I picked up the Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 Countertop Toaster Oven and Long Slot Toaster (31156) mainly to save space—and on paper, it makes perfect sense. One appliance that handles both toast and small oven tasks sounds ideal, especially if your counter is already crowded. In day-to-day use, the split design is both the biggest strength and the biggest compromise. The toaster side (top slot) is actually quite good. It fits longer slices—think sourdough or artisan bread—and the shade selector gives you predictable results after a couple of tries. Toast comes out evenly browned, and it’s faster than using a toaster oven for the same job. If you mostly eat toast in the morning, this part alone feels reliable. This is currently one of the best deals available. https://amzn.to/425WXeY The oven portion is more of a mixed bag. It works well for simple tasks like reheating pizza, baking a couple of cookies, or making open-faced sandwiches. The 60-minute timer is straightforward, a...
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo Review: Big Performance in a Small Kitchen?
I’ve been using the Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo for a few months now in a pretty tight kitchen, and I have mixed—but mostly positive—feelings about it.
The first thing you notice is the size. Despite being marketed for versatility, it’s not exactly “small-kitchen small.” It takes up a good chunk of counter space. That said, it replaces multiple appliances—my old toaster, air fryer, and even my main oven on lazy days—so in practice, it earns its footprint.
What I like most is how evenly it cooks. Whether it’s toast, roasted vegetables, or chicken wings, the heat distribution feels consistent. The air fry function actually crisps food instead of just drying it out, which is something cheaper combo ovens struggle with. It also preheats faster than a conventional oven, which makes a real difference on busy evenings.
The French doors are more useful than I expected. They open with one hand and don’t swing out awkwardly into your space. In a cramped kitchen, that’s a small but meaningful design win.
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That said, it’s not perfect.
The control panel has a learning curve. There are a lot of presets, but they’re not always intuitive, and I found myself double-checking temperatures and times more than I’d like. Also, while it’s called “extra large,” that mainly refers to width—you can fit a pizza, but vertical space is still somewhat limited depending on what you’re cooking.
Cleaning is another downside. Crumbs and grease tend to collect in corners, and while the trays are removable, it’s not as effortless as a simple toaster oven.
Compared to alternatives like the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer or Ninja Foodi countertop ovens, this one sits somewhere in the middle. Breville models feel more premium and precise but are significantly more expensive. Ninja ovens are more compact and often easier to use, but they don’t always match the cooking capacity or the same “oven-like” feel.
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This Emeril Lagasse model leans toward people who want a single appliance to do a bit of everything—and do it reasonably well.
If you have very limited counter space, though, this might feel like overkill.
And if you prefer simple, no-fuss controls, some competitors are easier to live with day to day.
But if you cook often, want to avoid using a full-size oven, and like the idea of an all-in-one solution, it’s a solid choice. After extended use, I’d say it’s worth buying—but only if you’re ready to trade a bit of space and simplicity for versatility and cooking performance.
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