Table of Contents
Introduction
Smart kitchen appliances have gone from being a novelty to something a lot of people rely on every day. They aren’t just about making your kitchen look modern. They’re about saving time, taking away the guesswork, and making cooking less of a chore.
The Tovala Smart Oven is one of those appliances that aims to do all of that. It’s a compact oven that can cook in multiple ways, connect to your phone, and even work with its own meal subscription service. In this review, I’ll walk you through what it does well, where it falls short, and whether it makes sense for your kitchen.
Overview of the Tovala Smart Oven
Tovala launched in 2015 with a simple idea: what if you could get fresh meals cooked perfectly without having to measure, set timers, or constantly check on them? The first model was crowdfunded on Kickstarter, and it used a mix of cooking modes and a barcode scanner to automate the process.
Since then, the company has refined the oven and expanded its meal service. The current lineup includes the Tovala Smart Oven Pro, which has a bigger capacity, heats up faster, and keeps heat in better than earlier models. But no matter which model you choose, you get the same core features — multiple cooking modes, app control, and barcode scanning for Tovala meals.
Key Features and Technology
The Tovala can:
- Steam for tender meats and fresh-tasting veggies
- Bake for casseroles, breads, and desserts
- Broil for crispy finishes
- Toast bread and bagels evenly
- Reheat leftovers without drying them out
It pairs with the Tovala app, so you can start cooking, adjust settings, and get alerts when food is ready. The app is also where you manage your meal orders and Tovala login.
The built-in barcode scanner is what makes it stand out. Scan a Tovala meal package, and the oven automatically knows exactly how to cook it — switching between modes as needed. And because it’s Wi-Fi connected, it can get updates to add new presets or improve cooking programs.
The Tovala Meal System
You don’t have to use Tovala’s meal service, but it’s where the oven really shines. Meals arrive each week in recyclable trays, already prepped. Cooking is literally three steps:
- Put the tray in the oven
- Scan the barcode
- Press start
The menu changes weekly and includes a mix of cuisines and dietary options. Portions are designed for one person, which makes it ideal for singles or couples.
Cooking with the Tovala
With Tovala meals, you just scan and go — the oven handles the temperature changes and timing for you.
If you want to cook your own food, you can set everything manually or follow recipes in the app. I’ve found it works well for quick breakfasts, reheating pizza, or roasting a small tray of vegetables. It’s faster than a full-size oven, and cleanup is minimal.
Pros and Cons
What I like:
- Super easy to use with meal kits
- Compact but still versatile
- App control is handy if you’re multitasking
What could be better:
- Meal subscription cost can add up
- Not big enough for large family dinners
- You need Wi-Fi to get all the features
Who It’s Best For
The Tovala Smart Oven is great if you’re a busy professional, a student, or part of a small household. It’s also good if you like the idea of skipping meal prep a few nights a week.
It’s probably not the best fit if you have a big family to feed or you enjoy cooking elaborate meals from scratch every night.
Pricing and Value
The Tovala Smart Oven price depends on the model and any promotions they’re running. The Pro is the premium option and costs more, but it gives you more space and faster preheating.
Compared to other smart ovens like the June Smart Oven, Tovala stands out for its barcode scanning and meal service integration. If you won’t use the meal kits, you might find more value in a different model that focuses on broader cooking features.
Maintenance and Longevity
Cleaning is straightforward — wipe down the inside, and remove the crumb tray when needed. With normal care, it should last several years, and it comes with a warranty to cover defects.
Alternatives
If Tovala doesn’t seem right for you, other options include the June Smart Oven, Breville Smart Oven Air, or Anova Precision Oven. Each has a different approach, but none pair directly with a meal subscription the way Tovala does.
Final Thoughts
The Tovala Smart Oven is a thoughtful mix of convenience and quality. If you want something that helps you get good food on the table with minimal effort, especially if you use the meal service, it’s a strong choice.
If you love cooking from scratch or need to feed a crowd, you might want something bigger and more manual. But for small households who want a reliable, easy-to-use appliance, the Tovala Smart Oven Pro is worth considering.
Where To Buy
Navigate the button below to buy it:
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Tovala Smart Oven Pro help simplify everyday cooking?
The Tovala Smart Oven Pro is designed to take the stress out of everyday cooking by combining multiple functions like bake, steam oven, broil, toast, and oven air fryer in one compact countertop oven. With preprogrammed recipes, barcode scanning, and the option to cook Tovala’s meal kits, you can go from frozen foods to perfectly cooked meals without having to use my large oven. Whether you are making chicken tenders, sweet chili-glazed salmon, or baked goods, the oven’s smart features help you set the oven correctly for consistent results.
Can I use the Tovala Smart Oven Pro for air fry cooking?
Yes, the Tovala Smart Oven Pro works as a smart oven air fryer. You can air fry chicken breast, chicken tenders, or even frozen foods from the store using less oil than a regular oven or traditional deep fryer. The air fry basket gives you crispy results while still keeping meat juicy.
Does Tovala’s Smart Oven replace a toaster oven or regular oven?
For many people, it does. This 6-in-1 countertop appliance can act as a toaster oven, steam oven, convection bake oven, and oven air fryer. You might still use a regular oven for larger batches, but for most meals a week, the Tovala oven can handle it all and deliver better baked goods and delicious meals.
How does the Tovala meal kit and meal delivery service work?
Tovala offers a meal delivery service that sends fresh meal kits right to your door. Each Tovala meal kit comes with a recipe card, two aluminum trays, and QR code scanning for automatic cooking. You can choose a certain number of meals per week, like four meals, and the menu rotates with a number of recipes so you never get bored.
Can I cook outside of the meal kits in Tovala’s Smart Oven?
Absolutely. While Tovala’s meal kits are convenient, you can also set the oven manually for convection bake, steam, or air fry cooking. This makes it great for testing the oven with your own recipes, from better baked goods to make juicy meat dishes. You can even try frozen foods or sweet chili-glazed salmon outside of the meal kit program.
How do I connect the oven to Wi-Fi and use the app?
To get the most from your smart features, you’ll need to connect the oven to Wi-Fi. Once connected, you can download the Tovala app, scan the QR code on your meals, manage orders, and control cooking from your phone. The app also stores preprogrammed recipes so you can simplify everyday cooking.
Is the Tovala Smart Oven Pro worth it compared to other brands?
If you’re comparing the smart oven worth to something like the Breville Smart Oven Pro or the Breville Smart Oven Air, the Tovala stands out because of its built-in meal delivery service and barcode scanning. Like the Breville Smart Oven, it handles a variety of cooking function types, but Tovala’s integration with meal kits can make mealtime faster and easier.
Can it handle frozen foods from the store?
Yes, you can cook frozen foods from the store in the Tovala Smart Oven Pro. The oven’s convection bake and oven air fryer settings work well for frozen fries, pizza, and chicken tenders. You can also air fry them with less oil for crispier results.
What comes with Tovala’s Smart Oven when I order?
When you order, you get the oven, an air fry basket, aluminum trays, and quick-start guides. If you subscribe to the meal delivery service, you’ll also receive Tovala meal kits that include two aluminum trays, a recipe card, and QR code labels for each meal.
Where can I learn more or order one?
For more details, visit www.apex-byte.com or email info@apex-byte.com. You can also download the Tovala app to see menus, check the number of recipes available, and decide how many meals per week you want before ordering.
