The best way to clean a toaster oven is to unplug it, let it cool completely, then wipe the inside with a damp sponge and mild soap. Put any cleaner on the sponge, not on the oven. That is what Breville’s and Cuisinart’s own manuals say, and they agree on almost everything except whether the racks and trays can go in the dishwasher. This guide sets out what each says and where I could not find an answer.
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The Method Both Makers Agree On
- Unplug it and let it cool. Breville says to turn the oven off, pull the plug and let the oven and accessories cool completely before cleaning. Cuisinart says to always unplug it and to let it cool completely first.
- Empty the crumb tray. Slide it out and discard the crumbs. Breville says to do this after each use; Cuisinart says never to run the oven without the tray in place, so put it back before you plug in.
- Wipe the interior walls. Use a damp cloth or sponge with a mild soap solution or a spray cleaner. Both say to apply the cleaner to the sponge or cloth, not to the oven.
- Wipe the outside and the glass. Breville says a glass cleaner or mild detergent on a soft damp sponge or a soft plastic scouring pad is fine for the door, and not an abrasive cleanser or metal pad. Cuisinart says abrasive cleansers will damage the finish.
- Wash the racks and trays. Warm soapy water and a soft sponge. For baked-on grease, both say to soak first.
- Dry everything before plugging back in. Breville says to let all surfaces dry thoroughly first.
Sources: the Breville BOV845 instruction booklet (the Smart Oven Pro) and the Cuisinart Custom Classic TOB-40 instruction booklet.
Where the Two Makers Differ
| Question | Breville (BOV845) | Cuisinart (TOB-40) |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher for racks and trays | Does not recommend it, to extend the life of the accessories | Says the wire rack, baking pan and crumb tray are dishwasher safe |
| Scrubbing pad | Soft sponge or soft plastic scouring pad | Nylon scouring pad or nylon brush for heavy soil |
| Interior walls | Non-stick coating; wipe with a soft damp sponge | Coated walls; damp cloth with mild soap or a spray on a sponge |
| Heating elements | Quartz elements: once cool, gently rub a soft damp sponge or cloth along the length, with no cleanser | Booklet gives no element instructions |
The dishwasher difference is the one to take seriously. Both statements come from the maker, but for different ovens, so use your own manual. If you do not have it, hand-washing is the choice neither maker objects to.
What Not to Do
- Do not use metal scouring pads. Both manuals warn that pieces can break off the pad and touch electrical parts, creating a risk of electric shock. Cuisinart adds no Brillo pads on the interior.
- Do not spray cleaner into the oven. Both say to put it on a sponge or cloth first. The all-purpose-cleaner spray-it-inside advice that circulates online conflicts with both.
- Do not use harsh abrasives or corrosive products inside. Cuisinart says they can damage the oven surface. Neither manual names oven cleaner, so I would treat it as off limits.
- Do not submerge the oven or its cord. Both manuals warn against putting the body, cord or plug in water.
- Do not scrape the glass with a razor blade. Neither maker mentions one, and Breville says an abrasive cleanser or metal scouring pad will scratch the surface.
Baking soda and vinegar are a popular home method, but neither manual names them. Both specify mild soap or a non-abrasive cleaner, so I would use those and check your manual before trying anything else on a coated interior.
How Often to Clean It
Neither maker gives a calendar interval. Breville lists regularly cleaning the crumb tray among its safety instructions and says to empty it after each use. Cuisinart says to clean the top interior after cooking greasy foods, once the oven has cooled, and says removing the grease keeps toasting consistent.
A monthly deep clean is a common convention, not a maker figure. Cuisinart also warns never to leave the oven unattended while it is on, and never to cover the crumb tray with foil, since that causes overheating.
Cleaning Other Ovens and Appliances
A full-size oven is a different job; my guide to cleaning a fan-assisted oven covers the fan housing and door glass, and the microwave cleaning guide covers steam cleaning. If your appliance does both jobs, see how a microwave toaster oven combo works.
If yours is past cleaning, my convection toaster oven comparison and Breville Smart Oven Pro review cover replacements.
How This Guide Was Put Together
This is a research-based guide built from two instruction booklets, linked above; I have not cleaned these ovens myself. I read Breville’s booklet for the BOV845 and Cuisinart’s for the Custom Classic TOB-40, so other models may differ. Three things I could not establish: a maker-stated cleaning interval, whether vinegar or baking soda is safe on the coated interiors, and what BLACK+DECKER, Ninja and Oster say. The maker pages disagree on dishwashers, and I have not tried to pick a winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean a toaster oven?
Unplug it and let it cool, empty the crumb tray, then wipe the interior with a damp sponge and mild soap. Put any cleaner on the sponge, not the oven. Breville and Cuisinart both say so.
Can toaster oven racks and trays go in the dishwasher?
It depends on the maker. Cuisinart says the wire rack, baking pan and crumb tray of its TOB-40 are dishwasher safe. Breville does not recommend it for its BOV845 accessories. Check your manual.
Can you use oven cleaner in a toaster oven?
Neither Breville nor Cuisinart names oven cleaner. Cuisinart says never to use harsh abrasives or corrosive products inside, and Breville specifies a non-abrasive cleanser. I would avoid it.
How do you clean the glass door on a toaster oven?
Breville says to use a glass cleaner or mild detergent with a soft damp sponge or a soft plastic scouring pad, and not an abrasive cleanser or metal scouring pad, which scratch the surface.
How do you clean the heating elements?
Breville says to let the oven cool completely, then gently rub a soft damp sponge or cloth along the length of each quartz element, with no cleanser. Cuisinart’s booklet gives no element instructions.
How often should you clean a toaster oven?
Neither maker gives an interval. Breville says to empty the crumb tray after each use. Cuisinart says to clean the top interior after cooking greasy foods, once the oven has cooled.
I'm Glenn, and I started Kitchenware Compare to cut through conflicting product reviews and help readers pick kitchen gear with confidence. I don't own or test the products I write about — these guides are built from verified-purchase reviews, manufacturer specifications, and independent testing where it exists, with the reasoning shown, not just a rating.
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