Tired of juggling kitchen gadgets? The Cuisinart CTOA-122 Air Fryer Toaster Oven, at $230, combines air frying, toasting, and baking in one sleek stainless steel unit. My meals are crispy and quick, and yours will be too! With a 0.6-cubic-meter capacity and 1800 watts, it’s a countertop powerhouse. Join me—I’ll share my experience, and you’ll want this multitasking marvel to transform your cooking!
My Experience With Cuisinart CTOA-122
Alright, let me take you back to April 2025, a time when the limitations of my tiny Denver apartment kitchen were compounded by the untimely demise of my old gas oven due to a concerning leak. Facing the prospect of oven-less cooking, I urgently needed a versatile replacement that wouldn’t further encroach on my already cramped counter space. During a trip to Target, the Cuisinart CTOA-122 Air Fryer Toaster Oven caught my eye, priced at $229.99 and promising a trifecta of cooking capabilities: air frying, convection baking, and toasting. The online reviews were a mixed bag, with users raving about its ability to produce incredibly crispy fries and its overall multifunctionality, while others grumbled about a particularly difficult-to-clean baking tray and a tendency for the exterior to get quite hot during operation. As a complete novice to the world of air frying, I was nevertheless excited by the prospect of simplifying my cooking routine and decided to take the plunge.
Unboxing the Cuisinart CTOA-122 revealed a solid and well-built stainless steel unit, measuring a relatively compact 16 inches wide, 14 inches deep, and 13.5 inches high, which thankfully fit comfortably on my limited countertop. My inaugural culinary experiment involved frozen french fries. I placed them in the provided air fry basket, set the analog dials to 400°F, and programmed the timer for 15 minutes. The powerful 1800-watt heating element sprang into action almost instantly, eliminating the need for preheating, and the result was nothing short of impressive – perfectly golden and satisfyingly crunchy fries, all without a single drop of oil. My roommate, Sarah, was equally eager to test its other functions and used the convection bake setting to cook a 12-inch pizza. It cooked evenly in just 12 minutes, although we did learn to lower the temperature to 375°F on subsequent attempts to prevent the crust from burning. The aroma that filled our small kitchen was a delightful blend of the savory pizza and the slightly sweet, tobacco-vanilla scent of our apartment.
Over the past three months, the Cuisinart CTOA-122 has become a workhorse in our kitchen. I’ve successfully air-fried chicken wings to crispy perfection, toasted bagels to a delightful golden brown, and even roasted a surprisingly moist 4-pound chicken – each dish has been a hit, although I’ve learned to keep a close eye on the cooking process as the oven does tend to run a bit hotter than indicated by the dial. Sarah’s attempt at grilling salmon on the baking tray resulted in beautifully flaky fish, but the subsequent cleanup of that particular tray was indeed the nightmare that some reviewers had described; grease seemed to cling to it with remarkable tenacity. While the analog dials are undeniably simple to use, they lack precision, prompting me to purchase an inexpensive oven thermometer to ensure more accurate temperature settings. Despite these minor drawbacks, the sheer versatility and speed of this appliance have been a game-changer, turning weeknight dinners from a chore into a breeze!
Pros Of Cuisinart CTOA-122
This appliance is a kitchen rockstar. Here’s why I’m obsessed, and you’ll be too.
1. Versatile Functions: A Culinary Command Center in One Appliance
With seven distinct cooking modes – air fry, bake, broil, toast, convection bake, convection broil, and warm – this appliance truly handles everything from whipping up crispy appetizers to baking elaborate desserts. You’ll be able to cook anything your culinary heart desires, from perfectly air-fried wings to beautifully baked cakes, all with one countertop marvel.
2. Large Capacity: Surprisingly Spacious for its Compact Footprint
Despite its relatively small exterior, the interior boasts enough space to comfortably fit six slices of bread for toasting or a 12-inch pizza, making it surprisingly perfect for small families or couples. You’ll be able to easily prepare meals for yourself and your roommate or a few guests without having to rely on a full-sized oven.
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3. Fast Cooking: Efficiency That Saves You Precious Time
The powerful 1800-watt heating element, combined with the rapid heating capabilities and often the elimination of preheating, translates to significantly faster cooking times. Those crispy fries in just 15 minutes are a testament to its speed and efficiency, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights. You’ll find yourself enjoying delicious meals in a fraction of the time.
4. Crispy Air Frying: Guilt-Free Indulgence with Minimal Oil
The dedicated air frying function utilizes rapid hot air circulation to achieve that perfect crispy exterior on foods like french fries and chicken wings, all while using significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. You’ll be able to enjoy your favorite indulgent treats in a healthier way without sacrificing that satisfying crunch.
5. Stainless Steel Build: Durable Elegance for Your Countertop
The sturdy stainless steel construction not only ensures the appliance’s durability and longevity but also adds a touch of sleek, modern elegance to my often-cluttered apartment kitchen. You’ll appreciate its robust build quality and how it elevates the overall aesthetic of your cooking space.
6. Cool-Touch Handles: Safety and Convenience for Busy Cooks
The thoughtfully designed fold-down handles remain cool to the touch during operation, providing a safe and convenient way to handle the appliance, even when you’re in the middle of a busy cooking session. You’ll be able to move and interact with it confidently without the worry of accidental burns.
7. Nonstick Interior: Effortless Cleanup After Even the Greasiest Meals
The nonstick interior of the oven makes cleaning up surprisingly easy, even after cooking greasy foods that tend to splatter. A simple wipe-down is often all that’s needed to keep it spotless, saving you time and effort on kitchen cleanup. You’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meals.
8. Adjustable Controls: Culinary Flexibility at Your Fingertips
The intuitive analog dials for setting the cooking time, temperature, and toast shade offer a wide range of flexibility, allowing you to easily adjust the settings to perfectly suit whatever dish you’re preparing. You’ll have the freedom to customize every meal to your exact preferences.
9. 3-Year Warranty: Peace of Mind in Your Kitchen Investment
The fact that this appliance comes with a generous 3-year warranty, coupled with its BPA-free construction, provides significant peace of mind regarding its quality and longevity. My unit has been performing flawlessly since I purchased it, and the warranty offers an added layer of security for your investment. You’ll trust in its durability and the manufacturer’s commitment to quality.
10. Space-Saving Design: A Multifunctional Solution for Small Kitchens
One of the biggest advantages for my tiny apartment kitchen is the space-saving design of this appliance. It effectively replaces multiple single-purpose gadgets, such as a separate toaster, broiler, and potentially even a small conventional oven, freeing up valuable counter space and reducing clutter. You’ll appreciate how it streamlines your kitchen setup.
11. Even Toasting: Breakfast Perfection Without Burnt Edges
The toasting function delivers consistently even browning across all slices of bread or bagels. Sarah’s breakfasts have definitely improved thanks to the uniform toasting, eliminating those frustrating burnt edges and pale centers. You’ll be able to achieve perfectly toasted results every time.
12. Convection Power: Restaurant-Quality Roasting at Home
The convection baking feature, with its fan-driven heat circulation, ensures that dishes like roasted chicken cook evenly and develop a beautifully golden and crispy exterior while remaining juicy on the inside. You’ll be able to achieve restaurant-quality roasting results in your own kitchen.
13. Easy Setup: Ready to Cook Right Out of the Box
The Cuisinart CTOA-122 is incredibly easy to set up and use right out of the box. It comes with all the necessary accessories, including a baking rack, baking pan, and air fry basket, so you can start cooking immediately without any complicated assembly or additional purchases. You’ll be able to unleash your inner chef instantly.
Cons Of Cuisinart CTOA-122
It’s not flawless—some issues annoyed me. Here’s what you’ll deal with.
Hot Exterior
Outer surface gets scalding—burned my hand once. You’ll keep kids and pets clear.
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Hard-to-Clean Tray
Baking tray traps grease—needs heavy scrubbing. You’ll soak it for hours.
Imprecise Dials
Analog controls run hot—my pizza charred at 425°F. You’ll need an oven thermometer.
No Dishwasher-Safe Parts
Accessories require hand-washing—fries clean easily, wings don’t. You’ll scrub more than expected.
Bulky Size
Takes up counter space—tough for tiny kitchens. You’ll measure your area first.
Noisy Fan
Convection fan hums loudly—noticeable in quiet homes. You’ll hear it during cooking.
No Digital Display
Manual dials lack precision—Sarah missed exact timers. You’ll guess at settings.
Uneven Baking
Cakes dome and crack—baking’s weaker than air frying. You’ll stick to savory dishes.
Slow Broiling
Burgers took 20 minutes—longer than rivals. You’ll plan extra time for broiling.
Limited Color Options
Only gray at Target—less flair than competitors. You’ll settle for stainless.
Splatter Issues
Greasy foods like wings mess the interior—needs frequent wipes. You’ll clean often.
No Preheat Indicator
No signal for readiness—guessing leads to overcooking. You’ll watch closely.
Maintenance Tips For Cuisinart CTOA-122
Keep your CTOA-122 in top shape with my routine. Here’s how I do it.
Wipe After Use
Grease splatters stick—I wipe the interior with a damp cloth post-cooling. Clean yours; you’ll prevent buildup.
Soak Baking Tray
Grease clings hard—I soak the tray in hot, soapy water overnight. Soak yours; you’ll ease scrubbing.
Clean Crumb Tray
Crumbs pile up—I empty and wash it weekly. Check yours; you’ll avoid messes.
Avoid Abrasives
Scratches ruin nonstick—I use soft sponges only. Scrub yours gently; you’ll preserve the coating.
Check Rack Placement
Wrong rack height burns food—I use top for air frying, bottom for baking. Adjust yours; you’ll cook evenly.
Monitor Dials
Dials run hot—I verify with a thermometer weekly. Test yours; you’ll nail temperatures.
Descale Regularly
Hard water stains build—I use vinegar monthly. Descale yours; you’ll maintain performance.
Store Accessories Safely
Loose racks scratch—I keep them in a drawer. Store yours; you’ll protect the interior.
Ventilate Kitchen
Steam clouds my window—I open a vent during air frying. Vent yours; you’ll reduce moisture.
Inspect Power Cord
Fraying risks safety—I check monthly for wear. Examine yours; you’ll stay hazard-free.
Clean Air Fry Basket
Wings leave residue—I scrub with a brush post-soak. Clean yours; you’ll ensure crisp results.
Rotate Food
Uneven heat chars edges—I flip fries halfway. Rotate yours; you’ll get consistent browning.
Follow Manual
Settings confuse—I stick to Cuisinart’s guide. Read yours; you’ll master functions.
Comparison With Other Brands
Cuisinart’s solid, but I eyed competitors. Here’s how it stacks up.
Cuisinart CTOA-122 vs. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
Breville’s $400 model has digital controls and a stronger fan—my chef friend loves its even cakes. Cuisinart’s affordability and simpler dials win for casual cooks. You’d pick Breville for precision, Cuisinart for value.
Cuisinart CTOA-122 vs. Ninja Foodi DT201
Ninja’s $300 hybrid preheats faster—Sarah’s sister swears by its crispy wings. Cuisinart’s larger capacity and toasting edge out for family meals. You’d choose Ninja for speed, Cuisinart for versatility.
Cuisinart CTOA-122 vs. Cosori CO130-AO
Cosori’s $200 oven has more settings—my neighbor loves its dehydrator. Cuisinart’s durable build and cool-touch handles shine for safety. You’d go Cosori for extras, Cuisinart for reliability.
Cuisinart CTOA-122 vs. Philips Avance XL
Philips’ $250 egg-shaped fryer excels at wings—my cousin raves about its compact size. Cuisinart’s multifunctionality and baking tray win for all-in-one needs. You’d select Philips for air frying, Cuisinart for toasting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Cuisinart’s CTOA-122 shines for air frying and toasting—my fries are crispy, bagels golden, per Tom’s Guide. Baking’s weaker, and it runs hot. You’ll love it for versatility if you monitor temps.
The CTOA-122 is Cuisinart’s 1800-watt air fryer toaster oven, exclusive to Target, with seven functions: air fry, bake, broil, toast, and more. It’s a TOA-60 twin, per Amazon Q&A. You’ll get a multitasking beast.
Ninja Foodi DT201 tops CNET’s 2025 list for speed and consistency. Cuisinart CTOA-122’s value and capacity are close contenders. You’ll choose based on budget and counter space.
Cuisinart’s 6-quart (TOA-70) air fryer excels at grilling and frying—GH’s Nicole Papantoniou loves its speed, per Good Housekeeping. It’s messier than CTOA-122 but versatile. You’ll enjoy it for proteins.
Conclusion: Get Cuisinart Ctoa-122 Today
The Cuisinart CTOA-122, at $230, is your kitchen’s new MVP. My fries are crispy, my roasts juicy, and yours will be too! Despite a tricky tray and hot exterior, its versatility and power impress. Buy it now—you’ll love the healthier, faster meals it brings every day!