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Hamilton Beach 31401 Countertop vs Black and Decker 4 Slice Toaster Oven Side-by-Side Comparison

Hamilton Beach 31401 vs Black and Decker 4 Slice Toaster Oven. Two toaster ovens having similar designs doesn’t mean the same overall scores.

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Hamilton Beach 31401

Black and Decker 4 Slice

Hamilton Beach 31401 Countertop vs Black and Decker 4 Slice Toaster Oven

Overall Verdict

Ranking by
OverallScore Performance50% Design25% Usability25% ScoreOverall 50%Performance 25%Design 25%Usability Black and Decker 4...Hamilton Beach 314015.66.14.65.54.65.13.64.6
Showing: 2/2 Items

The comparison between the Hamilton Beach 31401 and the Black and Decker 4 Slice (TO1760SS) shows that just because two toaster ovens have similar designs doesn’t necessarily mean that they will have the same overall scores.

Both machines are standard, analog, small toaster ovens. They simply have two quartz heating elements, three control dials for timer, temperature, functions, and nothing else.

What gave the Black+Decker the edge was its sturdier build and thicker casing that helps with heat insulation. Unfortunately, the pointers on its dials make pinpointing the exact timer and temperature more difficult than the Hamilton’s, hence the lower user control score.

Both units don’t have a convection system and their power outputs don’t differ much. Thus, understandably, they have similar performance scores, including for toasting bread as well as baking pizza and fries. What really brought down the Hamilton was the fact that after roasting the chicken in it for 1 hour 30 minutes, the chicken was still undercooked.

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
  • 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 convection fan
  • No internal lighting
  • No safety mechanism for the door
  • No convection fan
  • No internal lighting
  • No safety mechanism for the door

Key Specs

Dimensions
L14.96 x W12.2 x H8.5 inches
L15.55 x W11.61 x H8.86 inches
Weight
5.4 lbs (2.4 kg)
5.7 lbs (2.6 kg)
Control Type
3 control knobs
3 control knobs
Temperature
100°F - 450°F
150°F–450°F
Timer
1 minute - 30 minutes + stay-on
1 minute - 30 minutes + stay-on
Cooking Functions
3
4

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$58.77
$51.90

*You help support HealthyKitchen101's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
5.1
6.1

Toast

7.7
7.1
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.
Black and Decker 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 Black+Decker TO1760SS 4-slice Natural 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.
Function
Toast
Toast
Number of Slices
4
4
Toast Level
Medium
3/4 to Medium
Cooking Time
4m 15s
4m
Second Batch
4m 15s
4m
Convection
No
No

Pizza

5.5
5.6
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.
Black and Decker 4 Slice Toaster Oven Pizza Test
A 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.
Function
Bake
Bake
Temperature
 450°F
450°F
Cooking Time
10m 30s
13m
Convection
 No
No

Whole Roasted Chicken

1.0
6.1
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.
Black and Decker 4 Slice Toaster Whole Roasted Chicken Test
A whole roasted chicken using the Black+Decker TO1760SS backside up on an oven rack and baking pan on a white background.
A whole roasted chicken using the Black+Decker TO1760SS belly up on an oven 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 displays 185°F and 187°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.
Function
Rotisserie
Bake
Temperature
350°F
350°F
Cooking Time
1h 30m
1h 30m
Convection
No
No

Baked French Fries

4.0
3.2
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.
Black and Decker 4 Slice Toaster Baked French Fries Test
Black and Decker 4 Slice Toaster Oven Baked French FriesPieces of baked french fries using the Black+Decker TO1760SS Toaster Oven on a silver baking pan on a white background.
A close-up of pieces of baked french fries using the Black+Decker TO1760SS on a silver 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 silver baking pan.
Function
Bake
Bake
Temperature
400°F
400°F
Cooking Time
30 m
30 m
Convection
No
No

Design

Overall Design Scoring
3.6
4.6

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.
A box, the Black+Decker TO1760SS 4-Slice Natural Convection Toaster Oven, a user manual, a baking pan, and an oven rack.

Exterior

4.0
4.0
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 Black+Decker TO1760SS Natural Convection Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
A closed front of the Black+Decker TO1760SS Natural Convection Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
The front of a closed Black+Decker TO1760SS Natural Convection Toaster Oven has a control panel and the right has holes.
The back and left sides of the Black+Decker TO1760SS 4-Slice Toaster Oven have holes. The back has a power cord and buffer.
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 Black+Decker TO1760SS Natural Convection Toaster Oven has four stands and holes.
Weight
5.4 lbs (2.4 kg)
5.7 lbs (2.6 kg)
Length
15.0" (38.0 cm)
15.6" (39.5 cm)
Width
12.2" (31.0 cm)
11.6" (29.5 cm)
Height
8.5" (21.6 cm)
8.9" (22.5 cm)
Material
Stainless steel
Stainless steel
Color
Silver
Silver
Door Handle
cool-touch
Cool-touch
Tray Indicators
No
No
Crumb Tray
Removable
Removable

Control Panel

The control panel of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven has 3 control knobs for temperature, function, and timer.
The control panel of the Black+Decker TO1760SS Toaster Oven has 3 control knobs for temperature, function, and timer/toast.
Type
3 control knobs
3 control knobs
Temperature
100°F - 450°F
150°F - 450°F
Timer
1 minute - 30 minutes + stay-on
1 minute - 30 minutes + stay-on
Indicator Light
Yes
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.
The function knob of the Black+Decker TO1760SS Toaster Oven has 4 cooking functions including Warm, Broil, Bake, and Toast.

Interior

1.0
1.0
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.
Black and Decker 4 Slice Toaster Oven InteriorThe Black+Decker TO1760SS 4-Slice Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber has 2 quartz heating elements with guards and 1 guide rails.
Black and Decker 4 Slice Toaster Oven InteriorThe Black+Decker TO1760SS 4-Slice Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber has 2 quartz heating elements with guards and 1 guide rails.
The Black+Decker TO1760SS Oven has 1 bottom heating element with a guard and a guide rail on the left cooking chamber wall.
The stainless steel Black+Decker TO1760SS 4-Slice Natural Convection Toaster Oven has 1 upper heating element with a guard.
Heating Elements
2 quartz
2 quartz
Convection Fan
No
No
Lighting
No
No
Tray Levels
2
1
Rotisserie
No
No
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 Black+Decker TO1760SS 4-Slice Natural Convection Toaster Oven.
Length
29.9" (76.0 cm)
25.6" (65.0 cm)
Type
2-prong plug
3-prong plug
Power
1200 W
1150 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 Black+Decker TO1760SS 4-Slice Natural Convection Toaster Oven on a white background.
Length
10.9" (27.8 cm)
10.8" (27.4 cm)
Width
8.8" (22.3 cm)
8.3" (21.2 cm)
Height
0.9" (2.3 cm)
0.6" (1.5 cm)
Material
Stainless steel
Stainless steel
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
Yes

Build Quality

5.0
7.0
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 Black+Decker TO1760SS 4-Slice Toaster Oven with a removable crumb tray, baking pan, and oven rack.

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 Black+Decker TO1760SS 4-Slice Toaster Oven with interior measurements on a white background.
Length
10.9" (27.8 cm)
10.8" (27.5 cm)
Width
9.4" (24.0 cm)
8.7" (22.0 cm)
Height
7.1" (18.0 cm)
6.7" (17.0 cm)

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
4.6
5.5

User Control

7.0
6.0

Ease of Use

3.0
5.0

Cleanability

5.0
6.0
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.
Black and Decker 4 Slice Toaster Oven CleanabilityThe cleaned upper heating element guard of the Black+Decker TO1760SS Natural Convection Toaster Oven with some discoloration.
Black and Decker 4 Slice Toaster Oven CleanabilityThe cleaned upper heating element guard of the Black+Decker TO1760SS Natural Convection Toaster Oven with some discoloration.
The cleaned silver baking pan of the stainless steel Black+Decker TO1760SS 4-Slice Natural Convection Toaster Oven.

Behind the Comparison

Headshot of Alan Nguyen
Alan NguyenReviewer

Alan Nguyen is a writer and product reviewer at HealthyKitchen101. His major in English language teaching taught him to present concise information. In addition to his cooking hobby, he values the practical aspects of household appliances.

Headshot of Lap Vo
Lap VoTest Lead

Lap is Head of the Research, Testing, and Review Team (RTR Team) at HealthyKitchen101.com, where he directs and supervises the testing of kitchen gadgets and appliances.

Headshot of Tuyet Pham
Tuyet PhamProfessional Chef

Tuyet Pham is an award-winning Saigonese chef passionate about delicious and healthful foods. At HealthyKitchen101, she develops recipes and collaborates with our Research, Testing, and Review lab to evaluate the performance of cooking appliances. Her assessments add a strong authoritative voice to our product scoring process.

Headshot of Nguyen Ntk
Nguyen NtkVisual Specialist

Nguyen Ntk is a graphic designer, photographer, and videographer whose philosophy centers around respecting and celebrating the beauty of reality. Through his lenses, Nguyen strives to capture the true essence of objects and events, showcasing and highlighting authentic features without distortion or exaggeration.

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