Our recommendations are made independently through Research & Testing. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links.

Panasonic FlashXpress Digital vs Hamilton Beach 31127D Countertop Toaster Oven Side-by-Side Comparison

Alan Nguyen
Reviewer
Nguyen Ntk
Visual Specialist
Updated
Tested Using Methodology v1.0
Updated Apr 3, 2023
Tested Using Methodology v1.0
Updated Mar 19, 2023
The front of a closed silver stainless steel Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Compact Toaster Oven on a white background.
The front of a closed stainless steel Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Easy Reach Roll Top Toaster Oven on a white background.

Our Verdict

6.0
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    6.6/10
  • Design (25%)
    6.0/10
  • Usability (25%)
    4.9/10
6.2
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    6.6/10
  • Design (25%)
    5.2/10
  • Usability (25%)
    6.4/10

Although both are countertop toaster ovens, the Panasonic FlashXpress (NB-G110P) is a small digital unit while the Hamilton Beach 31127D is a medium-sized analog unit. Digital units tend to have higher scores than analog but in this case, the first contender was dragged down by its own design flaws.

The Panasonic has an auto-pull rack which is quite unique. However, we didn’t find it any particularly more convenient than the Hamilton’s standard rack. Moreover, its rack limited the available space of an already-small cooking chamber.

Meanwhile, the Hamilton has a roll-top door that moves out of the way to bring food in and out of the oven more easily. Its analog control dials, however, made it difficult for us to precisely adjust the timer and temperature more precisely.

Too bad for the Panasonic, its timer and temperature adjustment is quite limited—only in increments of 0.5 minutes and 35°F respectively. The oven does have internal lighting which is rare in small units but that’s not enough to justify its higher price.

The two toaster ovens actually tied in terms of average performance. The Panasonic could reach and maintain quite a higher temperature despite its lower power draw, which is the main reason we chose it as our best energy-saving pick for the small category. 

As a result, it scored slightly better than the Hamilton in all most all of the tests, including baking pizza, roasting whole chicken, and baking fries. However, its limited toast settings caused it to score too much lower than the Hamilton in toasting bread—our most prominent test.

Short Cooking Times

Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven Performance

Hamilton Beach 6-Slice Toaster Oven Performance: Needs More Power
6.6
Performance Scores
  • Toast (40%)6.0/10
  • Pizza (25%)7.3/10
  • Whole Roasted Chicken (25%)7.1/10
  • Baked French Fries (10%)6.1/10
6.6
Performance Scores
  • Toast (40%)7.3/10
  • Pizza (25%)6.6/10
  • Whole Roasted Chicken (25%)6.3/10
  • Baked French Fries (10%)5.1/10
6.0

Toast

7.3
Panasonic FlashXpress Digital Small Toaster Oven Toast Test
Panasonic FlashXpress Digital Small Toaster Oven ToastFrom left to right, 16 pieces of toast for the top and bottom of two toast levels including medium and darker.
The top and bottom of the best four pieces of toast from the Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Compact 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.
Taste: 6
50% * 6 = 3.0
Even Surface Color: 7
20% * 7 = 1.4
Consecutive Usability: 5.5
30% * 5.5 = 1.6
  • Function: Toast
  • Number Of Slices: 4
  • Toast Level: 1/5
  • Cooking Time: 2m 20s
  • Second Batch: 2m 11s
  • Convection: No

There were a few interesting things, though not necessarily good, about our Toast test for the NB-G110P. We first tried the middle toasting level—level 3—and the results were all burnt. Then, we decreased the setting to level 2 and the toast was no longer burnt. However, it was still dark for our standard.

Finally, we cranked it down all the way to level 1—around 2 minutes 20 seconds on the timer. This setting allowed us to achieve an acceptable outcome scoring a 6.1/10 in total. Of course, this meant that we only had a reference for the darker setting and not the lighter one.

On the toasting level 1, the four pieces of toast had a nice golden brown color around the center of the oven. However, the color got significantly lighter as it got to the edges. This unevenness was all the more apparent on the bottom side of the toast, so we gave it a 7/10 for even surface color.

Unfortunately, such a short cooking time wasn’t able to crisp up the toast, even the golden brown areas. Our head chef Tuyet Pham deemed the toast, at best, passable to go with sandwiches, omelets, and eggs benedict and awarded it a 6/10 for taste.

All the existing problems of the first batch became slightly worse in the second batch. The cooking time for the second batch at toasting level 1 was automatically adjusted to be slightly shorter—2 minutes 11 seconds.

For some reason, the color was less even on top—one piece of toast was only lightly toasted, one was golden, one was golden brown, and one was brown. Nonetheless, the bottom of the second batch was similar to the first.

While the golden brown and brown pieces were a bit crispier than the first four, they weren’t enough to get the consecutive usability score to higher than 5.5/10.

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: 1m 55s; In the middle: 3m 30s; 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 Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Easy Reach Roll Top 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.
Taste: 8
50% * 8 = 4.0
Even Surface Color: 8
20% * 8 = 1.6
Consecutive Usability: 5.5
30% * 5.5 = 1.6
  • Function: Toast
  • Number Of Slices: 4
  • Toast Level: 3/4 to Medium
  • Cooking Time: 3m 30s
  • Second Batch: 3m 30s
  • Convection: No

We initially set the toast knob to Medium—right at the Toast icon—for our Toast test. The bread came away very dark on the bottom but barely toasted on top. Then, the halfway point to Medium gave the toast no color.

Eventually, we settled on a point 3/4 the way to Medium—around 3 minutes 30 seconds on the timer—as the best option, and awarded it a score of 7.3/10.

At our optimal toasting setting, the Hamilton Beach produced 4 pieces with a great, slightly golden-brown color. Though the oven doesn’t have a convection fan, the color distribution was about 80% even so we gave the toast an 8/10.

The first batch of toast was crispy on the outside while still soft and moist on the inside, so we gave it an 8/10 for taste. Our head chef, Tuyet Pham, said it would go very well with everything including sandwiches, soup, omelets, and eggs benedict.

The second batch represented a significant decrease in performance, scoring only 5.5/10 for consecutive usability. The toast had an uneven, dark brown color plus a burnt flavor. If you want the second batch to be the same as the first, remember to only turn the knob halfway to Medium—around 1 minute 55 seconds on the timer.

7.3

Pizza

6.6
Panasonic FlashXpress Digital Small Toaster Oven Pizza Test
Panasonic FlashXpress Digital Small 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.
Cooking Time: 10
20% * 10 = 2.0
Crust: 6.5
20% * 6.5 = 1.3
Toppings: 7.5
30% * 7.5 = 2.3
Taste: 6
30% * 6 = 1.8
  • Function: None
  • Temperature: 460°F
  • Cooking Time: 3m
  • Convection: No

Through our Pizza test, we noticed that the heating elements of the Panasonic NB-G110P seem to be very powerful. However, it wasn’t coupled with even heat distribution, which resulted in a 7.4/10 pizza score.

The toaster oven was able to bake a 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza in only 3 minutes. This was one of our fastest recorded cooking times, even faster than the powerful medium-sized Cuisinart TOA-60, and deserving a whopping 10/10.

However, such a short cooking time was only enough to cook the crust while not giving it any color at all. The silver lining in this was that the crust wasn’t dry, enough for a 6.5/10.

The toppings would have been quite appetizing if not for the burnt onions, bell peppers, and meat tips. Luckily, the high heat meant that the cheese was melty which garnered the toppings a 7.5/10.

Unfortunately, the burnt parts affected the taste quite badly with their bitterness. Thus, our chef could only give the pizza a 6/10 after tasting it.

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.
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 melty cheese, meat, and green bell peppers on top baked using a toaster oven.
Cooking Time: 5.8
20% * 5.8 = 1.2
Crust: 7
20% * 7 = 1.4
Toppings: 7
30% * 7 = 2.1
Taste: 6.5
30% * 6.5 = 1.9
  • Function: Bake
  • Temperature: 450°F
  • Cooking Time: 9m 10s
  • Convection: No

This oven left a bit to be desired when we tried baking a 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza. We gave it a score of 6.6/10.

It took 9 minutes and 10 seconds to bake a pizza which was slightly faster than the recommended 10 minutes on the label. It only garnered a score of 5.8/10 after being compared to other toaster ovens in our Pizza test, though.

The crust had a good golden brown color but was soft, so we could only give it a 7/10. The toppings were caramelized unevenly and some areas of cheese got darkened. On the bright side, the toppings weren’t dry, so they got a 7/10. After tasting, our chef gave it a 6.5/10.

7.1

Whole Roasted Chicken

6.3
Panasonic FlashXpress Digital Small Toaster Oven Whole Roasted Chicken Test
Panasonic FlashXpress Digital Small Toaster Oven Whole Roasted ChickenA whole roasted chicken using the Panasonic NB-G110P Oven backside up on a grooved silver baking pan on a white background.
A whole roasted chicken using the Panasonic NB-G110P Oven belly up on a grooved 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 196°F and 198°F.
A hand holding a pulled-apart roasted chicken thigh. In the background is the chicken on a grooved silver baking pan.
Eight pieces of a carved chicken including two carcass halves, two breasts, two wings, and two thighs on a baking pan.
Cooking Time: 7
20% * 7 = 1.4
Skin: 6
20% * 6 = 1.2
Doneness: 8.3
20% * 8.3 = 1.7
Taste: 7
40% * 7 = 2.8
  • Function: None
  • Temperature: 355°F
  • Cooking Time: 1h 10m
  • Convection: No

As we tried to fit a 3-pound whole chicken inside the Panasonic for our Whole Roasted Chicken test, the chicken grazed the hot upper heating element. This resulted in quite an impressive caramelization on the skin but also permanent stains on the heating element.

The lack of space for heat circulation was one of the main reasons behind the subpar score of 7.1/10. If you were to roast a chicken in this oven, we recommend cutting open the chicken or chopping it into pieces beforehand.

The Panasonic took 1 hour 10 minutes to roast the chicken, compared to the standard one hour, so it got a 7/10. We decided to stop the cooking at this point because our chef suggested that the skin wasn’t getting any more color and we didn’t want to overcook the chicken.

While the skin close to the upper heating element was nicely caramelized, the rest of it lacked color. It was also really soft, similar to being steamed, so we gave it a 6/10.

Checking with a meat thermometer, we found the chicken’s internal temperature to be 196°F-198°F which was quite high compared to the USDA’s recommended 165°F-180°F. Of course, the meat had no pink spots, so we gave it an 8.3/10.

As a result of the long cooking time, the meat was a bit dry. Interestingly, the soft skin was able to make up for the dry meat, enough for a 7/10 for taste from our chef.

A whole roasted chicken using the Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Toaster Oven on a silver baking pan on a white background.
A whole roasted chicken using the Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice 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 165°F and 176°F.
Seven pieces of a carved chicken including a carcass, two breasts, two wings, and two thighs on a silver baking pan.
The pink spots near the bone of the chicken. In the white background is the rest of the roasted chicken on a baking pan.
Cooking Time: 8
20% * 8 = 1.6
Skin: 5.5
20% * 5.5 = 1.1
Doneness: 6
20% * 6 = 1.2
Taste: 6
40% * 6 = 2.4
  • Function: Bake
  • Temperature: 350°F
  • Cooking Time: 1h
  • Convection: No

Even though the Hamilton Beach could comfortably fit a 3 lb chicken for our Whole Roasted Chicken test, its performance was far from perfect, scoring only 6.3/10.

The oven took 1 hour—our standard for this test—to cook the chicken to a desirable color, so we gave it an 8/10.

After roasting, the skin took on an even golden color on top but only a very light caramelization on the bottom — although that was also even. Unfortunately, the skin was very soft, so we could only give it a 5.5/10.

The chicken reached an internal temperature of 165-176°F which was very close to the USDA recommendation. However, there were pink spots near the bone so we could only give it a 6/10.

The meat was acceptable in terms of texture and juiciness, but didn’t stand out as remarkable. Our chef gave the chicken a 6/10 for taste.

6.1

Baked French Fries

5.1
Panasonic FlashXpress Digital Small Toaster Oven Baked French Fries Test
Panasonic FlashXpress Digital Small Toaster Oven Baked French FriesPieces of baked french fries using the Panasonic NB-G110P Toaster Oven on a silver baking pan on a white background.
A close-up of pieces of baked french fries using the Panasonic NB-G110P Oven on a silver baking pan on a white background.
Twelve pieces of broken-up baked french fries are stacked on top of pieces of whole fries on a grooved silver baking pan.
Cooking Time: 5
20% * 5 = 1.0
Color: 6
20% * 6 = 1.2
Texture: 6.5
20% * 6.5 = 1.3
Taste: 6.5
40% * 6.5 = 2.6
  • Function: None
  • Temperature: 425°F
  • Cooking Time: 25 m
  • Convection: No

The problem of powerful heating elements and uneven heat distribution in baking pizza repeated here in our Baked French Fries test. However, the score for the Panasonic’s baked french fries was lower, at 6.1/10.

We tried to give the oven the benefit of the doubt and stop the cooking at 25 minutes. This was the time limit of our test and equaled a 5/10. We decided to stop the cooking so as to not decrease the cooking time score any further despite the fries’ lack of color.

Even after baking for 25 minutes, only the smaller fries had a light golden color. The bigger and longer ones were only golden at the tips while the rest of them was basically white. Thus, we gave the fries a 6/10 for color.

The smaller fries had a bit of crispiness to them while the bigger and longer ones were just plain soft. Nonetheless, they weren’t dry, so we could still give them a 6.5/10 for texture.

With such subpar colors and textures, our chef could only give the fries a 6.5/10 for taste.

Pieces of baked french fries using the Hamilton Beach 31127D Toaster Oven on a silver baking pan on a white background.
Pieces of baked french fries using the Hamilton Beach 31127D Toaster Oven on a silver baking pan on a white background.
A close-up of pieces of baked french fries using the Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Toaster Oven on a silver baking pan.
Eight pieces of broken-up baked french fries are stacked on top of pieces of whole fries on a silver baking pan.
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: 27m 15s
  • Convection: No

Baking 12 oz of french fries clearly wasn’t the Hamilton Beach oven’s forte, and it came away with a score of 5.1/10.

This oven took 27 minutes and 15 seconds to put some color into the french fries. That exceeded our time limit of 25 minutes, though, so it failed the cooking time criterion of our Baked French Fries test.

Even though the fries had some golden ends, most of them basically had no color. We gave them a 6.5/10.

Despite being spread out on the baking pan, the fries didn’t crisp up, so they got a 6/10. Our chef gave the fries a 6.5/10 for taste.

High Build Quality Only

Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Design Review

Hamilton Beach Easy-Reach Toaster Oven Design: No Lighting or Convection
6.0
design Scores
  • Exterior (20%)5.0/10
  • Interior (30%)5.0/10
  • Build Quality (50%)7.0/10
5.2
design Scores
  • Exterior (20%)7.0/10
  • Interior (30%)1.0/10
  • Build Quality (50%)7.0/10

In the Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Box

In the Hamilton Beach 6-Slice Easy-Reach Toaster Oven Box
A box, the silver Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Compact Toaster Oven, a user manual, an oven rack, and a baking pan.
  • Model: NB-G110P
  • Warranty: 1 year (US, Puerto Rico, and Canada only)
  • User Manual
  • Baking Rack
  • Baking Pan

The Panasonic NB-G110P was positioned firmly inside its box with four foam pads upon delivery. The baking rack and baking pan are wrapped in carton sheets and taped to the oven. Besides some basic information on the box, the oven also came with a user manual.

An oven rack, a user manual, the Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Easy Reach Roll Top Toaster Oven, a box, and a baking pan.
  • Model: 31127D
  • Warranty: 1-year limited in the US and 5-year limited in Canada
  • User Manual
  • Baking Rack
  • Baking Pan
  • Removable Crumb Tray

Aside from the Hamilton Beach oven itself, the box also contained a baking pan, a baking rack, a removable crumb tray, and a basic user manual.

5.0

Exterior

7.0
A closed front of the Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Compact Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
A closed front of the Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Compact Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
The front of a closed silver Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Compact Toaster Oven has a control panel and the left has holes.
The back and right sides of the Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Compact Toaster Oven have holes. The back has two buffers.
The top, front, and right sides of the Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Compact Toaster Oven on a white background.
On a white background, the bottom of the Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Toaster Oven has a slide-out crumb tray and 4 stands.
  • Weight:
    6.9 lbs (3.1 kg)
  • Length:
    12.6" (32.0 cm)
  • Width:
    11.8" (30.0 cm)
  • Height:
    10.2" (26.0 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Color:
    Silver
  • Door Handle:
    Cool-touch
  • Tray Indicators:
    No
  • Crumb Tray:
    Slide-out

Our measurements of 12.6" x 11.81" x 10.24" were marginally different from the manufacturer’s 13" x 12" x 10.25". Despite its high price, the NB-G110P only has the basic exterior features of a small toaster oven which tallies to a score of 5/10.

The only thing standing out from the stainless steel casing is the slide-out crumb tray on the bottom to help with cleaning (+1). Keep in mind to push the crumb tray all the way in or there’ll be gaps.

The oven has two bumps on the back which act as back buffers but we think they could be longer (+2). The shape of the cool-touch door handle makes it easy to grab (+2).

A closed front of the Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Roll Top Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
A closed front of the Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Roll Top Toaster Oven with exterior measurements on a white background.
The front of an opened Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Roll Top Toaster Oven has a control panel and the right side has holes.
The back and left sides of the Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Toaster Oven have holes. The back has a power cord and a buffer.
The top of the stainless steel Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Easy Reach Roll Top Door Toaster Oven on a grey background.
On a grey background, the bottom of the Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Easy Reach Toaster Oven has four stands and holes.
  • Weight:
    9.3 lbs (4.2 kg)
  • Length:
    18.5" (47.0 cm)
  • Width:
    14.6" (37.0 cm)
  • Height:
    9.4" (24.0 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Color:
    Silver
  • Door Handle:
    cool-touch
  • Tray Indicators:
    No
  • Crumb Tray:
    Removable

The Hamilton Beach has a stainless steel exterior. Our measurements of the oven’s footprint were 18.5" x 15.56" x 9.41"—marginally different from the manufacturer’s provided 18.74" x 15.24" x 9.41".

What stands out most is the roll-top door with a cool-touch handle. It moves up and out of the way, giving you safe and easy access to your food before, during, and after cooking.

The oven has a back buffer to prevent it from being pushed too close to the wall. Unlike many other toaster ovens, though, you can’t wrap the power cord around the buffer.

Control Panel

Control Panel of the Hamilton Beach 31127D
The Panasonic NB-G110P’s control has an LCD and 14 buttons for temperature, timer, shade, 6 functions, light, and power.
  • Type:
    LCD + 14 buttons
  • Temperature:
    250°F - 500°F
  • Timer:
    1 minute - 25 minutes
  • Indicator Light:
    Yes
  • Status Bar:
    No
  • Light Toggle:
    Yes
  • Convection Toggle:
    No
  • Rotation Toggle:
    No
  • Automatic Preheat:
    No
  • Audio Cues:
    No

The Panasonic has an LCD and 14 control buttons in total. We have the standard buttons which are the power button, light toggle, two buttons to adjust the temperature, and two more to adjust the timer.

Then, we have six buttons for the six preset cooking functions and their two shade control buttons which are unique to this model. When you turn the oven on by pushing the power button, the indicator light will glow red.

The control panel of the Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Toaster Oven has 3 control knobs for temperature, function, and timer.
  • Type:
    3 control knobs
  • Temperature:
    100°F - 450°F
  • Timer:
    1 minute - 30 minutes + stay-on
  • Indicator Light:
    Yes
  • Status Bar:
    No
  • Light Toggle:
    No
  • Convection Toggle:
    No
  • Rotation Toggle:
    No
  • Automatic Preheat:
    No
  • Audio Cues:
    No

The Hamilton beach has three contoured control knobs labeled Temperature, Function, and Timer which are durable and easy to grip. While the timer only runs from 1 minute to 30 minutes, the knob has a stay-on position as well.

Cooking Functions of the Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Toaster Oven

Cooking Functions
Panasonic NB-G110P has 6 functions: Toast, Frozen Waffle, Reheat Roll, Frozen Pizza, Quick Reheat, and Frozen Hash Brown.
  • Toast
  • Frozen Waffle
  • Reheat Rolls
  • Frozen Pizza
  • Quick Reheat
  • Frozen Hash Brown

You can simply operate the oven by selecting a temperature and adjusting the timer which was what we did with our performance tests. Also, you can choose one of the six preset cooking functions including Toast, Frozen Waffle, Reheat Roll, Frozen Pizza, Quick Reheat, and Frozen Hash Brown.

The Shade Control includes five levels that are applicable to all the preset cooking functions. It’s quite common for Japanese models to have very specific cooking functions like these. How useful they are, however, is up to the user to decide.

The function knob of the Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Toaster Oven has 3 cooking functions including Bake, Broil, and Toast.
  • Toast
  • Bake
  • Broil

The bake and broil functions will be all you need if you know your way around the kitchen. The temperature knob also includes a Min setting which, at 100°F, can act as a ‘keep warm’ option.

5.0

Interior

1.0
The upper quartz ceramic heating element inside the Panasonic NB-G110P Flash Express Compact Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber.
The upper quartz ceramic heating element inside the Panasonic NB-G110P Flash Express Compact Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber.
Panasonic FlashXpress Digital Small Toaster Oven InteriorThe shining interior light on the cooking chamber ceiling of the Panasonic NB-G110P Flash Express Compact Toaster Oven.
The rack-pulling mechanism and bottom quartz ceramic heating element inside the Panasonic NB-G110P Oven’s cooking chamber.
  • Heating Elements:
    2 quartz
  • Convection Fan:
    No
  • Lighting:
    Yes
  • Tray Levels:
    1
  • Rotisserie:
    No
  • Safety Hook:
    Yes

Despite having some uncommon interior features, the NB-G110P still suffers from common limitations of a small toaster oven. Its interior score ended up at 5/10.

The oven has two quartz and ceramic heating elements, one upper and one lower (+1). They use infrared light to cook which makes the process faster and more energy-efficient. Nonetheless, two heating elements may not distribute heat as evenly as four or more will do.

While not as durable, they cool down faster and are easier to clean. However, if grease splashes onto the heating elements while cooking, it’ll leave permanent stains.

The upper heating element is closer to the front of the cooking chamber while the interior light is closer to the back (+2). During cooking, the light automatically cycles on and off in sync with the heating elements which means you can manually turn it on but not off.

The oven has a mechanism to smoothly pull the rack halfway toward you as the door is opened (+1). However, this design choice meant that the cooking chamber only has one tray level instead of two which is more common in small toaster ovens (+1).

The cooking chamber has a coating for easy cleaning but it’s not 100% non-stick (+1). The oven doesn’t have a convection system to help with heat distribution, similar to many other small units (-1).

The Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Roll Top Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber has 4 nichrome heating elements and 2 guide rails.
  • Heating Elements:
    4 nichrome
  • Convection Fan:
    No
  • Lighting:
    No
  • Tray Levels:
    2
  • Rotisserie:
    No
  • Safety Hook:
    No

Unfortunately, the 31127D doesn’t have any interior features worth mentioning, not even internal lighting or a convection system like the Cuisinart TOA-60. The only thing it has is four nichrome heating elements.

Capacity

Capacity of the Stainless Steel Hamilton Beach 6-Slice Toaster Oven
An opened front of the Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Compact Toaster Oven with interior measurements on a white background.
  • Length:
    11.0" (28.0 cm)
  • Width:
    9.8" (25.0 cm)
  • Height:
    9.1" (23.0 cm)

We could fit 4 slices of toast, a 9-inch pizza but we could barely fit a 3 lb chicken inside the Panasonic. We measured the cooking chamber volume to be around 16.08 liters, slightly different from the manufacturer’s provided capacity of 15.52 liters.

Looking at our measurements of 11.2" x 9.84" x 9.05" compared to the manufacturer’s 10.2" x 9.8" x 4.1", we speculated they measured the height only from the baking rack to the upper heating element.

An opened front of the Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Roll Top Toaster Oven with interior measurements on a white background.
  • Length:
    13.0" (33.0 cm)
  • Width:
    12.2" (31.0 cm)
  • Height:
    7.7" (19.5 cm)

The Hamilton Beach has enough capacity for 6 slices of toast, a 3 lb chicken, or a 12-inch pizza.

We measured the cooking chamber’s volume to be around 19.92 liters which was vastly different from the manufacturer’s stated capacity of 10 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 Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven

Power Cord
 A two-pronged plug power cord of the silver stainless steel Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Compact Toaster Oven.
  • Length:
    3.1 ft (0.9 m)
  • Type:
    2-prong plug
  • Power:
    1300
  • Rated Output:
    120

The power cord is 37.6 inches long, suitable for household use. However, the oven doesn’t have any storage space for it.

A two-pronged plug power cord. In the background is the Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Easy Reach Roll Top Door Toaster Oven.
  • Length:
    35.0" (88.9 cm)
  • Type:
    2-prong plug
  • Power:
    1400 W
  • Rated Output:
    120 V ~ 60 Hz

The power cord protrudes from the bottom of the oven which can create some inconvenient bends. Nonetheless, roughly 35" is plenty of cord length for household use. However, the oven doesn’t have a storage place for the cord.

Baking Rack

Accessories

Baking Rack
A stainless steel baking rack of the silver Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Compact Toaster Oven on a white background.
  • Length:
    10.6" (27.0 cm)
  • Width:
    9.4" (24.0 cm)
  • Height:
    1.2" (3.0 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The baking rack has two hooks in the back to latch onto a horizontal rod in the middle of the cooking chamber and two hooks in the front to connect to the door. Opening the door will pull the baking rack and the baking pan on top of it halfway toward you to help keep your hands and fingers safe from the heat. Keep in mind that when the rack is removed, the door won’t be able to close tightly.

A stainless steel baking rack of the Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Easy Reach Roll Top Toaster Oven on a grey background.
  • Length:
    13.0" (33.0 cm)
  • Width:
    11.9" (30.2 cm)
  • Height:
    1.0" (2.5 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The rack fits perfectly into the guide rails, reducing the chance of an accident when placing your food in the oven.

Baking Pan

Accessories

Baking Pan
A grooved silver baking pan of the stainless steel Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Compact Toaster Oven on a white background.
  • Length:
    9.8" (24.9 cm)
  • Width:
    9.8" (24.9 cm)
  • Height:
    0.8" (2.0 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Not advisable

The baking pan fits nicely on top of the baking rack to prevent accidents. It has a grooved surface which can give your food attractive roasting marks and catch the dripping better. It also has a coating but it’s not completely non-stick so you may need to watch out for some stubborn stains after a heavy roasting session.

A silver baking pan of the stainless steel Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Easy Reach Toaster Oven on a grey background.
  • Length:
    11.3" (28.8 cm)
  • Width:
    9.4" (23.8 cm)
  • Height:
    0.7" (1.8 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The baking pan is correctly sized to keep messy food from dripping directly onto the heating elements. It slides into the brackets on the baking rack’s underside, so it’s a perfect fit. Unfortunately, though it has a coating, it isn’t completely non-stick so it can accumulate some stains after a tough roasting mission.

7.0

Build Quality

7.0
The front of an opened Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Toaster Oven with a slide-out crumb tray, oven rack, and baking pan.

The price of the Panasonic is partially reflected in its build quality score of 7/10. A small footprint doesn’t stop the oven from having a sturdy construction (+2). Its casing is made from thick durable stainless steel so the oven only gets hot to the touch after a long cooking time at a high temperature (>400°F) (+2).

With the way the control panel is positioned, the NB-G110P has less length and more height than most toaster ovens of the same size category. The entire oven is shaped like a square which could be beneficial for some kitchen space (+2).

The LCD is black and glows red creating good color contrast and the analog buttons are responsive and can last a long time (+2). One thing to be nitpicky about is that you need to pay attention to push the crumb tray all the way in or else the oven won’t be tightly sealed (-1).

The front of an opened Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Toaster Oven with a removable crumb tray, baking pan, and oven rack.

The Hamilton Beach is well-constructed out of durable stainless steel. Its contoured knobs turn smoothly and are a nice simple touch.

Lacking Premium Features

Panasonic FlashXpress Compact Toaster Oven Usability

Hamilton Beach 6-Slice Toaster Oven Usability Review: No Noticable Problems
4.9
usability Scores
  • User Control (30%)7.0/10
  • Ease of Use (50%)3.0/10
  • Cleanability (20%)6.5/10
6.4
usability Scores
  • User Control (30%)6.0/10
  • Ease of Use (50%)6.0/10
  • Cleanability (20%)8.0/10
7.0

User Control

6.0

The control panel of the Panasonic wasn’t the easiest to use but it also didn’t cause any problem, so it earned a 7/10.

The current setting on the LCD is indicated by a red light which makes it easy to see (+2). Thanks to the light toggle, you can turn on the light even when the oven is not running (+2).

The preset cooking functions seem to be designed for worry-free cooking (+2). However, because they don’t allow for the adjustment of time and temperature, they weren’t applicable to our test.

Moreover, we couldn’t find the exact preset temperature and cooking time in the manual (-2). Thus, we simply chose to operate the oven by adjusting the temperature and timer on the control panel (+2).

The temperature is displayed in both °F and °C. It can be adjusted in increments of 35°F/20°C from 250°F to 500°F / from 120°C to 260°C, which is quite uncommon (+1). The timer can be adjusted in 0.5-minute increments below 10 minutes and 1-minute increments after 10 minutes (+1).

In addition to not having a stay-on feature, the timer only lasts from one to 25 minutes which is very short. It’s also worth noting that the timer is displayed in a 0.5-minute multiplier and not by the minute and second, unlike most other toaster ovens.

The cooking starts as soon as a timer adjustment key is pressed which makes it a bit tricky to get right. In addition, if you want to switch cooking functions, you’ll need to turn the oven off and on again (-1).

The Hamilton Beach only has three simple control knobs but there are a few things to pay attention to. If you wish to set the timer knob for less than 10 minutes, you must first turn it beyond the 10-minute mark (to start the heating) and then roll it back to the setting you want.

Precisely adjusting time and temperature can be a bit difficult but it’s not a major problem. If you’re concerned, use an external timer and an oven thermometer for more accurate measurements.

3.0

Ease of Use

6.0
Panasonic FlashXpress Digital Small Toaster Oven Ease of Use
Panasonic FlashXpress Digital Small Toaster Oven Ease of Use 1

Despite having some features of convenience, the Panasonic didn’t quite meet our standards and scored a 3/10.

In addition to the cool-touch door handle (+2), the auto-pull rack minimizes the risk of burning due to contact (+2). The oven rack can be a little awkward to remove but it’ll be no problem with a bit of practice (+2). However, the auto-pull mechanism means that the oven door can only open or close all the way and not open partially to let food cool inside (-2).

The manufacturer claims that this oven has a smart sensor that turns the heat on and off automatically to maintain the perfect temperature and prevent burning.  However, our tests showed no significant increase in terms of cooking performance compared to other small units.

It’s also advertised that this oven requires no preheating due to its efficiency. While we didn’t agree with this, we were able to confirm that the NB-G110P could reach a high internal temperature very quickly—4 minutes 50 seconds to reach 450°F.

The interior light makes it easier to make our way around the oven (+2). Keep in mind that opening the door doesn’t stop the oven or the interior light (-2). Be careful as the oven’s casing can get very hot after a long cooking time at a high temperature (-1).

When the cooking cycle finishes, the oven will beep once and then turn off. Nonetheless, we advise you to unplug the oven after use because, according to the manufacturer, the oven still consumes about 0.4 W when plugged in and not turned on.

The simple analog control panel makes it very easy to adjust settings on the fly. Once the timer counts down to the Off position, you’ll hear a chime and the oven will shut itself off. Since there’s no digital display, the oven won’t draw any more power even if you leave it plugged in.

The oven’s exterior only gets hot to the touch after a long cooking time at a high temperature. The door can be kept partially open at many degrees but keep in mind that it doesn’t switch the oven off.

6.5

Cleanability

8.0
The cleaned upper quartz ceramic heating element with a permanent black stain of the Panasonic NB-G110P FlashXpress Oven.

The Panasonic was quite easy to clean overall scoring a 6.5/10.

It has a stainless steel exterior and a non-stick interior (+4). The cooking chamber has no tricky nooks and crannies to make cleaning any more difficult than it needs to be (+2).

Thanks to the slide-out crumb tray, we could easily remove most of the falling debris after cooking. For the remaining crumbs on the cooking chamber’s floor, we could simply tilt the oven and get all of them out (+1).

Unfortunately, during our Whole Roasted Chicken test, the chicken grazed the upper heating elements when we put it in and left permanent black stains there (-1.5). The baking tray also suffered some stubborn stains but we were able to brush them off with a paste of baking soda and water (+1).

Grease on the glass door of a closed stainless steel Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Easy Reach Roll Top Door Toaster Oven.
Grease on the glass door of a closed stainless steel Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Easy Reach Roll Top Door Toaster Oven.
Grease on the left wall of the stainless steel Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Easy Reach Toaster Oven’s cooking chamber.
Caramelized meat juice and grease on the silver baking pan of the Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Easy Reach Toaster Oven.
The cleaned silver baking pan of the Hamilton Beach 31127D 6-Slice Easy Reach Roll Top Toaster Oven with some discoloration.

We cleaned the Hamilton Beach in accordance with our toaster oven cleaning guide. The oven was easy to clean thanks to its surface coatings and the fact that it has no tricky nooks and crannies.

The removable crumb tray made it easy to clean up the crumbs, though we still had to tilt the oven to get the last of them. Unfortunately, after our Whole Roasted Chicken test, the baking pan accumulated some discoloration that we weren’t able to remove even with a paste of baking soda and water.