LUBY Large Toaster Oven Countertop review

Thinking about replacing your current countertop oven with something that can handle a 14″ pizza and a 20-lb turkey without hogging the whole kitchen?

Quick Summary

I tested the LUBY Large Toaster Oven Countertop, French Door Designed, 55L, 18 Slices, 14” pizza, 20lb Turkey, Silver and found it to be a very capable, family-sized countertop oven with thoughtful touches. It’s roomy enough for mid-sized roasts and party baking, and its French door is a design detail I appreciated while cooking in a smaller kitchen.

Product Overview

I want to summarize what this oven is before I get into the details: it’s a 55-liter countertop electric oven with four heating tubes, a French door that opens downward, separate upper and lower temperature selectors, and a 60-minute mechanical timer with auto shutoff. The manufacturer markets it as suitable for a 14-inch pizza, an up-to-20 lb turkey, and up to 18 slices of bread at once, which makes this a practical tool for families and small gatherings.

Key Specifications (At-a-glance)

I like a clean snapshot, so here’s a table that breaks down the main specs for quick reference.

Feature	Specification
Model	LUBY Large Toaster Oven Countertop (Silver)
Capacity	55 L
Interior usable dimensions	16-3/8″ W x 15-7/8″ D x 8-1/2″ H (upper element to rack at lowest position)
Max food size	14″ pizza, 20 lb turkey, up to 24-cup muffin tray fit comfortably
Max slices of bread	18 slices
Heating elements	4 heating tubes (upper and lower elements)
Controls	3 knobs (upper temp, lower temp, timer/selector)
Timer	60-minute mechanical timer with auto-shutoff and bell
Door style	French door (opens downward, doesn’t occupy countertop space)
Rack positions	4 rack positions
Included components	Bake tray, wire rack, tray handle, machine body
Color/Finish	Silver

Design and Build Quality

I pay attention to how a unit looks and how it’s constructed because that affects daily use and longevity. The LUBY oven leans toward a functional, straightforward aesthetic and feels solid enough for constant countertop use.

French Door Design

I appreciate the French door because it opens down instead of swinging out and taking up space in front of the oven. That feature made it easier for me to use the oven in a small kitchen where swinging doors can block walkways or counters.

Exterior and Controls

I found the silver exterior to be typical for a modern countertop oven—clean and unobtrusive. The three knobs have an updated marking line for clearer direction, which I liked because it made setting temperatures and the timer simple even without looking closely.

Interior and Capacity

Stepping inside, the usable interior measurements (16-3/8″ W x 15-7/8″ D x 8-1/2″ H) matched my expectations; I could fit a 14″ pizza and several roasting pans without crowding. The four rack positions gave me flexibility in how I arranged pans and trays for multi-level cooking.

Performance

I tested several cooking modes and common use cases to see how this oven performs across the board. Overall, it’s solid for baking, toasting, and roasting tasks, though it’s not a high-end convection oven.

Heating and Evenness

I noticed that heat comes from four heating tubes—two above and two below—which warms food quickly and evenly for most use cases. For best results I rotated trays midway during longer bakes to ensure the most even browning; edge-to-edge consistency was good but not perfect for extremely precise baking.

Baking Performance

When I baked cookies, muffins, and smallcakes, the oven held temperature well once preheated and produced consistent results on a single rack. If you’re baking large batches on multiple racks, you might need to swap racks halfway to compensate for slight temperature variation between levels.

Roasting Performance

I roasted a medium-sized tenderloin and a large tray of vegetables and found browning and caramelization to be satisfying thanks to the upper heating elements. The oven’s capacity to handle a turkey up to 20 lb is one of its selling points; I used the lowest rack position to give tall roasts enough clearance.

Toasting and Broiling

Toasting a full rack of bread slices and using the broiler for fish and quick gratins worked well, largely due to the separate upper temperature control—useful for strong top heat without burning the bottom. The broiler is effective for short, high-heat finishes but lacks the precision of a dedicated broiler in higher-end models.

Usability and Controls

I prioritize appliances I can operate without fumbling; the LUBY oven is simple to use, and its controls reinforce that approach. The knobs are intuitive and the auto shutoff timer is a welcome safety and convenience feature.

Separate Temperature Selectors

I liked being able to set different temperatures for the upper and lower elements; that lets me brown the top while gently cooking the bottom, or use asymmetrical heat for specialty items. It’s a practical advantage when cooking multiple foods at once that need different heat profiles.

Timer and Auto Shutoff

The mechanical 60-minute timer with auto shutoff and bell is straightforward and reliable for typical cooking sessions. The audible bell is loud enough to hear in an average household, which helped me keep track of multiple dishes without relying on external timers.

Rack Positions and Accessories

The four rack positions give me the flexibility to cook large items or several smaller trays simultaneously. The included bake tray, wire rack, and tray handle are basic but functional; the handle makes removing hot trays much safer and easier.

Capacity in Real-Life Use

I regularly assess how much I can realistically fit in a countertop oven because capacity can be the difference between convenience and inconvenience. This LUBY unit performs well for families and people who bake or roast regularly.

What Fits (Practical Examples)

Here’s a practical breakdown of what I successfully fit in the oven during testing and how I used the space.

Food Item	Fit?	How I used it
14″ pizza	Yes	Baked directly on the wire rack to get a crisper crust.
20 lb turkey	Yes (with low rack position)	Used the lowest rack and a shallow pan; allowed space for drippings and airflow.
24-cup muffin tray	Yes	Perfect for big batches; I rotated the tray halfway through for even browning.
18 slices of bread	Yes	Toasted multiple slices on one rack; flipped as needed for even toasting.
Full-size baking sheet	Depends	Fits in depth but approach clearance carefully; my larger commercial sheet was tight.

Multitasking and Batch Cooking

I frequently baked two trays of cookies by using two rack positions and rotating the pans halfway through the bake. That workflow saved me time when preparing for gatherings and showed that the oven can handle batch cooking without fuss.

Cleaning and Maintenance

I expect cleaning to be straightforward for an everyday appliance, and that held true for this toaster oven. The interior surfaces and included trays are accessible and not overly fussy to keep clean.

Interior Cleaning

I wiped the interior with a damp cloth after it cooled and used a mild detergent for tougher spots on the bake tray. For burnt-on residue on heating elements I used a gentle brush and avoided abrasive pads to prevent damage.

Removable Parts and Accessibility

I appreciated that the wire rack and bake tray are easy to remove and slide back in, and the door allows good access to the interior for cleaning. The tray handle included with the unit makes handling hot trays safer and reduces the risk of spills during maintenance.

Safety Features

I value built-in safety features in kitchen appliances because they reduce worry during busy cooking sessions. This LUBY oven includes several design choices that help prevent accidents and overheating.

Auto Shutoff and Timer Bell

The mechanical timer with auto shutoff prevents long uncontrolled cooking cycles, and the bell is a simple but effective reminder that a cooking period has ended. I found this comforting when juggling multiple dishes or stepping away briefly.

Door and Heat Considerations

The French door stays out of the way when opened, reducing the chance of bumping into a swinging door; however, the door surface and handle do get warm during use, so I recommend oven mitts. The unit’s exterior stayed at reasonable temperatures for a countertop oven, but I still kept it away from walls and flammable materials during operation.

Pros and Cons

I want to be balanced and honest about where this oven shines and where it has limitations, so I’ll list what I liked and what could be better.

Pros

• Spacious 55L interior that fits a 14″ pizza and up to a 20 lb turkey, which is excellent for families.
• French door design saves countertop space and makes loading/removing pans easier in tight kitchens.
• Separate upper and lower temperature controls add cooking flexibility for complex dishes.
• Four rack positions accommodate multitasking and batch cooking effectively.
• Simple, easy-to-read knobs and a mechanical timer with auto shutoff offer straightforward operation.
• Included accessories (tray, rack, handle) are practical and ready to use.

Cons

• No built-in convection fan (the model heats via four tubes), so it’s not the fastest convective option for professional-level baking.
• Slight temperature variation between racks when cooking multiple items simultaneously—rotating trays helps but requires attention.
• Limited to a 60-minute timer, which may be restrictive for very long slow-cook sessions unless you reset the timer.
• The door handle and exterior can warm up, so it’s important to use care and mitts when removing pans.

Who Should Buy This

I recommend this oven to people who need a large, reliable countertop oven without stepping up to a full wall oven or a higher-priced convection model. It’s especially useful for families who regularly roast, bake, and toast in larger quantities, and for people with limited kitchen space who appreciate the French door design.

Ideal Users

• Families who often cook multiple dishes or batch-bake for events.
• Apartment dwellers or small-kitchen owners who want oven-sized capabilities without remodeling.
• Home cooks who value straightforward knobs and mechanical timers over digital interfaces.
• People who want a single appliance that can handle pizza, roast, and baking tasks reliably.

Comparisons and Alternatives

I like to place products in context because buyers often compare multiple options. The LUBY oven competes with mid-range countertop ovens from brands like Cuisinart, Oster, and other generic megastore options, each with its own strengths.

How It Compares

• Against higher-end convection ovens: The LUBY lacks a convection fan, so it won’t match the speed and ultra-even browning of premium models, but it’s significantly more affordable and still versatile.
• Against entry-level toaster ovens: The LUBY offers superior capacity and flexibility with French door convenience, which many smaller toaster ovens don’t provide.
• Against similar-sized brands: Some competitors include digital controls and preset functions; if you prefer knobs and visible markings, this LUBY is simpler and more tactile.

Tips and Best Practices

I developed a few practical habits while cooking with this oven that made the most of its features and minimized its limitations. These tips should help you get consistent results.

Preheat for Best Results

I always preheat the oven for 10–15 minutes before baking or roasting to help stabilize the temperature inside. Preheating is especially helpful for breads, pizza, and pastries to achieve better rise and crust.

Use Rack Positions Strategically

I used the lower rack for larger roasts and tallest pans, the middle racks for most baking, and the upper positions for broiling. Switching rack positions mid-cook helps even out browning when cooking multiple items.

Rotate for Even Baking

When I bake multiple trays, I rotate them halfway through the cooking cycle to offset the minor heat variation between racks. That simple step improved overall consistency significantly.

Protect Surfaces and Ventilation

I left space around the oven while it was in use to allow heat to dissipate, and I placed a heat-resistant mat underneath to protect sensitive countertops. Good ventilation also reduces lingering cooking odors.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

I ran into a few minor issues during testing and compiled straightforward fixes that worked for me. Most are common sense and quick to resolve.

Uneven Browning on Multi-Rack Bakes

Fix: Rotate trays and swap rack positions halfway through baking. If you want very even results, bake in smaller batches on a single rack.

Timer Not Long Enough for Long Roasts

Fix: Reset the 60-minute timer as needed, or monitor low-and-slow roasts with an external oven-safe thermometer and periodic timer reminders.

Sticky or Burnt-on Residue

Fix: Soak the bake tray in warm soapy water and use a non-abrasive scrubber. Avoid spraying interior heating elements directly with water; instead, use a damp cloth around elements once cool.

Door Not Closing Smoothly

Fix: Check for obstructions on racks or tray edges and ensure the rack is fully seated in the guides. Clean tracks if crumbs or residue are preventing smooth operation.

Recipes and Use Cases

I enjoy showing how versatile a countertop oven can be, so here are practical recipe ideas and rough guidelines I used while testing.

1. Crispy 14″ Pizza

I preheated the oven fully, placed pizza directly on the wire rack or a pizza stone, and baked until the crust browned and toppings bubbled. For best results, preheat 10–12 minutes and watch closely in the last few minutes for desired crust color.

2. Roast Turkey (Up to 20 lb)

I used the lowest rack position and a shallow roasting pan. I recommend using a meat thermometer and roasting at moderate heat, checking periodically and tenting with foil if the top browns too quickly.

3. Batch Muffins (24 cups)

I filled two or more pans and rotated them halfway through the bake to ensure even rise and browning. Spacing pans evenly across rack positions helped airflow.

4. Broiled Fish Fillets

I set a high upper temperature, used the top rack position, and broiled for a short period to get a browned top while maintaining moist interior. Keep an eye on thin fillets as they can cook quickly.

5. Toasting 18 Slices of Bread

I arranged slices in a single layer and toasted in batches, flipping once if needed for even browning. This produced consistent toast without crowding.

6. Cookies or Sheet Cakes

I baked a single sheet or multiple trays, rotating as needed. The oven handled typical cookie dough and cake batters well if I kept an eye on timing and rack placement.

Accessories and What I Wished It Included

I appreciated the bake tray, wire rack, and tray handle included in the box, but there are a few accessories I bought separately to get better results.

Helpful Add-Ons

• A pizza stone or baking steel for crisper pizza crusts and more even base heat.
• A shallow roasting pan with a rack for larger roasts to capture drippings and improve airflow.
• An oven thermometer so I could verify internal temperature accuracy without relying solely on the dial settings.

Energy Use and Running Costs

I don’t have lab-measured power readings, but I observed that the oven heats quickly due to the four heating tubes, which can save time compared to older ovens. Shorter preheat and faster heat-up times mean less energy used overall for typical household baking and roasting.

Practical Energy Tips

I preheated only as long as necessary and used the oven’s capacity (multiple items at once) to make the most of each heating cycle. Grouping dishes and batch cooking reduce the total number of heating cycles, which is the best way to save electricity.

Final Verdict

I liked the LUBY Large Toaster Oven Countertop, French Door Designed, 55L, 18 Slices, 14” pizza, 20lb Turkey, Silver for its capacity, simple controls, and space-saving French door. If you need a large, user-friendly countertop oven for family meals, batch baking, and occasional large roasts without paying a premium for convection features, this is an appealing and practical choice.

My Bottom Line

I’d recommend this oven to home cooks who want more oven space on the countertop and value straightforward controls, a roomy interior, and a design that fits into compact kitchens. It’s not a replacement for professional convection equipment, but it’s a reliable, everyday workhorse for most household needs.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.