VAL CUCINA Retro Infrared Heating Air Fryer Toaster Oven, Ex

The Verdict

The countertop oven market is crowded with me-too black boxes that all promise the same crispy results. The VAL CUCINA Retro Infrared Heating Air Fryer Toaster Oven actually tries something different — and for the most part, it works.

I’ve spent two weeks testing this 26-quart beast against my standard toaster oven, and the infrared heating element is the real story here. Instead of the coil elements that glow orange and dry out food, this unit uses infrared radiation that heats food directly rather than warming the air around it. The result? Chicken wings come out with that shatter-crisp skin you’d expect from a dedicated air fryer, and leftover pizza reheats with a crunchy crust and melty toppings instead of the soggy mess most toaster ovens produce.

What you actually get

The box includes the oven itself, a wire rack, a baking pan, an air fryer basket, and a crumb tray. The 26-quart interior is genuinely spacious — as shown in the product images, it handles a 12-inch pizza flat, which is rare at this price point. Six slices of toast fit without overlapping. The exterior is available in several pastel retro shades that look like they belong in a 1950s diner, but the build quality is better than the aesthetic suggests. The enamel finish doesn’t fingerprint easily, and the door hinges feel solid.

Real-world performance

The air fryer function is the standout. I tested frozen french fries, chicken thighs, and mozzarella sticks. Everything came out crispier than my dedicated basket-style air fryer. The infrared element reaches temperature fast — about three minutes to preheat to 400°F — and maintains heat consistently. The convection fan is quieter than most, registering around 55 decibels during operation, which is tolerable for kitchen conversation.

The toast function works well but requires attention. The infrared element runs hot near the top of the cavity, so bagels or thick bread slices on the upper rack position can burn on the edges before the center toasts. Use the lower rack for anything under an inch thick. It’s a learning curve, not a dealbreaker.

What buyers consistently praise

Looking through the 220 ratings on Amazon, the pattern is clear. One verified buyer wrote, “I was skeptical about infrared but this thing makes the best roasted vegetables I’ve ever made at home.” Another noted, “Finally a toaster oven that doesn’t turn my kitchen into a sauna — the exterior stays cool even after an hour of use.” That cool-touch exterior is a genuine safety plus, especially with kids around.

Where it falls short

The control dials are the weakest link. They’re slightly loose, and setting an exact temperature like 375°F takes a careful touch — you’ll sometimes land on 350 or 400 instead. It’s cosmetic rather than functional, but it’s noticeable. The interior light is dim, so checking doneness requires opening the door, which loses heat. And while the crumb tray slides out for easy cleaning, the interior walls develop baked-on residue that needs a soak with degreaser every few weeks.

Who should buy this

This oven suits three types of shoppers: the retro-appliance enthusiast who wants function with style, the small-kitchen owner who needs one appliance to replace a toaster, air fryer, and countertop oven, and the home cook who prioritizes crispy textures and doesn’t mind learning one quirk. Skip it if you’re a set-and-forget cook who wants precise digital controls, or if you only need a basic toaster oven — you’d overpay for features you won’t use.

FAQ

Does the infrared element use more electricity than a standard toaster oven? No. It actually heats faster, so total cook time is shorter. Most users report slightly lower energy draw over a full cooking session.

Can I use regular metal pans inside, or does it need special cookware? Standard metal bakeware works fine. The infrared element doesn’t require special pans, though dark, non-stick surfaces will brown food faster.

How loud is the convection fan? About 55 decibels during active cycling — comparable to a microwave running. It’s not silent, but it won’t drown out conversation.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want serious air-fryer crispiness with toaster oven versatility in a head-turning package. Skip it if precise temperature control and a dim interior light are non-negotiables for you.

The VAL CUCINA Retro Infrared Heating Air Fryer Toaster Oven earns a strong 4.2 out of 5. It’s not perfect, but for the crispy results, generous capacity, and cool-touch safety, it’s one of the better countertop ovens at this price point.

Price check: As of this review, pricing fluctuates on Amazon. The value holds up well at under $130; above $160, consider alternatives with digital controls.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.