The Cuisinart tob-40 vs tob-80 is one that compares two very capable toaster ovens from the iconic brand. But, which one should you buy? Well, that will depend on your preferences, because there are some significant differences between them that will make your choice a lot easier.
Toaster ovens are for a lot of folks an essential kitchen appliance. Because of their small size, they are able to warm up a lot faster than your traditional oven. They are also great for folks whose space restrictions leave them without the option or a standard sized oven.
Below, you will find all of the information that you need to help you make a decision in this toaster oven comparison.
Click here to see price for the Cuisinart tob-40
Click here to see price for the Cuisinart tob-80
Appearance and Size
These toaster ovens look very similar with stainless steel and black exterior. The tob-40 has a longer handle that spans the entire length of the oven door while the tob-80 is about half the size with the handle fixed to the middle of the door.
This handle size difference could be a determining factor for some people – perhaps if you have larger hands.
Despite a significant difference in capacity and power (see below), these ovens are roughly the same size. So counter top space, which is always a concern for those among us with limited space, is a non-issue here.
Both machines measure about 13 inches deep x 15 inches wide x 9 inches tall and have slots for two different rack placements.
Power and Performance
The tob-80, with 1400-watts, is a little light in the power department when compared to the 1800-watt tob-40. This difference in power will certainly translate to a difference in performance. Even accounting for the difference in interior dimensions, the tob-40 will certainly heat up faster than the tob-80.
Heating Elements
Both units have top and bottom heating elements that help to get your oven up to temperature as quickly as possible and to make sure that your food is cooked evenly.
Note: Some tob-80 users complained about its proximity to the front lower heating element.
Toast and Bagels
Both of these toaster ovens should deliver good performance in the toast department. Both have a dial that you turn to select the shade from dark to light. According to some customers, you may have to experiment with the shade dial to get your desired results.
You’ll only find the bagel function on the tob-40. When you choose the bagel function, only the top heating element will turn on – resulting in a crisp top and soft chewy bottom.
Capacity
There is a big difference in the capacity of these two ovens. The tob-40 has an interior capacity of .5 cubic feet compared to .35 for the tob-80. You’re probably asking yourself how many pieces of toast can I fit in there at a time, or, can I cook a chicken in that oven?
Get more details on the tob-40
Get more details on the tob-80
Well, you’ll be able to cook a 3-lb bird in the tob-40, but that’s not going to happen in the tight quarters of the tob-80. You should, however, be able to cook chicken legs, thighs or breast with no issue.
With the tob-40, you’ll be able to cook 4 pieces of toast at once, large pieces. When I looked up customer feedback for the tob-80, users stated that you might be able to fit 2 large pieces of toast or 4 small ones at once. That’s a huge difference.
Another major concern for a lot of customers was pizza. The tob-40 can house a 11-inch pizza but with the tob-80 you’re looking at maybe an 8 or 9-inch pizza.
Controls
Each of these machines has three controls but they work a little differently on each one. On the tob-80 operation requires the use of all three of the dials. The top dial is used to select the function: warm, broil, bake, and toast.
Then on the second dial, you select a temperature. And finally you use the bottom dial to turn the machine on or select a toast shade. It’s not very user friendly and some users have complained that it is unnecessary complicated.
The tob-40 is a little simpler to use. Like the tob-80, you use the top dial to select the function. The options are: off, toast, bagel, bake, and broil. Absent is an option for warm, but logically, the dial starts with “off”. And, unlike the tob-80, it doesn’t require the use of a third dial to operate oven.
Note: While searching through the reviews I came across more than a few users whom complained about the stiffness of the knobs on the tob-80.
Convenient Features
Both ovens share common convenient features that make usability much better.
The racks automatically slide out so you don’t have to reach for an oven mitt to check on the status of your food. It’s also a very handy feature when you are trying to place food in the oven.
The nonstick interiors on these models will make cleanup very easy and so will the removable crumb trays.
Warranty
Both of these ovens carry a 2-year warranty.
Summary
After considering the toaster ovens in the Cuisinart tob-40 vs tob-80 comparison I would go with the tob-40. It has all of the advantages; power, capacity, functions, and appearance. Both of these machines take up roughly the same amount of countertop space so size doesn’t really come into play here.
Cuisinart tob-40 – Check Price
Cuisinart tob-80 – Check Price
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