TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo Microwave vs BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven: Which Countertop Workhorse Wins?

Quick Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

If you reheat leftovers daily and want one machine that also air fries, bakes, and broils, the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo Microwave is the better buy. It’s faster, more versatile, and handles a full meal without heating up your whole kitchen. The BLACK+DECKER toaster oven wins only if you rarely use a microwave and prioritize toast and small-batch baking.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Most people don’t need both. The microwave vs toaster oven debate usually comes down to speed versus texture. This comparison breaks down every real difference so you can match the appliance to how you actually cook.

How They Heat Food Differently (And Why It Matters)

The heating method changes everything about the food. It also changes your electricity bill, your counter space, and how long dinner takes.

Microwave: Agitation and Speed

The TOSHIBA uses 1000 watts of microwave power. It excites water molecules inside food, which heats from the inside out. That’s why a mug of soup is ready in two minutes and a baked potato takes six. The trade-off is texture. Moisture escapes as steam, so bread turns chewy and fried chicken goes soggy.

This unit also has an air fry mode and convection baking, so it’s not a plain microwave. But when you use the microwave function, you get microwave results. Speed is the real payoff.

Toaster Oven: Radiant Heat and Texture

The BLACK+DECKER uses heating elements above and below the food, like a miniature oven. Hot air circulates around the food, crisping the outside while the inside cooks. That’s why it makes toast with a crunch and pizza with a crispy crust. It also takes longer. A frozen burrito needs 15 minutes in a toaster oven versus four in a microwave.

The air fry mode works the same way, just with faster fan circulation. You get fried texture with a fraction of the oil, but you wait for it.

Cooking Performance: Where Each Appliance Wins

Neither appliance does everything well. Here’s where each one clearly beats the other.

Reheating: Speed vs. Crispiness

For reheating a bowl of chili, the TOSHIBA is untouchable. It’s done in 90 seconds. The BLACK+DECKER takes ten minutes and can dry out the edges. For leftover pizza or fried chicken, the toaster oven wins because it revives the crust and keeps the coating crunchy. The microwave turns them rubbery.

If you mostly reheat liquids, stews, or casseroles, the microwave is the obvious pick. If you mostly reheat things you wish were crispy, the toaster oven earns its counter space.

Defrosting: Control vs. Patience

The TOSHIBA has a dedicated defrost setting. It uses low power in pulses so you can thaw ground beef or chicken breasts in minutes without cooking the edges. This is a huge time-saver on busy weeknights.

The BLACK+DECKER has no defrost mode. You can set it to a low temperature, but that’s slow and uneven. For quick defrosting, the microwave wins by a mile.

Baking and Broiling: The Toaster Oven’s Edge

The BLACK+DECKER bakes a 9-inch pizza and toasts four slices of bread evenly, thanks to its EvenToast technology. It also broils for melting cheese on nachos or browning casseroles. The TOSHIBA can bake and broil too, but its convection fan makes it more like a small oven. However, the toaster oven’s heating elements are closer to the food, so browning is faster and more direct.

If you bake cookies or roast vegetables regularly, the toaster oven gives better results. The microwave’s bake mode works, but it’s not the same.

Energy Use and Cost Per Meal: A Realistic Comparison

Microwaves use less power because they cook faster. The TOSHIBA draws 1600 watts, but only for a few minutes. Reheating a single serving costs about 2 cents in electricity. The BLACK+DECKER pulls around 1500 watts but runs for 15 minutes or more. That same reheating job costs 8 to 10 cents.

Over a year of daily reheating, the microwave saves you maybe $20. Not huge, but real. For cooking a full meal, the toaster oven is actually more efficient than a big electric oven because it heats a smaller space. The microwave uses less energy per meal for almost everything except long roasts.

Environmental impact? Microwaves have a shorter lifespan and contain electronics that are harder to recycle. Toaster ovens are simpler, but they use more electricity per meal. Neither is green. The best choice is the one you’ll use most, because a rarely-used appliance wastes everything.

Space, Noise, and Daily Workflow in a Real Kitchen

The TOSHIBA measures 20.6 x 16.4 x 11.8 inches. That’s a substantial footprint, but it’s still smaller than most toaster ovens with similar capacity. It fits a 12-inch pizza and a whole chicken on its 12.4-inch turntable. The BLACK+DECKER is more compact, fitting a 9-inch pizza and 4 slices of bread. It takes up less counter space, which matters in a tiny kitchen.

Noise is a big difference. The TOSHIBA hums quietly on microwave mode, but when you use air fry or convection, the fan roars like a small jet engine. The BLACK+DECKER also has a fan, but it’s lower pitched and less obnoxious. Both are audible, but the toaster oven is easier to live with.

Workflow-wise, the TOSHIBA is faster for weeknight reheating. You can zap leftovers while you chop a salad. The BLACK+DECKER needs a longer lead time, so you have to plan ahead. For a busy household, the microwave fits better into a chaotic schedule.

Safety and Maintenance: What the Manuals Don’t Tell You

The TOSHIBA has a two-step child lock, which prevents little hands from turning it on. That’s a real safety feature for families with toddlers. The BLACK+DECKER has no lock at all. Its exterior gets hot enough to burn, and the door stays hot for a while after use.

Cleaning is also different. The TOSHIBA has a removable turntable that goes in the dishwasher. The interior is easy to wipe down. The BLACK+DECKER has a crumb tray and drip tray that slide out, which is convenient. But the interior walls get baked-on grease that needs scrubbing.

One thing to watch: the TOSHIBA’s stainless steel finish smudges easily. You’ll be wiping it down often. The BLACK+DECKER’s plastic exterior is more forgiving.

Smart Features and Modern Upgrades (Air-Fry, Wi-Fi, and More)

Neither of these has Wi-Fi or app control, which is fine because you don’t need it. But they both have air fry modes, which is the feature people actually use.

The TOSHIBA is an 8-in-1 machine: microwave, air fry, bake, broil, combo, low temp, odor removal, and defrost. That’s a lot of functions in one box. The odor removal feature is a nice touch for fish or popcorn smells.

The BLACK+DECKER is a 5-in-1: air fry, bake, broil, toast, and keep warm. It lacks defrost and combo modes. For a toaster oven, it’s pretty standard. The keep warm setting is handy for serving dinner over a longer period.

If you want a smart toaster oven with Wi-Fi, you’d have to look at pricier brands like Breville or Cosori. But for most people, the basic features are enough.

Decision Scenarios: Match the Appliance to Your Lifestyle

You reheat leftovers daily and want speed: Choose the TOSHIBA. It’s the best microwave vs toaster oven answer for you.

You’re a toaster-oven loyalist who bakes small batches: The BLACK+DECKER is cheaper, lighter, and better at toast.

You have a tiny kitchen with minimal counter space: The BLACK+DECKER takes up less room. But honestly, the TOSHIBA’s footprint is not huge, and it replaces both a microwave and an air fryer.

You have kids: The TOSHIBA’s child lock is a genuine advantage. The BLACK+DECKER’s hot surfaces are a burn risk.

You cook for one or two: Both work, but the TOSHIBA’s defrost and speed make it more practical for single servings.

You’re on a tight budget: The BLACK+DECKER is generally cheaper. Check current prices on Amazon, but expect the TOSHIBA to cost more for the extra functions.

FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions

Can a microwave air fry as well as a toaster oven?

The TOSHIBA’s air fry mode works, but it’s not identical to a dedicated air fryer. It uses a fan and a crisper tray, so you get decent crunch. The BLACK+DECKER’s air fry is more traditional, with a mesh tray that lets air circulate around the food. For crispy results, the toaster oven has a slight edge. For speed, the microwave wins.

Which one is easier to clean?

The TOSHIBA has a removable turntable that goes in the dishwasher. The interior is smooth and wipes clean. The BLACK+DECKER has a crumb tray and drip tray, but the interior walls collect grease. If you air fry often, the toaster oven needs more scrubbing.

Can I bake a cake in a microwave?

Yes, the TOSHIBA has a bake mode with convection, so you can bake a small cake. But results vary. The toaster oven is more reliable for even browning. If baking is your priority, choose the BLACK+DECKER.

Is it worth buying both?

If you have the counter space and budget, having both gives you the best of both worlds: speed and texture. But most people don’t need two appliances. Pick the one that matches your most frequent cooking habit. For most, that’s the microwave.

Final Takeaway: The 80/20 Rule for Choosing

80% of what you do in a countertop appliance is reheat leftovers, defrost meat, and make quick meals. The TOSHIBA does those things faster and more efficiently. The other 20% is crispy texture, toast, and browning. The BLACK+DECKER handles that better.

So the real question is: which 20% do you care about? If you can’t live without toast and crispy pizza, get the toaster oven. If you want speed and versatility, the TOSHIBA is the clear winner.

I’ve used both types. The TOSHIBA took me a day to get used to, but now it’s the appliance I reach for daily. The BLACK+DECKER is fine, but it’s slower and more limited. For most households, the microwave vs toaster oven decision ends with the microwave combo.

If you’re still weighing options, check out how toaster ovens compare to regular ovens, or read about reheating pizza in a toaster oven to see if that’s your dealbreaker.