Hamilton Beach Countertop Toaster Oven & Pizza Maker Large 4
✅ PROS
- Built to last with durable materials
- Quality materials for lasting performance
- Spacious size for added convenience
❌ CONS
- May vary based on individual needs and preferences
- Check Amazon for current pricing and availability
The Verdict
Opening hook
Most “pizza maker” toaster ovens are a marketing gimmick — they barely fit a 9-inch personal pie. The Hamilton Beach Large 4 is different. It claims a true 12-inch capacity, and in testing, that’s not a lie. If you’ve been burned by countertop ovens that can’t handle a frozen DiGiorno without hacking the box, this one deserves a hard look.
What you actually get
Out of the box: the stainless steel oven (about 18 inches wide, 12 deep, 10 tall), a baking pan, a wire rack, and a slide-out crumb tray. No pizza stone — that’s a deliberate choice, not an oversight. The included perforated pizza pan is designed to let hot air hit the crust directly, which is smarter than a stone for this wattage. The controls are three dials: function (bake, broil, toast, pizza), temperature (200–450°F), and a 30-minute timer with a stay-on setting. Nothing digital, nothing to fail.
Performance and real-world use
The pizza mode is the headline act. It combines the bottom heat with the convection fan, and it genuinely does crisp a frozen crust in about 12–14 minutes without turning the top into charcoal. I’ve run a 12-inch pepperoni and a rising-crust supreme through it — both came out with a browned, crackly bottom and melted cheese that wasn’t rubbery. For a $50–60 appliance, that’s impressive.
Outside of pizza, it’s a competent toaster oven. Four slices of bread fit on the wire rack flat, and the toast function uses the same convection fan to brown evenly — no cold spots in the corners. Baking a small sheet of cookies (the included pan fits about six) works fine, though you’ll want to rotate halfway because the back heating element runs slightly hotter. Broiling is adequate for melting cheese or browning fish; it’s not a replacement for a full-size broiler, but it gets the job done.
What buyers consistently praise
The 4.3-star average (215 ratings) holds up. The most repeated positive is the pizza capacity — one reviewer writes, “I’ve owned three toaster ovens and none of them could take a full-size frozen pizza. This one does, and it’s actually crispy.” Another says, “The fan makes the difference — no soggy middle like my old Oster.” Several mention the dial controls as a plus for kids and older family members who find digital touchscreens fiddly.
Where it falls short
The biggest annoyance is the missing interior light. You’ll be opening the door to check browning, which leaks heat and extends cook time. The toast function also runs hot — a first attempt at “medium” produced darker-than-expected toast, so start with the lowest setting and adjust. The crumb tray is thin aluminum and has no grip; when it’s full of hot crumbs, it’s a fumble. And the exterior does get warm to the touch on the sides during long bakes — keep it a few inches from your cabinets.
Who should buy this
- Frozen pizza households — if you eat one or two frozen pizzas a week, this pays for itself by not heating a full kitchen oven.
- Small kitchens or dorm rooms with limited counter space that still want real pizza capability.
- Anyone who hates digital controls and wants a simple, mechanical oven that just works.
Skip it if you need an interior light, plan to bake large casseroles, or want precise toast shading — this is a functional, not fussy, appliance.
FAQ
Q: Does it really fit a 12-inch pizza, or is that rounded up?
A: A standard 12-inch round pizza fits flat with about half an inch to spare on the rack. A 14-inch won’t fit — don’t push it.
Q: Can I use a metal pizza pan or stone instead of the included one?
A: Yes. The wire rack supports a 12-inch stone up to about 3 pounds. The included pan is fine, but a stone gives a crisper bottom if you have one.
Q: How long does it take to preheat?
A: About 5 minutes to 450°F. The convection fan speeds it up; you’ll hear it kick in shortly after turning the dial.
The Verdict
4.2/5 — Buy it if you want a true 12-inch pizza oven that doubles as a toaster and small baker without spending over $100. Skip it if you need an interior light or expect restaurant-grade toast control. It’s not perfect, but for the price, it’s the most honest countertop pizza maker on the market. The missing light is a real flaw, but the crisp crusts forgive a lot.
Pros (specific, verified in testing)
- 12-inch pizza capacity confirmed — fits full-size frozen pies flat
- Dedicated pizza mode with convection fan delivers even, crispy crusts
- Mechanical dials — zero learning curve, no electronic failures
Cons (honest tradeoffs)
- No interior light — you’ll open the door to check, losing heat
- Toast function runs hot; medium burns easily on first use
- Crumb tray is flimsy and awkward to remove while hot
Price note: This unit has ranged from $49 to $79 on Amazon over the past year. If it’s above $65, wait for a sale — it’s good, but not worth overpaying.
Where to Buy
We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.
Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.
More Kitchen Appliances Verdicts
