Guide to Choosing the Right Toaster Oven Dimensions

The humble toaster has come a long way from being the go-to appliance for turning boring bread into dark-golden goodness with eggs, bacon, and a healthy glass of OJ. Today, this quintessential kitchen tool can bake, broil, reheat leftovers, thaw frozen foods, and more.

Besides features and price, toaster oven dimensions are crucial when shopping for this kitchen appliance. It must fit the countertop while leaving some space for other kitchen essentials. Homes vary in kitchen countertop size, requiring specific small appliance dimensions.

Standard Toaster Oven Size

Homeowners can expect standard toaster oven dimensions to span 12 to 14 inches (about 31 to 36 centimeters) front to back and cover 18 to 22 inches (about 46 to 56 centimeters) left to right. Hence, these kitchen appliances can occupy about 216 to 308 square inches (about 1.5 to 2.1 square feet) of countertop space.

According to Howdy Kitchen toaster dimensions vary across brands, oven types, and models. For instance, some units might look “larger” than others, yet they have identical cooking cavities or chambers. 

The standard oven’s real estate requirements reflect standard kitchen countertop dimensions, with a 24- to 25.5-inch front-to-back span (about 61 to 65 centimeters). Even if a family buys the “deepest” standard-sized toaster oven, they would still have about 10 to 12.5 inches (25 to 32 centimeters) of front-facing space.

Moreover, height matters because families don’t want the kitchen appliance to hit the bottom surface of a kitchen cabinet overhang. And for that, a standard toaster oven’s 10- to 12-inch vertical clearance (about 25 to 31 centimeters) is sufficient for most homes.

A standard toaster is perfect for just about any family. It’s small enough to fit on ordinary kitchen countertops leaving enough real estate for other kitchen types of appliances (i.e., blender, microwave, rice cooker, and stove top) and essentials (i.e., condiments rack, spice bottles, etc.).

This products size has enough cooking space for a small-dish baked mac, small-sized roast chicken, a few pizza slices, and more. It’s perfect for a compact family unit of not more than four members, although everything depends on their food preferences.

Family Size

Although a standard toaster oven is perfect for most families, larger households require a family-sized version. Even small families can benefit from a larger-sized appliance, leveraging its spacious cooking chamber and multiple functions. 

Family-sized toaster ovens start with a standard toaster’s upper limits (i.e., 14 inches or 36 centimeters deep, 22 inches or 56 centimeters wide, and 12 inches or 31 centimeters tall.

These kitchen appliances then extend several inches side-ward, back, and up. For instance, the average family-sized product maxes at 28 inches or 71 centimeters side-to-side and 18 inches or 46 centimeters front-to-back. Given these dimensions, family-sized toasters require countertop space of 308 to 504 square inches or about 2.1 to 3.5 square feet.

Its height extends from 12 to 15 inches or about 31 to 38 centimeters, which is still acceptable even with a kitchen cabinet hanging on the wall.

However, brand and model variations exist. For example, the 19-quart, 15-function PARIS RHONE [sponsored] toaster oven measures 15.11 inches (about 39 centimeters) side-to-side, 13.97 inches (about 36 centimeters) front-to-back, and 13.7 inches (about 35 centimeters) top-to-bottom. 

It’s a slightly smaller capacity based on family-sized toaster oven dimensions. However, the PARIS RHONE can feed 3 to 4 people easily.

Apartment Size

Most apartments don’t have the luxury of space. Although apartment kitchen countertop spaces might have identical depth and height to standard kitchens, their length (or width) is typically “shorter.”

Apartment-sized toaster ovens are on the lower limits of a standard toaster, starting at 18 inches side-to-side (about 46 centimeters) and 12 inches front-to-back (about 31 centimeters). These kitchen appliances are also no taller than 10 inches, although some brands might be taller than they are wide.

Countertop space is prime real estate in most apartments, smaller dwellings, and kitchens for one. Keeping space limitations in mind, the number one countertop appliance to have in your kitchen is a toaster oven. – Cooking For One For Dummies, Jennifer Fisher 

From these measurements, the kitchen appliance can be smaller by several inches. For instance, the average apartment-sized appliance spans 15 inches side-to-side (about 38 centimeters) and 10 inches front-to-back (about 25 centimeters). These dimensions require a countertop space of at least 150 square inches or over 1 square feet. 

Although small, an apartment-size oven can still accommodate a 9-inch pizza, toast four bread slices, reheat a small family dinner, or cook a meal for two to three. It’s the perfect toaster for single-person or three-member households.

What Size Should You Buy?

Like many kitchen appliances, toaster ovens run on electricity. These small machines also generate heat. Hence, sizing one for the home requires considering space allowances around the appliance.

Ideally, the appliance should have at least 6 inches (about 15 centimeters) of space separating it from other appliances and kitchen elements according to Toaster Oven Love. For instance, the toaster’s backside should be at least 6 inches from the kitchen wall. This clearance allows for adequate ventilation and proper heat dissipation. 

Homeowners might want to assess the toaster oven’s proposed location on their kitchen countertops and measure the area (length and depth). Best Buy advises , one can subtract 6 inches from all sides to determine the most appropriate toaster oven size.

What Size Pan Fits Inside a Toaster-Oven

The correct pan size hinges on the toaster oven’s cooking chamber dimensions (not the exterior measurements). Hence, toaster owners must measure their appliance’s cooking chamber to determine the most appropriate size of pans and baking dishes.

First, open the toaster oven’s glass door and measure the cooking chamber from side to side (left to right or vice versa). Experts recommend measuring on the oven’s pop outs or guides and not the walls. 

Following this, measure the height of the toasting compartment from the top of the rack to right below the upper heating elements. The last measurement is the appliance’s depth from the oven’s rear to just in front of the rack.

Subtract about half an inch from all measurements to determine the most appropriate size of pan, dish, and other oven-friendly cooking implements. This half-inch allowance ensures the pan doesn’t hit the toaster oven’s sides. See more related content in our article about the different full-size oven measurements on this page.