Countertop Cookers
Whip up meals with less effort, and in less time, using these unconventional cookers.
by Gina Roberts-Grey
Countertop cooking has come a long way since the waffle iron and the Crock-Pot. Today, you can create everything from pizza and soups to pancakes and rotisserie chicken, all without bending, stooping and reaching into your conventional oven. We found four countertop-cookers that, well, really cook! The best part: They won’t leave you scowling over the need to scrub heavy pots and pans. The non-stick cooking surfaces are all dishwasher safe or disposable.
Nu-Wave Pro Oven. The combination of conduction, convection and infrared heat lets you bake, roast, broil, steam or grill meals in about half the time necessary with a conventional oven. Plus, it doesn’t need fats or oils to cook meat or poultry, and it drains off two to three times the amount of fat compared with a regular oven. ($120)
Sunbeam Rocket Grill. To enjoy grilled food without braving the elements, tuck fresh or frozen foods into a disposable parchment pouch, then pop it in the Rocket Grill. After you’ve eaten, just toss the pouch in the trash. ($50)
Cuisinart Griddler Combo. Cook everything from pancakes and eggs to burgers and fish fillets on the reversible grill and griddle plates. The grill plate channels fats away from food. The drip tray and all cooking plates are dishwasher-safe. ($129)
Hamilton Beach Countertop Oven With Convection and Rotisserie. The double racks let you broil or cook two fresh or frozen pizzas faster than with a conventional oven. With the interchangeable tools, you can convert the oven into a rotisserie. ($130)
