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Cuisinart TOB-40N vs Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 4 Slices Toaster Oven Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , , and ·Updated

Cuisinart TOB-40N

$99.95 from Amazon

Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 4 Slice

$59.99 from Amazon
Cuisinart TOB-40N vs Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 4 Slices Toaster Oven

Overall Verdict

Between the Cuisinart TOB-40N and the Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 4 Slices ((31344DA), the first one is the better toaster oven. Both are standard toaster ovens with the basic features. The Cuisinart is a medium-size while the Hamilton is a small-size that’s cheaper.

The Cuisinart has a higher score in design mostly due to its larger cooking chamber and it having more heating elements. It also has a convenient slide-out crumb tray to compete with the Hamilton’s neat roll-top door.

As for their control, the two toaster ovens are quite similar, having only analog dials. On a side note, the Cuisinart doesn’t have a timer while the Hamilton does and plus a stay-on feature.

The deciding factor is performance, with the Cuisinart in the lead. It scored higher than the Hamilton in toasting bread, roasting whole chicken, and baking fries. The two machines tied in pizza but the Cuisinart did score higher in the crust and toppings compartment, only losing in the longer cooking time.

Both units don’t have a convection system, so we attributed this to the Cuisinart’s slightly higher power output. Moreover, our data showed its nichrome heating elements are more suitable for baking savory dishes than the Hamilton’s quartz variety.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Spacious and non-stick interior
  • Auto-slide rack
  • Easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior
  • Slide-out crumb tray
  • Cool-touch door handle
  • Stay-on feature
  • High power output
  • Lightweight and small size
  • Durable alloy steel casing
  • Cool-touch door handle
  • Simple control knobs
  • Stay-on feature
  • Quartz heating elements with safeguards
  • Energy-saving
  • No convection fan
  • No internal lighting
  • No safety mechanism for the door
  • No convection fan
  • No internal lighting
  • No safety mechanism for the door

Key Specs

Dimensions
L15.94 x W14.84 x H9 inches
L15.75 x W11.93 x H8.39 inches
Weight
10.0 lbs (4.5 kg)
6.9 lbs (3.1 kg)
Control Type
3 control knobs + Stop/Start button
2 control knobs
Temperature
100°F - 450°F
200°F - 450°F
Timer
Not available
1 minute - 30 minutes + stay-on
Cooking Functions
5
Not available

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$95.56
$53.49
$99.95 at Amazon
$59.99 at Amazon

*You help support Shouldit's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.8
6.3

Toast

7.1
6.7
From left to right, 24 pieces of toast for the top and bottom of three toast levels including lighter, medium, and darker.
On the left: 3m 25s; In the middle: 3m 40s; On the right: 4m 15s
From left to right, 24 pieces of toast for the top and bottom of three toast levels including lighter, medium, and darker.
The top and bottom of the best four pieces of toast from the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler.
On the left are the top and bottom of four pieces of toast from the first batch, and on the right are from the second batch.
Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 4 Slices Toaster Oven Toast Test
Hamilton Beach easy reach 4 slices toaster Toast From left to right, 24 pieces of toast for the top and bottom of three toast levels including lighter, medium, and darker.
The top and bottom of the best four pieces of toast from the Hamilton Beach 31344DA 4-Slice Easy Reach Roll Top Toaster Oven.
On the left are the top and bottom of four pieces of toast from the first batch, and on the right are from the second batch.
Function
Toast
Toast
Number of Slices
4
4
Toast Level
Medium
Medium
Cooking Time
3m 40s
5m
Second Batch
3m 40s
5m
Convection
No
No

Pizza

6.5
6.6
A toaster oven baked 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza with cheese, onions, and green bell peppers on top inside a baking pan.
A toaster oven baked 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza with cheese, onions, and green bell peppers on top inside a baking pan.
The cross surface of a slice of toast oven baked 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza with cheese, onions, and green bell peppers.
Two hands break apart a slice of pizza with melty cheese, meat, and green bell peppers on top baked using a toaster oven.
Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 4 Slices Toaster Oven Pizza Test
Hamilton Beach easy reach 4 slices toaster PizzaA toaster oven baked 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza with cheese, onions, and green bell peppers on top inside a baking pan.
Two slices of oven baked 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza with cheese, onions, and green bell peppers on top of one another.
Two hands break apart a slice of pizza with cheese, meat, onions, and green bell peppers on top baked using a toaster oven.
Function
Bake
Bake
Temperature
450°F
450°F
Cooking Time
9m
6m
Convection
No
No

Whole Roasted Chicken

7.4
6.6
A whole roasted chicken using the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven on a silver baking pan on a white background.
A whole roasted chicken using the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven on a silver baking pan on a white background.
A tray of whole toaster oven roasted chicken. The thermometer has two probes inside the chicken and displays 181°F and 183°F.
Seven pieces of a carved chicken including a carcass, two breasts, two wings, and two thighs on a silver baking pan.
Two hands pulling apart a roasted chicken thigh. In the white background is the rest of the roasted chicken on a baking pan.
Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 4 Slices Toaster Oven Whole Roasted Chicken Test
Hamilton Beach easy reach 4 slices toaster Oven Whole Roasted ChickenA whole roasted chicken using the Hamilton Beach 31344DA backside up on an oven rack and baking pan on a white background.
A whole roasted chicken using the Hamilton Beach 31344DA belly up on an oven rack and baking pan on a white background.
A tray of whole toaster oven roasted chicken. The thermometer has two probes inside the chicken and displays 174°F and 183°F.
Eight pieces of a carved chicken including two carcass halves, two breasts, two wings, and two thighs on a baking pan.
Two hands pulling apart a roasted chicken thigh. In the white background is the rest of the roasted chicken on a baking pan.
Function
Bake
Bake
Temperature
350°F
350°F
Cooking Time
1h 17m
1h 20m
Convection
No
No

Baked French Fries

5.1
3.6
Pieces of baked french fries using the Cuisinart TOB-40N Toaster Oven Broiler on a silver baking pan on a white background.
Pieces of baked french fries using the Cuisinart TOB-40N Toaster Oven Broiler on a silver baking pan on a white background.
A close-up of pieces of baked french fries using the Cuisinart TOB-40N Oven on a silver baking pan on a white background.
Six pieces of broken-up baked french fries are stacked on top of pieces of whole fries on a silver baking pan.
Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 4 Slices Toaster Oven Baked French Fries Test
Pieces of baked french fries using the Hamilton Beach 31344DA Toaster Oven on a silver baking pan on a white background.
A close-up of pieces of baked french fries using the Hamilton Beach 31344DA on a silver baking pan on a white background.
Eight pieces of broken-up baked french fries are stacked on top of pieces of whole fries on a silver baking pan.
Function
Bake
Bake
Temperature
400°F.
400°F
Cooking Time
31 m
26m
Convection
No
No

Design

Overall Design Scoring
6.2
5.1

In the Box

An oven rack, 3 pieces of documents, the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler, a box, and a baking pan.
A box, the Hamilton Beach 31344DA 4-Slice Easy Reach Roll Top Toaster Oven, a user manual, an oven rack, and a baking pan.

Exterior

7.0
5.0
A closed front of the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler with exterior measurements on a white background.
A closed front of the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler with exterior measurements on a white background.
The front of a closed Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler has a control panel and the right has holes.
The back and left sides of the Cuisinart TOB-40N have air ventilation holes. The back has a power cord and two buffers.
On a grey background, the top of the stainless steel Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler has holes.
On a grey background, the bottom of the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler has four stands and holes.
A closed front of the Hamilton Beach 31344DA 4-Slice Roll Top Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
A closed front of the Hamilton Beach 31344DA 4-Slice Roll Top Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
Hamilton Beach easy reach 4 slices toaster Oven ExteriorThe front of a closed Hamilton Beach 31344DA 4-Slice Easy Reach Toaster Oven has a control panel and the right has holes.
The back of the Hamilton Beach 31344DA 4-Slice Easy Reach Roll Top Toaster Oven has a power cord, two buffers, and holes.
The top, front, and right sides of the Hamilton Beach 31344DA 4-Slice Easy Reach Roll Top Toaster Oven on a white background.
On a white background, the bottom of the Hamilton Beach 31344DA has four stands, holes, and carrying handles on the sides.
Weight
10.0 lbs (4.5 kg)
6.9 lbs (3.1 kg)
Length
15.9" (40.5 cm)
15.8" (40.0 cm)
Width
14.8" (37.7 cm)
11.9" (30.3 cm)
Height
9.0" (22.9 cm)
8.4" (21.3 cm)
Material
Stainless steel
Stainless steel
Color
Black
Silver
Door Handle
cool-touch
Cool-touch
Tray Indicators
No
No
Crumb Tray
Slide-out
Removable

Control Panel

The Cuisinart TOB-40N’s control panel has 1 start/stop button and 3 control dials for function, temperature, and toast shade.
The control panel of the Hamilton Beach 31344DA 4-Slice Roll Top Toaster Oven has 2 control knobs for temperature and timer.
Type
3 control knobs + Stop/Start button
2 control knobs
Temperature
100°F - 450°F
200°F - 450°F
Timer
Not available
1 minute - 30 minutes + stay-on
Indicator Light
Yes
Yes
Status Bar
No
No
Light Toggle
No
No
Convection Toggle
No
No
Rotation Toggle
No
No
Automatic Preheat
No
No
Audio Cues
No
No

Cooking Functions

The Cuisinart TOB-40N Toaster Oven’s function dial has 5 cooking functions including Toast, Bagel, Bake, Broil, and Warm.
The control panel of the Hamilton Beach 31344DA 4-Slice Roll Top Toaster Oven has 2 control knobs for temperature and timer.

Interior

6.0
2.0
The Cuisinart TOB-40N Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber has 4 nichrome heating elements, 2 guide rails, and a safety hook.
The Cuisinart TOB-40N Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber has 4 nichrome heating elements, 2 guide rails, and a safety hook.
The cooking chamber’s left wall of the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven has 2 guide rails and a safety hook.
Hamilton Beach easy reach 4 slices toaster Oven InteriorThe Hamilton Beach 31344DA 4-Slice Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber has 2 quartz heating elements with guars and 2 guide rails.
Hamilton Beach easy reach 4 slices toaster Oven InteriorThe Hamilton Beach 31344DA 4-Slice Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber has 2 quartz heating elements with guars and 2 guide rails.
The Hamilton Beach 31344DA has 1 bottom heating element with a guard and 2 guide rails on its right cooking chamber wall.
The opened roll top door and upper heating element with a guard of the silver Hamilton Beach 31344DA 4-Slice Toaster Oven.
Heating Elements
4 nichrome
2 quartz
Convection Fan
No
No
Lighting
No
No
Tray Levels
2
2
Rotisserie
No
No
Safety Hook
Yes
No

Power Cord

A two-pronged plug power cord. In the background is the stainless steel Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven.
A two-pronged plug power cord. In the background is the Hamilton Beach 31344DA 4-Slice Easy Reach Roll Top Toaster Oven.
Length
31.1" (79.0 cm)
34.6" (88.0 cm)
Type
2-prong plug
2-prong plug
Power
1800 W
1200
Rated Output
120 V ~ 60 Hz
120

Accessories

A stainless steel baking rack of the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler on a grey background.
A stainless steel baking rack of the Hamilton Beach 31344DA 4-Slice Easy Reach Roll Top Toaster Oven on a white background.
Length
11.8" (30.0 cm)
11.0" (27.9 cm)
Width
11.3" (28.6 cm)
9.3" (23.5 cm)
Height
0.8" (2.0 cm)
1.0" (2.5 cm)
Material
Stainless steel
Stainless steel
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
Yes

Build Quality

6.0
7.0
The front of an opened Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler with an oven rack and a silver baking pan.
The front of an opened Hamilton Beach 31344DA 4-Slice Toaster Oven with a removable crumb tray, baking pan, and oven rack.

Capacity

An opened front of the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven with interior measurements on a white background.
An opened front of the Hamilton Beach 31344DA 4-Slice Roll Top Toaster Oven with interior measurements on a white background.
Length
11.8" (30.0 cm)
11.0" (27.9 cm)
Width
11.5" (29.3 cm)
9.84
Height
7.1" (18.0 cm)
7.5" (19.0 cm)

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
5.8
5.5

User Control

7.0
6.0

Ease of Use

5.0
5.0
Cuisinart TOB-40N Ease of Use Video
Cuisinart TOB-40N Ease of Use Video 1

Cleanability

6.0
6.0
Grease on the glass door of a closed stainless steel Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler.
Grease on the glass door of a closed stainless steel Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler.
Grease on the right wall of the stainless steel Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler’s cooking chamber.
Grease and chicken skin stuck to the silver baking pan of the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler.
The cleaned silver baking pan of the stainless steel Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler.
Permanent stains on the Hamilton Beach 31344DA’s upper heating element guard, cooking chamber’s ceiling, and casing’s top.
Permanent stains on the Hamilton Beach 31344DA’s upper heating element guard, cooking chamber’s ceiling, and casing’s top.
The cleaned baking pan of the silver Hamilton Beach 31344DA 4-Slice Easy Reach with Roll Top Door Toaster Oven.