Best Toaster Ovens in 2022

How toaster ovens work

The invention of the toaster oven is closely connected to that of the toaster, which was inspired by baking bread in clay or stone ovens. The mechanism for the toaster was based on using a wire rack or fork to hold the bread, which was traditional for toasting bread over an open fire, with the addition of an electrical heating element. The first automatic toaster invented needed manual turning. The second one did so automatically, while the third was the automatic pop-up toaster similar to what we have today, followed by the conveyer toaster for the catering industry. The toaster oven was then invented in the early 20th century.

The toaster oven works much the same way as a toaster does, by using radiant heat. The system changes electrical energy into heat energy by way of wires and nickel/chromium and iron metal alloys. Heating elements are made of coils that start heating up and creating infrared radiation as soon as the oven is turned on. These coils are on both the top and bottom for even heating and cooking as well as baking. The mechanism for turning it oven can be a push-down lever or a dial knob.

The main difference between a toaster and a toaster oven is that instead of a vertical heating element position, the toaster oven’s heating element position was horizontal. This change of position allowed for the heating of other foods such as bagels, croissants, muffins, cookies, pizza, vegetables, and leftovers. It also included functions such as control of temperature and cooking speed. A toaster oven has any number of pre-programmed settings and specific oven bakeware accessories. Many toaster ovens have a self-cleaning option. Otherwise, it is necessary to clean the outside and inside with a soft, damp cloth and a mild soap or detergent after unplugging it and letting it cool. Avoid wetting the heating element and make sure to thoroughly dry all the parts. The cleaner and cleaning materials should not be abrasive in order to minimize scratching and damage to the oven or its parts.

The toaster function in a toaster oven has an automatic timer that shuts it off to prevent burning. While the oven function does not have an automatic timer, you can program the number of minutes for cooking either manually or digitally. Some toaster ovens include a slow-heat cooking option for even cooking of different foods or two shelves to accommodate different baking intensities. Some even offer a defrost option, although it is not as strong as that of a regular oven or microwave. It is typical for all toaster ovens to have any number of preset cooking settings, while more customizable cooking settings are often additional.

Types of toaster ovens

There are two main types of toaster ovens, standard (or non-convection) and convection. The first toaster ovens were standard (non-convection), while convection toaster ovens are more modern. Consider the essential differences between the two:

• Size: Convection toaster ovens are typically larger and may accommodate a Thanksgiving turkey.
• Heating: Convection toaster ovens have a button labeled Convection, Conv, or Turbo. They are more powerful than their standard counterparts. They use not only radiant heat and warm air but one or more fans and conduction. While they prevent hot spots and ensure crispy skin or even browning, they also quickly heat up inside.
• Cooking: Convection toaster ovens are better for baking and can accommodate other cooking options such as air frying and slow cooking. It is popular for them to have 2-speed fans for baking delicate pastries. They cook much faster than standard toaster ovens and eliminate moisture, so one drawback is that you may end up with a mushy pie interior and overly crisp crust. Recipe adjustment is necessary. On the other hand, many standard toaster ovens do not have the option to customize the preset cooking functions.
• Price: Standard toaster ovens cost less than convection toaster ovens.
• Ease of use: Standard toaster ovens are easier to use and do not require recipe adjustments.

Toaster Ovens vs. Other Cooking Appliances

A toaster oven is a small electrical device that functions as a kitchen countertop appliance that can toast, warm, and cook food. It combines the features of a toaster for toasting bread along with cooking and heating functions similar to those of an oven, including broiling and baking. It is rectangular in shape and can come in various sizes, from small to extra-large. Generally, the more expensive a toaster oven is the more features, greater power, and larger size it has. A toaster oven typically comes with a removable wire rack, removable baking pan, drip tray, and crumb tray. Some come with additional accessories such as a broiling rack, pizza pan, and cutting board. They are made of stainless steel for durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of cleaning, and they typically have a non-stick interior from a special coating. Some people who do not have a stove with an oven use toaster ovens as a substitute, especially if they do not have much space in their living area.

Toaster ovens can not only toast bread but broil food, melt cheese, and reheat leftovers, so they also have cooking capabilities, making them totally multi-purpose. They’re also larger than toasters, although there is some variation in sizes. See how toaster ovens compare to other cooking appliances:

Toaster ovens vs. toasters

While toasters are known for their fast cooking speed, small size, and even toasting, toaster ovens have more cooking functions and a larger space to allow for more and different types of food. Toaster ovens also tend to be easier to clean, which is a factor in minimizing burning and malfunction. Toasters are convenient for toasting two to four single slices of bread, but toaster ovens can toast bread, cook, or reheat small portions of food. Toaster ovens can be cost-efficient and cost as low as a toaster on the low end.

Toaster ovens vs. microwaves

Compared to microwaves, toaster ovens use more energy. Whereas microwaves use 700-1,300W, toaster ovens use 1,200-1,800W of power. That means it has longer cooking times than microwaves and the energy will be used for prolonged periods. Microwaves are more energy-efficient, regardless of whether they have Energy Star certification. On the other hand, microwaves tend to make food rubbery or soggy and heat food unevenly, leaving hot or cold spots. They are also more expensive. On the other hand, they are easier to clean, although some toaster ovens have a self-cleaning option. They can also heat liquids, unlike toaster ovens.

Another difference is in how they work. Microwaves do not use a heating element to heat food through convection. Instead, they use electromagnetic radiation to excite the water molecules in food, which in turn causes the food to heat up.

Toaster ovens vs. full-sized ovens

A toaster oven can replace a full-sized, regular convection or conventional oven. It uses 50% less energy than a full-sized oven, making it more energy-efficient for smaller portions of food, and it does not heat up the house as the latter would. Plus, it does not need to heat up the entire inside before cooking food. It takes only five to 10 minutes to preheat, making it great for reheating leftovers and cooking single servings of food. It is also useful for teaching children basic cooking skills. One drawback is that it is necessary to keep an eye on the food to prevent overheating or burning because it cooks faster. Some toaster ovens have a self-cleaning option, but all full-sized ovens have it. They are also much easier to move from place to place and only need one person for transport.

The major difference between the two lies in the fan. A toaster oven has a fan to circulate the heat inside and make for an even temperature and consistent cooking throughout, unlike a regular oven, which simply has heating elements on the top and bottom.

It is especially useful to compare the convection toaster oven to the convection oven. The convection toaster oven is more modern than the standard one, but like it, it preheats quickly and has a cooking timer. Some models of countertop convection ovens can accommodate a 13-inch pizza or a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Like standard toaster ovens, they are ideal for small spaces. Their prices range from $40 to over $200. When using a convection toaster oven instead of a convection oven for a recipe that’s not specifically designed for the latter, it is necessary to reduce the cooking temperature by 25 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Older recipes may also require adjustment of the proportion of ingredients. Neither type of convection oven is advisable for baking cakes, quick breads, custards, or soufflés because they heat them too quickly.

Toaster ovens vs. stove tops

Toaster ovens have some advantages over stovetop cooking. For one thing, they can heat from above and below at the same time. Stovetops can only heat from below unless you are using a steaming method with water, such as a bain-marie. Toaster ovens can reheat leftovers and cook pre-cooked frozen food better than stovetop cooking can because they take less time and heats food throughout. On the other hand, only the stovetop can heat liquids.

Toaster ovens vs. air fryers

A toaster oven can accommodate more food and offer a convection option, while an air fryer is smaller and mainly used for cooking frozen foods and French fries. While an air fryer uses no oil and cooks quickly, it is difficult to crisp the outside of food. It also makes noise, and it is difficult to check inside for doneness.

Factors for choosing a toaster oven

There are a variety of features that are common to all toaster ovens, while other features are unique to specific models. Consider the following factors:

• Standard or convection: People who have a convection oven do not need a convection toaster oven. On the other hand, people who have moved into living spaces without a convection oven or have limited space will find a convection toaster oven useful.
• Countertop space: The amount of countertop space you can spare for your toaster oven will help you determine the size and capacity range for your toaster oven choices.
• Size: Larger sizes are better for cooking more food at once and for accommodating families. While generally more powerful, some larger toaster ovens are very energy efficient.
• Budget: If you’re on a budget, look for toaster ovens within your price range. Each model has different features, so it’s not necessary to go over budget for a quality toaster oven. You can also check sale events for toaster ovens, which tend to occur at three times: Every major US holiday, holiday sales from October through December, and wedding and graduation gifts from April through June.
• Wattage: Some larger toaster ovens have a higher wattage and require their own dedicated circuit for operation that is separate from all other appliances. It is not only about not having other appliances plugged into the same outlet but the fact that multiple outlets can use the same circuit and cause electrical overload. Consult an electrician if you’re unsure about your house’s wiring and you’re considering a higher-wattage toaster oven.
• Brand and reputation: Generally, users tend to choose a brand of toaster oven that they already enjoy for other appliances. Some brands specifically excel.
• Functions: All toaster ovens have the basic cooking functions of toast, bake, and broil. Some have additional cooking functions such as proof, warm, reheat, slow cooking, roast, phase or dual cooking, dehydrate, air-fry, steam, and specialty functions.
• Features: A timer, convection option, rotisserie spit, interior light, frozen, temperature probe, and Fahrenheit/Celsius are a few examples of features a toaster oven can have. Auto-eject rack and multiple rack positions are also possible features of convenience.
• Accessories: A crumb tray, drip tray, and baking pan are considered minimum accessories.
• Warranty and store: The length and type of the warranty matters, as does being able to purchase replacement or additional accessories.

How much does a toaster oven cost?

The price for a toaster oven can range from $20 to $150 or more, depending on the size, style, and functionality. Generally, the more expensive a toaster oven is the more features, greater power, and larger size it has. On the other hand, there are some toaster ovens that are a great value for an affordable price, which is generally mid-tier. A very basic, simple, good-quality toaster oven can be had for a lower-end price.