In the ever-stressful modern life, sometimes a countertop mini oven can be a lifesaver when we’re too tired or busy to whip up a meal, as they can halve cooking times compared to regular ovens. They are also the perfect solution if kitchen space is an issue.
Countertop ovens are the versatile, smart big sister of the microwave, allowing you to cook everything from steak to pizzas to baked goods, such as bread.
So, if you’re wondering what the best countertop mini ovens in the UK, allow us to indulge you…
Best Countertop Mini Ovens in the UK
1. Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Multifunction Oven DT200UK
Dimensions: 50.5 cm wide x 43.5 cm deep x 33.5 cm high
Wattage: 2400 watts
Capacity: 29 litres
The Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Multifunction Oven DT200UK is a stylish and modern mini oven with a silver and black design and a large viewing window.
While it’s relatively expensive for a mini oven, it still offers good value for money compared to conventional ovens.
The space inside has a total capacity of 29 litres. It offers 10 cooking functions including air fry, grill, bake and functions for pizza, toast and bagels.
One of the stand-out features is that it can pre-heat in just 90 seconds, though it doesn’t reach the maximum temperature in this time.
This product is energy efficient. According to Ninja Foodi, it could save you up to 35% on your energy bills compared to a regular oven.
You could use this as a substitute for a regular oven, but it’s worth pointing out that space is limited. For example, it isn’t big enough to cook a large chicken.
Users appreciate its ease of use, versatility, and energy efficiency, but some find it difficult to clean and note that it can get hot on the outside while it’s in use.
Overall, the Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Multifunction Oven DT200UK is a great choice for those looking for a versatile and energy-efficient mini oven.
2. Sage BOV820BSS Smart Oven Pro with Element IQ
Dimensions: 50 cm wide x 34 cm deep x 30 cm high
Wattage: 2400 watts
Capacity: 21 litres
This stainless-steel Sage smart oven will take a lot of time out of the sometimes-tedious task of whipping up a meal.
As smart-tech goes, this mini oven is pretty impressive, as it uses algorithms to steer power where (and when) it’s needed to create the ideal cooking environment.
It comes with ten cooking functions: Toast, Crumpet, Bake, Roast, Grill, Pizza, Cookies, Reheat, Warm and Slow Cook, giving you much autonomy over making food at home.
It’s roomy and allows for pizzas up to 30 centimetres, 9-cup muffin trays, and roast chickens.
Its interior light allows you to monitor your food while cooking to prevent burning or over-colouring.
Because of the reduced cooking time, this mini oven allows you to cook many of your favourite foods quicker than a regular oven would, while using less energy.
Almost all reviews are very favourable, insisting that although it is in the higher price bracket, this Sage mini countertop oven is good value for money.
3. Russell Hobbs Mini Kitchen 22780 Mini Oven
Dimensions: 48.5 cm wide x 38.5 cm deep x 36.5 cm high
Wattage: 1600 watts
Capacity: 30 litres
This professional-looking fan-assisted mini countertop oven comes with a two-ring stove/hot plate (a large 1000 W plate and a small 750 W plate), as well as a 120-minute timer with auto shut-off and ready bell, a baking tray, grill rack and tray handle.
This product prides itself on being more of a “mini-kitchen” than a mini oven, which can be great for those with limited space. It’s compact, yet roomy, and easy to clean.
Some of the user complaints include an inability to control the temperature of the hot plates; that they can boil fine, but simmering is not an option, and that you cannot use the hot plates and oven at the same time.
Another common complaint is that the grill tray doesn’t come with a wire rack.
The overall feel of this product is that those who love it, adore it, and those who don’t… really don’t.
4. Russell Hobbs 26680 5-in-1 Mini Oven
Dimensions: 45.1 cm wide x 36.5 cm deep x 27.8 cm high
Wattage: 1500 watts
Capacity: 20 litres
This mini countertop comes with five cooking functions: Air Fry, Grill, Toast, Bake and Keep Warm.
There isn’t a hot plate, but as long as you don’t want to fry anything, it’s fairly versatile. The 20-litre capacity interior is big enough for a chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
It could be a great option for students pushed for space, and those keen on saving energy.Most users find this mini oven cooks and bakes much quicker than a regular oven would, and is surprisingly versatile given the size.
5. Tefal OF445840 Optimo Mini Oven
Dimensions: 46.2 cm wide x 31.8 cm deep x 27.9 cm high
Wattage: 1380 watts
Capacity: 19 litres
Arguably the unique selling point here are the two rotisserie functions, making it a perfect choice for roast chicken lovers. Its other cooking options are: convection, conventional, grill, defrost, bain-marie, and pastry.
This product is smart and chic looking, and ideal for many styles of kitchen, and while it does look a little on the pokey side, it can cook family meals. It also comes with a handy timer.
The reviews are largely favourable, but a few common grumbles include the difficulty in cleaning the double-glazed window, the lettering and paint is prone to chipping, and that it won’t reach its maximum temperature (240 degrees Celsius).
What to Look for When Buying a Mini Countertop Oven
Really, there isn’t a massive difference between one product or another, so things to consider would be the space available in your kitchen and what your budget is.
If you don’t have a stove in your kitchen, buying a countertop oven with a hotplate feature might be wise, but be mindful that you may not be able to use both the stove and oven capacity at the same time, which can be a huge inconvenience when preparing a meal.
While online reviews are subjective and can often be party to other factors that may not have been mentioned (such as general care and maintenance of the product), it can be wise to go with a product where the reviews are mostly favourable.
Countertop Oven vs Microwave: What’s the Difference?
Microwaves are designed to apply heat to food very quickly by heating the moisture within the food to cook it from the inside out. Therefore, dry foods aren’t advised to cook in the microwave.
While microwaves have their uses, they’re not designed to rely solely on for cooking whole meals.
This is where having a countertop oven will benefit you. You’ll have almost all the benefits an oven provides, but for less space and less energy-use.
How Long Do Countertop Ovens Last?
This will likely vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but also the care provided for the item determines its longevity. Poorly-cared-for products tend to have a shorter lifespan.
If well looked after, your countertop oven should last between 15-20 years. You will need to regularly and properly clean your oven, making sure the fan doesn’t get clogged with grease or food matter.
Where Is the Best Place to Put My Countertop Oven?
Space, of course, is the key issue here, but one of the useful things about countertop ovens is they provide ample choice of where they can be placed. Here are some of your possible options:
- Countertop
- Freestanding shelf
- Wall-mounted shelf
- Under cabinets
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Some of the best mini countertop ovens in the UK! Regardless of your kitchen space restrictions, you’re likely to find one just right for you.
Whether you require one with a hotplate, or just a basic oven function, there’s ample choices at your disposal.
If we had to choose just one mini oven to recommend, it would be the Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Multifunction Oven DT200UK. As the name suggests, it’s very versatile, with 10 different functions. It’s also energy efficient and can be a good alternative to buying a regular oven, though it is a pain to clean.
Clara is a freelance writer and former chef. Though she may have hung up her apron, her love of food and cooking is still going strong! When she’s not whipping up a verbal storm, she’ll be in her kitchen sipping wine and whipping up a culinary storm.
