The Ridiculously Versatile Toaster Oven I’m Buying Myself for Prime Day
I haven’t really bought much for myself since the beginning of the pandemic. I splurged on a new pair of sweatpants (duh), bought a few fall cookbooks, and treated myself to a couple of boxes of wine. While my husband and I are lucky enough to still be working during the pandemic, we’re being cautious (read: decently cheap). But, with today being the second day of Amazon Prime Day, I woke up on the prowl. Would there be anything on sale that would convince me to loosen the purse strings? Turns out, yes: This Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer, which happens to be on sale for 21 percent off.
I first learned about this small appliance two years ago, when it made its debut at the Housewares show in Chicago. (I jokingly call it a Toaster Convention, but it’s a big trade show where manufacturers introduce their new products to the media and buyers who shop for all your favorite stores. This year’s show was canceled due to COVID-19.) A company rep at the Cuisinart show booth took me to the test kitchen area to try a fresh-out-of-the-oven mozzarella stick, and I was ready to learn more.
Upon closer inspection, I learned that the machine can air fry, toast, convection bake, broil, and more. It has a surprisingly small footprint (read: won’t take up too much counter space) for an appliance that can hold up to six slices of bread, three pounds of chicken wings, a 12-inch pizza, or a 4-pound chicken. I left the booth with a bonus mozz stick in each hand and big plans to buy one for myself as soon as it came out.
Only, I never actually bought one. Mostly because it’s usually over $200. Plus, I have an oven and a two-slot toaster, so I convinced myself that I didn’t actually need this combo oven. After months of being at home, though, and cooking at least two meals every day, I’ve found myself coveting the machine once again. For a few reasons.
For starters, I’m desperately missing bar food these days. (In case you haven’t picked up on it by now, I really love mozzarella sticks.) I’m also a huge fan of Aldi’s RBC, and the stuff would be even crispier if it was cooked in an air fryer. Additionally, my oven does not have a convection setting, which is a bummer because I roast a lot of vegetables and bake a lot of cookies and both turn out better when baked with convection heat. Also, a toaster is not a substitute for a toaster oven.
All of that brings me to say that I’m finally treating myself to this Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer, with a little help from Amazon Prime Day. And a bag (or three) of frozen mozzarella sticks from my local Price Chopper.
Buy: Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer, $180.88 (normally $229.95)