If you're in the market for a chic, multifunctional kitchen appliance, the Our Place Wonder Oven may just be what you need. This countertop oven combines impressive versatility with a compact design, making it ideal for small kitchens. It can handle air frying, toasting, baking, and reheating, although the analog timer leaves something to be desired.
Pros of the Wonder Oven
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Appealing retro-inspired look
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Compact size fits easily in smaller kitchens
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Can replace multiple small appliances
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Internal light allows for easy monitoring of cooking progress
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Excellent for air frying and reheating
Cons of the Wonder Oven
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Timer can be difficult to set accurately
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Oven racks lack self-support
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Limited recipe options included
You can rely on us for thorough product evaluations.
The brand Our Place is widely recognized for its Only Pan, a versatile non-stick frying pan that performs multiple tasks. Recently, they launched their first kitchen appliance: the Wonder Oven.
This new gadget maintains the brand's theme of multifunctionality, offering six cooking modes that can replace several other small kitchen devices.
With the Wonder Oven, you can air fry, bake, broil, toast, roast, and reheat food. Its compact design is perfect for those with limited kitchen space, all while boasting a stylish retro aesthetic available in several trendy matte colors. It sounds promising, but how does it compare to the best air fryers and toaster ovens on the market?
I tested the Wonder Oven over several weeks, using it for a variety of cooking tasks. It performed well for most functions, but there are some design quirks worth noting before you decide to buy.
Specifications
| Exterior dimensions: | 11.6" x 10.6" x 11.5" |
| Interior dimensions: | 7.6 x 10.3 x 10 inches |
| Material: | Stainless steel |
| Capacity: | 12 liters |
| Weight: | 11.6 lbs |
| Wattage: | 1400 |
| Temperature range: | 200-450°F |
| Cooking modes: | Air Fry, Bake, Toast, Roast, Reheat, Broil |
| Included accessories: | Bake pan, air fryer basket, wire rack, crumb tray |
| Available colors: | Char, Steam, Blue Salt, Spice |
Unboxing Experience
The Wonder Oven arrived in straightforward packaging, demonstrating the brand's commitment to eco-friendly practices. It was securely packed with cardboard, and the accessories were also wrapped in cardboard, with minimal plastic used for protection during shipping.
The appliance, which I received in a matte gray “Char” finish, comes ready to use straight from the box. Included are a non-stick baking sheet, a mesh air fryer basket, a basic wire rack, and a crumb tray designed to catch food debris. The front features three analog dials to adjust cooking mode, temperature, and timer, but I found the labels on these dials to be somewhat small and hard to read in dim lighting.
Following the manual's instructions, I preheated the Wonder Oven for 10 minutes at 400 degrees to eliminate any manufacturing residue. Thankfully, there were no unpleasant odors or smoke during this process.
Cooking Test 1: Tater Tots
To test the Wonder Oven, I started with classic frozen tater tots. Since the packaging didn’t include air frying instructions, I treated them similarly to frozen French fries. I filled the air frying tray with tater tots and set the temperature to 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
From the outset, I was frustrated by the analog timer dial; the tick marks are so tiny that it’s hard to set the timer accurately. It could be anywhere from 8 to 11 minutes, which is not ideal for an appliance at this price point.
After my 10 (or so) minutes, I carefully removed the tater tots using a pot holder, as the tray was extremely hot. I also learned that the racks do not support themselves when pulled out, which means they can tilt forward, potentially spilling your food onto the counter.
On the positive side, the tater tots came out nicely browned, although I wished they had a bit more crunch. Next time, I may cook them for a few extra minutes, but overall, I was satisfied with the outcome.
Cooking Test 2: Mini Nutella Donuts
As someone with a sweet tooth, I decided to make Nutella-filled donut holes. The process involves flattening biscuit dough, adding a dollop of Nutella, and forming balls before air frying them for about eight minutes. I set the temperature to 350 degrees and used the air frying basket for this batch.
After eight minutes, the mini donuts were perfectly browned. I had to rotate the tray midway through cooking, as the donuts in the front weren't browning as much as those at the back. This rotation ensured even cooking, and they made a delightful post-dinner treat that I plan to recreate.
Cooking Test 3: Toast
Next, I tested the Wonder Oven's toasting ability to compare it with a traditional toaster. The instructions suggested setting the oven to 450°F for toasting, and I used the standard wire rack for my wheat bread.
During my first attempt, I toasted the bread for about five minutes, flipping it halfway for even browning. Unfortunately, I overcooked it. On my second try, I elevated the wire rack to a higher position and reduced the cooking time to approximately four minutes. The result was much better, with both sides perfectly toasted without needing to flip.
Overall, the Wonder Oven could efficiently serve as a toaster, especially if you're looking to reduce countertop clutter.
Cooking Test 4: Turkey Burgers
For a heartier meal, I opted to make turkey burgers, only to find that the recipe booklet included with the oven had limited appealing options. Instead, I followed an air fryer turkey burger recipe that suggested cooking for five minutes per side at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. I used the air frying basket, but next time, I might choose the baking sheet to catch any drippings.
The turkey burger was nicely cooked, but it took longer than expected. After 10 minutes, it was still undercooked, resulting in a total cooking time of around 30 minutes. Plan for extra time if you're preparing larger items like this.
Cooking Test 5: Reheating Leftovers
For lunch, I decided to reheat a stuffed pepper from the previous night's dinner. The Wonder Oven features a dedicated reheat setting, which I thought would be perfect for this task. (I've found that microwaves tend to leave parts of stuffed peppers cold.) I set it to 400 degrees for about 10 minutes.
The stuffed pepper smelled wonderful while reheating, and when the timer went off, I was impressed by how evenly it heated. My only issue was that the bottom of the pepper got a bit charred, but it was still a far superior result compared to using the microwave.
Cleaning the Wonder Oven
I prefer appliances that allow for dishwasher-safe cleaning, but unfortunately, all components of the Wonder Oven require hand washing. However, cleanup is straightforward as all parts are easy to wash. The non-stick baking sheet allows for quick cleaning of grease and food remnants, and even the air fryer basket cleans up effortlessly with a sponge. I also found it necessary to wipe down the oven's window every few uses, as it can get greasy.
Should You Purchase the Our Place Wonder Oven?
If you're in search of a compact and multifunctional appliance, the Our Place Wonder Oven is a strong choice. Its small footprint makes it ideal for tight urban living spaces, and it can effectively replace several appliances like an air fryer, toaster, and even a full-size oven. While some recipes may require a little extra cooking time, it generally performs well for various dishes, including entrees, sides, and desserts.
Despite its impressive performance, the Wonder Oven has a few design flaws to consider. The primary drawback is the analog timer's lack of precision; for an appliance at this price point, a digital timer would have been a better choice. Additionally, the racks tend to tilt forward when pulled out, which could lead to spills if you're not cautious.
