Looking for a compact countertop oven that can handle toast, bake, and broil without taking up the whole kitchen counter?
Overview of the Bella 14326 4-Slice Toaster Oven – Toast, Bake, Broil, and More
I bought the Bella 14326 4-Slice Toaster Oven – Toast, Bake, Broil, and More because I wanted a small appliance that could replace my old toaster and also serve as a backup for small baking tasks. This model promises basic versatility: toast, bake, broil, plus specialty settings like bagel and keep warm. I tested it over several weeks to see if it lived up to the label and whether it would be a good fit for everyday use.
Key Specifications
I like having the core facts up front so I know exactly what I’m working with. Here are the important specs that matter in everyday use.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Bella 14326 4-Slice Toaster Oven – Toast, Bake, Broil, and More |
| Exterior dimensions | 9 x 17 x 11 inches |
| Capacity | Holds pizzas up to 9 inches; fits four slices of toast |
| Timer | Up to 30 minutes |
| Settings | Toast, Bake, Broil, Bagel, Keep Warm |
| Accessories | Broiling rack and baking pan included |
| Recommended use | Toasting, small baking tasks, broiling, re-heating |
Design and Build Quality
I appreciate appliances that look clean and fit into a variety of kitchen styles. The Bella 14326 has a compact footprint with a stainless-steel front and black sides that keep it unobtrusive on my counter. The door handle feels sturdy and the control knobs are responsive.
The interior is small but thoughtfully arranged. It has two rack positions which makes it flexible for different cooking tasks. The glass door gives a clear view of what’s cooking so I can check progress without opening it frequently. Overall, the build quality matches the price point — it feels solid for an entry-level toaster oven.
Size and Countertop Fit
I live in a compact kitchen, so countertop real estate is precious. At 9 x 17 x 11 inches, this toaster oven is one of the smaller models I’ve used. It fits nicely under most cabinets with a bit of clearance and doesn’t dominate my counter.
I measured my usual spots before buying, and it fit easily. If your space is tight or you have a narrow shelf, this size will likely work well.
Materials and Finish
The exterior has a brushed metal face and plastic housing. It’s lightweight but not flimsy. The glass door is reasonably thick and the gasket around the door seals adequately.
I found the finish to be relatively fingerprint-resistant compared to high-gloss models, which helps keep it looking neat without constant wiping.
Capacity and Cooking Space
Capacity is a key factor for me: can it handle the foods I make most often? The Bella 14326 can toast four slices of bread and fit a pizza up to 9 inches. That covers most quick meals for one or two people.
I tried cooking a small frozen pizza and it fit comfortably on the baking pan. For casseroles or anything taller, the interior height becomes limiting, so I don’t expect it to replace a conventional oven for larger dishes.
What Fits Well
I regularly use this toaster oven for:
- Four slices of toast
- A 9-inch frozen or fresh pizza
- Toasting bagels (with the bagel setting)
- Baking small batches of cookies or reheating leftovers
I don’t recommend trying to fit larger pans or tall baking dishes; the interior simply isn’t deep enough.
Limitations on Size
If you host larger groups or need to cook a casserole for four to six people, this toaster oven won’t replace a standard oven. I also noticed that items placed near the top rack can brown faster than those lower down, so rack position matters.
Cooking Performance: Toasting
Toasting is the first job I tested, since it’s the most common use. The Bella 14326 does a reliable job. The toast setting offers even browning for most types of bread, and the 30-minute timer covers any longer toasting needs.
I liked the toast darkness range: it handled light to medium-brown toast well. Very dark or extremely fast toasting for thin slices required a little extra attention.
Bagel Setting
The dedicated bagel setting is a small but welcome feature. It focuses heat on the cut side of the bagel so I got crisp, golden bagels without overheating the exterior. If I’m making breakfast, I usually choose this setting because it gives a better texture than the standard toast cycle.
Cooking Performance: Baking
For small baking tasks, the Bella 14326 is adequate. I baked a small sheet of cookies and a single-serving quiche to test consistency. While it doesn’t replace a full oven’s even heating, it handled these tasks with predictable results.
I recommend using the baking pan included and preheating for best results. Small desserts and savory bakes work well as long as you keep portion size in mind.
Temperature Control and Evenness
Temperatures are reasonable for the unit’s size, but heat distribution can vary slightly across the interior. I found the top rack tended to brown items a bit more, so I rotated pans when baking cookies to ensure even coloring. For most home uses, this level of control is fine, but if you need precise, professional baking results, a larger oven will be better.
Cooking Performance: Broiling
The broil function is one of my favorite features in this toaster oven. It gets hot quickly and crisps up the tops of dishes nicely. I used the broil rack to finish a small piece of salmon and to melt cheese on open-faced sandwiches.
Because the oven is compact, broiling is efficient and doesn’t require a long preheat. Just be mindful of the proximity to the heating element—foods can go from browned to burned quickly.
Safety While Broiling
I always keep an eye on things while broiling. The included broiling rack is helpful for elevating food and allowing fat to drip away, but it also means food sits closer to the element. I recommend checking the dish midway through the broil cycle to prevent overcooking.
Controls and Ease of Use
One of the reasons I like this model is how straightforward it is. The control layout is classic: a timer dial that goes up to 30 minutes, a function selector, and a temperature control for baking. There’s no complicated digital interface, which I find refreshing.
I was able to set it up and use it without reading the manual for most tasks. The tactile dials are easy to turn, and I appreciate the audible click when the timer runs out.
Timer and Auto Shut-Off
The mechanical timer is simple and reliable. It auto-shuts off when the timer reaches zero, which prevents overcooking in most scenarios. For longer cooking tasks, I monitored it manually since 30 minutes is the maximum setting.
Accessories Included
I like when manufacturers include useful accessories, and Bella provides a broiling rack and a baking pan with this model. Both are basic but functional.
I used the baking pan for cookies and reheating, and the broiling rack for finishing meats. Having these in the box meant I could start cooking right away without buying extras.
Quality of Accessories
The baking pan is lightweight and fits the unit well. The broiling rack is durable enough for everyday use. While they aren’t premium-grade, they’re appropriate for the unit’s size and price point.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning a small oven matters to me because I don’t want grease and crumbs to build up. The Bella 14326 is fairly easy to clean: the baking pan and broiling rack are removable and fit in a standard sink for washing. I wiped the interior with a damp cloth after it cooled and used a mild cleaner for tougher spots.
The crumb tray is accessible and simple to empty. Because the appliance is compact, reaching into corners is not difficult.
Tips for Longer Lifespan
I recommend:
- Wiping the interior after it cools to prevent grease accumulation
- Removing and washing the accessories regularly
- Avoiding abrasive cleaners on the door and exterior finish
With regular care, it stayed in good working order during my testing period.
Energy Usage and Efficiency
Compared to a full-size oven, this toaster oven uses far less energy and heats up quickly. For small tasks like toast, a personal pizza, or reheating a plate, it’s much more efficient. I noticed shorter preheat times and lower energy draw on my utility usage during frequent small cooking tasks.
I use it primarily for small meals or side dishes to save energy and avoid heating up the kitchen with a large oven.
Noise and Vibration
The Bella 14326 is quiet during operation. The fanless design means I don’t hear much noise, just a faint hum from the heating elements. I find it pleasant to use early in the morning or late at night without worrying about waking others.
There’s minimal vibration when turning dials, and the oven remains stable on the countertop during all functions.
Safety Features
The door and handle remain cool enough to touch during normal use, and the unit has a stable base that doesn’t slide around. The timer’s automatic shut-off provides a layer of safety, and I appreciate the lack of complicated electronics that could fail unexpectedly.
I always follow basic safety guidelines: avoid leaving the oven unattended during high-heat functions and keep flammable items away from the exterior vents.
Pros and Cons
I find it helpful to weigh benefits and drawbacks side by side, so I can decide if this appliance suits my needs.
Pros
- Compact footprint fits small kitchens
- Versatile settings: toast, bake, broil, bagel, keep warm
- Includes broiling rack and baking pan
- Fits a 9-inch pizza and four slices of toast
- Easy-to-use mechanical controls
- Energy-efficient for small tasks
Cons
- Interior size limits larger dishes and tall bakeware
- Slight uneven heating between racks (common in small ovens)
- Maximum timer of 30 minutes limits longer bake tasks unless manually reset
- Accessories are basic rather than premium
How I Used It Day-to-Day
I used the toaster oven for a mix of tasks: weekday breakfasts with toast and bagels, quick lunches like reheated pizza slices, and occasional small baking jobs like cookies or a custard. It became my go-to for items too small for a full oven but too fiddly for the microwave.
I enjoy the convenience of a quick preheat and the ability to broil a small piece of fish without dragging out a larger appliance.
Comparison with Similar Models
I compared this Bella model in my head to a few competitors in the same price and size class. Many toaster ovens in this range share similar features: compact size, mechanical dials, and minimal accessories. Where the Bella stands out is the specific inclusion of bagel and keep-warm functions along with a broiling rack and pan at the price point.
Some models offer digital controls or a larger interior for slightly more money. If you want precise temperature settings or convection capability, you’d need to step up to a more advanced model. For basic needs and reliability, the Bella strikes a good balance.
Who Should Buy This
I recommend this toaster oven for:
- Students or renters with limited kitchen space
- Singles and couples who cook small meals often
- Anyone looking for an energy-efficient way to toast, broil, or bake in small batches
- People who prefer simple mechanical controls over complex digital interfaces
I would not recommend it for large families or people who need to bake full-sized casseroles regularly.
Practical Tips and Tricks
I picked up a few small habits that improved my results:
- Preheat for 5–10 minutes before baking for more consistent results.
- Use the lower rack for cookies and the upper rack for broiling to control browning.
- Rotate pans midway through baking to even out browning.
- Use foil or a liner on the baking pan for easier clean-up, but avoid blocking vents.
These small adjustments made the toaster oven much more useful and predictable.
Maintenance Checklist
Keeping the Bella 14326 in good shape is simple, and a short checklist helps:
- Wipe the interior and door after each use once cool.
- Wash the baking pan and broiling rack weekly or after messy meals.
- Empty the crumb tray regularly.
- Inspect the power cord for wear and keep the vents clear of obstructions.
Following these steps kept mine working well over several weeks of regular use.
Frequently Asked Questions
I noticed a few recurring questions from others and answered them based on my experience.
- Can it bake a 9-inch pizza? Yes, it holds pizzas up to 9 inches comfortably on the baking pan.
- How many slices of bread fit? It fits up to four slices of standard bread.
- Is the timer digital? No, the timer is mechanical and goes up to 30 minutes.
- Are the accessories dishwasher-safe? The baking pan and broiling rack are sturdy enough for hand washing; I recommend hand washing to preserve finish and longevity.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
After using the Bella 14326 4-Slice Toaster Oven – Toast, Bake, Broil, and More for regular tasks, I can confidently say it’s a reliable compact option for people with modest cooking needs. It’s easy to use, fits small spaces, and handles everyday tasks like toasting, small baking jobs, and broiling with competence.
If you want an affordable, no-fuss toaster oven that won’t take much counter space and can handle daily snacks and small meals, this model is a solid choice. If you need larger capacity, convection baking, or more precise temperature control, you might consider stepping up to a larger or more feature-rich model. For basic versatility and consistent performance in a compact package, I recommend the Bella 14326.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
