If you have ever waited 10 minutes for a regular oven to preheat just to reheat a slice of pizza, you already understand why Panasonic toaster ovens have developed a cult following. The best Panasonic toaster ovens skip preheating entirely using double infrared heating, and that single feature has converted millions of owners over the past decade.
I have spent the last several months comparing every Panasonic toaster oven model currently available, from the legendary FlashXpress NB-G110P that Reddit calls “buy it for life” to the new NB-G300 Pizza Oven that hits 755 degrees Fahrenheit. The goal was simple: figure out which model actually deserves space on your counter in 2026.
The short answer for most people is the Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P. It is the same compact infrared oven that Wirecutter has recommended for years, it carries a 4.4-star rating across nearly 10,000 reviews, and owners routinely report 6 to 15 years of daily use. Below I break down where each Panasonic model wins, where it falls short, and which one fits your kitchen and cooking style.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Panasonic Toaster Ovens
Not everyone wants to read 4,000 words before buying. These three models cover the vast majority of buyers based on my testing and the long-term owner reviews I tracked across Reddit, Bogleheads, and Amazon feedback.
Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P
- Double Infrared Heating
- No Preheat Required
- 6 Auto Cook Presets
- 1300W Power
Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P-K Black
- Same FlashXpress Performance
- Black Stainless Finish
- Touch Controls
- 4-Slice Capacity
Panasonic NB-G300 Pizza Oven
- Reaches 755 Degrees F
- 3-Min Neapolitan Pizza
- 12-Inch Capacity
- 6 Accessories Included
The FlashXpress in silver is the safe default. The black version is the same machine for anyone who wants a darker finish. The NB-G300 is the splurge pick for serious home cooks who want restaurant-quality Neapolitan pizza at home.
Best Panasonic Toaster Ovens in 2026
Here is the full lineup side by side so you can compare specs at a glance. I have included one Zojirushi model because it shows up in nearly every “best compact toaster oven” search and is worth understanding as a non-infrared alternative.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P
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Check Latest Price |
Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P-K
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Panasonic FlashXpress Air Fryer NB-G211P
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Check Latest Price |
Panasonic HomeChef 7-in-1 NU-SC180B
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Check Latest Price |
Panasonic NB-G300 Pizza Oven
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Check Latest Price |
Zojirushi Micom Toaster Oven
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Check Latest Price |
1. Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P (Silver) – The Legendary Compact Pick
Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven Countertop, 4-Slice Small Toaster Oven Compact Size with Double Infrared Heating, 6 Auto Cook Options and Precise Temperature Control, 1300W - NB-G110P (Silver)
Double Infrared Heating
1300W
4-Slice Capacity
250-500F
7.5 lbs
12x13x10.2 in
Pros
- No preheat required
- infrared heats instantly
- compact 7.5 lb footprint
- rack auto-pulls when door opens
- 2.5 minute toast time
- removable crumb tray
Cons
- No broiler-only mode
- cannot cook drippy foods without foil
- light cycles during bake
The Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P is the toaster oven that turned me into a believer. I picked one up after watching my neighbor use hers for everything from morning toast to reheating lasagna without ever turning on her full-size oven. The first time I dropped in two slices of cold sourdough and had golden, crispy toast in about two and a half minutes, with zero preheat, I understood the hype.
What makes this model work so well is the double infrared heating system. There is one near-infrared heating element at the front of the cavity and one far-infrared element at the back. They fire simultaneously and heat the food directly instead of heating the air around it. That is why there is no warm-up period. You press a button and the heat is on the food immediately.
The six preset buttons cover most of what people actually cook in a small oven: toast, waffle, roll, pizza, quick reheat, and hash brown. There is also a manual temperature dial that runs from 250 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and a separate timer that clicks in 30-second increments. The timer also has a memory function, so if you find the perfect toast setting on day one, it remembers it the next morning.
One design detail I appreciate every single day is the rack-connected door. When you pull the door down, the wire rack slides forward toward you, so you are not reaching into a hot cavity to grab your food. The auto shut-off kicks in when the timer ends, which has saved me from burning more than one batch of frozen waffles.
The biggest thing this oven cannot do is broil. Both heating elements fire together, so there is no top-only mode. If you want to melt cheese on top of a dish or char the top of a casserole, this is not the right tool. It also cannot handle foods that drip a lot of grease unless you line the crumb tray with foil, because the infrared heat reflects off foil in a way that can scorch parchment paper.
For a small kitchen, an apartment, an office breakroom, or an RV, the NB-G110P is hard to beat. It weighs just 7.5 pounds, takes up barely more counter space than a toaster, and replaces a microwave for most reheating jobs. Owners on r/BuyItForLife routinely report 6 to 15 years of daily use, which is the kind of longevity you almost never see in small appliances anymore.
Who Should Buy the NB-G110P
This is the right pick if you want fast toast, fast reheats, frozen snacks, and small meals without preheating. It is ideal for one to two people, small kitchens, and anyone replacing a basic pop-up toaster. If you mostly cook for a family of four or want to bake full meals, look at the larger models below.
Long-Term Reliability and Value
Nearly 10,000 reviews and a 4.4-star average tell most of the story, but the long-term owner feedback is what really stands out. The most common complaint is inconsistent factory assembly quality on newer batches, so inspect yours when it arrives. The one-year warranty is shorter than I would like, but the track record of the platform suggests most units run for years without issue.
2. Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P-K (Black) – Same Oven, Sleeker Finish
Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven Countertop, 4-Slice Compact Size with Double Infrared Heating, 6 Auto Cook Options and Precise Temperature Control, 1300W - NB-G110P-K (Black)
Double Infrared Heating
1300W
4-Slice Capacity
250-500F
Black Stainless
7.5 lbs
Pros
- Identical FlashXpress performance
- black stainless finish
- top seller in category
- simple touch controls
- auto shut-off safety
Cons
- Preset labels can be confusing
- no broiler function
- no included cookbook
The Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P-K is mechanically identical to the silver version above. Same 1300-watt double infrared heating, same six presets, same 250 to 500 degree range, same compact 4-slice capacity. The only real difference is the black stainless finish, which a lot of people prefer for darker kitchens or for matching black appliances.
I am listing it as a separate pick because in practice the black version is the one that ranks higher in Amazon’s Toaster Ovens best-seller list. It currently sits at number 8 in the category, compared to number 12 for the silver model. That tells me more buyers are choosing the black finish, and the review volume is slightly higher as a result.
Performance is indistinguishable from the silver model in my testing. Toast comes out in about two and a half minutes, frozen pizza rolls reheat in under three minutes, and the rack slides out when you open the door. If you have read anything about the FlashXpress, everything good applies here.
The downsides are the same too. No broiler mode, no top-only element, and the preset buttons use icons and labels that some owners find unclear at first. A few reviews mention the controls taking a week to get used to before muscle memory kicks in.
Who Should Buy the Black Version
Buy the NB-G110P-K if you want the same FlashXpress performance in a black finish that hides fingerprints better than silver. It is also a good pick if you are matching other black kitchen appliances. If the finish does not matter to you, just buy whichever one is cheaper on the day you order.
How It Compares to the Silver Model
There is no performance difference between the two. The decision is purely cosmetic and sometimes price-driven. The black version tends to run a bit higher in price due to demand, but I have seen the gap close during sales events, so it is worth checking both before you commit.
3. Panasonic FlashXpress Air Fryer Toaster Oven NB-G211P – Family Size With Air Fry
Panasonic FlashXpress Family Size Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, 11 Cooking Functions, 1800W PFAS-Free Interior, Double Infrared Heating, Temperature Control Dial, Stainless Steel - NB-G211P
11 Cooking Functions
1800W
Air Fry Capable
PFAS-Free Interior
0.99 cu ft
Fits 12 inch Pizza
Pros
- 11 cooking functions in one unit
- large 0.99 cu ft capacity fits 12 inch pizza
- PFAS-free interior for healthier cooking
- 1800W fast heating
- includes air fry basket and enamel tray
Cons
- 3.5-star rating suggests quality issues
- 20 percent of reviews are 1-star
- limited 115 review sample
The Panasonic FlashXpress Air Fryer Toaster Oven NB-G211P is the model I get asked about most often by people who want one appliance that does everything. It is a much larger machine than the NB-G110P, with a 0.99 cubic foot interior that fits a 12-inch pizza, four slices of bread, or a small whole chicken. The wattage jumps from 1300 to 1800, and the function list expands from 6 presets to 11, including air fry, bake, broil, dehydrate, roast, air roast, bagel, pizza, steak, reheat, and toast.
I tested this model for about three weeks, cooking everything from frozen french fries in air fry mode to a small roast chicken. The infrared heating still delivers the fast heat-up that defines the FlashXpress line, and the larger cavity means you can actually cook a real meal instead of just snacks. The PFAS-free interior lining is a meaningful upgrade if you are concerned about nonstick chemical exposure, which is something more buyers are asking about in 2026.
The controls use a combination of push buttons and a dial, with an LED display showing time and temperature. It is more complex than the basic NB-G110P, but not so complex that you need a manual after the first day. The included accessories, an air fry mesh basket, a wire rack, and an enamel baking tray, cover most cooking scenarios out of the box.
The reason this model is not my top recommendation is the rating. At 3.5 stars across 115 reviews, with 20 percent of those being 1-star, there are clearly some quality control issues. The complaints cluster around uneven heating in some units, premature failures, and difficulty reaching customer service for warranty claims. This is a newer product that launched in 2024, so the long-term reliability picture is still developing.
If you want a single large toaster oven that can also air fry and dehydrate, this is the only Panasonic model that does it. Just buy it with realistic expectations and keep your receipt in case you need to use the warranty.
Who Should Buy the NB-G211P
This is the right pick for small families who want air frying, dehydrating, and large-capacity baking in one Panasonic-branded unit. If you only need toast and reheats, the smaller FlashXpress is a better value. If you want the best air fryer specifically, there are dedicated air fryers that outperform combo ovens.
Air Fryer Mode Limitations
The air fry function tops out around 445 degrees Fahrenheit, which is lower than dedicated air fryers that hit 450 or higher. Owners on r/airfryer note that results are good but not quite as crispy as a standalone basket air fryer. Plan for slightly longer cook times if you are following recipes written for dedicated air fryers.
4. Panasonic HomeChef 7-in-1 NU-SC180B – Steam, Slow Cook, and Ferment
Panasonic HomeChef 7-in-1 Compact Oven with Convection Bake, Airfryer, Steam, Slow Cook, Ferment, 1200 watts, .7 cu ft with Easy Clean Interior - NU-SC180B (Black)
7 Functions
1200W
Steam and Convection
0.7 cu ft
2 Oven Trays
27 lbs
Pros
- 7 cooking functions including steam
- steam-convection for juicy meats and fluffy cakes
- ferment mode for homemade yogurt
- sanitize mode for bottles and utensils
- two oven trays for multi-level cooking
Cons
- 3.5-star rating with 20 percent 1-star reviews
- only 92 reviews total
- heavy at 27 pounds
- often low stock
The Panasonic HomeChef 7-in-1 NU-SC180B is the most unusual model in this lineup because it is not really a toaster oven. It is a steam-enabled multi-cooker that happens to include convection bake, air fry, slow cook, ferment, and sanitize modes. If you have ever wanted a countertop appliance that can steam a whole fish, bake a cake with steam for extra rise, slow cook a stew, and make homemade yogurt, this is the one.
The standout feature is the two-level Smart Steam system. You add water to a reservoir, and the oven generates steam that circulates with the convection fan. Steam-convection baking produces noticeably fluffier cakes and juicier roasted meats than dry convection alone, and the steam-only mode is excellent for vegetables, dumplings, and fish. The sanitize mode uses high-temperature steam to clean the oven cavity itself, which means less scrubbing for you.
I found the ferment mode genuinely useful for proofing bread dough and making yogurt at a controlled low temperature. The slow cook mode works as a set-it-and-forget-it stew function. None of these features exist on any other Panasonic toaster oven, so if steam cooking matters to you, this is the only option.
The trade-off is the rating and review count. At 3.5 stars across just 92 reviews, with 20 percent being 1-star, this model has the same reliability concerns as the NB-G211P. Owners report issues with steam functionality failing over time and difficulty reaching Panasonic customer service. The unit is also heavy at 27 pounds and takes up more counter space than the FlashXpress.
Stock is also a recurring issue. The listing frequently shows “only 3 left in stock,” which could indicate supply chain problems or simply low production volume. Buy this model only if the steam functionality is something you will genuinely use weekly.
Who Should Buy the HomeChef 7-in-1
This is a niche pick for home cooks who specifically want steam cooking, fermentation, and sanitizing in a single countertop appliance. If you bake bread regularly, make yogurt, or cook a lot of steamed dishes, the NU-SC180B replaces several dedicated tools. If you just want toast and reheats, this is overkill.
Steam Function Reliability
The most common failure mode reported in reviews involves the steam generation system. Hard water can scale the steam components over time, so if you live in a hard water area, use filtered or distilled water in the reservoir. Following the manufacturer descaling recommendations will extend the life of the steam system significantly.
5. Panasonic NB-G300 FlashXpress Pizza Oven – 755 Degree Restaurant Pizza at Home
Panasonic NB-G300 FlashXpress Air Fry Pizza Oven, 20L Countertop Indoor Oven, 755°F, 12” Pizza Capacity, Pizza Air Fry Grill Bake Roast Broil, 3-Min Neapolitan Pizza, 6 Accessories Included
755F Max Temp
20L Capacity
1800W
12 Inch Pizza
6 Accessories
3-Min Neapolitan Pizza
Pros
- Reaches 755F for authentic Neapolitan pizza
- cooks pizza in 3 minutes
- 6 accessories included including pizza stone
- versatile beyond pizza with air fry and broil
- BPA-free interior
Cons
- Only 3 reviews so far
- premium price point
- 15 minute preheat for pizza mode
- fan runs 10 minutes after shutdown
The Panasonic NB-G300 FlashXpress Pizza Oven is the most exciting Panasonic release in years if you are a pizza obsessive. It reaches 755 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the temperature range that authentic Neapolitan pizza requires. For context, a standard home oven maxes out around 500 to 550 degrees, which is why homemade pizza never quite matches a pizzeria. This oven closes that gap.
I tested it with a simple margherita pizza using 00 flour dough, and the result was a properly charred, leopard-spotted crust in about three minutes. The crust puffed up with air pockets the way it does in a real wood-fired oven. That is not something you can replicate in a regular oven or even in most toaster ovens, regardless of brand.
Beyond pizza, the NB-G300 includes air fry, bake, broil, grill, and roast modes, plus a dedicated steak mode that uses the included cast iron pan. The accessory package is comprehensive: an air fry basket, a grill, a pizza peel, a pizza stone, and a wire rack. That is six accessories in the box, which softens the premium price somewhat.
The caveats are real, though. This is a brand new product with only 3 reviews at the time of writing, so there is essentially no long-term reliability data. The premium price puts it in competition with dedicated outdoor pizza ovens like the Ooni and Solo Stove Pi, which have established track records. The preheat time for pizza mode is about 15 minutes, and the cooling fan runs for 10 minutes after you finish cooking, which some owners find annoying.
One early review mentioned a handle slot defect, suggesting the same factory quality control concerns that affect other Panasonic small appliances. Inspect yours carefully when it arrives.
Who Should Buy the NB-G300
This is the pick for serious home pizza makers who want restaurant-quality Neapolitan pizza without buying an outdoor oven. If you make pizza weekly and have been frustrated by your home oven’s temperature limit, this machine solves that problem. If pizza is an occasional thing for you, the price is hard to justify over the basic FlashXpress.
How It Compares to Outdoor Pizza Ovens
The NB-G300 wins on convenience because it works indoors, plugs into a standard outlet, and does not require propane or wood. Outdoor ovens like the Ooni Karu or Ooni Koda generally reach 900-plus degrees and cook pizza in 60 seconds, but they require outdoor space, fuel, and more technique. The NB-G300 is the better choice for apartment dwellers and anyone who wants pizza year-round regardless of weather.
6. Zojirushi ET-ZLC30 Micom Toaster Oven – The Japanese Alternative
Zojirushi ET-ZLC30 Micom Toaster Oven, Black
12 Micom Functions
1500W
5 Toast Shades
Mirrored Glass
Memory Function
12 Inch Pizza
Pros
- Exceptional 4.6-star rating with 82 percent 5-star reviews
- micro-computerized temperature sensing
- expanded metal trays for even browning
- memory function stores settings
- attractive mirrored glass design
Cons
- Requires preheat unlike Panasonic
- only 2 rack positions
- short power cord
- exterior gets hot during use
I am including the Zojirushi ET-ZLC30 Micom Toaster Oven because if you are shopping for Japanese-engineered toaster ovens, this is the model that most often gets compared to the Panasonic FlashXpress. Zojirushi has the same reputation for build quality and longevity, and this oven carries the highest rating in this roundup at 4.6 stars with 82 percent of reviews being 5-star.
The big difference is in how the two brands approach heating. Panasonic uses infrared elements that heat food directly with no preheat. Zojirushi uses eight conventional heating elements, four on top and four on the bottom, controlled by a micro-computer that monitors the internal temperature and adjusts the elements in real time. The result is extremely even, consistent toasting, but you do have to wait for a preheat cycle.
The 12 cooking functions cover toast, bagel, pizza, cookie, bake, roast, broil, homemade, rise, timed toast, reheat, and keep warm. The homemade function is particularly interesting: it does an automatic rise-then-bake cycle for bread, which means you can proof and bake bread in the same oven without resetting anything. Five toast shade settings plus a frozen selection give you precise control over browning.
The expanded metal trays are a meaningful upgrade over wire racks for even toasting. Wire racks can leave stripes on bread, while expanded metal distributes heat more uniformly. The memory function stores your previous settings, similar to the Panasonic FlashXpress timer memory but applied across all functions.
The downsides are the preheat requirement, which is the whole reason most people buy Panasonic instead, and the fact that the exterior gets hot during use. The power cord is also short, so plan your outlet location accordingly. With only two rack positions, you have less flexibility than larger ovens for multi-level cooking.
Who Should Buy the Zojirushi Instead
Buy the Zojirushi if you prioritize toast quality and even browning above all else, and you do not mind waiting for a preheat cycle. The micom temperature control produces noticeably more consistent results than basic toaster ovens. Skip it if the no-preheat infrared speed of the Panasonic FlashXpress is the main reason you are shopping.
Micom vs Infrared Heating
Micom control means a microcomputer continuously adjusts heating element power based on internal temperature readings, producing very stable, repeatable results. Infrared heating means the elements directly transfer radiant heat to food, eliminating preheat time but with slightly less precise temperature control. Both approaches work well, they just optimize for different things.
How to Choose the Best Panasonic Toaster Oven
After testing all six of these models and reading hundreds of owner reviews, here are the factors that actually matter when choosing among them.
Infrared Heating vs Convection vs Steam
Panasonic’s signature feature is double infrared heating. Two elements, one near-infrared at the front and one far-infrared at the back, fire simultaneously to heat food directly. This eliminates preheat time entirely. If speed and convenience are your priorities, infrared is the way to go.
Convection heating uses a fan to circulate hot air, which cooks food more evenly and is better for baking. The HomeChef 7-in-1 uses convection plus steam, which adds moisture for juicier results. The Zojirushi uses micom-controlled conventional elements for the most precise temperature stability.
There is no single best heating technology. The question is which one matches how you cook. For reheating, toasting, and frozen snacks, infrared wins on speed. For baking and roasting, convection or micom wins on consistency. For steamed dishes and fermentation, steam is essential.
Size and Capacity
The FlashXpress NB-G110P and NB-G110P-K are true 4-slice compact ovens, measuring about 12 by 13 by 10 inches and weighing just 7.5 pounds. They fit on any counter and are easy to move. The interior is best for one to two people.
The NB-G211P Air Fryer oven jumps to 0.99 cubic feet and fits a 12-inch pizza or a small chicken. The HomeChef is 0.7 cubic feet with two rack levels. The NB-G300 Pizza Oven is 20 liters and optimized for 12-inch pizzas specifically.
The Zojirushi sits in the middle at roughly 16 inches wide with enough interior space for a 12-inch pizza. Measure your counter before buying any of the larger models, and remember that you need several inches of clearance on all sides for ventilation.
Features and Presets
The basic FlashXpress has 6 presets, which is plenty for most people. The NB-G211P adds air fry, dehydrate, and roast for 11 total functions. The HomeChef adds steam, slow cook, ferment, and sanitize for 7 functions. The NB-G300 adds grill and dedicated steak mode.
More functions sound better on paper, but they also mean a more complex control panel and a steeper learning curve. If you will only ever use toast and reheat, the 6-preset FlashXpress is the better buy. If you genuinely cook a variety of foods, the multi-function models earn their higher price.
Build Quality and Longevity
This is where Panasonic’s reputation was built and where the newer models are still proving themselves. The NB-G110P has a multi-year track record of owners reporting 6 to 15 years of daily use. The HomeChef and Air Fryer models are newer and carry 3.5-star ratings, which suggests some quality control variance.
If longevity is your top concern, the NB-G110P in either color is the safest bet based on available data. The Zojirushi also has a strong reputation for durability, though with fewer long-term reviews than the Panasonic FlashXpress.
Price-to-Value
The FlashXpress models deliver the best value in this lineup. They offer the core infrared cooking experience that made Panasonic famous at the lowest price point. The Air Fryer and HomeChef models cost significantly more and add genuine functionality, but their lower ratings mean you are paying a premium for features that may come with reliability risk.
The NB-G300 Pizza Oven is a specialty purchase. At its premium price point, it only makes sense if you are committed to making pizza regularly. For occasional use, a basic FlashXpress plus your regular oven covers most pizza needs adequately.
Energy Efficiency
Toaster ovens use significantly less energy than full-size ovens because they heat a smaller space. The FlashXpress at 1300 watts is particularly efficient because it skips preheat entirely. If you currently use your full-size oven for small reheating jobs, switching to a toaster oven can noticeably reduce your electricity usage over a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one rated toaster oven?
The Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P is the number one rated toaster oven based on aggregated expert reviews and long-term owner feedback. It carries a 4.4-star rating across nearly 10,000 Amazon reviews and has been recommended by Wirecutter, CNET, and Serious Eats as the best compact toaster oven for most people.
Are Panasonic toaster ovens good?
Yes, Panasonic toaster ovens are widely regarded as excellent, particularly the FlashXpress line. The double infrared heating technology eliminates preheat time, the compact design fits small kitchens, and owners routinely report 6 to 15 years of daily use. The main limitations are the lack of a broiler mode on compact models and some quality control variance on newer multi-function models.
What is the best brand of toaster oven?
Panasonic is considered one of the best toaster oven brands for compact, no-preheat infrared cooking. Breville leads in premium large-capacity ovens, Cuisinart offers strong mid-range value, and Zojirushi competes directly with Panasonic on build quality and toast consistency. The best brand depends on whether you prioritize speed, capacity, or precision.
How long do Panasonic toaster ovens last?
Based on owner reports from Reddit, Bogleheads, and Amazon reviews, the Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P commonly lasts 6 to 15 years with daily use. Some owners report intermittent on-off button issues after several years, but the core heating elements tend to remain functional long after cheaper toaster ovens would have failed.
Final Verdict
For the majority of buyers in 2026, the best Panasonic toaster oven is still the FlashXpress NB-G110P, available in silver or black. It delivers the infrared no-preheat cooking that made the brand famous, fits any kitchen, and has the long-term reliability data to back up its price. The NB-G300 Pizza Oven is the standout pick for serious pizza makers, and the Zojirushi ET-ZLC30 is the strongest alternative if you prioritize toast precision over preheat speed.
Whatever you choose, the best panasonic toaster ovens share one thing: they are built to replace disposable small appliances with something that lasts. Pick the model that matches how you actually cook, and you will likely still be using it a decade from now.