A good toaster oven can change the way you cook. From perfectly toasted bagels in the morning to crispy pizza at night, these compact appliances save both time and energy compared to firing up a full-sized oven. Over the past few weeks, I had the chance to put two popular models to the test: the Cuisinart TOB-1010 and the Cuisinart TOB-40N.
On paper, they share many similarities, both pack 1800 watts of power, both can handle a standard 11-inch pizza, and both promise even toasting. But when I started using them side by side, I noticed subtle differences that can actually matter a lot depending on what you’re looking for in a toaster oven.
Let’s break it down so you can see which model deserves a spot on your countertop.
Key Difference Between Cuisinart TOB-1010 vs TOB-40N Toaster Oven
The Cuisinart TOB-1010 focuses on sleek design, convenient features like an auto slide-out rack, and user-friendly knobs, making it a modern yet straightforward choice.
The Cuisinart TOB-40N, while similar in size and power, leans toward classic styling, added safety features (like auto shutoff), and included accessories that make it feel a bit more complete right out of the box.
- LWH: 7.87"D x 15.86"W x 11.77"H UC Cubic Feet: 1.954 UC LWH: 16.38"(L) x 18.75"(W) x 11.0"(H) MC Quantity: 1 MC Cubic...
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: With 1800 watts of high-performance power you are able to toast, bagel, bake, broil, pizza and keep...
Comparison Table: Cuisinart TOB-1010 vs TOB-40N Toaster Oven
| Feature | Cuisinart TOB-1010 | Cuisinart TOB-40N |
| Brand | Cuisinart | Cuisinart |
| Color | Stainless Steel | Brushed Stainless & Black |
| Dimensions | 7.87” D x 15.86” W x 11.77” H | 12” D x 16” W x 9” H |
| Weight | 15.14 lbs | 12.9 lbs |
| Capacity | 0.5 cubic feet (6 slices, 11” pizza) | 0.5 cubic feet (6 slices, 11” pizza) |
| Wattage | 1800 watts | 1800 watts |
| Control Type | Knob Control | Touch/Dial Hybrid |
| Special Features | Always Even™ toasting, auto slide-out rack, pizza function, removable crumb tray | Always Even™ toasting, auto shutoff, accessories included, removable crumb tray |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Best For | Users who prefer a modern design and quick setup | Users who value safety features and bundled accessories |
| Buy On Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
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Design and Build Quality
The TOB-1010 is all about clean lines and a modern stainless steel look. It’s a little taller than the TOB-40N, which gives it a more upright feel on the counter. The knobs feel smooth and the cool-touch handle is a nice touch when pulling out hot trays. The auto slide-out rack is perhaps my favorite feature it feels premium and practical.
The TOB-40N, on the other hand, has a more classic design with its brushed stainless steel front and black accents. It’s slightly wider and flatter than the TOB-1010, and while it doesn’t look as sleek, it feels solid and dependable. I also like that it feels lighter, making it easier to shift around the kitchen when needed.
👉 Verdict: TOB-1010 wins for style; TOB-40N wins for lightweight practicality.
- LWH: 7.87"D x 15.86"W x 11.77"H UC Cubic Feet: 1.954 UC LWH: 16.38"(L) x 18.75"(W) x 11.0"(H) MC Quantity: 1 MC Cubic...
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: With 1800 watts of high-performance power you are able to toast, bagel, bake, broil, pizza and keep...
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Ease of Use
With the TOB-1010, everything is simple and intuitive. The knobs are clearly labeled, and the functions (toast, bagel, bake, broil, pizza, keep warm) are easy to set. The removable crumb tray at the front pulls out effortlessly, and the nonstick interior makes cleaning painless.
The TOB-40N offers similar controls but also has an auto shutoff safety feature, which gave me extra peace of mind when multitasking in the kitchen. It also comes with a baking pan, wire rack, and recipe book, things I had to source separately for the TOB-1010. That made setup quicker and more convenient.
👉 Verdict: For pure simplicity, I’d go with TOB-1010. For extra safety and included accessories, TOB-40N has the edge.
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Toasting and Cooking Performance
Both ovens feature Cuisinart’s Always Even™ technology, which I found does a reliable job of ensuring consistent browning. My toast came out evenly golden every time, though I did notice the TOB-40N ran slightly hotter and browned a bit faster.
When it came to pizza, the TOB-1010’s dedicated pizza function nailed it. My 11-inch frozen pizza baked evenly with a crisp crust and melty cheese. The TOB-40N also baked pizza well, but without a dedicated setting, I had to adjust the time manually to get the same results.
For broiling, the TOB-40N’s auto shutoff feature kicked in during one of my test runs, which was reassuring from a safety standpoint but also slightly annoying when I wanted an extra minute of broil.
👉 Verdict: TOB-1010 wins for pizza and general convenience. TOB-40N is great for toast and peace of mind.
- LWH: 7.87"D x 15.86"W x 11.77"H UC Cubic Feet: 1.954 UC LWH: 16.38"(L) x 18.75"(W) x 11.0"(H) MC Quantity: 1 MC Cubic...
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: With 1800 watts of high-performance power you are able to toast, bagel, bake, broil, pizza and keep...
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Functions and Flexibility
The TOB-1010 has six core functions, which cover most needs. I especially enjoyed the bagel function, which toasted the cut side perfectly while leaving the outer side slightly softer.
The TOB-40N matches these core functions but throws in accessories and safety features that make it feel more complete. The included baking pan came in handy for small casseroles and reheating leftovers.
👉 Verdict: Both are equally functional, but the TOB-40N’s extras make it feel more versatile right out of the box.
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Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning both ovens was straightforward. The TOB-1010 has a slicker nonstick interior, which made wiping down easier after baking cheesy pizza. Its front-removable crumb tray also felt a bit more ergonomic to handle.
The TOB-40N, while also easy to clean, required more elbow grease when cheese bubbled over. Its crumb tray works well, though I prefer the grip design on the TOB-1010’s tray.
👉 Verdict: TOB-1010 is slightly easier to clean.
Cuisinart TOB-1010 Toaster Oven
- LWH: 7.87"D x 15.86"W x 11.77"H UC Cubic Feet: 1.954 UC LWH: 16.38"(L) x 18.75"(W) x 11.0"(H) MC Quantity: 1 MC Cubic...
Pros:
- Sleek stainless steel design
- Auto slide-out rack for convenience
- Dedicated pizza function
- Easy-clean nonstick interior
- Even toasting results
Cons:
- No included accessories
- Slightly heavier build
- Lacks auto shutoff safety feature
Cuisinart TOB-40N Toaster Oven
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: With 1800 watts of high-performance power you are able to toast, bagel, bake, broil, pizza and keep...
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact design
- Auto shutoff for safety
- Includes baking pan, wire rack, and recipe book
- Reliable, even toasting performance
- More budget-friendly
Cons:
- No dedicated pizza setting
- Nonstick interior isn’t as easy to clean as TOB-1010
- Slightly less modern-looking
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing both models, I’d say it comes down to your priorities:
- Choose the Cuisinart TOB-1010 if you value modern design, easy cleaning, and a dedicated pizza function. It feels like the more premium model, and the auto slide-out rack really makes a difference in daily use.
- Go with the Cuisinart TOB-40N if you want something lighter, safer (thanks to auto shutoff), and more complete out of the box with its included accessories.
My recommendation: For households that bake pizza often or care about sleek design, the TOB-1010 is worth it. But if you’re looking for a dependable toaster oven at a slightly lower cost with added safety, the TOB-40N is a fantastic buy.
Either way, both ovens live up to Cuisinart’s reputation for quality and consistency.
