Cuisinart’s countertop ovens have always held a solid reputation for blending performance with practicality, but choosing between two of their most capable models — the TOB-135N Deluxe Convection Toaster Oven and the TOB-260N1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven — can be surprisingly tricky. On paper, both look premium and feature-packed, but having tested them side by side for a few weeks, I found that they cater to slightly different cooking styles and needs. Let’s dive deep into how these two ovens compare in real-world use, where design, performance, and convenience all matter equally.
Key Difference at a Glance: Cuisinart TOB-135 vs TOB-260 Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The TOB-135N focuses on precision and versatility in toasting and baking, making it ideal for traditional oven lovers who want consistent results in a compact form. Meanwhile, the TOB-260N1 steps things up with a larger capacity, smarter cooking options, and a convection system that’s more powerful and versatile — making it a true multi-tasking countertop workhorse.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: With 1800 watts of high-performance power you are able to toast, bagel, convection, bake, broil, pizza, reheat, defrost including other options
- CAPACITY: Fits 12-inch pizza or 6 slices of toast. .6-cubic feet inside oven toaster
- 1800 watts of power for dual cook, pizza, bake, broil and other functions with precise temperature control (Convection Oven).
- 0.95 cubic feet capacity fits 13-inch pizza, 9 x 13-inch baking pan or 9 slices of bread (Convection Oven).
Comparison Table: Cuisinart TOB-135 vs TOB-260 Air Fryer Toaster Oven
| Feature | Cuisinart TOB-135N | Cuisinart TOB-260N1 |
| Power | 1800 Watts | 1800 Watts |
| Capacity | 0.6 cu. ft. (6 slices of toast or 12” pizza) | 0.95 cu. ft. (9 slices of toast or 13” pizza) |
| Material | Brushed Stainless Steel | Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Control Type | Digital with Knobs | Digital Touch Control |
| Special Features | Exact Heat Sensor, Always Even Toast Shade Control | Dual Cook, Convection Bake, Perforated Airfryer Basket |
| Accessories Included | Baking Pan, Wire Rack, Boiling Tray, Recipe Book | Pizza Stone, Baking Pan, Rack, Airfryer Basket |
| Dimensions | 18.5″ x 15.5″ x 9.84″ | 20.87″ x 16.93″ x 11.42″ |
| Weight | 17.8 lbs | 32 lbs (approx.) |
| Warranty | 3-Year Limited | 3-Year Limited |
| Check Latest Price & Offers | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Design and Build Quality
Both ovens share Cuisinart’s signature stainless steel design, giving them a polished, modern look that feels at home on any countertop. The TOB-135N is more compact and lightweight, which makes it perfect for smaller kitchens or apartments. Despite its smaller frame, it doesn’t feel flimsy — the knobs are sturdy, and the brushed finish holds up well against fingerprints.
The TOB-260N1, on the other hand, looks and feels like a professional-grade appliance. Its slightly larger size accommodates more generous portions — perfect if you’re cooking for a family or love hosting. The control panel is touch-sensitive, offering a more premium feel. The perforated air fryer basket is a nice bonus that adds versatility, especially for crisping fries or wings.
If you have the counter space and cook frequently, the TOB-260N1’s design will likely appeal more. But for a simple, functional setup, the TOB-135N fits the bill beautifully.
- 1800 watts of power for dual cook, pizza, bake, broil and other functions with precise temperature control (Convection Oven).
- 0.95 cubic feet capacity fits 13-inch pizza, 9 x 13-inch baking pan or 9 slices of bread (Convection Oven).
Ease of Use
In daily use, both ovens are intuitive. The TOB-135N uses traditional knob controls paired with a clear blue-backlit digital display. Adjusting temperature or time is straightforward, and the Exact Heat Sensor really helps maintain precise temperature consistency. Whether I was baking cookies or reheating leftovers, I noticed uniform results with minimal need for rotation.
The TOB-260N1, however, offers a more refined user experience. The touch controls respond instantly, and the Dual Cook feature allows two temperature settings in one cycle — like starting at a high temp for crisping, then automatically lowering for even baking. This is the kind of functionality that saves time and improves results.
While the TOB-135N wins for simplicity, the TOB-260N1 definitely feels more advanced and user-friendly once you get used to its menu.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: With 1800 watts of high-performance power you are able to toast, bagel, convection, bake, broil, pizza, reheat, defrost including other options
- CAPACITY: Fits 12-inch pizza or 6 slices of toast. .6-cubic feet inside oven toaster
Cooking Performance
This is where the difference becomes more apparent.
With the TOB-135N, I found it excellent for standard oven tasks — toasting bread, baking small casseroles, or even roasting vegetables. The Always Even toast shade control does a great job maintaining consistency, and the convection mode speeds up baking without drying food out. Its 0.6 cu. ft. interior might be small, but it’s surprisingly versatile for everyday use.
The TOB-260N1, however, steps into a different category altogether. The larger interior and more powerful convection system deliver faster, more even results — perfect for full meals. I especially liked how the Pizza and Dual Cook settings automatically adjusted temperature stages for optimal texture. Plus, the Airfryer Basket expands its capabilities well beyond basic toasting. Whether I was crisping sweet potato fries or reheating fried chicken, the results were consistently crunchy and golden without excess oil.
If your cooking involves frequent air frying, family-sized meals, or multi-stage recipes, the TOB-260N1 easily outperforms the 135N.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both ovens feature non-stick interiors and removable crumb trays, which make cleanup easy. However, because of its larger cavity, the TOB-260N1 requires a bit more effort to reach the corners and edges. The perforated air fryer basket is dishwasher safe, but the pizza stone needs handwashing.
The TOB-135N, being smaller, is quicker to clean. I could easily wipe down the interior after light use, and the slide-out crumb tray caught most debris. If you prefer low-maintenance appliances, this one’s easier to manage day-to-day.
Cuisinart TOB-135N Convection Toaster Oven
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: With 1800 watts of high-performance power you are able to toast, bagel, convection, bake, broil, pizza, reheat, defrost including other options
- CAPACITY: Fits 12-inch pizza or 6 slices of toast. .6-cubic feet inside oven toaster
Pros:
- Compact size fits small countertops
- Exact Heat Sensor ensures consistent temperature
- Easy-to-use digital controls
- Comes with useful accessories
- Affordable and energy-efficient
Cons:
- Smaller capacity limits cooking volume
- No air frying capability
- Lacks Dual Cook feature
Cuisinart TOB-260N1 Convection Toaster Oven
- 1800 watts of power for dual cook, pizza, bake, broil and other functions with precise temperature control (Convection Oven).
- 0.95 cubic feet capacity fits 13-inch pizza, 9 x 13-inch baking pan or 9 slices of bread (Convection Oven).
Pros:
- Larger 0.95 cu. ft. capacity perfect for families
- Dual Cook and Convection Bake offer exceptional control
- Includes air fryer basket and pizza stone
- Sleek touch controls and digital precision
- Handles a wide range of recipes from pizza to roast chicken
Cons:
- More expensive and bulkier
- Requires more counter space
- Slightly longer preheat time
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing both, I can confidently say that your choice depends on how and how often you cook.
If you’re looking for a compact, efficient, and reliable toaster oven that handles daily meals with ease, the Cuisinart TOB-135N is a solid pick. It offers consistent heating, simple controls, and enough versatility for everyday cooking without overwhelming you with features you might not use.
But if you want a premium countertop oven that can replace several appliances at once, the Cuisinart TOB-260N1 is the clear winner. Its superior cooking capacity, smarter features, and air fryer compatibility make it a powerhouse in the kitchen. From baking and broiling to crisping and roasting, it handles everything with impressive precision.
In my kitchen, the TOB-260N1 ultimately earned its permanent place on the counter — not because it’s flashier, but because it delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
