Elite Gourmet ETO490 Toaster Oven Review
Our verdict
A compact, budget-friendly Elite Gourmet toaster oven with an 800W draw and knob controls, aimed at small households that need basic toast and reheating without spending much.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Singles, students, or small households who want a no-frills countertop toaster oven for toast and simple reheating at a low entry price.
Skip if
You need to bake, roast, or fit anything larger than two slices and a small item. The 800W element and compact aluminum body are not built for serious cooking tasks.
- Wattage 800 W
- Material Aluminum
- Controls Knob Control
- Color Black/Chrome
- Dimensions 11.65 X 13.64 X 7.6 In
- Priced 65% below the category median ($114.97 across 34 tracked models)
- Wattage of 800 W - lower than 90% of the 34 models we track
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.3/5
4.3 average across 648 owner ratings
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Popularity1.8/5
648 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other toaster ovens, convection and pizza ovens, toasters, stand and hand mixers, bread machines and baking appliances we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Elite Gourmet ETO490 is priced at $39.99 and delivers basic toaster oven functionality at the low end of the market. It draws 800 watts, which is on the lower end for countertop ovens, meaning preheat times will be slower than units in the 1200W to 1800W range. The aluminum construction keeps weight down and costs low. The black and chrome color scheme is a clean, neutral look that fits most kitchens.
Knob controls are straightforward with no digital interface to learn. The unit measures 11.65 x 13.64 x 7.6 inches, making it one of the more compact options in the toaster oven category. For a dorm room, office break room, or a kitchen short on counter space, the footprint is a real advantage.
With 648 ratings at 4.3 stars, the ETO490 has earned a better reputation than many budget toaster ovens. Buyers consistently mention it as reliable for basic daily use. At $39.99 it is a straightforward value pick for light tasks, with the understanding that it was not designed for baking or roasting.
Pros
- Very affordable at $39.99 with no hidden complexity
- Compact 11.65 x 13.64 x 7.6 inch footprint fits tight spaces
- Simple knob controls with zero learning curve
- 4.3-star rating across 648 reviews is strong for this price tier
- Neutral black and chrome finish works in most kitchen styles
Cons
- 800W draw is low, leading to slower preheat and longer cook times
- Aluminum body is lightweight but less durable than stainless steel units
- Interior is too small for anything beyond basic toast and small items
- No published max temperature figure to confirm baking range
Specifications
| Wattage | 800 W |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum |
| Controls | Knob Control |
| Color | Black/Chrome |
| Dimensions | 11.65 X 13.64 X 7.6 In |
Performance notes
The 800W element is sufficient for toast and reheating leftovers. It will not brown as quickly or evenly as a 1200W to 1800W unit. For baking cookies or reheating pizza at speed, the limited wattage is a noticeable constraint. Best used for daily toast and simple snacks.
What buyers say
At 4.3 stars with 648 reviews, this is one of the better-rated budget toaster ovens in its class. Buyers note it does exactly what is advertised without any complications. The most common complaints center on uneven browning at lower settings, which is typical for low-wattage units.
More from Elite Gourmet
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Frequently asked questions
Will this fit a standard slice of bread for toasting?
Yes, the ETO490 is designed to accommodate standard sandwich bread slices. The 11.65-inch width supports a small toast rack setup, though interior capacity for larger items is limited.
How does 800W compare to other toaster ovens?
Most mid-range toaster ovens run between 1200W and 1800W. At 800W, the ETO490 will take longer to preheat and cook, making it best suited for light daily tasks rather than baking or roasting.
Is the aluminum body a durability concern?
Aluminum is lighter and less heat-retentive than stainless steel. For light daily use at this price, it is adequate. Heavy or prolonged daily use may show wear faster than stainless steel alternatives.