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Hamilton Beach 31401 Countertop vs Cuisinart TOB-40N Toaster Oven Side-by-Side Comparison

Hamilton Beach 31401 vs Cuisinart TOB-40N Toaster Oven. A comparison between a small and a medium-sized toaster oven, both with stay-on features.

By , , , and ·Updated

Hamilton Beach 31401

Cuisinart TOB-40N

Hamilton Beach 31401 Countertop vs Cuisinart TOB-40N Toaster Oven

Overall Verdict

Ranking by
OverallScore Performance50% Design25% Usability25% ScoreOverall 50%Performance 25%Design 25%Usability Cuisinart TOB-40NHamilton Beach 314016.46.86.25.84.65.13.64.6
Showing: 2/2 Items

Between the two toaster ovens, the Hamilton Beach 31401 is the winner at making toast. However, the Cuisinart TOB-40N claims victory in baking pizza and roasting a whole chicken. Neither has a convection system, so uneven coloration on the food was a shared weakness between them.

The Hamilton is a small toaster oven with only two heating elements. It draws just 1200 watts, which may help you save energy.

However, those same factors turned out to be problematic; foods that needed long cooking times or high temperatures like pizza, whole chickens, and french fries, came out subpar. Fortunately, you can mitigate this disadvantage by cooking in 1-person portions—smaller than the amount in our tests.

The Cuisinart has a spacious interior for its medium size. Its 4 nichrome heating elements draw 1800 W of power which should be sufficient for most foods. However, the oven didn’t perform well when baking french fries.

While both ovens have simple designs, the Hamilton is lighter and the Cuisinart is more sturdy. The Cuisinart has a slide-out crumb tray as opposed to the removable crumb tray of the Hamilton.

Both of them use 100% analog controls which are easy to operate. Interestingly, they both have stay-on features, though they get there in different ways.

The Hamilton’s stay-on setting appears on its timer knob. Meanwhile, the Cuisinart has no timer. This means the oven will turn on when you rotate the function dial to a specific function and stay on until you rotate the dial back to Off.

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
  • Spacious and non-stick interior
  • Auto-slide rack
  • Easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior
  • Slide-out crumb tray
  • Cool-touch door handle
  • Stay-on feature
  • High power output
  • 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
L15.94 x W14.84 x H9 inches
Weight
5.4 lbs (2.4 kg)
10.0 lbs (4.5 kg)
Control Type
3 control knobs
3 control knobs + Stop/Start button
Temperature
100°F - 450°F
100°F - 450°F
Timer
1 minute - 30 minutes + stay-on
Not available
Cooking Functions
3
5

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$58.77
$95.56

*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
6.8

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.
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: 3m 25s; In the middle: 3m 40s; On the right: 4m 15s
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 Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler.
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
Medium
Cooking Time
4m 15s
3m 40s
Second Batch
4m 15s
3m 40s
Convection
No
No

Pizza

5.5
6.5
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 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.
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
10m 30s
9m
Convection
 No
No

Whole Roasted Chicken

1.0
7.4
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.
A whole roasted chicken using the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven on a silver baking pan on a white background.
A whole roasted chicken using the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven 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 181°F and 183°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 17m
Convection
No
No

Baked French Fries

4.0
5.1
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.
Pieces of baked french fries using the Cuisinart TOB-40N Toaster Oven Broiler on a silver baking pan on a white background.
Pieces of baked french fries using the Cuisinart TOB-40N Toaster Oven Broiler on a silver baking pan on a white background.
A close-up of pieces of baked french fries using the Cuisinart TOB-40N 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
30 m
31 m
Convection
No
No

Design

Overall Design Scoring
3.6
6.2

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.
An oven rack, 3 pieces of documents, the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler, a box, and a baking pan.

Exterior

4.0
7.0
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 Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler with exterior measurements on a white background.
A closed front of the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler with exterior measurements on a white background.
The front of a closed Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler has a control panel and the right has holes.
The back and left sides of the Cuisinart TOB-40N have air ventilation holes. The back has a power cord and two buffers.
On a grey background, the top of the stainless steel Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler has holes.
On a grey background, the bottom of the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler has four stands and holes.
Weight
5.4 lbs (2.4 kg)
10.0 lbs (4.5 kg)
Length
15.0" (38.0 cm)
15.9" (40.5 cm)
Width
12.2" (31.0 cm)
14.8" (37.7 cm)
Height
8.5" (21.6 cm)
9.0" (22.9 cm)
Material
Stainless steel
Stainless steel
Color
Silver
Black
Door Handle
cool-touch
cool-touch
Tray Indicators
No
No
Crumb Tray
Removable
Slide-out

Control Panel

The control panel of the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven has 3 control knobs for temperature, function, and timer.
The Cuisinart TOB-40N’s control panel has 1 start/stop button and 3 control dials for function, temperature, and toast shade.
Type
3 control knobs
3 control knobs + Stop/Start button
Temperature
100°F - 450°F
100°F - 450°F
Timer
1 minute - 30 minutes + stay-on
Not available
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 Cuisinart TOB-40N Toaster Oven’s function dial has 5 cooking functions including Toast, Bagel, Bake, Broil, and Warm.

Interior

1.0
6.0
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.
The Cuisinart TOB-40N Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber has 4 nichrome heating elements, 2 guide rails, and a safety hook.
The Cuisinart TOB-40N Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber has 4 nichrome heating elements, 2 guide rails, and a safety hook.
The cooking chamber’s left wall of the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven has 2 guide rails and a safety hook.
Heating Elements
2 quartz
4 nichrome
Convection Fan
No
No
Lighting
No
No
Tray Levels
2
2
Rotisserie
No
No
Safety Hook
No
Yes

Power Cord

A two-pronged plug power cord. In the background is the Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Capacity Countertop Toaster Oven.
A two-pronged plug power cord. In the background is the stainless steel Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven.
Length
29.9" (76.0 cm)
31.1" (79.0 cm)
Type
2-prong plug
2-prong plug
Power
1200 W
1800 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 Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler on a grey background.
Length
10.9" (27.8 cm)
11.8" (30.0 cm)
Width
8.8" (22.3 cm)
11.3" (28.6 cm)
Height
0.9" (2.3 cm)
0.8" (2.0 cm)
Material
Stainless steel
Stainless steel
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
Yes

Build Quality

5.0
6.0
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 Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler with an oven rack and a silver baking pan.

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 Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven with interior measurements on a white background.
Length
10.9" (27.8 cm)
11.8" (30.0 cm)
Width
9.4" (24.0 cm)
11.5" (29.3 cm)
Height
7.1" (18.0 cm)
7.1" (18.0 cm)

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
4.6
5.8

User Control

7.0
7.0

Ease of Use

3.0
5.0
Cuisinart TOB-40N Ease of Use Video
Cuisinart TOB-40N Ease of Use Video 1

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.
Grease on the glass door of a closed stainless steel Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler.
Grease on the glass door of a closed stainless steel Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler.
Grease on the right wall of the stainless steel Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler’s cooking chamber.
Grease and chicken skin stuck to the silver baking pan of the Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler.
The cleaned silver baking pan of the stainless steel Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler.

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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