Our recommendations are made independently. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links.
Hamilton Beach 31401 Countertop vs Cuisinart TOA-60 Toaster Oven Side-by-Side Comparison

Overall Verdict
In the battle of performance, the Cuisinart TOA-60 was the clear winner. The oven’s steady and stable temperature, combined with a strong convection system, consistently produced excellent results. Its power draw of 1800 W and six nichrome heating elements are two of its other prominent features.
On the other hand, the Hamilton Beach 31401 performed well solely at making toast. It was the only test where the food attains an even surface color despite the absence of a convection system in the oven.
Its weaknesses showed through the processes of baking pizza, roasting a whole chicken, and baking french fries. The oven has 2 quartz heating elements running on 1200 Watts of power which save energy and are suitable for the oven’s small size. However, this specification causes the oven to under-perform for dishes that require a long cooking time and/or a high temperature.
Although both ovens have a simple design, the Cuisinart’s is also equipped with a slide-out crumb tray and an interior light. In addition to their 100% analog control, each oven brings something unique to the table: The Hamilton has a stay-on function while the Cuisinart can cover an extra cooking method with its air fryer basket.
The Hamilton Beach 31401 is for you if you’re looking for an inexpensive, lightweight, small-sized, energy-saving toaster oven for one to two people. The Cuisinart TOA-60 is more suitable for someone looking for a robust, high-quality, and high-performing medium-sized convection toaster oven.
Pros & Cons
- Lightweight and small size
- Easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior
- Cool-touch door handle
- Simple control knobs
- Stay-on feature
- Quartz heating elements have safeguards
- Energy-saving
- Simple and straight-to-the-point control knobs
- Sturdy design and durable material
- Convection fan is all-applicable
- Electrical safety feature for the door
- Convenient slide-out crumb tray
- Easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior
- Plenty of recipes included in the user manual
- No convection fan
- No internal lighting
- No safety mechanism for the door
- Opening the door also turns off the light
- A bit heavier and taller than other same-type ovens
- Not very budget-friendly
Key Specs
Where to Buy
*You help support Shouldit's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.
Analysis and Test Results
Performance
Toast








Pizza








Whole Roasted Chicken










Baked French Fries








Design
In the Box


Exterior












Control Panel


Cooking Functions


Interior







Power Cord


Accessories




Build Quality


Capacity


Usability
User Control
Ease of Use


Cleanability








