TL;DR — No, you cannot put a toaster oven in the dishwasher. It’s an electrical appliance with heating elements, wiring, and a control board; submerging it in water risks permanent damage, corrosion, and electric shock, and it will void your warranty. What you can wash in the dishwasher are the removable parts — the wire rack, baking tray, and crumb tray — but only if the manual says they’re dishwasher-safe, and even then handwashing preserves their finish longer. The oven body itself gets wiped clean by hand. For picks, see our best toaster oven guide.
The HomeWhisk editorial team researches kitchen equipment by analyzing manufacturer specifications, materials, and aggregated user reviews from major retailers and communities like Reddit r/Cooking. Our guidance is based on how these appliances are actually built and maintained, not marketing claims.
People ask “can you put a toaster oven in the dishwasher” for an understandable reason: baked-on grease and crumbs are a pain to clean, and it’s tempting to hope the whole thing can go in a wash cycle. It can’t — and this guide explains exactly why, which parts are washable, and the step-by-step method that actually gets a toaster oven clean without wrecking it. For a broader countertop-cooking upgrade, our best air fryer guide covers many models that double as toaster ovens. The same electrical-appliance rule applies to almost everything on your counter — see our best blender and best stand mixer guides, whose motor bases are handled the same way.
Oster
42L French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven for Family Meals: Oster 6-in-1 Countertop Oven
This 42L Oster toaster oven fits two large pizzas or a full-size chicken while air frying with 99.5% less oil than deep fryers. Buy it if you cook for a family or meal-prep in batches and want French-door convenience in one countertop unit.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extra-large 42L capacity handles full family meals and batch meal prep in a single cycle.
- Six cooking functions plus four accessories cover baking, broiling, toasting, and air frying out of the box.
- Separate controls for function, time, and temperature keep operation simple and intuitive.
- Magnetized French doors stay open for safe, easy food removal.
Cons
- At 42L this oven takes up significant counter space, so measure before buying.
- French-door style opens both panels at once, which needs clearance in front of the unit.
BELLA
Air Fry, Toast, Bake and Broil in One Countertop Unit: BELLA 7-in-1 1700W Air Fry Toaster Oven, Seaglass
This BELLA countertop oven runs seven functions including air fry, toast, roast, bake, broil, keep warm, and convection bake on a 1700-watt heating system that reaches 450°F. It suits small-kitchen cooks who want to replace a separate air fryer and toaster oven without giving up counter space to two appliances.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Convection bake and air fry share the same cavity, so one appliance handles both crisping and everyday baking.
- The tempered glass door lets you watch browning progress without opening the oven and dropping the temperature.
- The cool-touch handle makes it safe to pull trays mid-cook with bare hands.
- The digital control panel sets exact time and temperature instead of guessing with a dial.
Cons
- At 1700 watts it can trip a shared kitchen circuit if run alongside a microwave or kettle.
- The 60-minute maximum timer means longer roasts and slow bakes need a manual restart partway through.
VAL CUCINA
Compact Countertop Air Frying and Toasting for Small Kitchens: VAL CUCINA 6-in-1 Retro 12.7 QT Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
This 12.7-quart countertop oven handles air frying, baking, toasting, roasting, reheating, and broiling in one unit, with a hexagon hybrid heating element rated at over 92% toasting uniformity for consistent browning edge to edge. Buy it if you cook for one or two people in an apartment, dorm, or RV and want knob-controlled simplicity instead of a touchscreen.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Consolidates six functions into one appliance sized for limited counter space.
- Enamel pan coating is PFAS free and wipes clean or goes in the dishwasher.
- Knob controls stay usable without reading a manual or updating firmware.
- Crumb tray pulls out for quick cleanup after toasting and roasting.
Cons
- Capacity tops out at four toast slices or a 9-inch pizza, so it will not handle meals for a family of four.
- Manual knobs mean no presets, timers with alerts, or digital temperature precision.
Chesson
Reusable Toaster Bags for Grilled Cheese and Pizza Slices: Chesson Non-Stick Set of 10 in Three Sizes
These non-stick bags hold sandwiches, pizza slices, and pastries inside a wide-slot toaster so melted cheese never touches the heating elements, and each one survives about 50 uses before wearing out. Buy them if you want hot grilled cheese in a dorm room, office kitchen, or small apartment without dragging out a skillet and cleaning it afterward.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Melted cheese and grease stay sealed inside the bag rather than dripping into your toaster.
- Dishwasher-safe construction removes the pan-scrubbing step that normally follows grilled cheese.
- Ten bags across three sizes let you match the bag to the snack instead of forcing a fit.
- Works in a microwave, oven, and grill, so it stays useful in kitchens without a wide-slot toaster.
Cons
- Bags top out around 6.75 inches wide, so oversized deli bread and thick stacked sandwiches will not fit.
- Standard narrow-slot toasters are too tight for a filled bag, and the non-stick coating eventually flakes as the 50-use limit approaches.
MUKLEI
Toaster Oven Cooling Rack 4-Pack for Baking and Roasting: MUKLEI 10 x 8 Inch Stainless Steel Wire Racks
This four-pack of 10 by 8 inch stainless steel wire racks elevates cookies, bacon, and roasted vegetables on 1.5cm feet so air circulates underneath and food cools evenly instead of steaming on a hot pan. Buy it if you bake in a toaster oven or small sheet pan and want enough racks to cool multiple batches at once without waiting for one to clear.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact size is sized specifically for toaster ovens and small baking trays rather than full sheet pans.
- Stainless steel wire handles oven heat, so the racks work for roasting and crisping, not just cooling.
- Getting four racks means you can dedicate some to messy jobs like bacon and keep others for baked goods.
- Cleanup works either by hand with mild detergent or in the dishwasher.
Cons
- At 10.2 by 7.8 inches these are too small for a standard half sheet pan, so full-size bakers will need larger racks as well.
- The low 1.5cm clearance limits how much drippings can collect underneath during longer roasting sessions.
Oster 42L French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven for Family Meals: Oster 6-in-1 Countertop Oven
Oster
42L French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven for Family Meals: Oster 6-in-1 Countertop Oven
This 42L Oster toaster oven fits two large pizzas or a full-size chicken while air frying with 99.5% less oil than deep fryers. Buy it if you cook for a family or meal-prep in batches and want French-door convenience in one countertop unit.
$159.99 at AmazonEditors' Favorite
Color: Grey Size: 42 Liter Dimensions: 20.51 x 24.02 x 15.28 Inches Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Kitchen
Shop NowBELLA Air Fry, Toast, Bake and Broil in One Countertop Unit: BELLA 7-in-1 1700W Air Fry Toaster Oven, Seaglass
BELLA
Air Fry, Toast, Bake and Broil in One Countertop Unit: BELLA 7-in-1 1700W Air Fry Toaster Oven, Seaglass
This BELLA countertop oven runs seven functions including air fry, toast, roast, bake, broil, keep warm, and convection bake on a 1700-watt heating system that reaches 450°F. It suits small-kitchen cooks who want to replace a separate air fryer and toaster oven without giving up counter space to two appliances.
$114.39 at AmazonGreat Value
Color: Seaglass Size: 6 Slice Dimensions: 16.61 x 15.83 x 14.29 inches Weight: 18.96 Pounds Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Kitchen
Shop NowVAL CUCINA Compact Countertop Air Frying and Toasting for Small Kitchens: VAL CUCINA 6-in-1 Retro 12.7 QT Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
VAL CUCINA
Compact Countertop Air Frying and Toasting for Small Kitchens: VAL CUCINA 6-in-1 Retro 12.7 QT Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
This 12.7-quart countertop oven handles air frying, baking, toasting, roasting, reheating, and broiling in one unit, with a hexagon hybrid heating element rated at over 92% toasting uniformity for consistent browning edge to edge. Buy it if you cook for one or two people in an apartment, dorm, or RV and want knob-controlled simplicity instead of a touchscreen.
$101.56 at AmazonColor: 12.7-QT Dark Grey Color Size: Small Dimensions: 12.7 x 11.6 x 11.8 inches Weight: 11.6 Pounds Product Group: Kitchen
Shop NowChesson Reusable Toaster Bags for Grilled Cheese and Pizza Slices: Chesson Non-Stick Set of 10 in Three Sizes
Chesson
Reusable Toaster Bags for Grilled Cheese and Pizza Slices: Chesson Non-Stick Set of 10 in Three Sizes
These non-stick bags hold sandwiches, pizza slices, and pastries inside a wide-slot toaster so melted cheese never touches the heating elements, and each one survives about 50 uses before wearing out. Buy them if you want hot grilled cheese in a dorm room, office kitchen, or small apartment without dragging out a skillet and cleaning it afterward.
$7.96 at AmazonColor: Brown Size: 4-6.75" x 7.5", 3-7.2" 6.25", 3-6.2" 6.5" Dimensions: 7.5 x 7.5 x 6.75 inches Weight: 0.14991433816 Pounds Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Tools & Home Improvement
Shop NowMUKLEI Toaster Oven Cooling Rack 4-Pack for Baking and Roasting: MUKLEI 10 x 8 Inch Stainless Steel Wire Racks
MUKLEI
Toaster Oven Cooling Rack 4-Pack for Baking and Roasting: MUKLEI 10 x 8 Inch Stainless Steel Wire Racks
This four-pack of 10 by 8 inch stainless steel wire racks elevates cookies, bacon, and roasted vegetables on 1.5cm feet so air circulates underneath and food cools evenly instead of steaming on a hot pan. Buy it if you bake in a toaster oven or small sheet pan and want enough racks to cool multiple batches at once without waiting for one to clear.
$14.99 at AmazonColor: Silver Size: 26*20cm Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Kitchen
Shop NowWhy the Toaster Oven Body Can’t Go in the Dishwasher
A toaster oven is fundamentally an electrical device, and three of its systems make dishwasher immersion a non-starter:
- Heating elements. The glowing rods (usually nichrome wire, sometimes quartz or ceramic-sheathed) are wired directly into the unit. Water trapped in or around them causes shorts, corrosion, and uneven heating afterward.
- Wiring and the control board. Timers, thermostats, and on newer units a digital control board sit behind the housing. Dishwasher water and detergent seep into these and cause failures that often aren’t repairable.
- The steel housing and connections. Even “stainless” exteriors have painted panels, insulation, and electrical contacts that rust or degrade when soaked and blasted with hot detergent.
Beyond the damage, there’s a genuine shock hazard if the unit is powered on before it’s fully dried, and every manufacturer warranty is voided the moment the body is submerged. So the answer is a firm no for the appliance itself. The good news is that the parts that actually get dirty come out.
Which Parts You Can Put in the Dishwasher
Most toaster ovens ship with removable accessories, and these are the pieces that touch food and collect grease:
- The wire rack — usually chrome-plated or stainless steel.
- The baking/broiling tray or pan — often aluminum, nonstick-coated, or enamel.
- The crumb tray — the slide-out pan at the bottom.
Whether these are dishwasher-safe depends on their material and coating, so check your manual first. A few realities:
- Nonstick-coated trays are frequently labeled “hand-wash only” because dishwasher detergent is abrasive and shortens coating life, even when technically dishwasher-safe.
- Bare aluminum can oxidize and discolor in the dishwasher (harmless but unsightly).
- Chrome racks may develop spotting or dull over repeated cycles.
Even when a part is dishwasher-safe, handwashing with warm soapy water usually keeps it looking better for longer. Note that many air-fryer-style ovens have dishwasher-safe baskets — our best air fryer guide flags which models make cleanup easiest.
How to Actually Clean a Toaster Oven (Step by Step)
Here’s the reliable hand-cleaning method that gets a toaster oven genuinely clean without dishwasher risk. Aim to do a light clean every week or two and a deep clean monthly if you use it daily.
1. Unplug the oven and let it cool completely. Never clean a warm unit or one that’s still connected to power. 2. Remove the rack, tray, and crumb tray. Slide the crumb tray out from the bottom or back. 3. Shake out loose crumbs. Tip the oven over a sink or trash can and gently shake; crumbs are the number-one cause of smoke and burnt smells. 4. Wash the removable parts. Soak the rack and trays in hot, soapy water for 10-15 minutes, then scrub. For baked-on grease, make a paste of baking soda and a little water, spread it on, wait 15 minutes, and scrub off. 5. Clean the interior by hand. Wipe the inside walls and floor with a damp cloth or sponge and a mild dish-soap solution. For stubborn spots, use the baking-soda paste — but keep water and paste away from the heating elements. 6. Clean the glass door. A 50/50 white-vinegar-and-water spray on the inside glass cuts grease film; wipe with a microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh oven-cleaner sprays like Easy-Off unless the manual specifically allows them, as they can damage interior coatings. 7. Wipe the exterior. Damp cloth for painted surfaces; a stainless cleaner or vinegar for stainless panels, wiping with the grain. 8. Dry everything fully and reassemble. Make sure the interior, elements, and all parts are bone-dry before plugging back in — this is the step that prevents shorts and shock.
Cleaning the Heating Elements Safely
The exposed elements are the part people are most afraid to touch, and rightly so — they should never be scrubbed with water or submerged. To clean them:
- With the oven unplugged and cold, gently wipe the elements with a barely damp cloth to lift dust and light residue, then dry immediately.
- For baked-on splatter, let the oven run empty on a low setting for a few minutes (well-ventilated) to burn off residue, then wipe once cooled. Do this only if the manual permits.
- Never use abrasive pads or cleaning sprays directly on elements; scratches and chemical residue can cause smoking or hot spots.
If food regularly drips onto the elements, use a tray or foil-lined pan beneath your food — but never line the crumb tray or floor with foil in a way that touches the elements or blocks airflow, which is a fire risk in many models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put the toaster oven tray and rack in the dishwasher?
Usually yes, but check your manual first. Bare stainless or chrome racks and uncoated metal trays are generally dishwasher-safe, though they may spot or dull over time. Nonstick-coated trays are often labeled hand-wash-only because dishwasher detergent is abrasive and degrades the coating faster, even when the part is technically dishwasher-safe. Handwashing in warm soapy water preserves any finish longer and takes only a couple of minutes, so it’s the safer default for the parts you want to keep looking good.
How do you clean a really dirty toaster oven with baked-on grease?
Unplug and cool the unit, then remove all trays and racks. Make a paste of baking soda and water, spread it on the greasy interior surfaces and soaked trays, and let it sit 15-20 minutes to break down the grease before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge. For the glass door, use a 50/50 vinegar-water spray. Keep paste and water away from the heating elements, and dry everything fully before reassembly. Repeat on stubborn spots rather than using harsh chemical oven cleaners.
Can you use Easy-Off or oven cleaner in a toaster oven?
Generally no, unless your specific manual says so. Aerosol oven cleaners like Easy-Off are highly caustic and can damage interior coatings, corrode metal, and leave residue near the heating elements that smokes or smells on the next use. They’re formulated for full-size self-clean ovens, not compact toaster ovens with exposed elements. Stick to baking-soda paste, dish soap, and vinegar, which clean effectively without the chemical risk. If you must use a commercial product, confirm it’s approved for your model.
How often should you clean a toaster oven?
For daily users, shake out crumbs and wipe the interior every week or two, and do a deeper clean (trays soaked, interior scrubbed, glass degreased) about once a month. Occasional users can stretch that out, but empty the crumb tray regularly regardless — accumulated crumbs are the leading cause of smoke, burnt smells, and even small fires. A quick wipe after messy jobs like melting cheese or roasting fatty food prevents baked-on buildup that’s much harder to remove later.
Is it safe to put water inside a toaster oven to clean it?
Only a damp cloth’s worth, never poured or sprayed freely. The interior can be wiped with a well-wrung damp cloth, but standing water risks reaching the heating elements, wiring, and control board, causing shorts or corrosion. Never rinse the inside under a tap or spray cleaner directly at the elements. Always unplug the unit first, use minimal moisture, keep liquid away from the elements, and dry the interior completely before plugging it back in.
Can you put a toaster (or toaster oven) in the dishwasher to clean it?
No — the same rule applies to both pop-up toasters and toaster ovens. Both are electrical appliances with heating elements and wiring that water will destroy, and submerging either creates a shock hazard and voids the warranty. Only detachable, dishwasher-safe parts (crumb trays, racks, baking trays) may go in the dishwasher if the manual allows. The appliance body itself is always cleaned by hand with a damp cloth, then dried thoroughly before use.
The Bottom Line
You can’t put a toaster oven in the dishwasher — the heating elements, wiring, and control board make immersion a recipe for permanent damage, corrosion, and shock, and it voids the warranty every time. What you can wash, dishwasher or by hand, are the removable rack, baking tray, and crumb tray, subject to your manual (and handwashing usually treats them better). The body itself gets a hand clean: unplug, shake out crumbs, scrub with baking-soda paste, degrease the glass with vinegar, keep water off the elements, and dry fully before plugging in. Do that every couple of weeks and the oven stays safe and grease-free. For picks and easier-to-clean alternatives, see our best toaster oven, best air fryer, and best instant pot guides.
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