Hamilton Beach Easy Reach 4-Slice Review

The Easy Reach's 16.1" x 11.9" dimensions won't take up a lot of counter space, especially considering the 4-slice capacity. It's not the flashiest model available, but it toasts tasty pizza and leftovers without putting a dent in your wallet.

Toasting Performance

We found that achieving perfectly golden-brown toast required some trial and error. The minimal markings on the control dial made it challenging to remember our preferred settings, and we often found ourselves guessing whether we'd selected light, medium, or dark. This lack of clear indicators became particularly frustrating when different family members used the toaster oven, as everyone had to rediscover their ideal setting through experimentation.

The toasting itself produced acceptable results, though not exceptional. We noticed that it tends to toast more intensely toward the back of the oven, creating an uneven browning pattern on single slices. When we tested with two slices side by side, the disparity became more pronounced, with the slice closer to the heating elements developing darker spots while other areas remained lighter. This inconsistency meant we needed to rotate our bread halfway through for more uniform results — not ideal when you're rushing through your morning routine.

That said, once we learned its quirks and developed a system (including marking our preferred setting with a small piece of tape), the Hamilton Beach delivered reasonably good toast. The texture was satisfying — crispy on the outside while maintaining some softness inside. For a budget model, we found the toasting performance adequate for daily use, though those seeking café-quality results might want to consider investing in a higher-end model.

Baking and Roasting Performance

The small interior capacity immediately became apparent during our baking tests. While the oven claims to accommodate a 9-inch pizza, we found that anything larger than a personal-sized frozen pizza was a tight squeeze. The pizza cooked adequately, with the cheese melting properly and the crust achieving a decent crispness, though we noticed the edges closest to the heating elements browned faster than the center.

Cookie baking revealed similar challenges with the limited space. We could only fit about six cookies at a time, and they required careful placement to avoid burning the ones nearest the elements. The cookies that were properly positioned turned out well—golden brown with slightly crispy edges and soft centers. However, the small batch size means this isn't the ideal choice for anyone who regularly bakes for a family or enjoys meal prep.

Frozen tater tots tasted better than expected in the Easy Reach. The compact cooking chamber seemed to help them crisp up nicely, though we could only prepare a single serving at a time. We achieved good browning and a satisfying crunch, making this a solid option for quick side dishes or snacks.

The chicken thigh test pushed the limits of what this small oven can handle. We could only fit two thighs comfortably, and they needed to be positioned carefully to ensure even cooking. The skin crisped reasonably well, and our temperature probe confirmed the meat reached safe internal temperatures. However, the limited capacity and uneven heat distribution meant we had to flip and rotate the pieces midway through cooking for best results.

Ease of Use

The front-access door that slides backwards and out of the way is genuinely convenient, especially in cramped kitchen spaces where a drop-down door might hit countertop items or block access. We appreciated being able to check on our food and remove items without having to reach over a hot door.

The control interface, however, left much to be desired. The oven features just three dials — temperature, function, and timer — which seems simple enough until you actually try to use them. The temperature dial lacks clear markings between major increments, making it difficult to set precise temperatures like 375°F. The toast shade selector is even more problematic, with no clear indication of where light ends and medium begins. We found ourselves constantly second-guessing our selections and keeping notes about dial positions for consistent results.

The mechanical timer works reliably but feels somewhat low-grade, producing a loud ticking sound that some might find annoying in a quiet kitchen. When the timer expires, the oven dings and shuts off automatically — a nice safety feature we appreciate. However, the ding itself is rather quiet and easy to miss if you're in another room.

The removable door proved to be one of the best features for maintenance. Unlike traditional toaster ovens, where crumbs and splatter accumulate in hard-to-reach corners, we could completely remove the door for thorough cleaning. The tray slides out easily from the front, though its shallow depth means it needs frequent emptying to prevent overflow.

Temperature Accuracy

The temperature accuracy results genuinely surprised us. It maintained around 345°F during our tests—just 5 degrees below the set point. This represents 98.6% accuracy, which is exceptional for any toaster oven, let alone one at this price point. Throughout the 30-minute test period, temperatures ranged from a low of 335°F to a high of 355°F, showing good consistency without dramatic temperature swings that can lead to uneven cooking.

The oven reached its target temperature quickly, typically within 2.4 minutes of starting — faster than many premium models we've tested. This quick preheating is particularly convenient for weeknight dinners when you need to get food on the table quickly.

The excellent temperature accuracy helps explain why, despite the oven's small size and basic features, our cooked foods generally turned out well. Maintaining steady, accurate temperatures is crucial for everything from properly melting cheese to achieving crispy chicken skin, and it delivers in this critical area. While temperature accuracy alone doesn't make a great toaster oven, it provides a solid foundation that helps overcome some of the model's other limitations.

This level of temperature control at such an affordable price point genuinely impressed us. Many toaster ovens costing twice as much struggle to maintain consistent temperatures, yet this budget-friendly Hamilton Beach model rivals the accuracy of premium options.

Should You Buy the Hamilton Beach Easy Reach?

The Hamilton Beach Easy Reach makes sense for singles, couples, or anyone with limited counter space who primarily needs a toaster oven for basic tasks. Its exceptional temperature accuracy and quick preheating mean your food will cook properly, even if you can't cook much at once. The removable door design is particularly appealing for those who value easy cleaning and maintenance. At its budget-friendly price point, this model offers remarkable value for money if your needs align with its capabilities.

What Other Toaster Ovens Should You Consider?

If you need more capacity and versatility, consider the Ninja Foodi Digital Oven. It offers similar temperature accuracy with much more interior space, allowing you to cook full meals rather than just snacks and sides. The digital controls also eliminate the guesswork we experienced with the Hamilton Beach's unmarked dials, and the multiple cooking functions expand your culinary possibilities significantly.

For those willing to invest in premium performance, the Breville Smart Oven Pro remains our top recommendation for serious home cooks. While it costs considerably more than the Hamilton Beach, it delivers superior cooking performance across every category we tested. The spacious interior accommodates a 13-inch pizza or six slices of toast, the digital interface provides precise control, and the convection fan ensures even cooking throughout. The Breville's consistent results and durability make it worthwhile for anyone who uses their toaster oven daily for varied cooking tasks.