Look at the interior volume and the size of the dishes you plan to cook; models range from 13 qt (compact) to 26 qt (extra‑large) and can handle anything from a 12‑inch pizza to a 12‑lb turkey. Larger capacities are great for families or entertaining, but they also take up more counter space. Consider how often you’ll use the oven for big meals versus everyday tasks like toast or a few chicken wings.

Dual‑zone ovens, such as the Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360, let you set two different temperatures at once, which is ideal for cooking a main dish and side simultaneously. Single‑zone units like the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro use one heating cavity, so you may need to stagger cooking or use accessories to separate foods. The added flexibility of dual zones usually comes with a higher price tag, but it can save time and reduce the need for multiple appliances.

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven both list 13 and 8 functions respectively, covering air fry, bake, broil, dehydrate, and more. Ninja’s Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer and Ninja Prestige Smart XL also provide 8‑10 preset programs, including roast and dehydrate. If you want the widest range, look for models that include specialty modes like proofing, slow‑cook, or a dedicated crispy‑reheat function.

Super convection or dual‑fan systems create a higher velocity of hot air, which reduces cooking time by up to 30 % and produces a more even, golden crust—key for air‑fried fries or roasted vegetables. Models such as the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and the Ninja Prestige use this technology to deliver restaurant‑style crispness without excess oil. While basic convection still works, the enhanced airflow makes a noticeable difference in texture and consistency.

Stainless‑steel interiors with removable crumb trays, like those on the Black+Decker Crisp ’N Bake and Midea Flexify, simplify wipe‑down after each use. Some units include non‑stick grill plates or dishwasher‑safe accessories (e.g., Cuisinart’s reversible grill/griddle). Models with more moving parts—dual doors or flip‑up mechanisms—may require occasional lubrication of hinges, but the trade‑off is often better ergonomics and countertop space.

Premium models such as the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and the Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 command higher prices but bundle advanced features like Element iQ algorithms, dual‑zone cooking, and extensive preset programs. Budget‑friendly choices like the Black+Decker Crisp ’N Bake or the Breville Compact still deliver solid air‑fry performance and basic functions at a lower cost. Evaluate whether the extra smart controls and larger capacity justify the price difference for your cooking habits.

Flip‑up designs, exemplified by the Ninja Flip Toaster Oven, fold upward against the backsplash, freeing up roughly half of the countertop footprint for other appliances. This is especially useful in small kitchens where every inch counts. The trade‑off can be a slightly smaller interior volume, so verify that the reduced space still meets your typical cooking needs.

Smart controls with digital displays and preset algorithms (found on Breville’s Element iQ and Ninja’s Smart Surround Convection) simplify cooking and reduce guesswork, which is handy for beginners. Manual dials, like those on the Breville Compact or Black+Decker models, offer tactile feedback and are often more durable over long‑term use. Choose based on your comfort with technology and how much you value convenience versus straightforward, low‑tech operation.