike the plastic, spaceship-looking air fryers that dominate the market, this unit features a classic brushed stainless steel finish that blends seamlessly into modern kitchens.
1. The Heavy-Duty Grill Function
This is the main upgrade from the popular TOA-60 model. Cuisinart includes a dual-sided grill and griddle plate. This heavy cast-style plate allows you to sear meats or cook breakfast items like eggs and pancakes directly in the oven, utilizing the 1800 watts of power to generate high heat.
2. AirAdvantage Technology
Air fryers live and die by their airflow. Cuisinart utilizes “AirAdvantage” technology, which is essentially a high-velocity fan heater assembly at the top of the unit. This blasts superheated air downwards, ensuring that french fries and chicken wings get crispy without requiring a quart of oil.
3. Family-Sized Capacity
Despite being a countertop unit, the interior is deceptively spacious. It is rated to handle:
- 6 slices of bread (toasted evenly)
- A 12-inch frozen or fresh pizza
- 3 lbs of chicken wings
- A 4-lb roast chicken
4. Analog Simplicity
In a world of touchscreens that get greasy and unresponsive, the TOA-70 sticks to four tactile knobs: Function, Temperature, Timer, and Toast Shade. This mechanical approach is durable and intuitive, though it lacks the minute-by-minute precision of digital displays.
Hands-On Performance: The Cooking Experience
Specs are great, but how does it actually cook? We broke down the performance into the three most common use cases: breakfast, dinner, and snacks.
The Morning Rush: Toast and Bagels
Dedicated toaster ovens usually beat pod-style air fryers here, and the Cuisinart is no exception. The toast shade selector allows for decent precision. However, because this unit is powerful, we found that the “Medium” setting is often darker than expected. It toasts rapidly, so keep an eye on your bagels the first few times you use it.
The Air Fry Test: Wings and Fries
Using the included air fry basket, the results are impressive. The 1800W fan is loud but effective. Frozen french fries come out golden in about 12 minutes at 400°F. The basket is wide and shallow, which is better than deep buckets because it allows for a single layer of food—the secret to avoiding soggy fries.
The Grill Plate: Steaks and Burgers
This is where the TOA-70 shines. By placing the reversible grill plate in the top rack position and setting the dial to “Grill,” you can achieve legitimate sear marks. Is it the same as a charcoal grill outside? No. But for a Tuesday night steak or burger indoors, it produces a much better crust than a standard baking pan.
A Note on Cleanup
Air frying and grilling are messy. The Cuisinart features a stainless steel interior which wipes down easier than galvanized steel. The accessories (basket, pan, grill plate) require hand washing to preserve their coatings. The crumb tray slides out from the front, making it easy to dump burnt bits without moving the heavy oven.
Pros and Cons
| What We Love | What Could Be Better |
|---|---|
| Versatility: The reversible grill/griddle plate adds genuine cooking utility that most air fryers lack. | Analog Timer: The mechanical timer makes it hard to set exact times (e.g., 3 minutes vs 4 minutes). |
| Speed: Heats up incredibly fast; no preheating required for most air fry recipes. | Exterior Heat: The stainless steel housing gets very hot during operation. Keep it away from walls and kids. |
| Quiet Fan: Quieter than many pod-style air fryers on the market. | Dark Toasting: The toaster runs hot; “Light” is often sufficient for most breads. |
| Design: Looks like a premium appliance rather than a plastic gadget. | Height: Ensure you measure your cabinets; it needs clearance for airflow. |
Comparison: Cuisinart vs. The Competition
How does the TOA-70 stack up against other popular countertop ovens?
| Feature | Cuisinart TOA-70 (Main) | Ninja Foodi SP101 (Competitor) | Black+Decker Crisp (Budget) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Tall Box (Traditional) | Flat / Flip-up | Standard Toaster |
| Grill Function | 🔥 Dedicated Plate (Included) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Capacity | 🍕 12″ Pizza / 3lb Wings | 🍕 13″ Pizza (Flat) | 🍕 9″ Pizza |
| Control | 🎛️ Analog Dials | 💻 Digital Screen | 🎛️ Analog Dials |
| Wattage | ⚡ 1800W | ⚡ 1800W | ⚡ 1500W |
| Price Tier | 💰💰 Premium | 💰💰 Premium | 💰 Budget |
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Cuisinart TOA-70NAS is an excellent choice for home cooks who want to consolidate appliances without losing functionality. It effectively replaces a toaster, a standard convection oven, an air fryer, and an electric skillet/griddle.
It is particularly well-suited for:
- Families: The capacity allows you to cook a full side of veggies or wings for 3-4 people at once.
- Design Lovers: If you hate the look of black plastic on your counter, this industrial stainless look is a winner.
- Tactile Users: If you prefer turning a dial to tapping a screen, the interface is satisfying and robust.
If you require precise digital temperature control for baking delicate soufflés, you might prefer a digital model. However, for everyday roasting, toasting, grilling, and frying, the TOA-70 is a powerhouse that justifies its spot on the counter.
