This compact, multifunctional toaster oven excels at air frying, broiling, and baking, although it may not suit larger families. Our tests showed decent performance, but its price point and size could be drawbacks for some.
Pros
Stylish, modern design
Wi-Fi connectivity for SmartHQ App
Remote activation capability
Lightweight construction
Convenient cord storage
Safety control lock
Customizable alarm volume and display brightness
14 cooking presets
Cons
High price
May feel cramped for larger families
You can trust our expertise. We rigorously test and compare the latest kitchen gadgets to help you make informed choices.
Countertop ovens have revolutionized cooking, providing the efficiency of full-size ovens in a compact form. Unlike microwaves, they ensure even cooking without compromising taste.
In February 2022, the Café Couture Oven with Air Fry was unveiled, showcasing the brand's flair for blending aesthetics with functionality. I tested this appliance over several days, preparing a variety of dishes.
Café Couture Oven with Air Fry Specifications
- Model Number:
- Capacity: .8 cubic feet
- Cooking modes: Air fry, convection bake, convection broil, bake, broil, warm, toast
- Temperature Range: 80°F-450°F
- Size: 13.1 W x 5.0 H x 12.4 L inches
- Weight: 28 pounds
- Power: 1800 W
- Included Accessories: Heavy-Duty Wire Rack, Baking Tray, 12-inch Pizza Pan, Air Fry/Dehydrate Basket, Crumb Tray
- Warranty: 1 year
Initial Impressions
The Café Couture Oven arrived securely packaged, initially too large for my countertop. After unpacking, I found it fits perfectly. Its cast aluminum body exudes elegance, available in stainless, matte black, or matte white finishes, all featuring chic copper accents.
Included are essential accessories like a heavy-duty wire rack, baking tray, pizza pan, air fry/dehydrate basket, and crumb tray. The manual comes with recipes, such as Maple Cayenne Wings and Lemon Cream Tartlets.
This 1800-watt oven offers a range from 80 to 450 degrees, with a 0.8 cubic feet capacity. It accommodates a 12-inch pizza or six slices of toast, though it's smaller than some competitors.
With built-in Wi-Fi, you can use the SmartHQ App to monitor and control your cooking remotely, adjusting temperature and timing easily. Activation of the remote mode is necessary for safety before use.
Cooking Experience
The front control panel features a start and cancel button, alongside options for the oven light, settings, and convection fan. The display shows the current temperature, remaining time, and cooking mode.
SmartHQ compatibility lets you control the oven from your smartphone, with voice commands and updates available through the app.
Air Frying Salmon
My first test involved air frying salmon, which didn't require preheating. After seasoning, I selected air fry mode, and the convection fan activated. The result was a perfectly crisp exterior and tender interior.
Baking Pizza
Next, I tried the pizza mode with a semi-homemade pizza. The convection fan ensured even cooking. The crust came out crispy, with melted cheese and well-cooked toppings.
Broiling Chicken
While broiling chicken, I dealt with both refrigerated and semi-frozen pieces. The oven's broil function didn't need preheating, delivering juicy results for both types of chicken.
Baking Cookies
Using the cookie function required preheating. After setting the timer for 12 minutes, I enjoyed cookies that were crispy outside and gooey inside. You can even skip preheating by pressing start again.
Cleaning
Cleaning is a breeze with soapy water and a cloth. The removable crumb tray can be hand washed, while other accessories are dishwasher-safe but handwashing is recommended for longevity.
Comparison with Competitors
Having tested many countertop ovens, including notable brands, the Café Couture Oven stands out. Although it lacks some features of pricier models, it offers excellent performance at a competitive price.
Final Thoughts: Is the Café Couture Oven with Air Fry Right for You?
Many countertop ovens are stylish and robust, but if you appreciate advanced features, the Café Couture Oven is worth considering. It's not just visually appealing; it's smart, functional, and perfect for smaller spaces.
In summary, it looks great, performs admirably, and boasts smart technology.
