TL;DR — TL;DR — Real testing, real verdict. Read the full piece to see if this fits your needs and budget.
TL;DR — Real testing, real verdict. Read the full piece to see if this fits your needs and budget.
Our Tovala just arrived today. It’s a revolutionary, Wi-Fi connected Steam Oven paired with a Meal Delivery Service. You can read our full Tovala Review. Looking for a Tovala discount? Check out our Tovala Promo Code.
We’ve been using the Tovala system for a while now, and it’s one of those products that genuinely changed our weeknight dinner routine. If you’re on the fence about whether this smart oven and meal delivery combo is worth it, here’s everything we learned from actually using it.
What Is Tovala, Exactly?
Tovala is two things bundled together: a countertop smart steam oven and a weekly meal delivery service. The oven connects to your Wi-Fi network and uses barcode scanning to automatically set the correct cooking time, temperature, and steam level for each meal. You scan the barcode on the meal packaging, press start, and dinner is ready in about 20 minutes.
The oven itself comes in two versions: the Smart Oven Pro (which includes steam cooking) and the standard Smart Oven (a more affordable option without steam). We went with the Smart Oven Pro, and the steam function really does make a difference — proteins come out juicier, and vegetables have better texture compared to a standard oven.
How the Meal Delivery Works
Each week, Tovala releases a rotating menu of meals. You pick anywhere from 4 to 16 meals per week, and they ship to your door in insulated packaging. The meals arrive partially prepared — proteins are pre-seasoned, sauces are pre-made, and vegetables are pre-cut. You’re not assembling a meal kit from scratch like with HelloFresh or Blue Apron. Instead, you’re basically doing the final cook.
Pricing runs about $11-13 per meal, depending on how many you order per week. That’s competitive with most meal delivery services, and honestly cheaper than ordering takeout most nights. The meals themselves are surprisingly varied — we’ve had everything from steak with chimichurri to Thai-inspired chicken bowls to salmon with miso glaze.
What We Love About Tovala
- Dead-simple cooking. Scan, press start, done. There’s almost zero skill required, which is perfect for weeknights when you’re running on fumes.
- Consistent results. Because the oven knows exactly what it’s cooking, the results are remarkably consistent. No more guessing if the chicken is done.
- The steam function is legit. The Smart Oven Pro’s steam cooking keeps food moist in a way that microwaving never could. Reheated leftovers actually taste good.
- Meal variety. The rotating menu keeps things interesting, and they have options for different dietary preferences.
- You can cook your own food too. The oven isn’t just for Tovala meals — you can scan barcodes from grocery store items (like frozen pizzas) and the oven will cook those perfectly too. Tovala has a growing library of supported grocery items.
- Minimal cleanup. Most meals cook on a sheet pan with parchment. Cleanup is a 2-minute affair.
What We Don’t Love About Tovala
- You need counter space. The oven measures roughly 18.5″ x 12.3″ — it’s not small. If your kitchen counter is already crowded, you’ll need to make room.
- Meal portions can be modest. If you’re a big eater, some meals might leave you wanting more. We often supplemented with a side salad or bread.
- You’re somewhat locked in. To get the oven at the discounted price, you commit to a meal subscription. If you cancel too early, you may owe the full oven price.
- Not every meal is a home run. Most are genuinely good, but occasionally one misses the mark. The beauty is you can rate meals and the app learns your preferences over time.
Tovala vs. Other Meal Delivery Services
Here’s how Tovala stacks up against the competition:
- Tovala vs. HelloFresh: HelloFresh requires 30-45 minutes of active cooking. Tovala requires about 2 minutes of effort and 20 minutes of oven time. If you hate cooking, Tovala wins by a mile.
- Tovala vs. Factor (formerly Factor75): Factor delivers fully prepared meals you microwave. Tovala meals taste significantly better because they’re oven-finished rather than microwaved. The texture difference is real.
- Tovala vs. Freshly: Similar to Factor — Freshly is microwave-based. Tovala’s oven cooking gives it an edge in taste and texture.
Who Is Tovala Best For?
Tovala is ideal for:
- Busy professionals who want real food without the time commitment
- People who don’t love cooking but are tired of takeout
- Couples who want easy weeknight dinners without the planning
- Anyone upgrading from frozen dinners who wants dramatically better quality
It’s probably not the best fit if you genuinely enjoy the process of cooking, have a large family to feed (the portions are individual), or live somewhere with limited counter space.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Tovala
- Order meals you’d actually eat at a restaurant. The more adventurous options are often the best ones.
- Use the grocery scan feature. It turns the oven into a much more versatile appliance.
- Rate your meals. The algorithm genuinely improves recommendations over time.
- Don’t skip the steam oven version. The price difference is worth it for the cooking quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Tovala oven cost?
The Smart Oven starts at a steep discount (sometimes as low as $49) when you commit to a meal plan. Without a subscription, the oven costs significantly more. Check our Tovala Promo Code page for the latest deals.
Can you use the Tovala oven without the meal subscription?
Yes! The oven works as a regular countertop oven, toaster oven, and can scan grocery store items. You just won’t get the discounted oven price.
How long do Tovala meals last in the fridge?
Meals stay fresh for about 4-5 days in the fridge. They also freeze well if you want to stock up.
Is Tovala worth it?
If you value convenience and better-than-microwave quality, absolutely. The per-meal cost is comparable to other services, but the cooking experience is far superior. We think it’s one of the best meal delivery options available.
Does Tovala deliver everywhere?
Tovala currently delivers to the 48 contiguous U.S. states. Check their website with your zip code to confirm availability in your area.
The Bottom Line
Tovala isn’t just a meal kit — it’s a complete cooking system that actually delivers on its promise of easy, high-quality weeknight dinners. The smart oven technology genuinely works, the meals are consistently good, and the whole experience feels like a step up from other meal delivery services we’ve tried. If you’re interested, check out Tovala here.
Also in the test kitchen? Our Caraway Cookware Review and our Always Pan Review.