I still remember the day I brought home my Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven TOA-60. I didn’t expect a small kitchen gadget to change how I cook—but it did. I was tired of switching between a toaster and a bulky air fryer. I wanted a straightforward tool that could do it all. After hours of reading reviews and comparing brands, this oven-with-air combo stood out. It’s the one I now use every single day.
In this article, I’ll share what I love about the TOA-60, why I chose it over brands like Gourmia and Nuwave, and what it’s like actually to use it. If you’re wondering how to use a Cuisinart air fryer, how to clean it, or even if it can toast bread, this is for you.
Table of Contents
What Is the Cuisinart TOA-60 Air Fryer Toaster Oven?
The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven TOA-60 is like a kitchen sidekick that does it all. It’s not just a toaster oven. It’s also an air fryer, convection oven, and broiler. You can toast bagels, crisp up fries, or bake cookies—all in one spot. It’s great if you want to cook more without the hassle of using a full-size oven.
➡️ The Cuisinart TOA-60 is a combo air fryer and toaster oven that replaces several appliances.
What really won me over was how even and quick it cooks. My old toaster oven left toast half-burnt and half-soft. This one makes it golden and perfect every time. It also air fries better than the freestanding model I had. Plus, it saves space and cuts down on cleanup.
➡️ It works better than most air fryers or toaster ovens on their own, and it’s easy to use.
This oven fits right into daily life. It’s perfect for small kitchens, busy folks, or anyone tired of soggy leftovers. I’ve even fit a 12-inch pizza in there, which still amazes me. If you want crispy food without the grease, this tool makes it easy.
Why I Chose the TOA-60 Over Other Brands
Before I bought the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven TOA-60, I was deep in research mode. I read reviews, watched YouTube videos, and even asked friends. There are a lot of air fryer toaster ovens out there—and not all of them are worth your money.
➡️ I chose the Cuisinart TOA-60 after comparing it to Gourmia and Nuwave, and I’m glad I did.
Gourmia was one of the first brands I looked into. It’s affordable and has tons of options. But when I asked, “Is Gourmia a good air fryer?”, the answers were mixed. Some folks loved it, but others had issues with uneven cooking or short lifespans. I wanted something more reliable. For me, durability matters just as much as features.
➡️ Gourmia air fryers are budget-friendly, but not always consistent in performance.
Then there’s Nuwave. It looked sleek and had lots of bells and whistles. But I kept asking myself, “Is Nuwave a good brand?” It turns out, they’re known more for flashy tech than long-term results. Some users loved the presets but felt the build quality wasn’t top-notch. I didn’t want a gadget that just looked good—I wanted one that worked well every day.
➡️ Nuwave has style and smart features, but I wasn’t sold on its day-to-day reliability.
The TOA-60 stood out for a few key reasons. First, the knobs are simple. I didn’t want to scroll through digital menus or press tiny buttons while cooking. Second, it had real reviews from real people—folks like me who just wanted crispy fries without deep-frying. Third, Cuisinart has a good track record with kitchen gear. I’ve used their tools before, and they last.
➡️ The TOA-60 is simple to use, well-built, and trusted by everyday cooks.
And here’s what sealed the deal: I could see it fitting right into my routine. No steep learning curve, no loud buzzing, and no weird smells out of the box. Just toast, air-fry, and bake—easy. It felt like a tool I’d use every day, not just something that would gather dust.
Using the TOA-60: A Real-User Guide
Let me walk you through how I use the Cuisinart TOA-60 in my kitchen. It’s simpler than I thought, and once you get the hang of it, you won’t want to go back. First, plug it in and set the function dial. You’ll see options like Toast, AirFry, Bake, Broil, and Warm. I use AirFry the most. Then, turn the temperature knob. Most frozen snacks go great at 400°F. Finally, twist the timer knob.
You’ll hear a ding when it’s done. Here’s a tip I wish I knew sooner: preheat it for a few minutes. It’s not required, but it helps. I usually let it run empty for 2–3 minutes before adding food. That way, things cook faster and come out crispier.
Now let’s talk toast. Yes, it can make toast-real toast! I was surprised at how well it works. Just slide in your bread, set it to Toast, and choose your level. The darker the number, the crispier it gets. I tested white bread, sourdough, even bagels-it nails. Some folks ask if it can toast and air fry at the same time.
I’ve tried doing toast while warming up veggies on the bottom rack. It’s doable, but not perfect. I’d suggest doing one at a time for the best results. One common question: How do you turn off the Cuisinart air fryer? It’s manual, so just twist the timer to “off.” If the timer is running, the oven stays on. No need to unplug it—just turn the dial back. So far, it hasn’t confused me. There’s no guesswork. Just knobs, time, heat, and go. It’s like an old-school oven with modern skills. And that’s what I love about it-less fuss, more food.
Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
Cleaning the Cuisinart TOA-60 isn’t hard, but there are a few things I wish I knew from the start. The first time I used it, I made fries. They were perfect—but wow, the basket was greasy. That’s when I learned the golden rule: clean it after every use. It keeps the smell down and the cooking crisp.
➡️ To clean a Cuisinart air fryer without damage, wipe it down after each use with a damp cloth and mild soap.
I usually let it cool completely, then remove the air fryer basket, crumb tray, and rack. These come out easily and can be washed by hand with warm, soapy water. Avoid harsh scrubbing pads—they’ll scratch the finish. A soft sponge works just fine.
➡️ Removable parts like the tray and basket can be washed by hand with mild dish soap and a sponge.
For the inside walls, I just use a damp microfiber cloth. No sprays, no steel wool. The goal is to avoid anything abrasive that could ruin the nonstick coating. A simple wipe is all it takes. If something is baked on, a paste of baking soda and water usually does the trick.
➡️ Use baking soda and water for stubborn spots-no harsh chemicals needed.
Now, odors. After a few rounds of wings and fries, I noticed a bit of a smell. Here’s what helps: slice a lemon, bake it at 250°F for 10 minutes. It freshens things up without any effort.
➡️ To keep your Cuisinart air fryer odor-free, bake lemon slices for a quick natural deodorizer.
If you’re like me and love having backup parts “just in case,” good news—replacement trays and racks are easy to find. Just search “Cuisinart toaster oven replacement tray,” and you’ll find plenty of options. I keep an extra tray on hand, especially when I don’t want to stop cooking just to clean.
Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
Cleaning the Cuisinart TOA-60 isn’t hard, but there are a few things I wish I knew from the start. The first time I used it, I made fries. They were perfect-but wow, the basket was greasy. That’s when I learned the golden rule: clean it after every use. It keeps the smell down and the cooking crisp.
➡️ To clean a Cuisinart air fryer without damage, wipe it down after each use with a damp cloth and mild soap.
I usually let it cool completely, then remove the air fryer basket, crumb tray, and rack. These come out easily and can be washed by hand with warm, soapy water. Avoid harsh scrubbing pads—they’ll scratch the finish. A soft sponge works just fine.
➡️ Removable parts like the tray and basket can be washed by hand with mild dish soap and a sponge.
For the inside walls, I just use a damp microfiber cloth. No sprays, no steel wool. The goal is to avoid anything abrasive that could ruin the nonstick coating. A simple wipe is all it takes. If something is baked on, a paste of baking soda and water usually does the trick.
➡️ Use baking soda and water for stubborn spots-no harsh chemicals needed.
Now, odors. After a few rounds of wings and fries, I noticed a bit of a smell. Not awful, but… lingering. Here’s what helps: slice a lemon, bake it at 250°F for 10 minutes. It freshens things up without any effort.
➡️ To keep your Cuisinart air fryer odor-free, bake lemon slices for a quick natural deodorizer.
If you’re like me and love having backup parts “just in case,” good news—replacement trays and racks are easy to find. Just search “Cuisinart toaster oven replacement tray,” and you’ll find plenty of options. I keep an extra tray on hand, especially when I don’t want to stop cooking just to clean.
Troubleshooting & Upkeep
Let’s be real—every kitchen gadget has its quirks, and the Cuisinart TOA-60 is no exception. The good news? Most issues are super easy to fix. I’ve run into a few bumps along the way, and I’m here to share what I’ve learned so you don’t panic if something goes sideways.
➡️ Most Cuisinart TOA-60 problems are easy to fix at home—no tech skills required.
The first time I couldn’t find my drip pan, I thought I lost it. Turns out, it was tucked under the bottom heating elements—who knew? If your tray or drip pan is missing, check inside first. If it’s really gone, don’t worry. You can get a Cuisinart replacement tray or even a universal one that fits. Just make sure to measure first.
➡️ Missing drip tray? You can buy Cuisinart toaster oven replacement parts online or find universal ones that fit.
Another hiccup: the timer knob. One time I twisted it too far and thought I broke it. Spoiler: I didn’t. The knobs feel a little old-school (they are), but they’re sturdy. If yours ever gets loose, a quick tighten with a small screwdriver might help. Just unplug it first—safety first, always.
➡️ Loose knobs? Gently tighten them with a screwdriver while the unit is unplugged.
If your food starts taking longer to cook than usual, it might be time to check for buildup. Grease and crumbs love to hide near the heating elements, and that can block heat. I clean mine once a week—just a light wipe near the coils with a dry brush or soft cloth.
➡️ When cooking feels slow, check for grease buildup near the heating elements—it affects performance.
Ever hear a weird humming noise? I did once. I thought it was haunted (kidding… kind of). Turns out, the tray wasn’t seated properly, and it was rattling when the fan kicked on. Sliding it back into place fixed it in seconds. So if you hear something odd, check the rack and tray position before assuming the worst.
➡️ Weird noise? Your tray or rack may just be misaligned—try repositioning it.
And finally, power issues. If the oven won’t turn on, don’t panic. Mine didn’t once because the timer wasn’t set. Yep—this oven won’t start unless the timer is running. So if nothing’s happening, twist that knob and wait for the click.
➡️ The TOA-60 won’t power on unless the timer knob is set—twist it to start the oven.
These little tips have saved me time and stress. Once you get to know your TOA-60, you’ll spot issues quickly—and most fixes are as easy as adjusting a tray or giving it a quick clean.
Exploring Alternatives
Before I got the TOA-60, I looked at every other option out there. You know the feeling-reading reviews, watching videos, and scrolling through forums at midnight. I even thought about skipping a toaster oven and just getting a stove with a built-in air fryer. But is that really better? Here’s what I found. Built-in air fryers sound great, but they take longer to heat up. They also cook slower than smaller countertop ones. My friend has one. She likes it, but she says it feels like a regular oven with a strong fan. Plus, when her oven’s busy, she can’t cook anything else. That’s why I love my TOA-60. It’s fast, small, and doesn’t block the main oven.
I also looked at big ovens with an air fryer function built in. Some are pretty fancy. But for me, they were too much. Most cost more. Many need extra parts, like baskets or special trays. And I didn’t want to open an app just to turn on my oven. I wanted simple, fast, and easy.
Then I read that New York Times article. You might’ve seen it. The one with the fun title about “toasters opening a new era.” They tested a bunch of toaster ovens, and the TOA-60 made their list. That made me feel good. If the pros like it, I knew I’d made a smart pick.
In the end, I didn’t need a huge upgrade. I just wanted one machine that could air fry, bake, toast, and broil. The TOA-60 does all that without taking up much space. I saw lots of other options, but this one made the most sense.
What I Like
After using this oven daily, I’ve found a lot to love. These are the features that truly make a difference in my kitchen.
- Multi-use magic: I love that it’s not just an air fryer. It bakes, toasts, broils, and more. One machine does it all. This saves space and money.
- Fast preheat: It heats up much faster than my old oven. I can go from craving to cooking in minutes.
- Crispy results: The air frying is impressive. Fries come out crunchy, not soggy. Even frozen food tastes better.
- Easy controls: I’m not a fan of smart tech in the kitchen. The simple knobs here are a big plus. Turn, set, cook—done.
- Compact but roomy: It fits on my counter but still holds a good amount of food. I can fit 6 slices of toast or a 12″ pizza.
- Reliable brand: Cuisinart is a name I trust. Every product I’ve bought from them has lasted.
- Low mess: With the crumb tray and air fryer basket, clean-up is easy. I spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying my meal.
What Could Be Better
No product is perfect, but these are minor things that could improve the experience. Nothing here would stop me from buying it again.
- A little noisy: The fan makes a slight whirring sound. Not loud, just noticeable. It’s like background noise—easy to tune out.
- Takes counter space: It’s not huge, but if you have a tiny kitchen, it may feel tight. I had to rearrange a bit, but it was worth it.
- Manual timer: The dial timer works fine, but a digital display would be easier to read. Still, once you’re used to it, it’s no big deal.
- No interior light: I sometimes wish there was a light inside so I could check the food without opening the door.
- Outer surface gets hot: Like most toaster ovens, it gets warm on the outside. I just make sure nothing is resting on top.
My Personal Experience
I’ve been using this air fryer toaster oven combo for over two years. It’s become a daily part of how I cook, snack, and reheat leftovers. Here’s how it holds up in real life.
Design
The look and layout matter when it lives on your counter. Here’s why I appreciate the design.
The stainless steel finish gives it a clean, modern look. It fits into my kitchen like it belongs there. The knobs are simple and satisfying to use—no touchscreen confusion. The interior is just deep enough for personal meals and small batches.
Performance
This is where it shines. I’ve used it for everything from toast to wings to baked oatmeal.
The performance is solid. It cooks evenly and fast. Air frying makes food crisp without needing much oil. Toast comes out golden, not dry. Reheating leftovers? Way better than the microwave. I’ve made cookies, roasted veggies, and even reheated pizza without a soggy crust
Build Quality
If I’m using something daily, it better hold up. And this one has.
The materials feel strong. The dials haven’t worn out. The door closes firmly, and nothing feels flimsy. Even after two years, the rack and tray are in good shape. I did buy a backup tray, just in case-but I haven’t needed it.
Read More: Chefman Digital Air Fryer Review & Guide
FAQ
Is the Cuisinart air fryer toaster oven worth it?
Yes, it’s a reliable, all-in-one appliance that air fries, bakes, and toasts fast. Great for daily use and small kitchens. Learn more about why I love it.
How does the Cuisinart TOA-60 perform for air frying?
It delivers crispy results with little to no oil. Fries, wings, and frozen foods come out golden and crunchy. Learn more about its real-world performance.
Does the Cuisinart air fryer oven save counter space?
It’s compact but roomy inside. I fit a 12″ pizza easily. It does take some space, but it’s worth the trade. Learn more about how I made it work.
Is the Cuisinart toaster oven easy to clean?
Yes! The crumb tray and air fryer basket make cleanup quick. I just wipe it down—no fuss. Learn more about how I keep it spotless daily.
What makes Cuisinart’s build quality stand out?
It feels solid and lasts. I’ve used mine daily for 2+ years, and it’s still going strong. Learn more about the quality that impressed me.
