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Instant Omni Plus 18L vs Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Side-by-Side Comparison

Alan Nguyen
Alan Nguyen
Reviewer
Nguyen Ntk
Nguyen Ntk
Visual Specialist
Updated
Tested Using Methodology v1.0
Updated Mar 18, 2023
Tested Using Methodology v1.0
Updated Mar 18, 2023
The front of a closed Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Convection Toaster Oven has a control panel and a glass door with a handle.
The front of a closed stainless steel Instant Omni Plus 18L 10-in-1 Countertop Convection Air Fryer Toaster Oven.

Our Verdict

7.4
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    7.7/10
  • Design (25%)
    7.5/10
  • Usability (25%)
    6.8/10
8.6
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    8.1/10
  • Design (25%)
    9.7/10
  • Usability (25%)
    8.4/10

The Toshiba AC25CEW-BS did reasonably well in all of our performance tests. However, the Instant Omni Plus 18L consistently produced greater results and even excelled in roasting a whole chicken and baking french fries. In contrast with the simple LCD display and analog controls of the Toshiba, the Instant Omni Plus features a touchscreen with a status bar and automatic reminders.

Interestingly, both have extra unique cooking functions with one difference being the dehydrate function from the Instant Omni Plus and defrost function from the Toshiba. However, the Instant can be adjusted to 85°F giving it a wider temperature range than the Toshiba.

Both have 3 tray levels with indicators on the glass door but the Instant Omni Plus also has an interior light — while the other doesn’t. Both have a rotisserie kit and the Instant Omni Plus further has an air fryer basket while the Toshiba provides a rack clamp. The former is built with a slide-out crumb tray while the latter has a removable one.

In all fairness, in making use of modern technology to increase convenience, the Instant Omni Plus falls victim to the very flaws of said aspect. On the other hand, the Toshiba doesn’t offer much but also doesn’t take away much in terms of usability.

The Instant Omni Plus 18L is an ideal smart kitchen gadget for the tech-savvy at a reasonable price. Meanwhile, the Toshiba AC25CEW-BS is an inexpensive and well-rounded piece of equipment.

Good Results All Around

Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Toaster Oven Performance

Instant Omni Plus 18L Performance: Excellent Air Frying Capabilities
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
8.1
Performance Scores
  • Toast (40%)7.3/10
  • Pizza (25%)8.6/10
  • Whole Roasted Chicken (25%)8.4/10
  • Baked French Fries (10%)9.3/10
7.2

Toast

7.3
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.

Taste: 8
50% * 8 = 4.0
Even Surface Color: 6
20% * 6 = 1.2
Consecutive Usability: 7
30% * 7 = 2.1
  • Function: Toast
  • Number Of Slices: 4
  • Toast Level: 2/5
  • Cooking Time: 5m 25s
  • Second Batch: 4m 1s
  • Convection: No

Using the steps of our Toast test, we determined that level 2—5 minutes 25 seconds on the timer—was the best option scoring a 7.3/10. In comparison, the level 1 and 3 had a more uneven while being lighter and darker surface color respectively.

The Toast Level 2 of the Instant Omni Plus 18L produced four pieces with an 85% even golden brown color. Since the fan couldn’t be deployed, the toast had some darker spots and lighter areas resulting in a 6/10.

The first batch of toast was nicely crispy while still soft and moist inside and we gave it an 8/10 for taste. Our head chef Tuyet Pham determined it would be excellent with omelet and eggs benedict but not so good for sandwiches or soup.

This is one of the few ovens with a smart program that automatically deducts time to reach certain temperatures when the oven’s already hot. Thus, the surface color of the toasts was quite consistent throughout multiple batches. In addition, due to its extra crispiness, the second batch was determined to be good enough for soup.

If you want the second batch to be similar to the first, remember to lower it by one level. Overall, the score for consecutive usability was 7/10.

9.1

Pizza

8.6
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.

Cooking Time: 10
20% * 10 = 2.0
Crust: 8
20% * 8 = 1.6
Toppings: 8.2
30% * 8.2 = 2.5
Taste: 8.5
30% * 8.5 = 2.5
  • Function: Bake
  • Temperature: 450°F
  • Cooking Time: 3m 50s
  • Convection: High

The Instant Omni Plus, having a very strong convection system, did not seem ideal for baking a 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza resulting in an 8.6/10.

A cooking time of only 3m 50s was extremely fast compared to the recommended 10 minutes on the label. After comparing it to other toaster ovens in our Pizza test, it was more than enough for a 10/10.

The crust, although golden brown, was a little soft with some lighter and darker areas due to the short cooking time plus strong fan. It got an 8/10.

The entire surface was a little too dry due to all the convection. In addition, while the cheese was nicely melted, caramelization wasn’t even due to the short cooking time. Thus, the final score for the toppings was 8.2/10.

Our chef gave the pizza an 8.5/10 for taste.

7.8

Whole Roasted Chicken

8.4
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.

Cooking Time: 9
20% * 9 = 1.8
Skin: 9.8
20% * 9.8 = 2.0
Doneness: 9
20% * 9 = 1.8
Taste: 7
40% * 7 = 2.8
  • Function: Roast
  • Temperature: 350°F
  • Cooking Time: 50 minutes
  • Convection: Yes

Following our Whole Roasted Chicken test, we chose a 3 lb chicken and it fit without a problem scoring an 8.4/10.

However, cleaning up was a big hassle as there wasn’t enough space below to use the drip pan. Worse still, during cooking fat splashed everywhere inside the oven causing the heating elements to smoke.

The roasting time was 50 minutes which was shorter than average and worthy of a 9/10.

The rotisserie kit and high convection together produced perfectly golden brown crispy skin deserving a 9.8/10. One thing to note is that due to the meat being considerably moist, the skin lost its crispiness in a relatively short time span.

The smooth rotation and high convection also allowed the whole chicken to be thoroughly cooked without any pink spots in just 50 minutes. The internal temperature was only a little higher than the USDA recommended 165°F-180°F at 178-190°F, so it got a 9/10.

The meat was almost fall-off-the-bone. Unfortunately, with it being so moist—to the point of softening the skin, our chef could only give it a 7 for taste.

6.1

Baked French Fries

9.3
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.

Cooking Time: 9
20% * 9 = 1.8
Color: 9.8
20% * 9.8 = 2.0
Texture: 9.8
20% * 9.8 = 2.0
Taste: 9
40% * 9 = 3.6
  • Function: Air Fry
  • Temperature: 400°F.
  • Cooking Time: 15m
  • Convection: High

The Instant Omni Plus was excellent at baking 12 oz of french fries with a score of 9.3/10.

After performing our Baked French Fries test on different toaster ovens, we came to the conclusion that the ideal cooking time for baked french fries was 15 minutes. However, it wasn’t the fastest one on our list so it scored a 9/10.

The strong convection combined with the air fryer basket produced evenly golden fries worthy of a 9.8/10 for color.

What helped the color also baked perfectly crispy fries while retaining a nice amount of moisture. This earned the oven another 9.8/10 for the texture of baked french fries.

Our chef gave the fries a 9/10 for taste.

Light and Sturdy

Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Toaster Oven Design Review

Instant Pot Omni Plus Toaster Oven Design Review: Modern Technology
7.5
design Scores
  • Exterior (20%)8.0/10
  • Interior (30%)6.5/10
  • Build Quality (50%)8.0/10
9.7
design Scores
  • Exterior (25%)9.5/10
  • Interior (30%)9.5/10
  • Build Quality (50%)9.0/10

In the Box

In the Instant Pot Omni Plus 18L Box
  • 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.

  • Model: 140-4002-01
  • Warranty: 1 year (US and Canada only)
  • User Manual
  • Baking Rack
  • Baking Pan
  • Rotisserie Kit and Lifter
  • Air Fryer Basket

Besides keeping all the accessories in place, the packaging also has interesting illustrations for the key information on the Instant Omni Plus 18L. You can quickly access the download page for the Instant Pot App thanks to the QR code on the package and the user manual.

Their website provides the full manual, how-to videos, FAQs, and more. You’ll also need to go there to register your product and activate your warranty.

8.0

Exterior

9.5
  • 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.

  • Weight:
    25.4 oz (721 g)
  • Length:
    16.5" (42.0 cm)
  • Width:
    15.8" (40.0 cm)
  • Height:
    13.9" (35.3 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Color:
    Silver
  • Door Handle:
    cool-touch
  • Tray Indicators:
    Yes
  • Crumb Tray:
    Yes

An example of the Instant Omni Plus 18L’s clever design is the slide-out crumb tray not to mention its two strong base stands as well as air ventilation on two sides and the back. For safety, it has two buffers on the back to prevent the oven from sitting too close to the wall and a cool-touch door handle.

To accommodate its many cooking functions, there are tray-level indicators on the glass door. Our measurements of the oven’s footprint of 16.54" x 15.75" x 13.90" were quite different from the manufacturer’s 12" x 12" x 13.89" in terms of length and width.

We could explain that the difference in width was because we also took the dial and the back buffers into account but not the difference in length. Nonetheless, we didn’t find this to be a problem.

Control Panel

  • 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.

  • Type:
    black LCD digital touchscreen + one master-control knob
  • Temperature:
    150°F - 450°F
  • Timer:
    1 - 60 minutes
  • Indicator Light:
    Yes
  • Status Bar:
    No
  • Light Toggle:
    Yes
  • Convection Toggle:
    Yes
  • Rotation Toggle:
    Yes
  • Automatic Preheat:
    Yes
  • Audio Cues:
    Yes

This oven has a black LCD digital touchscreen and one master-control knob. The display includes the cooking status bar, functions, and toggles for Light, Convection, and Rotation. Besides the automatic oven preheat feature, it features an audio cue to turn food halfway through the input cooking time.

Audio cues include the beeps when you plug in the oven, select a function as well as adjust time and temperature, and when the oven finishes cooking. According to some reviews we’ve seen, they can be a bit loud, especially for households with children and/or pets. However, they can be turned off by pressing and holding the control knobs for 5 seconds until the screen displays S OFF.

Cooking Functions of the Toshiba Digital Toaster Oven

Cooking Functions
  • 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.

  • Air fry (180°F - 450°F)
  • Broil (350°F - 450°F)
  • Bake (180°F - 450°F)
  • Roast (180°F - 450°F)
  • Dehydrate (85°F - 175°F)
  • Reheat (120°F - 360°F)
  • Warm (170°F - 300°F)
  • Toast (level 1-5)

Even though there’s no Rotisserie function, the oven comes with a tailored rotisserie kit and a Rotation Toggle. Besides making dried fruits, herbs, and meat jerky, the Dehydrate function is also ideal for proofing bread dough at 85°F and Low Convect.

6.5

Interior

9.5
  • 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.

  • Heating Elements:
    4 quartz and 1 nichrome
  • Convection Fan:
    Yes
  • Lighting:
    Yes
  • Tray Levels:
    4
  • Rotisserie:
    Yes
  • Safety Hook:
    No

The Instant Omni Plus has four golden quartz heating elements. These pipes use infrared light to cook, which produces more heat and also cools down faster.

They are also easier to clean and more energy-efficient but don’t last as long in terms of durability. However, if grease splashes onto the heating elements while cooking, it’ll leave permanent stains.

Featuring safety guards, the heating elements are kept out of direct contact with baking pans and trays. The oven even includes a coil nichrome heating element at the top, specifically for broiling.

To top it off, this oven has a powerful and not noisy convection system as an interior light. In addition to 4 tray levels, you can make use of the baking rack with its rack-up and down positions.

Capacity

Capacity of the Instant Pot Omni Plus 18L
  • 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.

  • Length:
    13.8" (35.0 cm)
  • Width:
    12.6" (32.0 cm)
  • Height:
    8.7" (22.0 cm)

The Instant Omni Plus can comfortably fit a 12-inch pizza or a 4-pound chicken which is true to its description. However, it can’t quite fit 6 slices of toast. Moreover, when roasting only a 3-pound whole chicken with the rotisserie kit, there wasn’t enough space to fit a baking pan below. This wasn’t the case with a larger unit like the Cosori CO130-AO.

We measured the cooking chamber’s volume to be roughly 24.6 liters—a lot different from the manufacturer’s provided capacity of 18 liters. However, this could be because we measured from the cooking chamber’s walls to walls whereas the manufacturer stopped before reaching the heating elements.

Power Cord of the Toshiba AC25CEW-BS Digital Toaster Oven

Power Cord
  • 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.

  • Length:
    2.8 ft (0.9 m)
  • Type:
    3-prong plug
  • Power:
    1800 W
  • Rated Output:
    120 V ~ 60 Hz

The power cord is roughly 33.46"—more than long enough for household use. However, the cord can’t fully wrap around the two back stands as they are too high up.

Baking Rack

Accessories

Baking Rack
  • 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.

  • Length:
    12.4" (31.5 cm)
  • Width:
    11.4" (29.0 cm)
  • Height:
    0.9" (2.4 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.

Baking Pan

Accessories

Baking Pan
  • 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.

  • Length:
    13.8" (35.0 cm)
  • Width:
    12.4" (31.5 cm)
  • Height:
    1.8" (4.6 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

Thanks to its perfect size, the baking pan does a great job of catching the meat juice and drippings from the air fryer basket. Thus, it helps prevent making a mess and avoid the danger of fire from dirty heating elements. Keep in mind that the dishwasher can damage the enamel coating.

Rack Clamp

Accessories

Rotisserie Kit and Lifter
  • Length:
    7.5" (19.2 cm)
  • Width:
    2.2" (5.5 cm)
  • Height:
    NaN" (NaN cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The rack clamp fits the baking pan and rack nicely but doesn’t have a good handle. Nonetheless, not all ovens come with a clamp like this so it’s a plus.

  • Length:
    13.4" (34.0 cm)
  • Width:
    11.4" (29.0 cm)
  • Height:
    0.9" (2.4 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The rotisserie kit does a perfect job of securing a chicken thanks to the 4-pronged forks with adjustable angles.

The structure of the forks isn’t very strong so parts can get bended although not by much.

Removable Crumb Tray

Accessories

Air Fryer Basket
  • Length:
    12.6" (32.0 cm)
  • Width:
    11.0" (27.9 cm)
  • Height:
    1.2" (3.1 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Not advisable

The crumb tray is a useful accessory — crumbs being quite a hassle to clean up. However, some still fell to the bottom of the oven as we removed the tray. Also, upon cleaning the crumb tray after the roasted chicken test, we found it showed signs of oxidation from catching the drippings.

  • Length:
    14.6" (37.0 cm)
  • Width:
    11.0" (27.9 cm)
  • Height:
    2.0" (5.1 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The air fryer basket has a good elevation to help with heat circulation around the bottom of the food.

Rotisserie Kit and Lifter

Accessories

  • Length:
    12.6" (32.0 cm)
  • Width:
    9.8" (25.0 cm)
  • Height:
    NaN" (NaN cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The rotisserie kit does a fantastic job of securing the chicken thanks to the angle-adjustable 2-pronged forks. The structure of the forks, however, isn’t particularly strong leading to possible slight bending. Also, in the aftermath of the roasted chicken test, a screw of the rotisserie kit had rusted slightly.

8.0

Build Quality

9.0

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.

The Instant Omni Plus 18L is a well-built and intricate piece of equipment, to say the least. It provides a helpful cooking status bar, smart programs, and automatic features. The oven does consume a lot of electricity so make sure your outlet can provide and handle 1800 W.

The meticulous design shows in the bottom tray, safeguards for heating elements, and cooling fan for its mainboard. However, the bottom tray can easily slide out if you tilt the oven. Also, during our roasting of a whole chicken, the hot drippings created some oxidation on the crumb tray.

Nothing Premium

Toshiba Digital Convection Toaster Oven Usability

Instant Omni Plus 18L Usability: Not Yet Technological Perfection
6.8
usability Scores
  • User Control (30%)9.0/10
  • Ease of Use (50%)5.0/10
  • Cleanability (20%)8.0/10
8.4
usability Scores
  • User Control (30%)9.9/10
  • Ease of Use (50%)8.0/10
  • Cleanability (20%)7.0/10
9.0

User Control

9.9

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.

The Instant Omni Plus 18L has 8 settings to choose from but can serve more than 10 functions. Although the LCD display could be improved with better contrast, it’s not a big problem.

The master-control knob can be confusing for first-timers but it should take little effort to get familiarized with it. The temperature can be adjusted in 1°F increments by turning the knob slowly and in 10°F increments by turning the knob fast. Also, the timer is specified by the minute.

If you want to readjust the setting during cooking, simply tap the feature and adjust it with the knob. Don’t tap Cancel as it will reset your inputs and repeat the automatic preheating.

The convection setting is applicable to almost all except for toast. One thing to note from the manual is that most recipes recommend reducing the temperature by 25°F when convection is on.

The convection fan speeds can toggle between high and low which is not very common for ovens, especially at the same price range. The two exceptions are Air Fry which always uses High Convect and Warm using Low Convect.

5.0

Ease of Use

8.0

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.

When you adjust temperature and time for a function, the Instant Omni Plus saves your setting for next time use. After the oven finishes cooking, it will beep and automatically switch to Keep Warm mode until the display shows End.

After a period of no interaction, the digital display will show the word OFF similar to when you’ve just plugged it in. You’ll then need to push the knob once to turn it on. It’s advised to unplug the oven after you finish using it.

The light automatically turns off after 30 seconds of no interaction and turns on 30 seconds before finishing cooking. Opening the oven door pauses the cooking but the light stays on for another 30 seconds. Closing the oven door resumes the cooking but it will go into stand-by mode resetting all inputs after 5m30s.

Taking the rotisserie kit out of the oven can be a bit tricky even with the lifter. However, with a bit of practice, it’ll be no problem at all. The oven has good heat insulation, so the casing doesn’t get too hot to the touch at 350°F and 400°F but be careful at 450°F.

8.0

Cleanability

7.0

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.

We cleaned the Instant Omni Plus 18L following our toaster oven cleaning guide. Despite having an internal and external coating, it still wasn’t easy to clean due to some very tricky nooks and crannies. The small gaps between the heating elements and internal walls didn’t help either.

Most of the mess came from the considerable fat splatter from roasting a whole chicken. It left difficult stains on the heating elements and their safeguards which were already tricky to clean.

With the removable oven-bottom tray, cleaning up the crumbs was extremely easy but we still had to tilt the oven to get all of the crumbs out. On the bright side, having thought it would be difficult to clean caramelized bits of food from the air fryer basket due to the fishnet design, we were happy to find this wasn’t the case.