“Discover how the Emeril Lagasse Convection Toaster Oven transformed my cooking routine! From crispy air-fried wings to perfectly baked cookies, this versatile appliance does it all. Read my in-depth review to see if it’s worth the hype.”
Intro: The Day My Old Toaster Oven Retired (And My Kitchen Got an Upgrade)
Let’s rewind to last month. Picture me, standing in my kitchen, staring at my decade-old toaster oven as it emitted a suspicious click-click-whirr noise before finally… silence. It was time. After years of unevenly toasted bagels and sad, soggy frozen fries, I knew I needed an upgrade—something powerful, versatile, and compact enough for my cozy apartment kitchen. Enter the Emeril Lagasse Convection Toaster Oven.
I’d heard rave reviews about Emeril’s cookware (hello, “Bam!” chef fame), but could this stainless-steel multitasker live up to the hype? Spoiler: It did. But let’s break down why this appliance earned a permanent spot on my countertop.
First Impressions: Sleek, Sturdy, and Surprisingly Spacious
When the box arrived, I half-expected a clunky eyesore. Instead, the Emeril Lagasse Convection Toaster Oven greeted me with a sleek stainless-steel design that screamed “professional kitchen.” The heavy-duty build felt premium, not plasticky or cheap. Measuring 17.5 x 15.5 x 10.5 inches, it’s compact enough for small spaces but boasts a roomy interior that fits a 12-inch pizza or six slices of toast.
What’s in the Box?
- Oven unit
- Removable crumb tray
- Air fryer basket + rack
- Baking pan + rack
- User manual (with recipes!)
The intuitive control panel—featuring dials for temperature, timer, and cooking functions—made setup a breeze. No PhD in appliance engineering required here!
Key Features That Won Me Over
**1. 12-in-1 Versatility: From Air Frying to Baking
This isn’t just a toaster oven. With 12 cooking functions, it’s a Swiss Army knife for your kitchen:
- Convection Bake/Roast (perfect for golden cookies or juicy chicken)
- Air Fry (hello, guilt-free crispy fries!)
- Toast, Bagel, Pizza, Broil, Warm, and more.
I tested the air fryer first. A batch of frozen sweet potato fries came out crispy on the outside, tender inside—no oil needed. Game. Changer.
2. Turbo Convection Technology: Faster, Even Cooking
The built-in fan circulates heat evenly, slashing cook times by up to 30%. My roasted veggies cooked faster than in my full-sized oven, with zero cold spots.
3. Easy Cleanup (A Busy Cook’s Best Friend)
The non-stick interior and removable crumb tray made post-dinner cleanup a 2-minute task. No more scrubbing baked-on cheese for hours!
4. Space-Saving Design
As a city dweller, I appreciate appliances that don’t hog counter space. This oven fits neatly under cabinets and pairs beautifully with my coffee maker for a minimalist vibe.
Putting It to the Test: Real-Life Cooking Adventures
Week 1: Air Fryer Mode Mania
- Crispy Chicken Wings: 25 minutes at 400°F. Result? Crispy skin, juicy meat, and zero grease splatters.
- Reheating Pizza: 5 minutes revived my leftover slice better than the microwave ever could.
Week 2: Baking Bonanza
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Evenly baked, gooey centers, golden edges. My friends accused me of buying them from a bakery.
- Mini Meatloaves: Cooked through without drying out, thanks to convection heat.
Week 3: Weeknight Dinner MVP
- Salmon Fillets: 15 minutes on “Convection Roast” for flaky perfection.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted evenly without the dreaded “burnt edges, cold center” tragedy.
Pros vs. Cons: Let’s Keep It Real
Pros:
- Multifunctional: Replaces my air fryer, toaster, and sometimes even the oven.
- Energy-efficient: Uses less power than heating a full-sized oven.
- Durable Build: Stainless steel feels built to last.
- Intuitive Controls: My tech-phobic mom could use this.
Cons:
- Price Tag: At $199, it’s pricier than basic toaster ovens (but worth the investment).
- Loud Fan: The convection fan isn’t whisper-quiet, but it’s no louder than a microwave.
- Learning Curve: Finding the perfect settings for recipes took a week of trial and error.
How It Stacks Up Against Competitors
Compared to the Breville Smart Oven or Ninja Foodi, the Emeril oven holds its own:
- Breville: Similar features but $100+ more expensive.
- Ninja Foodi: Great for pressure cooking, but bulkier.
Winner: Emeril for balancing price, size, and performance.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions, Answered
Q: Can it fit a 9×13 casserole dish?
A: No—stick to dishes under 12 inches.
Q: Is the air fryer function worth it?
A: Absolutely! It rivals standalone air fryers.
Q: How’s the warranty?
A: 1-year limited warranty, with Emeril’s customer service team praised for responsiveness.
10 Recipes to Try in Your New Emeril Oven
- Crispy Avocado Fries (Air Fry mode)
- Mini Deep-Dish Pizzas (Pizza mode)
- Herb-Roasted Chicken Thighs (Convection Roast)
… [Include 7 more quick, Pinterest-friendly recipes]
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy This?
If you’re a busy home cook, apartment dweller, or air fryer addict craving a do-it-all appliance, the Emeril Lagasse Convection Toaster Oven is a stellar pick. Yes, it’s an investment—but one that pays off in crispy, delicious dividends.
Rating: 4.8/5 (Docked slightly for the noisy fan, but everything else is gold).
Ready to upgrade? Check it out on Amazon here.