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COMFEE Toaster Oven (CFO-BB101) vs Mueller 4 Slice Side-by-Side Comparison

Alan Nguyen
Reviewer
Nguyen Ntk
Visual Specialist
Updated
Tested Using Methodology v1.0
Updated Mar 19, 2023
Tested Using Methodology v1.0
Updated Apr 3, 2023
The front of a closed white COMFEE CFO-BB101 Compact Countertop Toaster Oven on a white background.
The front of a closed stainless steel Mueller MT-175 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven on a white background.

Our Verdict

4.5
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    5.3/10
  • Design (25%)
    2.9/10
  • Usability (25%)
    4.5/10
6.1
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    7.0/10
  • Design (25%)
    5.3/10
  • Usability (25%)
    5.2/10

The Comfee Toaster Oven (CFO-BB101) is our smallest machine while the Mueller 4 Slice Toaster Oven (MT-175) is our best value small pick. The latter costs slightly more than the former but we think it’s always the better choice if you’re looking for a small toaster oven.

As standard small units, the two only have two quartz heating elements and basic control dials. Interestingly, both have a detachable crumb tray that makes cleaning the interior easier—something usually tricky for small units.

We do have to point out, however, that the Mueller has a higher build quality than the Comfee. This is shown in the Mueller’s thicker casing and more accurate timer and temperature dials.

The fact that it was difficult for us to input a precise timer and temperature didn’t bode well for the Comfee in our performance tests. The Mueller didn’t have this problem and it had very impressive scores in toasting bread, baking pizza, and roasting whole chicken.

Unfortunately, both toaster ovens don’t have a high enough power output to do well in baking fries.

Uneven Coloring

COMFEE Toaster Oven (CFO-BB101) Performance

Mueller 4-Slice Toaster Oven Performance: Good Heat Distribution
5.3
Performance Scores
  • Toast (40%)4.5/10
  • Pizza (25%)5.0/10
  • Whole Roasted Chicken (25%)7.1/10
  • Baked French Fries (10%)4.7/10
7.0
Performance Scores
  • Toast (40%)7.5/10
  • Pizza (25%)7.6/10
  • Whole Roasted Chicken (25%)7.0/10
  • Baked French Fries (10%)3.6/10
4.5

Toast

7.5
COMFEE CFO-BB101 ToastFrom 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 45s; In the middle: 3m 50s; On the right: 4m 10s
COMFEE CFO-BB101 ToastFrom 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 white COMFEE CFO-BB101 Compact 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.
Taste: 5.5
50% * 5.5 = 2.8
Even Surface Color: 6
20% * 6 = 1.2
Consecutive Usability: 2
30% * 2 = 0.6
  • Function: Toast
  • Number Of Slices: 4
  • Toast Level: Medium
  • Cooking Time: 3m 50s
  • Second Batch: 3m 50s
  • Convection: No

It was difficult to perform our Toast test on the Comfee as we couldn’t input the exact cooking time or toast level. This was because the timer for toast was a countdown from 10 minutes without any level or minute indicator.

Our first attempt was 4m 10s, but the toast turned too dark, especially on the bottom side. Then we tried 2m 45s, but it barely acquired any color and we figured out that 3m 30s was possibly the best choice.

However, after many attempts, we couldn’t set the timer exactly as mentioned above and had to evaluate the result of 3m 50s. This strongly affected the oven’s toast score, resulting in a 4.6/10.

After setting it at 3m 50s, the Comfee produced four slices of toast with a golden brown color on the top. However, most of the bottom surface had no color but also just a few dark areas, so it got a 6/10.

The first batch, which was slightly crispy, was passable and our head chef Tuyet Pham gave it a 5.5/10 for taste.

The fact that we couldn’t set an exact timer only worsened the results for the second batch. The top had a large burnt area, the bottom had almost no color, and the toast didn’t become crispy at all. This result made the Comfee fail the consecutive usability section of our toast test and got a 2/10.

Mueller 4 Slice Toaster Oven Toast Test
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 Mueller MT-175 4-Slice 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.
Taste: 8
50% * 8 = 4.0
Even Surface Color: 7
20% * 7 = 1.4
Consecutive Usability: 7
30% * 7 = 2.1
  • Function: Toast
  • Number Of Slices: 4
  • Toast Level: ⅓ to Dark
  • Cooking Time: 4m
  • Second Batch: 4m
  • Convection: No

For our Toast test, we started off by trying the Medium Toast setting which was around 3 minutes 5 seconds on the timer. The four pieces of bread on the upper tray level came out only lightly toasted on top except for one golden brown piece. We then cranked it up to the Dark Toast setting—around 4 minutes 50 seconds on the timer—which, unfortunately, burnt the toast a bit.

Finally, we opted for the middle ground which was 4 minutes on the timer—⅓ of the rotation from Medium to Dark. This setting was tricky to get right on the time dial, so we used an external timer. It gave us the best possible toast results from this oven scoring a 7.5/10 in total.

After 4 minutes of toasting, the four pieces of toast had pretty good surface color. However, the colors varied from light golden to golden brown on both the top and the bottom, so we could only give a 7/10.

Luckily, the varied colors partially meant varied textures which were all good and deserving an 8/10. The golden brown areas had a more crispy outside while the light golden areas had a softer inside. Our head chef Tuyet Pham determined that it would go great with omelets, eggs benedict, and sandwiches but not so much with soup.

After taking out the first batch, we immediately put four more pieces inside to test the oven’s consecutive usability which ended up at 7/10. Also under the identical toasting time, the four pieces of bread became brown with an increased evenness from the first batch. While the color was a bit darker than ideal, the extra crispiness made the second batch more suitable for soups.

5.0

Pizza

7.6
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.
Cooking Time: 0
20% * 0 = 0.0
Crust: 6
20% * 6 = 1.2
Toppings: 6.5
30% * 6.5 = 1.9
Taste: 6
30% * 6 = 1.8
  • Function: Bake
  • Temperature: 450°F
  • Cooking Time: 11m
  • Convection: No

The Comfee wasn’t suitable for baking a 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza with a score of 5/10.

This oven took 11 minutes, which was over our time limit, to bake the pizza to a desirable outcome. Thus, it failed the cooking time section of our Pizza test.

The crust attained just a light golden color and was very soft, so it got a 6/10. There were some small bits stuck to the baking pan, but they weren’t hard to get rid of.

The toppings had uneven caramelization and were a bit dry throughout, so they scored a 6.5/10. The cheese was slightly melty, but some areas darkened a lot.

Our chef gave the pizza a 6/10 for taste.

Mueller 4 Slice Toaster Oven Pizza Test
 Mueller 4 Slice Toaster Oven 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.
Cooking Time: 6
20% * 6 = 1.2
Crust: 8
20% * 8 = 1.6
Toppings: 8
30% * 8 = 2.4
Taste: 8
30% * 8 = 2.4
  • Function: Toast
  • Temperature: 450°F
  • Cooking Time: 9m
  • Convection: No

For its low power draw, the Mueller did pretty well in our Pizza test with a score of 7.6/10.

The oven took 9 minutes to bake a 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza which was slightly faster than the label’s recommended 10 minutes. However, compared to our tested toaster ovens, it could only be a 6/10.

The crust had a golden color all the way through and the inside was still moist. If only the crust was a bit more crispy, it would’ve gotten higher than an 8/10.

The toppings were also caramelized quite evenly from the meat and veggies to the cheese, worthy of another 8/10. The cheese was nicely melted but the areas closer to the back of the cooking chamber were more caramelized compared to the rest.

With both the crust and the toppings being 8/10, our chef had no reason to give the pizza one final 8/10 for taste.

7.1

Whole Roasted Chicken

7.0
A whole roasted chicken using the Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Toaster Oven on a grooved silver baking pan on a white background.
A whole roasted chicken using the Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Toaster Oven on a grooved 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 183°F and 189°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.
Cooking Time: 6
20% * 6 = 1.2
Skin: 6.5
20% * 6.5 = 1.3
Doneness: 9.1
20% * 9.1 = 1.8
Taste: 7
40% * 7 = 2.8
  • Function: Bake
  • Temperature: 350°F
  • Cooking Time: 1h 20m
  • Convection: No

The Comfee’s capacity barely fit a 3 lb chicken, which led to some problems during our Whole Roasted Chicken test. Overall, it left a few things to be desired and got a score of 7.1/10.

The oven took 1h 20m to cook the chicken, which was 20 minutes longer than the standard amount of time so it got a 6/10.

Even though we had to rotate the baking pan 3 times during roasting, most of the skin could only get a yellow color, similar to when it’s steamed. The only exception was the middle area, which was close to the upper heating elements and turned a golden brown color.

Nonetheless, the skin was soft so it could only get a 6.5/10. In addition, the skin on the back got stuck to the baking pan when we tried to flip the chicken.

The chicken was thoroughly cooked and the internal temperature was 183-189°F, which was only a little higher than recommended by the USDA, so we gave it a 9.1/10.

The meat was soft and juicy, so our chef gave it a 7/10 for taste.

Mueller 4 Slice Toaster Oven Whole Roasted Chicken Test
A whole roasted chicken using the Mueller MT-175 Toaster Oven backside up on a silver baking pan on a white background.
A whole roasted chicken using the Mueller MT-175 Toaster Oven belly up 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 185°F and 192°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.
Cooking Time: 6
20% * 6 = 1.2
Skin: 5.5
20% * 5.5 = 1.1
Doneness: 8.7
20% * 8.7 = 1.7
Taste: 7.5
40% * 7.5 = 3.0
  • Function: Toast
  • Temperature: 350°F
  • Cooking Time: 1h 20m
  • Convection: No

The Mueller could barely fit a 3 lb chicken for our Whole Roasted Chicken test. Nonetheless, the result was quite decent at 7/10 in total. If you were to purchase this oven and use it to roast a whole chicken, we recommend cutting it open or chopping it into pieces beforehand.

We first placed the chicken backside down on the baking pan. When we slid the pan in, the top of the chicken breast grazed the upper heating element’s guard and was seared.

After the first 40 minutes, we flipped the chicken to find out that parts of the skin on the back got stuck to the baking pan. Then, when we reinsert the pan, the same problem with the breast happened to the back. Luckily, they weren’t burnt.

However, even after 1 hour and 20 minutes, most of the chicken skin still hasn’t reached a desirable color. The chicken, for the most part, looked like it was steamed and not roasted, so we gave the skin a 5.5/10.

Nonetheless, our chef decided to stop the roasting as the color wouldn’t improve anyway and to avoid overcooking the meat. This cooking time was the equivalent of a 6/10 according to our data.

With such a long cooking time, the meat had no pink spots. However, the chicken’s internal temperature was 185°F-192°F, higher than the USDA recommended 165°F-180°F. Thus, we gave it an 8.7/ for doneness.

While not the most appetizing looking, the meat was very juicy. That, combined with the slight caramelization on the skin, was enough for a 7.5/10 for taste from our chef.

4.7

Baked French Fries

3.6
Pieces of baked french fries using the Comfee CFO-BB101 Toaster Oven on a grooved silver baking pan on a white background.
Pieces of baked french fries using the Comfee CFO-BB101 Toaster Oven on a grooved silver baking pan on a white background.
A close-up of pieces of baked french fries using the Comfee CFO-BB101 on a grooved silver baking pan on a white background.
Four pieces of broken-up baked french fries are stacked on top of pieces of whole fries on a grooved silver baking pan.
Cooking Time: 0
20% * 0 = 0.0
Color: 6
20% * 6 = 1.2
Texture: 5.5
20% * 5.5 = 1.1
Taste: 6
40% * 6 = 2.4
  • Function: Bake
  • Temperature: 400°F.
  • Cooking Time: 35 m
  • Convection: No

Baking 12 oz of french fries wasn’t a favorable task for the Comfee; it ended up with a 4.7/10.

Even after 35 minutes, the Comfee wasn’t able to produce a notable change in the texture and color of the fries. In addition, as the time limit for our Baked French Fries test was 25 minutes, this oven failed our cooking time criterion.

The fries lacked color, so they got a 6/10. The oven basically thawed the fries without really baking them resulting in soggy fries with a score of 5.5/10. Our chef could only give the fries a 6/10 for taste.

Mueller 4 Slice Toaster Oven Baked French Fries Test
Mueller 4 Slice Toaster Oven Baked French FriesPieces of baked french fries using the Mueller MT-175 Toaster Oven on a grooved silver baking pan on a white background.
A close-up of pieces of baked french fries using the Mueller MT-175 Toaster Oven on a baking pan on a white background.
Ten pieces of broken-up baked french fries are stacked on top of pieces of whole fries on a grooved silver baking pan.
Cooking Time: 0
20% * 0 = 0.0
Color: 4.5
20% * 4.5 = 0.9
Texture: 4.5
20% * 4.5 = 0.9
Taste: 4.5
40% * 4.5 = 1.8
  • Function: Toast
  • Temperature: 400°F
  • Cooking Time: 27 m
  • Convection: No

Our Baked French Fries test brought out the Mueller’s weakness of not being able to maintain a high temperature due to its low power draw. Its even heat distribution couldn’t help much if the temperature wasn’t high enough, so the final score was 3.6/10.

We stopped the baking after 27 minutes as the fries weren’t getting any more colors. This, nonetheless, was over our time limit of 25 minutes, so it was a 0/10.

The fries had no significant color change and barely enough for a 4.5/10. We ended up with 12 oz of frozen fries that were more similar to being dried in an oven than being baked, so we gave them another 4.5/10 for texture.

Fortunately, the fries were cooked through and not soggy, so our chef could give them a 4.5/10 for taste and not a zero.

Severely Lacking

Comfee Small Toaster Oven Design Review

Stainless Steel Mueller 4-Slice Toaster Oven Design Review: Standard
2.9
design Scores
  • Exterior (20%)8.0/10
  • Interior (30%)1.0/10
  • Build Quality (50%)2.0/10
5.3
design Scores
  • Exterior (20%)5.0/10
  • Interior (30%)1.0/10
  • Build Quality (50%)8.0/10

In the Comfee CFO-BB101 Small Toaster Oven Box

In the Mueller MT-175 Small Toaster Oven Box
An oven rack, a user manual, a white Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Toaster Oven, a box, and a grooved silver baking pan.
  • Model: CFO-BB101
  • Warranty: 1-year limited (US only)
  • User Manual
  • Baking Rack
  • Baking Pan

The packaging has two foam pads to keep the oven firmly in place. However, the two accessories are simply wrapped in plastic and duct-taped to the oven. Comfee also provides a user manual with some simple recipes.

A box, the Mueller MT-175 4-Slice Toaster Oven, a recipe booklet, a baking pan, an oven rack, a user manual, and a brochure.
  • Model: MT-175
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • User Manual
  • Baking Rack
  • Baking Pan

The Mueller toaster oven came in a basic packaging and positioned with two foam pads. The included accessories were simply duct-taped to the oven. Inside the box are also a user manual and a simple recipe booklet.

8.0

Exterior

5.0
A closed front of the white Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
A closed front of the white Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
The front of a closed white Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Toaster Oven has a control panel and the right side has holes.
The back and left sides of the Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Toaster Oven have holes. The back has a power cord and two buffers.
The top of the white Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Countertop Toaster Oven on a grey background.
On a grey background, the bottom of the Comfee CFO-BB101 Toaster Oven has a detachable crumb tray, four stands, and holes.
  • Weight:
    5.4 lbs (2.4 kg)
  • Length:
    13.8" (35.2 cm)
  • Width:
    11.2" (28.4 cm)
  • Height:
    8.0" (20.3 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Color:
    White
  • Door Handle:
    cool-touch
  • Tray Indicators:
    No
  • Crumb Tray:
    Detachable

The oven’s casing is painted white but also polished, so you won’t have to worry about it getting dirty easily. Besides the two back buffers that keep the oven from being pushed too close to the wall, the Comfee also features carrying handles on the sides.

What stands out to make an impression is the detachable crumb tray, similar to the Mueller MT-175. You can open it by tilting the unit slightly backward and pushing the dial on the tray towards the rear of the unit.

Our measurements of the oven’s footprint were 13.85" x 11.18" x 8" which only had marginal differences from the manufacturer's 14.6" x 11.4" x 8".

A closed front of the stainless steel Mueller MT-175 4-Slice Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
A closed front of the stainless steel Mueller MT-175 4-Slice Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
Mueller 4 Slice Toaster Oven ExteriorThe front of a closed stainless steel Mueller MT-175 4-Slice Toaster Oven has a control panel and the right has 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, front, and right sides of the Black+Decker TO1760SS 4-Slice Natural Convection Toaster Oven on a white background.
On a white background, the bottom of the Mueller MT-175 Toaster Oven has a detachable crumb tray, four stands, and holes.
The detached crumb tray of the stainless steel Black+Decker TO1760SS 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven on a white background.
  • Weight:
    9.0 lbs (4.1 kg)
  • Length:
    15.0" (38.0 cm)
  • Width:
    11.6" (29.5 cm)
  • Height:
    8.9" (22.5 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Color:
    Gray
  • Door Handle:
    Cool-touch
  • Tray Indicators:
    No
  • Crumb Tray:
    Detachable

As simple as it is, the Mueller has all the standard exterior features of a small toaster oven but also something more. The bottom of the oven acts as a detachable crumb tray which not only makes it easy to remove the falling bits and crumbs but also to clean the entire interior.

The oven has a cool-touch door handle and back buffers to prevent it from being too close to the wall. Unfortunately, it has no cord storage or carrying handles.

Our measurements of the oven’s footprint were 14.96" x 11.61" x 8.86" which pretty much coincided with the manufacturer’s 14.84" x 11.85" x 8.86". However, the weight of the oven by itself was already 9 lbs whereas the label said the entire box was 7.63 lbs.

Control Panel

Control Panel of the Small Mueller MT-175
The control panel of the Comfee CFO-BB101 Toaster Oven has a control dial for temperature/mode above and one for timer below.
  • Type:
     2 control knobs
  • Temperature:
    150°F - 450°F
  • Timer:
    1 minute - 30 minutes + stay-on
  • Indicator Light:
    Yes
  • Status Bar:
    No
  • Light Toggle:
    No
  • Convection Toggle:
    No
  • Rotation Toggle:
    No
  • Automatic Preheat:
    No
  • Audio Cues:
    No

The Comfee simply has two control knobs: one for temperature and the other for time. Even though the timer is set only from 1 minute to 30 minutes, it has a stay-on position.

The control panel of the Black+Decker TO1760SS 4-Slice Toaster Oven has 3 control knobs for temperature, function, and timer.
  • Type:
    3 control knobs
  • Temperature:
    150°F - 450°F
  • Timer:
    1 minute - 30 minutes + stay-on
  • Indicator Light:
    Yes
  • Status Bar:
    No
  • Light Toggle:
    No
  • Convection Toggle:
    No
  • Rotation Toggle:
    No
  • Automatic Preheat:
    No
  • Audio Cues:
    No

The Mueller has a basic analog control panel with three dials for temperature, function, and time. The time dial has a stay-on setting to help with its short range, similar to many other small toaster ovens. Interestingly, while the max temperature setting was 450°F, we actually recorded the internal temperature of the oven reaching 500°F on the said setting.

Cooking Functions Comfee CFO-BB101 Toaster Oven

Cooking Functions
The mode dial of the white Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Toaster Oven has 3 cooking functions including Toast, Bake, and Broil.
  • Toast
  • Bake
  • Broil

If you know your way around the kitchen, the bake and broil functions will be all you need.

The function dial of the Black+Decker TO1760SS 4-Slice Toaster Oven has 3 cooking functions including Bake, Broil, and Toast.
  • Toast
  • Bake
  • Broil
  • Keep warm

Different from most other toaster ovens, the Mueller’s Bake function only uses the lower heating elements as opposed to lower and upper. The Broil function still uses only the upper heating elements.

The Toast function is where both the lower and upper heating elements work. Nonetheless, the oven still provides all the basic functions for its intended purposes.

1.0

Interior

1.0
The Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber has 2 quartz heating elements with guards and 2 guide rails.
The Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact 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 guide rails on the left wall of the Comfee CFO-BB101’s cooking chamber.
  • Heating Elements:
    2 quartz
  • Convection Fan:
    No
  • Lighting:
    No
  • Tray Levels:
    2
  • Rotisserie:
    No
  • Safety Hook:
    No

The CFO-BB101 uses 2 quartz heating elements which use infrared light to cook. Each one has its own safety guard to prevent direct contact with baking pans and trays.

Compared to the more common nichrome heating elements, the quartz heating elements produce more heat and cool down faster. They’re also easier to clean and more energy-efficient. However, they are not as durable and will suffer from permanent stains if grease splashes onto them while cooking.

Similar to most small toaster ovens, the oven doesn’t have internal lighting or a convection system and it only has two tray levels. In addition, while it’s common for units this size to have two heating elements, we usually found a less even heat distribution compared to units with four or more heating elements.

Mueller 4 Slice Toaster Oven InteriorThe Mueller MT-175 4-Slice Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber has 2 quartz heating elements with guards and 2 guide rails.
Mueller 4 Slice Toaster Oven InteriorThe Mueller MT-175 4-Slice Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber has 2 quartz heating elements with guards and 2 guide rails.
The Mueller MT-175 Oven has 1 bottom heating element with a guard and 2 guide rails on its right cooking chamber wall.
  • Heating Elements:
    2 quartz
  • Convection Fan:
    No
  • Lighting:
    No
  • Tray Levels:
    2
  • Rotisserie:
    No
  • Safety Hook:
    No

Similar to many other small toaster ovens, including the Comfee CFO-BB101, the Mueller lacks a convection fan and an interior light. In addition, it only has two heating elements which can usually lead to uneven heat distribution compared to four or more heating elements.

These heating elements are made of quartz which uses infrared light to cook foods faster than the more common nichrome counterparts. Quartz heating elements also cool down faster, are more energy-efficient and easier to clean but not as durable.

However, if grease splashes onto the heating elements while cooking, it’ll leave permanent stains. This is why they usually have guards which this oven also has.

Capacity

Capacity of the Mueller 4-Slice Toaster Oven
An opened front of the white Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Toaster Oven with interior measurements on a white background.
  • Length:
    10.2" (25.8 cm)
  • Width:
    9.6" (24.5 cm)
  • Height:
    6.9" (17.5 cm)

Although compact, the Comfee has enough capacity for 4 slices of toast, a 9-inch pizza, and barely enough for a 3 lb chicken. We measured the cooking chamber’s volume to be around 11 liters which was slightly different from the manufacturer’s provided 10 liters. However, it could just be a difference in measuring standards.

An opened front of the stainless steel Mueller MT-175 4-Slice Toaster Oven with interior measurements on a white background.
  • Length:
    10.6" (27.0 cm)
  • Width:
    9.8" (25.0 cm)
  • Height:
    7.5" (19.0 cm)

We could fit four slices of toast, a 9-inch pizza but we could barely fit a 3 lb chicken inside the Mueller, unlike the same-sized Breville BOV450XL. We measured the cooking chamber volume to be around 12.81 liters, slightly different than the manufacturer’s provided capacity of 11.67 liters. However, it could just be a difference in measuring standards.

Power Cord of the Comfee Small Toaster Oven

Power Cord
A two-pronged plug power cord. In the background is the white Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Countertop Toaster Oven.
  • Length:
    26.4" (67.0 cm)
  • Type:
    2-prong plug
  • Power:
    1000 W
  • Rated Output:
    120 V ~ 60 Hz

The power cord is roughly 26.37"—enough length for household use. However, the back buffers aren’t designed to wrap the cord around, unlike many other toaster ovens.

A two-pronged plug power cord. In the background is the stainless steel Mueller MT-175 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven.
  • Length:
    30.7" (78.0 cm)
  • Type:
    2-prong plug
  • Power:
    1100 W
  • Rated Output:
    120 V ~ 60 Hz

The power cord is 30.7 inches long, suitable for household use. Unfortunately, the oven doesn’t have any storage space for it.

Baking Rack

Accessories

Baking Rack
A stainless steel baking rack of the white Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Countertop Toaster Oven on a grey background.
  • Length:
    10.2" (25.8 cm)
  • Width:
    8.3" (21.0 cm)
  • Height:
    0.4" (1.1 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The rack fits perfectly with the guide, which helps prevent accidents when placing your food in the oven.

A stainless steel baking rack of the Mueller MT-175 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven on a white background.
  • Length:
    10.5" (26.7 cm)
  • Width:
    8.8" (22.4 cm)
  • Height:
    0.5" (1.3 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The two sides of the baking rack have slight curves upward at an angle to keep the baking pan in place. It fits perfectly with the guide to help prevent accidents when placing your food in the oven.

Baking Pan

Accessories

Baking Pan
A grooved silver baking pan of the white Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Countertop Toaster Oven on a grey background.
  • Length:
    10.2" (25.8 cm)
  • Width:
    7.9" (20.0 cm)
  • Height:
    0.7" (1.7 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The baking pan has ridges and grooves which can give your food attractive roasting marks and catch the dripping better. However, its coating isn’t completely non-stick, so it may be prone to some stubborn stains after a hefty roast.

A grooved silver baking pan of the stainless steel Mueller MT-175 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven on a white background.
  • Length:
    10.2" (25.8 cm)
  • Width:
    7.9" (20.0 cm)
  • Height:
    0.6" (1.5 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The baking pan doesn’t fit into the guide rails and has to on top of the rack. This may prevent the full use of the oven’s capacity and lead to some inconveniences during cooking.

On the bright side, the pan has ridges and grooves to give your food attractive roasting marks and catch the dripping better. It has a coating but is not completely non-stick so you may need to watch out for some stubborn stains after a hefty roast.

2.0

Build Quality

8.0
The front of an opened white Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Toaster Oven with an oven rack and a grooved silver baking pan.

Being a compact product, it’s understandable that the Comfee doesn’t have as many design features as bigger toaster ovens. Even though the price of this product is quite reasonable, it doesn’t have a very sturdy build. In addition, the door can open if you tilt the oven.

The front of an opened stainless steel Mueller MT-175 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with an oven rack and baking pan.

For a simple small toaster oven, build quality is all about how durable it is and if it works properly. The Mueller accomplishes that with a sturdy stainless steel casing and smooth-turning dials.

No Noticeable Strengths

Comfee CFO-BB101 Small Toaster Oven Usability

Muller 4-Slice Toaster Oven Usability: Easy but Not Convenient to Use
4.5
usability Scores
  • User Control (30%)5.0/10
  • Ease of Use (50%)4.0/10
  • Cleanability (20%)5.0/10
5.2
usability Scores
  • User Control (30%)6.0/10
  • Ease of Use (50%)4.0/10
  • Cleanability (20%)7.0/10
5.0

User Control

6.0

Even though the Comfee has only two simple control knobs for time and temperature, there are a few things to keep in mind. For the timer knob, when setting it to less than 5 minutes, always rotate past 5 minutes (Med) and then rotate back to the desired time.

For the temperature knob, both the heating elements function when the oven is set from 150°F to 450°F. On Bake, only the bottom element functions, and the oven’s internal temperature is maintained at approximately 400°F-425°F. On Broil, only the top element functions, and the temperature stays steady at approximately 425°F-450°F.

The other problem relates to time and temperature, both of which cannot be adjusted precisely. Nonetheless, you can get used to adjusting time and temperature on this oven after a few times. You can also use an oven thermometer and an external timer to help with this.

Even though the Mueller only has three simple control dials, there are a few things to keep in mind. For the timer knob, when setting it to less than 10 minutes, always rotate past 10 minutes and then rotate back to the desired time.

It’s always tricky to precisely adjust time and temperature for an analog-control toaster oven and this one is no different. Nonetheless, you can use an external timer and an oven thermometer to get more accurate readings.

If you frequently use the stay-on feature, you can turn off the oven by rotating the function dial to Off instead of the timer.

4.0

Ease of Use

4.0

With two control knobs, it’s very simple to adjust time and temperature during cooking. When the timer runs out, a bell will sound and the oven will shut off.  The oven does not have a digital display, so you can freely leave it plugged in and not worry about power consumption.

It’s easy to keep the door partially open to let food cool down, but keep in mind that this doesn’t stop the cooking. Also, be careful as the oven’s exterior gets hot to the touch quite quickly.

What’s convenient about 100% analog toaster ovens is that it’s very simple to adjust time and temperature during cooking. When the timer runs out, a bell will sound and the oven will shut off. Afterward, you can freely leave it plugged in and not worry about power consumption as it has no digital display.

The door can open at any angle < 50° to let food cool down inside the oven. However, keep in mind that opening the door doesn’t stop the oven. The exterior shell isn’t very thick, so it gets hot to the touch quite quickly during cooking.

5.0

Cleanability

7.0
Grease on the glass door of a closed white Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Countertop Toaster Oven.
Grease on the glass door of a closed white Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Countertop Toaster Oven.
Grease on the right wall of the white Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Countertop Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber.
Grease and chicken skin stuck to the grooved silver baking pan of the white Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Countertop Toaster Oven.
A cleaned grooved silver baking pan of the white Comfee CFO-BB101 Compact Countertop Toaster Oven with some discoloration.

We cleaned the Comfee following our toaster oven cleaning guide without much problem. Thanks to the detachable crumb tray, not only were we able to remove the crumbs, we also had better access to clean the oven’s interior.

However, some of the crumbs got stuck inside the bottom heating element’s guard. As for the baking pan, without a good coating, it got a slight discoloration after our Whole Roasted Chicken test.

Mueller 4 Slice Toaster Oven CleanabilityPermanent stains on the left cooking chamber’s ceiling and the upper heating element’s guard of the Mueller MT-175 Oven.
Mueller 4 Slice Toaster Oven CleanabilityPermanent stains on the left cooking chamber’s ceiling and the upper heating element’s guard of the Mueller MT-175 Oven.
Permanent stains on the right cooking chamber’s ceiling and the upper heating element’s guard of the Mueller MT-175 Oven.
The cleaned grooved silver baking pan of the stainless steel Mueller MT-175 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven.

We clean the stainless steel exterior with no problem. However, after the chicken test, there were burnt bits stuck to the upper heating element’s guard and grease on the cooking chamber’s ceiling. There was ample space between the ceiling and the upper heating element, so we proceed to try every cleaning method possible.

Unfortunately, we could only scrub off the bits. Due to the interior not having a non-stick coating, there were some permanent stains on the cooking chamber’s ceiling and the upper heating element’s guard.

Luckily, the heating element itself was intact. Also, we were able to remove the stubborn stains on the baking pan by brushing them with a paste of baking soda and water.