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Hamilton Beach 31401 Countertop vs Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Toaster Oven Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , , and ·Updated

Toshiba AC25CEW-BS

$109.99 from Amazon

Hamilton Beach 31401

$54.99 from Amazon
Hamilton Beach 31401 Countertop vs Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Toaster Oven

Overall Verdict

The Hamilton Beach 31401 is inexpensive, even when considering its basic design, small size, and light weight. On the other hand, the Toshiba AC25CEW-BS is our choice for the best-value medium-sized countertop convection toaster oven not simply because it only costs a bit more.

The Hamilton saves energy thanks to its two quartz heating elements and low power output of 1200 W. However, that significantly hindered its performance. This was especially true for dishes that require a long cooking time and/or a high temperature.

In comparison, the Toshiba, with four nichrome heating elements running on 1500 W, produced well-rounded results in our test dishes. Of course, the fact that the Toshiba has a convection system while the Hamilton doesn’t is another factor.

The Hamilton yields in terms of overall construction quality, although not by much. Neither of the two has an internal light or any other features of usability. The Toshiba has three tray levels while the Hamilton only has two. Both come with the basic baking pan and rack, but the Toshiba also includes a rotisserie kit and rack clamp.

The Toshiba’s digital display provides more unique cooking functions whilst the Hamilton’s analog control offers a stay-on feature. Both are easy to use although it can be difficult to pinpoint an exact time and temperature with the Hamilton’s control dials.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Highly affordable
  • Good value in terms of functionality and accessories
  • Lightweight but sturdy design
  • Easy-to-turn knobs
  • High-contrast digital display
  • Cool-touch door handle
  • Easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior
  • 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
  • No safety mechanism for the door
  • Convection fan isn’t all-applicable
  • No internal lighting
  • No convection fan
  • No internal lighting
  • No safety mechanism for the door

Key Specs

Dimensions
L18.98 x W15.59 x H10.78 inches
L14.96 x W12.2 x H8.5 inches
Weight
16.2 lbs (7.4 kg)
5.4 lbs (2.4 kg)
Control Type
LCD display + 3 control knobs + Stop/Start button
3 control knobs
Temperature
150°F - 450°F
100°F - 450°F
Timer
1 minute - 2 hours
1 minute - 30 minutes + stay-on
Cooking Functions
10
3

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$117.12
$58.77
$109.99 at Amazon
$54.99 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
7.7
5.1

Toast

7.2
7.7
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: Level 3; In the middle: Level 4; On the right: Level 5
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 stainless steel Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Convection 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: 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.
Function
Toast
Toast
Number of Slices
4
4
Toast Level
4/6
Medium
Cooking Time
3m 55s
4m 15s
Second Batch
3m 55s
4m 15s
Convection
No
No

Pizza

9.1
5.5
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.
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.
Function
Bake
Bake
Temperature
450°F
 450°F
Cooking Time
5m 15s
10m 30s
Convection
Yes
 No

Whole Roasted Chicken

7.8
1.0
A golden brown whole roasted rotisserie chicken using a toaster oven inside a silver baking pan on a white background.
A golden brown whole roasted rotisserie chicken using a toaster oven inside a silver baking pan on a white background.
A whole roasted rotisserie chicken on a baking pan. The thermometer has two probes inside the chicken and displays 207°F.
The chicken is carved into seven pieces including a carcass, two breasts, two wings, and two thighs on a silver baking pan.
Two hands holding a piece of chicken breast roasted in a toaster oven. The skin is golden brown and the meat is cooked.
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.
Function
Rotisserie
Rotisserie
Temperature
350°F
350°F
Cooking Time
1h
1h 30m
Convection
No
No

Baked French Fries

6.1
4.0
Pieces of golden baked french fries using a toaster oven on a grooved silver baking pan on a grey background.
Pieces of golden baked french fries using a toaster oven on a grooved silver baking pan on a grey background.
A closeup of pieces of golden baked french fries using a toaster oven on a grooved silver baking pan.
Six pieces of broken-up baked french fries are stacked on top of pieces of whole fries on a grooved silver baking pan.
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.
Function
Bake
Bake
Temperature
400°F
400°F
Cooking Time
20m
30 m
Convection
Yes
No

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.5
3.6

In the Box

An oven rack, a baking pan, a rack clamp, a rotisserie kit and lifter, the Toshiba AC25CEW Oven, a user manual, and a box.
An oven rack, a user manual, the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Capacity Countertop Toaster Oven, a box, and a baking pan.

Exterior

8.0
4.0
A closed front of the Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Convection Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
A closed front of the Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Convection Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
The front of a closed Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Convection Toaster Oven has a control panel and the right has air ventilation holes.
The back and left sides of the Toshiba AC25CEW-BS both have air ventilation holes. The back has a power cord and two buffers.
On a grey background, the top of the Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Convection Toaster Oven has air ventilation holes.
On a grey background, the bottom of the Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Toaster Oven has two black stands and air ventilation holes.
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.
Weight
16.2 lbs (7.4 kg)
5.4 lbs (2.4 kg)
Length
19.0" (48.2 cm)
15.0" (38.0 cm)
Width
15.6" (39.6 cm)
12.2" (31.0 cm)
Height
10.8" (27.4 cm)
8.5" (21.6 cm)
Material
Stainless steel
Stainless steel
Color
Black
Silver
Door Handle
cool-touch
cool-touch
Tray Indicators
Yes
No
Crumb Tray
Removable
Removable

Control Panel

The Toshiba AC25CEW-BS’s control panel has an LCD, an on/off button, and 3 control dials for function, time, temperature.
The control panel of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven has 3 control knobs for temperature, function, and timer.
Type
LCD display + 3 control knobs + Stop/Start button
3 control knobs
Temperature
150°F - 450°F timer
100°F - 450°F
Timer
1 minute - 2 hours
1 minute - 30 minutes + stay-on
Indicator Light
No
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 function knob of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven has 3 cooking functions including Broil, Toast, and Bake.

Interior

6.5
1.0
The Toshiba AC25CEW-BS’s cooking chamber has 4 heating elements, 3 levels, a rotisserie socket and bracket, and a fan cavity.
The Toshiba AC25CEW-BS’s cooking chamber has 4 heating elements, 3 levels, a rotisserie socket and bracket, and a fan cavity.
The cooking chamber’s right wall of the Toshiba AC25CEW-BS has 3 guide rails, a rotisserie socket, and a fan cavity.
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.
Heating Elements
4 nichrome
2 quartz
Convection Fan
Yes
No
Lighting
No
No
Tray Levels
3
2
Rotisserie
Yes
No
Safety Hook
No
No

Power Cord

A three-pronged plug power cord. In the background is the Toshiba AC25CEW-BSConvection Toaster Oven.
A two-pronged plug power cord. In the background is the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Capacity Countertop Toaster Oven.
Length
15.7" (39.9 cm)
29.9" (76.0 cm)
Type
3-prong plug
2-prong plug
Power
1500
1200 W
Rated Output
120
120 V ~ 60 Hz

Accessories

A stainless steel baking rack of the Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Convection 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.
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.
Length
12.6" (32.0 cm)
10.9" (27.8 cm)
Width
11.3" (28.7 cm)
8.8" (22.3 cm)
Height
NaN" (NaN cm)
0.9" (2.3 cm)
Material
Stainless steel
Stainless steel
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
Yes

Build Quality

8.0
5.0
The front of an opened Toshiba AC25CEW-BS with a crumb tray, oven rack, baking pan, lifter, rack clamp, and rotisserie kit.
The front of an opened Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven with a silver baking pan and a stainless steel oven rack.

Capacity

A three-pronged plug power cord. In the background is the Toshiba AC25CEW-BSConvection Toaster Oven.
An opened front of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with interior measurements on a white background.
Length
12.6" (32.0 cm)
10.9" (27.8 cm)
Width
12.2" (31.0 cm)
9.4" (24.0 cm)
Height
9.3" (23.5 cm)
7.1" (18.0 cm)

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
6.8
4.6

User Control

9.0
7.0

Ease of Use

5.0
3.0
Toshiba Toaster Oven AC25CEW Ease of Use
Toshiba AC25CEW Ease of Use
Toshiba AC25CEW Ease of Use

Cleanability

8.0
5.0
Grease on the removable crumb tray inside the cooking chamber of the Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Convection Toaster Oven.
Grease on the removable crumb tray inside the cooking chamber of the Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Convection Toaster Oven.
Brushing the stained cooking chamber ceiling of the Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Convection Toaster Oven with baking soda and water
The stained cooking chamber ceiling of the Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Convection Toaster Oven.
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.