I don’t like running my big oven. This iQ MiniOven is my secret weapon

Living in Florida means I’m always looking for excuses to not run my full size oven. Between the heat, the long preheat times, and the way it makes the kitchen feel 10 degrees hot instantly, I usually avoid this unless I have to. That’s why countertop ovens are slowly becoming my favorite, although I’ll be honest…a lot Smart ovens Promise the world and often fail.

but IQ Mini Oven various. It’s currently on sale, and more importantly, I’ve discovered that it works the same way a smart oven should. No gimmicks, no frustration, and no wondering why I paid extra for features I never use.

A smart oven that doesn’t overcomplicate things

The iQ MiniOven manages to hit the sweet spot between power and practicality. It offers 11 different cooking modes, including baking, roasting, air frying, grilling, dehydrating, slow cooking, reheating, and even dough proofing — something I’ve found myself using a lot as I’m determined to create a sourdough recipe in 2026. It can reach temperatures of up to 500 degrees and uses a high-powered internal motor to keep airflow constant, which really makes a difference when you want crispy results without sitting around your food.

Although it’s compact enough to fit on a nightstand, the interior is surprisingly spacious. It can fit a 13-inch pizza or a standard 9 x 13 baking pan, which is more than enough for a weekend dinner or small batch cookout.

The design is great too. It’s sleek and modern, while the touchscreen is bright and responsive. The interior light actually allows me to see what’s going on inside (something before me Toaster oven I didn’t) and the soft-closing door looks more premium than I expected.

It also connects to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and works with the Chef iQ app. And unlike some smart devices, the app is actually useful. I can monitor cooking progress, get guided cooking assistance, and adjust settings without having to move around the kitchen. On hot days, that alone feels like a win.

Why the price makes sense in the long term

At full price, the iQ MiniOven falls firmly into investment territory. Even with the current sale bringing it down to $499.99 from $599.99This is not an impulse purchase. But smart ovens are the type of appliance that can quietly pay for themselves over time.

When one appliance replaces a toaster oven, a Air fryer And a great piece of full-size oven use, the value adds up quickly. You can save time, energy and a lot of unnecessary heat. For me, this has become the default for everyday meals, which means my big oven stays off more often than it used to.

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Bottom line

If you live somewhere hot, hate turning on your big oven and want a countertop option that actually serves you, the iQ MiniOven is worth a serious look, especially while it’s on sale.

It’s fast, flexible and really useful, which is more than I can say for a lot of smart ovens out there. This is one of those kitchen upgrades that earns its place on the counter and then continues to earn it every time you cook.