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Hamilton Beach 31401 Countertop vs Instant Omni Plus 18L Toaster Oven Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , , and ·Updated

Hamilton Beach 31401

$54.99 from Amazon

Instant Omni Plus 18L

$175.1 from Amazon(+1 more)
Hamilton Beach 31401 vs Instant Omni Plus 18L Toaster Oven

Overall Verdict

In most of our performance tests, the Hamilton Beach 31401 left a lot to be desired against the consistently great results of the Instant Omni Plus 18L. However, in an interesting upset, the Hamilton won in toasting bread.

Despite both using quartz heating elements, the Instant has four of them plus an additional swirl nichrome heating element while the Hamilton only has two. The Instant also has a power output of 1800 W as opposed to 1200 W of the Hamilton.

These could be the reasons behind the Hamilton’s low scores in dishes that require a long cooking time and/or a high temperature. Of course, the lack of a convection system compared to the Instant doesn’t help. In actual use, however, you can cook less food than our test amounts for better results.

The Hamilton has a basic design and three simple control dials with a stay-on function. On the other hand, the Instant has an LCD touchscreen with smart programs, audio cues, toggles, and cooking presets. It’s also equipped with a slide-out crumb tray, interior light, and tray-level indicators on the glass door. 

The Instant Omni Plus 18L is the winner thanks to its convenient features of design and usability as well as overall efficiency. Nonetheless, the Hamilton can still have a place in your kitchen as a lightweight, small-sized, and energy-saving appliance.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

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
  • Informative and eye-catching package
  • Smart Programs and cooking status bar
  • Electrical safety feature for the door
  • Convenient slide-out crumb tray
  • Safeguards for all heating elements
  • Complimentary app with detailed instructions and numerous recipes
  • Helpful toggles
  • Easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior
  • No convection fan
  • No internal lighting
  • No safety mechanism for the door
  • Touchscreen digital displays need more contrast
  • The master-control knob can be confusing

Key Specs

Dimensions
L14.96 x W12.2 x H8.5 inches
L16.54 x W15.75 x H13.90 inches
Weight
5.4 lbs (2.4 kg)
25.4 lbs (11.5 kg)
Control Type
3 control knobs
black LCD digital touchscreen + one master-control knob
Temperature
100°F - 450°F
150°F - 450°F
Timer
1 minute - 30 minutes + stay-on
1 - 60 minutes
Cooking Functions
3
8

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$58.77
$233.55
$54.99 at Amazon
$175.1 at AmazonCheck Price on Walmart

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

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
5.1
8.2

Toast

7.7
7.5
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: 2m 30s; In the middle: 4m 15s; On the right: 5m 55s
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 31401 4-Slice Capacity Countertop 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.
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: Level 1; In the middle: Level 2; On the right: Level 3
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 Instant Omni Plus 18L 10-in-1 Air Fryer 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
2/5
Cooking Time
4m 15s
5m 25s
Second Batch
4m 15s
4m 1s
Convection
No
No

Pizza

5.5
8.6
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.
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-section of a toaster oven baked pizza slice showing the crust. In the background is a pizza inside a baking tray.
Two hands break apart a slice of pizza with melty cheese, meat, and green bell peppers on top baked using a toaster oven.
Function
Bake
Bake
Temperature
 450°F
450°F
Cooking Time
10m 30s
3m 50s
Convection
 No
High

Whole Roasted Chicken

1.0
8.4
A whole roasted chicken using the Hamilton Beach 31401 Toaster Oven on a baking rack and baking pan on a white background.
A whole roasted chicken using the Hamilton Beach 31401 Toaster Oven on a baking 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 both display 176°F.
Seven pieces of a carved chicken including a carcass, two breasts, two wings, and two thighs on a silver baking pan.
The chicken thigh meat is still pink. In the white background is the rest of the roasted chicken on a baking pan.
A whole roasted rotisserie chicken using a toaster oven on an enamel baking pan on a white background.
A whole roasted rotisserie chicken using a toaster oven on an enamel baking pan on a white background.
A tray of whole toaster oven roasted chicken. The thermometer has two probes inside the chicken and displays 178°F and 190°F.
Seven pieces of a carved chicken including a carcass, two breasts, two wings, and two thighs on an enamel baking pan.
The close-up of a pulled-apart roasted chicken thigh. In the background is the rest of the roasted chicken on a tray.
Function
Rotisserie
Roast
Temperature
350°F
350°F
Cooking Time
1h 30m
50 minutes
Convection
No
Yes

Baked French Fries

4.0
9.3
Pieces of baked french fries using the Hamilton Beach 31401 Toaster Oven on a silver baking pan on a white background.
Pieces of baked french fries using the Hamilton Beach 31401 Toaster Oven on a silver baking pan on a white background.
A close-up of pieces of baked french fries using the Hamilton Beach 31401 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.
Pieces of baked french fries using a toaster oven inside an air fryer basket on a grey background.
Pieces of baked french fries using a toaster oven inside an air fryer basket on a grey background.
A close-up of pieces of baked french fries using a toaster oven inside an air fryer basket on a grey background.
Ten pieces of broken-up baked french fries are stacked on top of pieces of whole fries inside an air fryer basket.
Function
Bake
Air Fry
Temperature
400°F
400°F.
Cooking Time
30 m
15m
Convection
No
High

Design

Overall Design Scoring
3.6
9.3

In the Box

An oven rack, a user manual, the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Capacity Countertop Toaster Oven, a box, and a baking pan.
An oven rack, air fryer basket, rotisserie kit, lifter, the Instant Omni Plus 18L, user manual, box, and enamel baking pan.

Exterior

4.0
9.5
A closed front of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
A closed front of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
The front of a closed Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven has a control panel and the right has holes.
The back and left sides of the Hamilton Beach 31401 have air ventilation holes. The back has a power cord and one buffer.
The top of the stainless steel Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Capacity Countertop Toaster Oven on a grey background.
On a grey background, the bottom of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven has four stands and holes.
A closed front of the Instant Omni Plus 18L 10-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
A closed front of the Instant Omni Plus 18L 10-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
The front of a closed Instant Omni Plus 18L 10-in-1 Toaster Oven has a control panel and the right has ventilation holes.
The back and left sides of the Instant Omni Plus 18L have air ventilation holes. The back has a power cord and two buffers.
The top of the stainless steel Instant Omni Plus 18L 10-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven on a grey background.
On a grey background, the bottom of the stainless steel Instant Omni Plus 18L 10-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven has two stands.
Weight
5.4 lbs (2.4 kg)
25.4 lbs (11.5 kg)
Length
15.0" (38.0 cm)
16.5" (42.0 cm)
Width
12.2" (31.0 cm)
15.8" (40.0 cm)
Height
8.5" (21.6 cm)
13.9" (35.3 cm)
Material
Stainless steel
Stainless steel
Color
Silver
Silver
Door Handle
cool-touch
cool-touch
Tray Indicators
No
Yes
Crumb Tray
Removable
Yes

Control Panel

The control panel of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven has 3 control knobs for temperature, function, and timer.
The black touchscreen LCD of the Instant Omni Plus 18L Air Fryer Toaster Oven has 15 features and a master-control knob.
Type
3 control knobs
black LCD digital touchscreen + one master-control knob
Temperature
100°F - 450°F
150°F - 450°F
Timer
1 minute - 30 minutes + stay-on
1 - 60 minutes
Indicator Light
Yes
Yes
Status Bar
No
No
Light Toggle
No
Yes
Convection Toggle
No
Yes
Rotation Toggle
No
Yes
Automatic Preheat
No
Yes
Audio Cues
No
Yes

Cooking Functions

The function knob of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven has 3 cooking functions including Broil, Toast, and Bake.

Interior

1.0
9.5
The Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber has 2 quartz heating elements with guards and 2 guide rails.
The Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber has 2 quartz heating elements with guards and 2 guide rails.
The bottom quartz heating element with guard and 2 rails on the left wall of the Hamilton Beach 31401’s cooking chamber.
The Instant Omni Plus 18L’s cooking chamber has 2 bottom heating elements, 3 guide rails, a rotisserie socket and bracket.
The Instant Omni Plus 18L’s cooking chamber has 2 bottom heating elements, 3 guide rails, a rotisserie socket and bracket.
The 2 bottom quartz heating elements of the Instant Omni Plus 18L 10-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven have guards.
The cooking chamber ceiling of the Instant Omni Plus 18L Toaster Oven has two quartz and one swirl nichrome heating element.
The cooking chamber’s right wall of the Instant Omni Plus 18L has four guide rails, a rotisserie socket, and a shining light.
Heating Elements
2 quartz
4 quartz and 1 nichrome
Convection Fan
No
Yes
Lighting
No
Yes
Tray Levels
2
4
Rotisserie
No
Yes
Safety Hook
No
No

Power Cord

A two-pronged plug power cord. In the background is the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Capacity Countertop Toaster Oven.
A three-pronged plug power cord. In the background is the Instant Omni Plus 18L 10-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven.
Length
29.9" (76.0 cm)
2.8 ft (0.9 m)
Type
2-prong plug
3-prong plug
Power
1200 W
1800 W
Rated Output
120 V ~ 60 Hz
120 V ~ 60 Hz

Accessories

A stainless steel baking rack of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Capacity Countertop Toaster Oven on a grey background.
A stainless steel baking rack of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Capacity Countertop Toaster Oven on a grey background.
Some burnt bits on the stainless steel baking rack of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven on a grey background.
A stainless steel baking rack of the Instant Omni Plus 18L 10-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven on a grey background.
Length
10.9" (27.8 cm)
12.4" (31.5 cm)
Width
8.8" (22.3 cm)
11.4" (29.0 cm)
Height
0.9" (2.3 cm)
0.9" (2.4 cm)
Material
Stainless steel
Stainless steel
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
Yes

Build Quality

5.0
9.0
The front of an opened Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven with a silver baking pan and a stainless steel oven rack.
The front of an opened Instant Omni Plus 18L with a rack, a baking pan, an air fryer basket, a lifter, and a rotisserie kit.
The front of an opened Instant Omni Plus 18L with a rack, a baking pan, an air fryer basket, a lifter, and a rotisserie kit.
An oxidized slide-out crumb tray of the Instant Omni Plus 18L 10-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven on a grey background.

Capacity

An opened front of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with interior measurements on a white background.
An opened front of the Instant Omni Plus 18L 10-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven with interior measurements on a white background.
Length
10.9" (27.8 cm)
13.8" (35.0 cm)
Width
9.4" (24.0 cm)
12.6" (32.0 cm)
Height
7.1" (18.0 cm)
8.7" (22.0 cm)

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
4.6
8.4

User Control

7.0
9.9

Ease of Use

3.0
8.0

Cleanability

5.0
7.0
Caramelized bits on the upper heating element’s guard and stains on the cooking chamber ceiling of the Hamilton Beach 31401.
Caramelized bits on the upper heating element’s guard and stains on the cooking chamber ceiling of the Hamilton Beach 31401.
Washing the cooking chamber of the stainless steel Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with dish soap.
Grease and chicken skin stuck to the silver baking pan of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Capacity Countertop Toaster Oven.
Brushing the stained silver baking pan of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven with a bowl of baking soda and water.
Grease on the slide-out crumb tray inside the cooking chamber of the Instant Omni Plus 18L 10-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven.
Grease on the slide-out crumb tray inside the cooking chamber of the Instant Omni Plus 18L 10-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven.
The cleaned cooking chamber floor and 2 bottom heating elements of the Instant Omni Plus 18L 10-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven.
Brushing the stained upper quartz heating elements of the Instant Omni Plus 18L 10-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven.