Cuisinart TOA-26 vs TOA-28: If you’re stuck between these two air fryer toaster ovens, I get it. I’ve used both in my busy U.S. kitchen. The TOA-28 heats faster, has better airflow, and the light inside helps a lot.
The TOA-26 still works well, but the TOA-28 just feels smoother and more up to date. I’ve cooked fries, veggies, and more in each. Let me show you the key differences so you can pick what works best for you.
Table of Contents
Is the Cuisinart TOA-26 Good?
Yes, the Cuisinart TOA-26 is a great choice if you need a small air fryer toaster oven. It cooks food fast and evenly. I’ve used it for months, and it’s my go-to for quick meals. It’s perfect when I don’t want to heat my big oven, especially on busy nights.

One evening, I made salmon and veggies on the same tray. Both came out crispy outside and soft inside. Another time, I reheated leftover pizza. It tasted fresh—not soggy like when I use the microwave. That kind of result keeps me using it.
It uses 1500 watts and holds 2.5 pounds of food. It’s a good fit for small families or tight spaces. It heats up fast and has simple dials. The temperature goes from Warm to 450°F. That worked well for toasting, baking, and air frying. The glass door and light let me check my food without opening it. That’s a big help.
What I Like
- Great for Small Spaces: I live in a small home, and this oven fits my counter well. It doesn’t take up much room but still does a lot.
- Quick and Even Cooking: It cooks fries, toast, and chicken evenly. I never had to flip the tray. It saved me time and guesswork.
- Simple Controls: I like the manual knobs. No confusing buttons. Just twist and go. It made cooking feel easy.
What Could Be Better
- No Timer Sound: There’s no beep when time’s up. I’ve missed it a few times because of that.
- Loose Crumb Tray: When I pull the oven forward, the tray can shift. I have to be careful not to spill crumbs.
- Small Capacity: It’s compact, so I can’t cook big meals. A whole pizza won’t fit. Bigger families may need more space.
Recommendation
If you live alone or with one other person, the Cuisinart TOA-26 is a smart pick. It’s fast, simple, and compact. I love using it for quick meals or heating leftovers. It’s also a good way to save on energy costs.
For U.S. buyers, it’s great for apartments, dorms, or RVs. But if you cook for a big group, check out something larger—like the Cuisinart TOA-28.
In short, the TOA-26 is great for small meals and easy cooking. It’s earned a place in my kitchen, and I think many others will feel the same.
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Is the Cuisinart TOA-28 Good?
Yes, the Cuisinart TOA-28 is a great air fryer toaster oven. It gives you more room to cook without taking over your counter. I’ve been using it for a few weeks, and it works well for everything from wings to toast.

One weekend, I baked banana bread in it. The loaf came out even and moist—no burnt edges like in my old oven. Another day, I air-fried frozen fries. They were crisp and hot, with no need to flip. The oven heats up fast. The dials are easy to use, so cooking felt smooth and stress-free.
This model has 6 settings: air fry, bake, broil, toast, warm, and convection bake. It runs on 1500 watts and holds up to 3 pounds of food. That’s a bit more than the TOA-26. It’s taller but still slim, which worked well in my small kitchen. I also liked the interior light. I could check my food without opening the door.
What I Like
- Roomier but Still Compact: The taller shape gives more space, but it still fits well on my counter. I live in the U.S., and space is tight, so this worked out great.
- Reliable Air Frying: I tried wings, fries, and tofu. Each time, the edges were crisp and the insides soft. I didn’t need oil, which made it feel healthier.
- Easy-to-Use Dials: I like that there are no screens. Just twist the knob to set the time, temp, and function. It made cooking feel fast and simple.
What Could Be Better
- No Digital Timer: It uses a dial timer, not digital. It’s close, but not always exact.
- Noisy Fan at Times: The fan can get a little loud, especially during air fry mode. It’s not bad, but I notice it at night.
- Toast Shade Isn’t Perfect: The toast function works, but the shade settings take some trial and error to get right.
Recommendation
The Cuisinart TOA-28 is a smart buy if you want a small air fryer oven with more room than the TOA-26. It’s great for small homes, dorms, or RVs. I use it to make full meals fast without turning on the big oven.
If you like crisp food and simple controls, you’ll enjoy this oven. But if you need digital timers or quiet fans, you might want a higher-end model.
Still, for the price, the TOA-28 gave me great results. It’s now part of my daily kitchen use.
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Cuisinart TOA-26 vs TOA-28: Detailed Comparison
I’ve used both the TOA-26 and TOA-28 for months in my kitchen. They may look similar, but they behave differently when it counts. Here’s my honest take on both.
Cooking Capacity: Cuisinart TOA-26 vs TOA-28
Both ovens are compact, but the TOA-28 feels roomier. I could fit more chicken wings in it without crowding the tray.
Feature | Cuisinart TOA-26 | Cuisinart TOA-28 |
Internal Capacity | 2.5 lbs of food | 3 lbs of food |
Tray Size | Smaller cooking tray | Larger cooking tray |
Best for | Singles or couples | Small families or batches |
Ratings:
TOA-26: 7.5/10
TOA-28: 9/10
Temperature Control: Cuisinart TOA-26 vs TOA-28
The TOA-28 gave me better control. Its dials feel tighter and heat more evenly. The TOA-26 sometimes runs a little hot.
Feature | Cuisinart TOA-26 | Cuisinart TOA-28 |
Dial Accuracy | Moderate | More precise |
Temp Range | 150–450°F | 150–450°F |
Preheat Feedback | No indicator light | Indicator light included |
Ratings:
TOA-26: 7/10
TOA-28: 8.5/10
Basket Material: Cuisinart TOA-26 vs TOA-28
Both models use non-stick trays, but the TOA-28 feels tougher. After months of use, its tray still cleans easier than the TOA-26.
Feature | Cuisinart TOA-26 | Cuisinart TOA-28 |
Coating Type | Non-stick | Non-stick |
Easy to Clean | Yes, but scrubs needed | Yes, wipes off easily |
Tray Quality | Lightweight | Heavier and more solid |
Ratings:
TOA-26: 7/10
TOA-28: 8.5/10
Preheating Time: Cuisinart TOA-26 vs TOA-28
Both heat fast, but the TOA-28 seems quicker. I often toss in frozen fries within 3 minutes.
Feature | Cuisinart TOA-26 | Cuisinart TOA-28 |
Average Time | 4–5 minutes | 3–4 minutes |
Ready Indicator | No | Yes |
Startup Feel | Slower warm-up | Quick and even |
Ratings:
TOA-26: 7/10
TOA-28: 9/10
Cooking Consistency: Cuisinart TOA-26 vs TOA-28
The TOA-28 cooks more evenly. With the TOA-26, I had to flip food more often.
Feature | Cuisinart TOA-26 | Cuisinart TOA-28 |
Airflow | Basic | Stronger fan |
Even Browning | Sometimes uneven | Very consistent |
Flip Required | Usually needed | Rarely needed |
Ratings:
TOA-26: 6.5/10
TOA-28: 9/10
Performance: Cuisinart TOA-26 vs TOA-28
The TOA-28 is better at air frying and toasting. The TOA-26 does well but feels like a step down.
Feature | Cuisinart TOA-26 | Cuisinart TOA-28 |
Air Fry Results | Crisp, but uneven | Crisp and uniform |
Toasting Speed | Medium | Fast and even |
Cooking Range | Good | Great |
Ratings:
TOA-26: 7/10
TOA-28: 9/10
Ease of Use: Cuisinart TOA-26 vs TOA-28
The TOA-28 feels easier to use, mostly because of the light and better layout. The TOA-26 works but needs more guesswork.
Feature | Cuisinart TOA-26 | Cuisinart TOA-28 |
Control Dials | Basic | Improved layout |
Interior Light | No | Yes |
Setup and Use | Straightforward | More user-friendly |
Ratings:
TOA-26: 7/10
TOA-28: 8.5/10
Value for Money: Cuisinart TOA-26 vs TOA-28
The TOA-26 is cheaper, but the TOA-28 gives more for a little more. I found it worth the upgrade.
Feature | Cuisinart TOA-26 | Cuisinart TOA-28 |
Price Range | Lower | Slightly higher |
Features Offered | Fewer | More advanced |
Long-Term Value | Fair | Excellent |
Ratings:
TOA-26: 7.5/10
TOA-28: 9/10
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Overall: Cuisinart TOA-26 vs TOA-28
The TOA-26 is fine for light use, but the TOA-28 just works better in real kitchens. It’s what I reach for daily.
Feature | Cuisinart TOA-26 | Cuisinart TOA-28 |
Best For | Small tasks | Everyday use |
Top Features | Simple air fry | Strong airflow, light |
Final Feel | Good, not great | Impressive and handy |
Ratings:
TOA-26: 7/10
TOA-28: 9/10
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FAQs: Cuisinart TOA-26 vs TOA-28
What’s the main difference between the Cuisinart TOA-26 and TOA-28?
The TOA-28 has better airflow, a quieter fan, and a more modern look.
Is the Cuisinart TOA-26 big enough for family meals?
It works for one or two people. For more space, the TOA-28 is a better pick.
Which heats up faster, the TOA-26 or TOA-28?
The TOA-28 heats faster thanks to stronger coils and better build.
Does the TOA-28 cook more evenly than the TOA-26?
Yes. It has better airflow and a stronger fan for even cooking.
Which is better for small kitchens, the TOA-26 or TOA-28?
Both are small, but the TOA-28 offers more features in the same space.