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Cuisinart TOB-40N vs Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Toaster Oven 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 Mar 19, 2023
The front of a closed stainless steel Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler on a white background.
The front of a closed Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Convection Toaster Oven has a control panel and a glass door with a handle.

Our Verdict

6.4
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    6.8/10
  • Design (25%)
    6.2/10
  • Usability (25%)
    5.8/10
7.4
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    7.7/10
  • Design (25%)
    7.5/10
  • Usability (25%)
    6.8/10

The Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Convection Toaster Oven is slightly more expensive than the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler. However, the former’s higher scores in every aspect were a worthy trade-off compared to the latter.

The Cuisinart managed to put up a close fight against the Toshiba in toasting bread, roasting a whole chicken, and baking french fries. This could be credited to their equal power draw as well as number of nichrome heating elements. However, the deciding factors were the Toshiba’s advantages in having a convection system shown in the oven’s baked pizza results.

Interestingly, even with a favorable rotisserie kit, the Toshiba’s roasted whole chicken overall score wasn’t much higher than the Cuisinart’s. Upon a closer look, however, the Cuisinart’s chicken only had a higher score in doneness and lower scores in everything else, including cooking time, skin, and taste.

While both ovens didn’t have much in terms of convenience, the Toshiba’s LCD and buttons were more reliably precise than the Cuisinart’s analog dials. The Toshiba also offers a number of cooking functions, which can be helpful for beginner cooks.

Could Be Improved

Cuisinart TOB-40N Classic Toaster Oven Performance

Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Toaster Oven Performance: Good Results All Around
6.8
Performance Scores
  • Toast (40%)7.1/10
  • Pizza (25%)6.5/10
  • Whole Roasted Chicken (25%)7.4/10
  • Baked French Fries (10%)5.1/10
7.7
Performance Scores
  • Toast (40%)7.2/10
  • Pizza (25%)9.1/10
  • Whole Roasted Chicken (25%)7.8/10
  • Baked French Fries (10%)6.1/10
7.1

Toast

7.2
Taste: 7
50% * 7 = 3.5
Even Surface Color: 7.5
20% * 7.5 = 1.5
Consecutive Usability: 7
30% * 7 = 2.1
  • Function: Toast
  • Number Of Slices: 4
  • Toast Level: Medium
  • Cooking Time: 3m 40s
  • Second Batch: 3m 40s
  • Convection: No

During our Toast test, the Medium level — 3 minutes 40 seconds on the timer — on the Toast knob was the best option, scoring a 7.1/10. Decreasing the time to 3 minutes 25 seconds resulted in a very light color, whereas increasing it to 4 minutes 15 seconds resulted in a significantly dark — although more even — color.

The Medium toast level of the Cuisinart produced 4 pieces with a light golden-brown color. However, without the convection fan, there were some brown areas on the top and dark brown spots on the bottom. Thus, we gave it a 7.5/10.

The first batch of toast was slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, so we gave it a 7/10 for taste. Our head chef, Tuyet Pham, determined they would be great for sandwiches. They may not be ideal to have with soups, egg benedict and omelet, but can be served with these foods as well.

With the same toasting time as the first, the second batch had a brown color and some dark spots on the bottom. Interestingly, this was one of the few ovens where our chef preferred the second batch, thanks to its crispiness being on point.

In the end, it got a 7/10 for consecutive usability. If you want the second batch to be the same as the first, remember to only turn the knob ¾ of the way to Medium which is around 3 minutes 25 seconds.

Taste: 7.5
50% * 7.5 = 3.8
Even Surface Color: 8
20% * 8 = 1.6
Consecutive Usability: 6.3
30% * 6.3 = 1.9
  • Function: Toast
  • Number Of Slices: 4
  • Toast Level: 4/6
  • Cooking Time: 3m 55s
  • Second Batch: 3m 55s
  • Convection: No

Following the procedures of our Toast test, we determined that level 4—3 minutes 55 seconds on the timer—was the best option with the score of 7.3/10. The level 3 and 5, in addition to being lighter and darker than ideal respectively, had very uneven surface color.

The toast level 4 of the Toshiba produced four pieces with a light golden brown color but a few areas too light. Due to not having the convection fan running, the color was about 80% even and we could only give it an 8/10.

The first batch of toast was nicely crispy while soft and moist inside so we gave it a 7.5/10 for taste. Our head chef Tuyet Pham determined that it would be great to go with omelet and eggs benedict, as well as good for sandwiches. Although it may not be particularly good for soup, the second batch was.

The second batch was browner and crispier while still being moist so it got a 6.5/10. If you want the second batch to be the same as the first, remember to lower it by one level.

6.5

Pizza

9.1
Cooking Time: 6
20% * 6 = 1.2
Crust: 6.5
20% * 6.5 = 1.3
Toppings: 7
30% * 7 = 2.1
Taste: 6.5
30% * 6.5 = 1.9
  • Function: Bake
  • Temperature: 450°F
  • Cooking Time: 9m
  • Convection: No

The Cuisinart did an acceptable job of baking a 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza with a score of 6.6/10.

Compared to the recommended 10 minutes on the label, this oven was able to bake the pizza slightly faster at 9 minutes. However, that result only scored a 6/10 among the ovens in our Pizza test.

The crust had some charred spots and a little bit of crispiness but was still soft overall, so it got a 6.5/10.

The toppings caramelized unevenly and some areas of the cheese got darkened. Nonetheless, they weren’t dry, so we were able to give them a 7/10.

After tasting the pizza, our chef gave it a 6.5/10.

Cooking Time: 9.3
20% * 9.3 = 1.9
Crust: 9.5
20% * 9.5 = 1.9
Toppings: 9
30% * 9 = 2.7
Taste: 8.7
30% * 8.7 = 2.6
  • Function: Bake
  • Temperature: 450°F
  • Cooking Time: 5m 15s
  • Convection: Yes

The Toshiba baked a 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza evenly throughout in terms of doneness and color earning it a 9.1/10.

Even though the Pizza preset of the oven is 450°F for 10 minutes, it only took 5m15s to cook. It was really fast compared to the recommended 10 minutes on the label. In comparison to other toaster ovens in our Pizza test, it scored a 9.3/10.

The crust wasn’t dry and turned out a beautiful golden brown with some nicely charred spots. It deserved a 9.5/10. The cheese was also nicely melted and caramelized so it got a 9/10. After tasting, our chef gave the pizza an 8.7/10.

7.4

Whole Roasted Chicken

7.8
Cooking Time: 6.3
20% * 6.3 = 1.3
Skin: 6
20% * 6 = 1.2
Doneness: 9.7
20% * 9.7 = 1.9
Taste: 7.5
40% * 7.5 = 3.0
  • Function: Bake
  • Temperature: 350°F
  • Cooking Time: 1h 17m
  • Convection: No

The Cuisinart was able to comfortably fit a 3 lb chicken for our Whole Roasted Chicken test and scored a 7.4/10.

The oven took 1h 17m to cook the chicken; this was 17 minutes longer than the standard amount of time so it got a 6.3/10.

The skin had an uneven color, ranging from light golden to golden at the ends, and was soft throughout. This was most likely the result of the absence of a convection system; we gave it a 6/10.

The chicken was thoroughly cooked and the internal temperature was 181°F-183°F, which was only a little higher than recommended by the USDA, so we gave it a 9.7/10.

The meat was soft and juicy, deserving a 7.5/10 for taste from our chef.

Cooking Time: 8
20% * 8 = 1.6
Skin: 7
20% * 7 = 1.4
Doneness: 7.8
20% * 7.8 = 1.6
Taste: 8
40% * 8 = 3.2
  • Function: Rotisserie
  • Temperature: 350°F
  • Cooking Time: 1h
  • Convection: No

Even though we chose a 3 lb chicken—in accordance with our Whole Roasted Chicken test—and despite the 4-pound claim on the label, it barely fit. In addition, there wasn’t enough space below to use the drip pan so cleaning up was a hassle.

Luckily, the fat from the chicken didn’t splatter too much inside the oven. Overall, the Toshiba scored a 7.8/10 for this test.

It took the oven 1 hour, the standard amount of time, to roast the chicken to golden brown so we gave it an 8/10.

The smooth rotation caramelized the chicken skin to a superb color while maintaining the juiciness of the meat. However, the skin wasn’t really crispy without convection so we only gave a 7/10.

The rotation also allowed the whole chicken to be thoroughly cooked in 1 hour with no pink spots. The internal temperature, however, was a bit too high at 207°F compared to the USDA recommended 165°F-180°F, so it got a 7.8/10.

Even though the chicken was cooked to slightly well-done, the meat was still moist and tender so our chef gave it an 8 for taste.

5.1

Baked French Fries

6.1
Cooking Time: 0
20% * 0 = 0.0
Color: 6.5
20% * 6.5 = 1.3
Texture: 6
20% * 6 = 1.2
Taste: 6.5
40% * 6.5 = 2.6
  • Function: Bake
  • Temperature: 400°F.
  • Cooking Time: 31 m
  • Convection: No

The Cuisinart left a lot to be desired in baking french fries and scored a 5.1/10.

The oven took 31 minutes to bake 12 oz of french fries to an acceptable color and doneness. With our time limit being 25 minutes, it failed the cooking time criterion of our Baked French Fries test.

The fries gained an acceptable color, enough for a 6.5/10. Even though the baking pan was large enough to spread the fries, they still weren’t able to crisp up much and got a 6/10. After tasting the fries, our chef gave them a 6.5/10.

Cooking Time: 5
20% * 5 = 1.0
Color: 6
20% * 6 = 1.2
Texture: 6
20% * 6 = 1.2
Taste: 6.7
40% * 6.7 = 2.7
  • Function: Bake
  • Temperature: 400°F
  • Cooking Time: 20m
  • Convection: Yes

The Toshiba did an acceptable job of baking 12 oz of french fries earning a 6.1/10.

Compared to other ovens in our Baked French Fries test, we had to cook the fries for 20 minutes so we could only give it a 5/10. Being baked on a tray and not in an air fryer basket, the fries lacked color resulting in a 6/10.

The fries only crisped up a little on the outside and were considerably moist inside so it’s another 6/10. Our chef gave the resulting fries a 6.7/10 for taste.

Simple and Spacious

Cuisinart TOB-40N Design Review

Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Toaster Oven Design Review: Light and Sturdy
6.2
design Scores
  • Exterior (20%)7.0/10
  • Interior (30%)6.0/10
  • Build Quality (50%)6.0/10
7.5
design Scores
  • Exterior (20%)8.0/10
  • Interior (30%)6.5/10
  • Build Quality (50%)8.0/10

In the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Box

In the Box
  • Model: TOB-40N
  • Warranty: 3-year limited
  • User Manual
  • Baking Rack
  • Baking Pan

The packaging keeps the oven as well as its two accessories in place. The accessories are also wrapped in carton pads to avoid scratches during transportation. The oven comes with a user manual with recipes and a simple instruction to register your Cuisinart for premium customer service, special offers, and more.

  • Model: L series - AC25CEW-BS
  • Warranty: 1 year (US only)
  • User Manual
  • Baking Rack
  • Baking Pan
  • Rack Clamp
  • Removable Crumb Tray
  • Rotisserie Kit and Lifter

The packaging keeps all the 5 accessories firmly in place while being easy to unbox and convenient to repack. Besides showing some basic information, it also gives instructions on how to unbox properly.

7.0

Exterior

8.0
  • Weight:
    10.0 lbs (4.5 kg)
  • Length:
    15.9" (40.5 cm)
  • Width:
    14.8" (37.7 cm)
  • Height:
    9.0" (22.9 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Color:
    Black
  • Door Handle:
    cool-touch
  • Tray Indicators:
    No
  • Crumb Tray:
    Slide-out

The Cuisinart has a stainless steel exterior with a cool-touch door handle. What stands out in this simple design is the slide-out crumb tray. The oven has two buffers at the back to prevent it from being placed too close to the wall. Due to their small size, the carrying handles built-in to the bottom stands are a bit awkward to use when the oven is hot.

Our measurements of the oven’s footprint were 15.94" x 14.84" x 9" which was quite different in terms of width compared to the manufacturer’s 17" x 11.74" x 8.35". This could be because we took the door handle and back buffers into account when measuring the oven’s width while the manufacturer didn’t.

  • Weight:
    16.2 oz (460 g)
  • Length:
    19.0" (48.2 cm)
  • Width:
    15.6" (39.6 cm)
  • Height:
    10.8" (27.4 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Color:
    Black
  • Door Handle:
    cool-touch
  • Tray Indicators:
    Yes
  • Crumb Tray:
    Removable

One of the strongest points of the Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Toaster Oven is plenty of air ventilation — on two sides, the back, the bottom, and the top. It also has strong bottom stands and two buffers on the back to prevent the oven from being too close to the wall.

This was one of the few ovens where our measurements and the manufacturer’s completely coincided at 18.98" x 15.59" x 10.78". We do need to point out that we could see the internal circuits through the ventilation holes although we’re not sure if it affects the oven.

Control Panel of the Cuisinart TOB-40N

Control Panel
  • Type:
    3 control knobs + Stop/Start button
  • Temperature:
    100°F - 450°F
  • Timer:
    Not available
  • Indicator Light:
    Yes
  • Status Bar:
    No
  • Light Toggle:
    No
  • Convection Toggle:
    No
  • Rotation Toggle:
    No
  • Automatic Preheat:
    No
  • Audio Cues:
    No

The Cuisinart has 3 control knobs for functions, temperature, and toast/bagel level. The Stop/Start button is only for Toast and Bagel functions.

  • Type:
    LCD display + 3 control knobs + Stop/Start button
  • Temperature:
    150°F - 450°F timer
  • Timer:
    1 minute - 2 hours
  • Indicator Light:
    No
  • Status Bar:
    No
  • Light Toggle:
    No
  • Convection Toggle:
    No
  • Rotation Toggle:
    No
  • Automatic Preheat:
    No
  • Audio Cues:
    No

The control panel consists of an LCD digital display, 3 control knobs for functions, temperature, time, and the stop/start button. The glossy plastic knobs turn smoothly and seem durable.

Cooking Functions

Cooking Functions of the Toshiba Digital Toaster Oven
  • Toast
  • Bagel
  • Bake
  • Broil
  • Warm (100°F)

Besides the standard Bake and Broil functions, the Cuisinart has the Warm function which maintains the oven at around 100°F. In addition to a Toast function, this oven has a Bagel function which can be useful for fans of this type of bread.

  • Toast (level 1-6, without convection)
  • Bake (150°F - 450°F, without convection)
  • Broil (150°F - 350°F, without convection)
  • Pizza (150°F - 450°F, with convection)
  • Cookies (150°F - 450°F, with convection)
  • Defrost (100°F - 180°F, without convection)
  • Reheat (150°F - 450°F, with convection)
  • Rotisserie (150°F - 350°F, without convection)
  • Keep warm (100°F - 180°F, without convection)
  • Convection (150°F - 450°F)

One may argue that 10 cooking functions are too many but they are helpful for beginners in the kitchen. The Rotisserie and the Keep Warm functions are the two that stand out from the rest.

6.0

Interior

6.5
  • Heating Elements:
    4 nichrome
  • Convection Fan:
    No
  • Lighting:
    No
  • Tray Levels:
    2
  • Rotisserie:
    No
  • Safety Hook:
    Yes

Although the TOB-40N has only two tray levels, you can make use of the rack-up and down positions. Interestingly, the door has a hook to automatically pull out the baking tray only on the upper level.

Although the pull-out hook doesn’t work with the baking pan, the interior safety hook does. Unfortunately, the oven doesn’t have internal lighting or a convection system that the same-sized Toshiba AC25CEW does.

  • Heating Elements:
    4 nichrome
  • Convection Fan:
    Yes
  • Lighting:
    No
  • Tray Levels:
    3
  • Rotisserie:
    Yes
  • Safety Hook:
    No

The Toshiba has 4 nichrome heating elements and 3 tray levels which are standard for its size. This oven has a convection system which is always a plus but it doesn’t have an interior light like many other units of the same size, e.g, the Breville BOV845BSSUSC. It received an extra point thanks to its rotisserie socket and bracket.

Capacity of the Cuisinart Classic Toaster Oven Broiler

Capacity
  • Length:
    11.8" (30.0 cm)
  • Width:
    11.5" (29.3 cm)
  • Height:
    7.1" (18.0 cm)

The Cuisinart has a spacious interior compared to the same-sized Hamilton Beach 31127D. It’s capable of fitting 6 slices of toast in addition to all our test dishes including an 11-inch pizza and a 3 lb whole chicken.

We measured the cooking chamber’s volume to be around 15.8 liters which was different from the manufacturer’s provided 14.15 liters. However, it could just be a difference in measuring standards.

  • Length:
    12.6" (32.0 cm)
  • Width:
    12.2" (31.0 cm)
  • Height:
    9.3" (23.5 cm)

True to the description, it can fit a 12-inch pizza. However, it can’t fit 6 slices of toast or a 4-pound chicken but is big enough for 4 slices of toast or a 3-pound chicken.

We measured the cooking chamber’s volume to be 23.3 liters which was a bit different from the manufacturer’s provided capacity of 25 liters. However, it could just be a difference in measuring standards.

Power Cord

Power Cord of the Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Digital Toaster Oven
  • Length:
    31.1" (79.0 cm)
  • Type:
    2-prong plug
  • Power:
    1800 W
  • Rated Output:
    120 V ~ 60 Hz

The power cord is roughly 31.1"—plenty long enough for household use—and can be wrapped around the back buffers to save space. It also comes with a plastic lock to keep the cord in place.

  • Length:
    15.7" (39.9 cm)
  • Type:
    3-prong plug
  • Power:
    1500
  • Rated Output:
    120

The length of the power cord is roughly 15.7"—ideal for household use. It’s also long enough to wrap firmly around the two back buffers.

Baking Rack

Accessories

Baking Rack
  • Length:
    11.8" (30.0 cm)
  • Width:
    11.3" (28.6 cm)
  • Height:
    0.8" (2.0 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.

  • Length:
    12.6" (32.0 cm)
  • Width:
    11.3" (28.7 cm)
  • Height:
    NaN" (NaN cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The shape of the baking rack makes it easier to remove either with gloves or clamps.

Baking Pan

Accessories

Baking Pan
  • Length:
    11.7" (29.8 cm)
  • Width:
    11.2" (28.4 cm)
  • Height:
    0.8" (2.0 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The baking pan does the job of catching any drippings to prevent any mess and fire danger from dirty heating elements. It has a coating but is not completely non-stick so it can be prone to some stubborn stains after a hefty roast.

  • Length:
    11.7" (29.8 cm)
  • Width:
    9.4" (23.9 cm)
  • Height:
    0.9" (2.4 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, it’s a little smaller than the oven capacity and has a coating but isn’t completely non-stick.

6.0

Build Quality

8.0

The Cuisinart has a sturdy construction and durable material. Its auto-slide rack and slide-out crumb tray show attention to convenience in a simple design. Although the easy-grip dials are a nice touch, they feel flimsy at times.

The Toshiba AC25CEW-BS is quite robust while still relatively light and small. It also has more air ventilation holes than a number of other toaster ovens including the Instant Omni Plus 18L and Cuisinart.

Only Standard Features

Cuisinart Custom Classic Toaster Oven Usability

Toshiba Digital Convection Toaster Oven Usability: Nothing Premium
5.8
usability Scores
  • User Control (30%)7.0/10
  • Ease of Use (50%)5.0/10
  • Cleanability (20%)6.0/10
6.8
usability Scores
  • User Control (30%)9.0/10
  • Ease of Use (50%)5.0/10
  • Cleanability (20%)8.0/10
7.0

User Control

9.0

The Cuisinart doesn’t have a timer. You simply choose a temperature setting and turn the Function knob from Off to a specific function for the oven to start running. In other words, this oven has a built-in stay-on timer for every function except for Toast and Bagel.

The Toshiba has 10 functions to choose from. However, the convection fan isn’t applicable to all of them. Nonetheless, you can always choose Convection, then set the desired temperature and time. The temperature can be adjusted in 10°F increments.

The large and detailed timer from one minute to two hours is a strong point of this oven. It’s also specified by the minute.

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

When the toasting cycle finishes, the oven will beep 5 times and turn off. After you finish using the oven, remember to turn the Function knob to Off. As there is no digital display, you can freely leave this oven plugged in and not worry about power consumption.

Thanks to the safety hook for tray level 2, you can partially slide out the baking tray or rack to reposition the food during cooking. However, this feature makes it quite tricky to remove the tray or rack. Be careful, as the oven can be quite hot to the touch after a long cooking time on high heat.

According to the manufacturer, the Cuisinart has an Always Even Shade Control to monitor the temperature and adjust the timing to consistently toast to the shade selected every time. However, our test result showed no significant improvement even when compared to the Cuisinart TOA-60 of the same brand.

The oven door has a heat-resistant handle and tray-level indicators on the glass. The casing has good heat insulation and only gets too hot to the touch at 450°F.

The Toshiba doesn’t have an automatic preheat phase like many other digital models, e.g., the Instant Omni Plus 18L. The digital display automatically turns off after a period of no interaction. After the oven finishes cooking, you will hear a very clear beep similar to when you’ve just plugged in.

There’s no audio cue when you’re adjusting the knobs. Furthermore, if you need to readjust the setting during cooking, you have to press stop and repeat all the inputs. The only thing you can adjust during cooking is the timer.

It’s hard to keep the door partially open and there’s no internal lighting. Also, this oven doesn’t turn off upon opening the door, unlike some others.

Although the accessories fit well, removing the rotisserie kit from the oven can be a little tricky even with the lifter. With a little practice, however, it’ll become much easier.

6.0

Cleanability

8.0

We cleaned the Cuisinart following our toaster oven cleaning guide. The oven has an internal and external coating plus no tricky nooks and crannies so it was easy to clean.

During the roasting of a whole chicken, fat splattered everywhere inside the oven. Nonetheless, we were able to clean it all off, even on the gaps between the heating elements and internal walls. The slide-out crumb tray made it easy to clean up the crumbs but we still had to tilt the oven to remove them all.

We cleaned the Toshiba following our toaster oven cleaning guide. Thanks to its internal and external coating and lack of difficult nooks and crannies, cleaning was pretty straightforward. In addition, enough space has been left between the heating elements and internal walls to facilitate cleaning.

Roasting a whole chicken with the rotisserie kit left some difficult stains on the ceiling but a paste of baking soda and water did the trick. One minor inconvenience was that some crumbs still fell onto the internal floor and we had to pick them up anyway.