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CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo Review (25 Qt, 11-in-1)
25 Qt Capacity
11-in-1 Functions
1750W Convection
Touchscreen
Imagine a single countertop oven that bakes weeknight pizzas, air fries crispiest wings, dehydrates fruit, and roasts a whole chicken—fast. The CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo aims to be exactly that. It blends a powerful convection system with air-frying performance, precise presets, and a roomy 25-quart chamber.
This review walks through real-life use, strengths, quirks, and how it compares to popular rivals. If you want one device to replace several small appliances, keep reading.
Product Overview
The CHEF iQ MiniOven is a large-capacity countertop oven that merges a classic toaster oven form factor with modern air-frying and multi-cook routines. It advertises 11 functions in one unit: bake, broil, toast, roast, air fry, reheat, warm, dehydrate, and more. The 1750-watt heating package plus fan helps move hot air around food for even browning.
With a 25-quart interior, it fits family meals and party trays. The touchscreen is simple, and the presets cut down on guesswork. If you want an appliance that can handle pizza Friday and meal-prep Sunday, this checks a lot of boxes.
Key Features & Benefits
1) 11-in-1 Cooking Modes
One box, many jobs. Swap between bake for casseroles, air fry for crispy wings, dehydrate for fruit, or broil for quick top browning. Use reheat to revive leftovers without making them soggy.
Benefit: Fewer gadgets on the counter. You get a broad toolset in a single footprint.
2) 25-Quart Family Capacity
The chamber is roomy. Fit a 12-inch pizza, a sheet pan of vegetables, or a whole chicken. You can cook sides and mains in rounds without feeling cramped.
Benefit: Entertaining feels easier. You can scale recipes for family and friends.
3) 1750W Heating + Convection Fan
The heating elements and fan team up to move hot air across food surfaces. This speeds up caramelization and the Maillard reaction for better color and flavor.
Benefit: Faster cook times than many wall ovens. Crisp textures without deep frying.
4) Touchscreen Controls & Presets
The interface is straightforward. Presets suggest time and temperature ranges that you can tweak. The screen is readable from a standing height, which helps in busy kitchens.
Benefit: Less trial and error. You can dial in your ideal doneness with fewer test runs.
5) Air Fryer Performance, Toaster Oven Versatility
Air-fry mode uses high heat plus moving air to crisp fries, wings, and cutlets. Because the oven is larger than a basket fryer, layering matters. The included racks let you optimize airflow.
Benefit: Fry-like crunch with a fraction of the oil. Cleaner kitchen, lighter meals.
6) Dehydrate Mode for Snacks & Meal Prep
Dry apple chips, jerky, tomatoes, or herbs. Dehydration works at low temperatures for longer periods. The fan keeps moisture moving out of the chamber.
Benefit: Save money on store-bought snacks. Control your ingredients and salt levels.
7) Warm & Reheat Programs
Reheat pizza so the crust stays crisp. Keep brunch items warm without overcooking eggs. These modes are gentle and predictable.
Benefit: Leftovers taste closer to day one. No more rubbery microwave moments.
8) Included Racks and Pan
Multiple rack positions help you customize heat exposure. Use the lower rack for baking trays and the top for broiling.
Benefit: Build two-zone cooking inside one oven. Roast and finish under the same roof.
In-Depth Analysis & Real-World Use
Heating Profile & Evenness
Convection ovens shine when air can travel freely. The MiniOven’s fan helps even out hot spots. Food on the edges cooks closer to center timing, as long as you avoid heavy crowding. For sheet-pan dinners, rotate the pan once for restaurant-like consistency.
Speed vs. Wall Ovens
Preheat time is short because the chamber is compact. Many weeknight dishes finish before a full-size oven would even preheat. That saves time and can reduce energy use.
Air Fry Mode in a Big Chamber
Basket air fryers are tiny, so they crisp fast. Large toaster ovens need airflow awareness. Use wire racks for circulation. Keep a little space between pieces. You’ll still get a crunch, with more room to cook a family batch.
Toast, Broil, and Pizza
Top elements and proximity to the ceiling help broiling. Keep an eye on toast and melts because browning happens quickly. For pizza, stone or steel accessories can push results further if you already own them.
Dehydrate Goodies
Low-temp drying is forgiving. Cut fruit into uniform slices. Rotate trays halfway when you use more than one rack. Store finished chips in an airtight jar.
Noise & Smell
The fan hum is present but reasonable. Odors are typical of roasting and baking. Run the oven empty at high heat for 10 minutes before first use to burn off harmless manufacturing residues.
Cleaning Routine
Line the crumb tray with foil for drippy cooks. Wipe the interior once cool with a damp cloth. Avoid steel wool on nonstick accessories. For the glass, use a soft sponge and a little dish soap.
What It Does Better Than Basic Ovens
- More modes: Dehydrate and air fry at scale in one device.
- Touch presets: Reduces trial-and-error for new cooks.
- Capacity: 25 quarts fits family dinners and party snacks.
Where It’s Not Magic
- Air-fry density: Overcrowding kills crisp. Give pieces breathing room.
- Exterior heat: The body gets warm. Provide ventilation.
- Counter space: It is not tiny. Measure before buying.
Explore related reviews for alternatives and use-case ideas:
Quick Recipe Blueprints
Use these as starting points. Adjust times to your cut sizes and doneness goals.
1) Sheet-Pan Fajita Chicken
- Prep: Toss sliced peppers, onions, and chicken with oil, salt, cumin, chili, and garlic.
- Mode: Roast / Air Fry at ~400°F for 14–18 minutes. Stir once.
- Finish: Squeeze lime, add cilantro. Warm tortillas on residual heat.
2) Pizza Night
- Prep: Stretch dough thin. Preheat a pan or stone for 8–10 minutes.
- Mode: Bake at 450–475°F for 8–12 minutes.
- Pro Tip: A brief broil at the end bubbles the cheese.
3) Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower
- Prep: Florets + olive oil + salt + pepper + parmesan + paprika.
- Mode: Air Fry at ~390°F for 14–18 minutes, shake once.
- Finish: Grate lemon zest. Serve hot.
4) Salmon with Honey Mustard
- Prep: Brush salmon with honey, Dijon, oil, salt, pepper.
- Mode: Roast at 375–390°F for 8–12 minutes, thickness-dependent.
- Done: Look for flake and 125–130°F internal for medium.
5) Dehydrated Apple Chips
- Prep: Slice thin, dip in lemon water, pat dry.
- Mode: Dehydrate at 150–170°F for 3–5 hours, rotate trays.
- Store: Cool fully. Jar up in airtight containers.
Specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | CHEF iQ |
| Model | MiniOven Smart Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo |
| Capacity | 25 Qt (countertop XL) |
| Power | 1750 Watts |
| Functions | 11-in-1: Bake, Roast, Toast, Broil, Air Fry, Reheat, Warm, Dehydrate, and more |
| Heating Type | Electric elements + convection fan |
| Controls | Touchscreen presets with adjustable time/temperature |
| Accessories | Racks, pan (varies by retailer package) |
| Best For | Family meals, sheet-pan dinners, pizza, snacks, dehydrated treats |
| Exterior | Black finish; counter-friendly design |
| Link | Official Amazon Listing |
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Large 25-quart interior for family cooking
- 11 versatile functions in one device
- Air-fry capability with convection fan
- Fast preheat vs. wall ovens
- Touchscreen presets are simple and helpful
- Good accessory support with racks and tray
❌ Cons
- Takes more counter space than small toaster ovens
- Air-fry crisping needs space; avoid overcrowding
- Exterior gets warm; requires ventilation
Buyer Reviews Summary (Themes)
- 🌟 Capacity wins: Owners love the room for family meals.
- 🌟 Ease of use: Touch presets reduce guesswork.
- 🌟 Versatility: One device handles pizza, wings, jerky, and more.
- ⚠️ Space needs: It is big; measure your counter first.
- ⚠️ Air-fry learning: Racks and spacing matter for crunch.
Competitor Comparison
| Model | Key Strength | Capacity | Best For | Probe/Humidity | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEF iQ MiniOven (This Review) | Large toaster-oven + air-fry versatility | 25 Qt | Families, sheet-pan dinners, pizza | No / No | Amazon |
| Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer | Probe + atomizer for juicy proteins | 6 Qt | Lean meats, precise doneness | Yes / Yes | Review |
| Ninja DG551 Foodi Smart XL Grill | Indoor grill sear with smart thermometer | ~6 Qt eq. | Burgers, steaks, char-grilled finish | Yes / No | Review |
| Philips Dual Basket 3000 | Two drawers with auto-sync timing | Dual | Two foods, separate doneness | No / No | Review |
| Ninja DoubleStack XL (SL451) | Vertical 2-basket to save width | 2 baskets | Small kitchens, multi-dish nights | No / No | Review |
| DASH Tasti-Crisp 2.6 Qt | Tiny footprint, budget | 2.6 Qt | Dorms, singles, quick snacks | No / No | Review |
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Smart Toaster Oven + Air Fryer
Capacity: Think in Meals, Not Quarts Alone
Consider the biggest meal you cook on a weeknight. If you plan sheet-pan dinners, a 25-quart chamber makes sense. It handles pizza, full veggie trays, and family portions. Smaller homes can use 12–18 quarts, but batch cooking gets slower.
Airflow Engineering
Air frying relies on moving heat. Wire racks, perforated trays, and spacing help. Look for multiple rack levels to fine-tune exposure. The MiniOven’s rack positions make two-zone cooking easy.
Heating Power & Recovery
Wattage is one signal, but design matters too. Short preheat plus a strong fan gets you to browning faster. Opening the door cools any oven; recovery speed is your friend during flips or cheese melts.
Controls & Presets
Touch presets shrink the learning curve. You can still add time or bump temperature mid-cook. That blend of guidance and control suits beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Included Accessories & Add-Ons
- Wire racks: Best for airflow and crisping.
- Sheet pan: Good for cookies, nachos, or roasting.
- Pizza stone/steel: Optional but great for crust.
- Thermometer: Handy for chicken and pork safety.
Cleaning & Upkeep
Use the crumb tray. Line trays with foil when appropriate. Wipe splatters after the oven cools. A soft sponge protects nonstick surfaces. Avoid abrasive pads.
Safety & Placement
Give the oven room to breathe. Keep cords away from hot panels. Do not store plastic containers on top. Venting keeps cooks consistent and your kitchen safer.
Nutrition & Technique
Air frying reduces added oil compared to deep frying. You still get browning thanks to hot air and dehydration of the surface. That is classic Maillard chemistry working for flavor.
Seasonal Trends & Google Insights
Search interest for air fryers and smart toaster ovens typically spikes before the holidays and again near summer cookouts. Shoppers also surge around big retail events. If you want the best chance at a promo, watch late summer and early November windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the CHEF iQ MiniOven preheat fast?
Yes. The compact chamber reaches target heat quicker than most wall ovens.
Can it replace a microwave?
It reheats better for texture, but a microwave is faster for hot drinks or quick steams. Many homes use both.
What is the difference between bake and air fry?
Both use convection heat, but air fry emphasizes high heat and airflow for crisp surfaces. Bake is gentler and more even for batter and dough.
Will it fit a 12-inch pizza?
Yes. A 25-quart chamber typically fits a 12-inch pie. Use middle or lower rack for even bake.
Is the exterior hot during cooking?
The body warms up. Leave space around the unit and avoid storing items on top while it runs.
Can I dehydrate in multiple layers?
Yes. Use racks and rotate halfway for even drying. Keep slices thin and uniform.
How do I keep fries from going soggy?
Preheat, cook on a rack, do not pile too high, and finish with a short high-heat burst.
What oil should I use for air frying?
High smoke point oils—avocado, refined canola, or grapeseed. Use a light coat only.
Is there a learning curve?
Minimal. Presets get you close. You can fine-tune after a few runs.
How should I clean it?
Let it cool, remove crumbs, wipe with a damp cloth, and hand-wash accessories to preserve nonstick.
Final Verdict: Is the CHEF iQ MiniOven Worth It?
The CHEF iQ MiniOven Smart Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo earns a top spot for families and food lovers who want flexibility without clutter. It bakes, roasts, broils, air fries, and dehydrates in one roomy device. The 1750-watt system and fan deliver quick heat and reliable browning. Spacing and rack use are the keys to crispy success.
Buy It If You Want:
- One oven to handle pizza, wings, veggies, and jerky
- Fast preheat and strong convection browning
- Family-size capacity without installing anything
- Simple touchscreen presets you can still tweak
Consider Alternatives If:
- You have very limited counter space
- You mostly cook single-serve snacks
- You want built-in probe or steam humidity features (see Dreo ChefMaker)
👉 Get the CHEF iQ MiniOven on Amazon
Engagement: Comment below—Which function will you use most: air fry, pizza, or dehydrate?
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Further Reading
Ready to Upgrade Your Countertop?
The CHEF iQ MiniOven cooks weeknight favorites and weekend projects with ease. It replaces multiple small appliances while giving you crisp, fast, and even results.
