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Hamilton Beach 31401 vs Mueller 4 Slice Toaster Oven Side-by-Side Comparison

Hamilton Beach 31401 vs Mueller 4 Slice Toaster Oven. What really set these two standard small toaster ovens apart was their performance scores.

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Hamilton Beach 31401

Mueller 4 Slice

Hamilton Beach 31401 vs Mueller 4 Slice Toaster Oven

Overall Verdict

4.6
Overall Score
6.1
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)5.1
  • Design (25%)3.6
  • Usability (25%)4.6
  • Performance (50%)7.0
  • Design (25%)5.3
  • Usability (25%)5.2

The Hamilton Beach 31401 and the Mueller 4 Slice (MT-175) and both standard small toaster ovens, so it only makes sense for them to cost around the same.

The Muellers wins slightly in terms of design and usability by having a detachable crumb tray that makes cleaning easier and an overall higher build quality. What really set them apart and also made us choose the Mueller as our best value small pick was the Mueller’s performance score.

Despite not having a high power output and a convection system like larger units, the Mueller produced very good results in our baked pizza and roasted whole chicken tests. It still had a weakness in baking frozen fries like many other same-sized models though.

Credits where credits due, the Hamilton has a very good toast score as well, even a tiny bit higher than the Mueller. However, it didn’t perform as well as the Mueller in baking pizza and roasting whole chicken despite having a slightly higher power output.

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
L14.96 x W11.61 x H8.86 inches
Weight
5.4 lbs (2.4 kg)
9.0 lbs (4.1 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
$64.55

*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
7.0

Toast

7.7
7.5
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.
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.
Function
Toast
Toast
Number of Slices
4
4
Toast Level
Medium
⅓ to Dark
Cooking Time
4m 15s
4m
Second Batch
4m 15s
4m
Convection
No
No

Pizza

5.5
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.
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.
Function
Bake
Toast
Temperature
 450°F
450°F
Cooking Time
10m 30s
9m
Convection
 No
No

Roasted Whole Chicken

1.0
7.0
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.
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.
Function
Rotisserie
Toast
Temperature
350°F
350°F
Cooking Time
1h 30m
1h 20m
Convection
No
No

Baked French Fries

4.0
3.6
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.
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.
Function
Bake
Toast
Temperature
400°F
400°F
Cooking Time
30 m
27 m
Convection
No
No

Design

Overall Design Scoring
3.6
5.3

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 Mueller MT-175 4-Slice Toaster Oven, a recipe booklet, a baking pan, an oven rack, a user manual, and a brochure.

Exterior

4.0
5.0
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 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
5.4 lbs (2.4 kg)
9.0 lbs (4.1 kg)
Length
15.0" (38.0 cm)
15.0" (38.0 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
Gray
Door Handle
cool-touch
Cool-touch
Tray Indicators
No
No
Crumb Tray
Removable
Detachable

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 4-Slice Toaster Oven has 3 control knobs for temperature, function, and timer.
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 dial of the Black+Decker TO1760SS 4-Slice Toaster Oven has 3 cooking functions including Bake, Broil, 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.
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
2 quartz
Convection Fan
No
No
Lighting
No
No
Tray Levels
2
2
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 two-pronged plug power cord. In the background is the stainless steel Mueller MT-175 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven.
Length
29.9" (76.0 cm)
30.7" (78.0 cm)
Type
2-prong plug
2-prong plug
Power
1200 W
1100 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 Mueller MT-175 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven on a white background.
Length
10.9" (27.8 cm)
10.5" (26.7 cm)
Width
8.8" (22.3 cm)
8.8" (22.4 cm)
Height
0.9" (2.3 cm)
0.5" (1.3 cm)
Material
Stainless steel
Stainless steel
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
Yes

Build Quality

5.0
8.0
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 stainless steel Mueller MT-175 4-Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with an oven rack and 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 stainless steel Mueller MT-175 4-Slice Toaster Oven with interior measurements on a white background.
Length
10.9" (27.8 cm)
10.6" (27.0 cm)
Width
9.4" (24.0 cm)
9.8" (25.0 cm)
Height
7.1" (18.0 cm)
7.5" (19.0 cm)

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
4.6
5.2

User Control

7.0
6.0

Easeof Use

3.0
4.0

Cleanability

5.0
7.0
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.
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.

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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.

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