Are Toaster Ovens Worth Buying? The Complete Guide
Last month, my old microwave finally broke down after years of loyal service. Instead of rushing to buy another one, I started thinking about getting a toaster oven instead. I wasn’t sure if it would be worth the money or if it could really replace my microwave for heating leftovers and cooking quick meals. After tons of research and talking to friends who owned toaster ovens, I took the plunge and bought one. Now, I’m sharing everything I learned about whether toaster ovens are really worth your hard-earned cash. This guide will help you figure out if a toaster oven deserves a spot on your kitchen counter or if you should stick with what you already have.
What Exactly Is a Toaster Oven?
Not Just a Big Toaster
Many people think a toaster oven is just a bigger version of a regular toaster, but it’s so much more than that! A toaster oven is like a mini version of your regular oven. It can toast bread, yes, but it can also bake cookies, roast vegetables, heat frozen pizzas, and even broil fish. The best way to think about it is as a smaller, faster oven that sits on your counter.
Most toaster ovens have heating elements on the top and bottom, temperature controls, and a timer. Fancier models might have digital displays, convection fans that blow hot air around for even cooking, and special settings for different types of food. Unlike regular toasters that can only make toast, toaster ovens are much more flexible.
How They’re Different From Regular Ovens and Microwaves
Toaster ovens are smaller than regular ovens, which means they heat up faster and use less power. A regular oven might take 10-15 minutes to preheat, while a toaster oven gets hot in just 3-5 minutes. This makes them great for cooking small meals or when you don’t want to heat up your whole kitchen.
Compared to microwaves, toaster ovens cook food differently. Microwaves make food hot by exciting water molecules inside the food. This is super fast but can make things soggy. Toaster ovens cook with heat, just like a regular oven, which means food gets crispy and browned – something a microwave can’t do. The downside is that toaster ovens take longer than microwaves. A frozen burrito might take 2 minutes in a microwave but 15 minutes in a toaster oven.
The Benefits of Owning a Toaster Oven
Energy Savings
One of the biggest reasons to get a toaster oven is that it can save you money on your electric bill. A regular full-size oven uses about 2,000 to 5,000 watts of power when it’s on. A toaster oven only uses around 1,200 to 1,800 watts. When I’m just making dinner for myself, using my toaster oven instead of my big oven saves a lot of energy.
Toaster ovens also heat up much faster because they’re smaller. This means less energy is wasted on preheating. Over time, these energy savings can really add up, especially if you cook small meals often.
Versatility in Cooking
I’m always amazed by how many different things I can make in my toaster oven! Here’s just a small list:
- Toast (of course!)
- Baked potatoes
- Roasted chicken
- Personal pizzas
- Cookies and brownies
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Reheated leftovers that stay crispy
- Broiled fish
- Roasted vegetables
This versatility means that for many meals, I don’t need to use my regular oven at all. Some of the newer models even have air fryer settings, slow cooker options, and dehydrator functions all built in!
Space-Saving Design
If you live in a small apartment or dorm room, a toaster oven might be the perfect solution for you. They take up much less space than a regular oven, and many models are designed to fit neatly under cabinets. My cousin who lives in a tiny New York apartment doesn’t even have a full-size oven – she does all her cooking with a toaster oven and a hot plate!
Even in a regular-sized kitchen, a toaster oven can be a great addition without taking up too much counter space. Most models are about the size of a microwave or smaller, and they can be a lifesaver when you’re cooking a big meal and need extra oven space.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Cost Considerations
Good toaster ovens aren’t cheap. The most basic models start around $30-$40, but they often don’t last long and may cook unevenly. Mid-range models cost between $80-$150, and premium models with all the bells and whistles can cost $200-$400 or more.
When thinking about whether a toaster oven is worth it, you need to consider how often you’ll use it and what you’ll use it for. If you only make toast once in a while, a simple toaster might be a better deal. But if you regularly cook small meals, a good quality toaster oven could save you money over time by using less energy than your regular oven.
Counter Space Requirements
Before buying a toaster oven, measure your counter space! These appliances can take up quite a bit of room, especially if you get one big enough to cook a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza. You also need to leave space around the toaster oven for air to circulate, since they can get very hot during use.
If your kitchen is already crowded with appliances, adding a toaster oven might make things feel cluttered. Think about what you might need to move or get rid of to make room for a new toaster oven.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Let’s be honest – cleaning a toaster oven isn’t the most fun job in the world. Grease and food bits can splatter inside, and if you don’t clean it regularly, it can start to smell bad or even smoke when you use it. Most models have removable crumb trays, racks, and pans that need to be washed regularly.
The good news is that many newer models have non-stick interiors that make cleaning easier. Some even have self-cleaning cycles, just like full-sized ovens. But you’ll still need to wipe down the inside and empty the crumb tray regularly to keep your toaster oven working well.
Who Should Buy a Toaster Oven?
Perfect for Small Households
If you live alone or with just one other person, a toaster oven might be perfect for you. Heating up a whole oven to cook a small meal for one or two people wastes energy and heats up your kitchen unnecessarily. With a toaster oven, you can make perfectly sized meals without the waste.
I live by myself, and before I got my toaster oven, I often ate cold food or microwaved leftovers because it seemed silly to heat up my big oven just for me. Now, I cook real meals for myself almost every night!
Great for Specific Cooking Needs
Some people buy toaster ovens for very specific reasons. My grandma got one because she loves to bake but can’t bend down easily to use her regular oven anymore. Having a toaster oven on the counter means she can still make her famous cookies without struggling.
Other people might want a toaster oven for cooking foods that need to be crispy, like frozen french fries or chicken nuggets, which don’t turn out well in a microwave. Parents of teens might appreciate having a second oven for after-school snacks and quick meals.
Not Necessary for Everyone
If you already have a good toaster and a microwave that you’re happy with, you might not need a toaster oven too. Similarly, if you rarely cook or mostly make meals that work well in a microwave or on a stovetop, a toaster oven might just gather dust in your kitchen.
Large families might also find that a toaster oven is too small for their needs. While it’s great for making a couple of baked potatoes or toasting a few slices of bread, it can’t handle a big lasagna for six people or a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.
| Feature | Toaster Oven | Regular Oven | Microwave | Air Fryer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | $80-$200 | Built into kitchen | $70-$150 | $80-$150 |
| Preheating Time | 3-5 minutes | 10-15 minutes | None | 2-3 minutes |
| Energy Usage | Medium | High | Low | Low |
| Cooking Methods | Bake, toast, broil | Bake, broil, roast | Reheat, defrost | Air fry, bake |
| Food Results | Crispy, browned | Crispy, browned | Can be soggy | Very crispy |
| Size | Counter space | Built-in | Counter space | Counter space |
| Cleaning Effort | Medium | High | Low | Medium |
| Cooking Speed | Medium | Slow | Very fast | Fast |
Popular Toaster Oven Models Worth Considering
Budget-Friendly Options
If you’re not sure if a toaster oven is right for you, starting with a less expensive model might be a good idea. Brands like Black+Decker and Hamilton Beach offer basic toaster ovens for under $50. These simpler models usually have manual dials instead of digital controls and fewer cooking functions, but they can still toast, bake, and broil just fine.
My first toaster oven was a $40 model that lasted about three years before the heating elements started to go. It wasn’t fancy, but it convinced me that toaster ovens were useful enough to invest in a better one later.
Mid-Range Quality Picks
In the $80-$150 range, you’ll find toaster ovens with more features and better build quality. Cuisinart, Oster, and KitchenAid all make reliable models in this price range. These usually have digital controls, more cooking functions, and better insulation for more even cooking.
The major upgrade you’ll notice in this range is that the ovens tend to maintain temperature more accurately and cook food more evenly. They also typically have larger capacities, so you can fit a 12-inch pizza or a small chicken inside.
Premium Models with Extra Features
If you’re serious about cooking and plan to use your toaster oven often, you might want to consider a high-end model from brands like Breville or Wolf. These can cost $200-$400 but offer professional-quality results and lots of extra features.
My neighbor has a fancy Breville model that can air fry, dehydrate, slow cook, and even proof bread dough! It has a special setting for cookies that adjusts the heat to make them perfectly crispy on the outside and chewy in the middle. While these premium features aren’t necessary, they can be nice to have if cooking is important to you.
“I was skeptical about needing a toaster oven, but now I use mine every single day. It’s faster than my regular oven, doesn’t heat up the kitchen, and makes the crispiest roasted vegetables I’ve ever had. Best kitchen purchase I’ve made in years!” – Mike, happy toaster oven owner
How to Get the Most Out of Your Toaster Oven
Essential Accessories
To really make your toaster oven useful, you might want to invest in a few accessories. A good baking pan that fits your specific model is essential – the one that comes with the oven is often flimsy. I bought a small quarter-sheet pan and a silicone baking mat cut to size, and they make a huge difference in how well things cook.
Other helpful accessories include:
- A small wire cooling rack that fits inside (for better air circulation)
- Toaster oven-sized silicone oven mitts (regular ones are often too big)
- A crumb tray liner (like foil or a silicone mat) to make cleaning easier
Clever Uses You Might Not Have Thought Of
Toaster ovens can do more than just the basics! Here are some creative ways to use yours:
- Dehydrate apple or banana slices for healthy snacks
- Roast nuts for salads or snacking
- Make homemade croutons from stale bread
- Toast spices to bring out their flavor before grinding
- Melt chocolate for baking projects
- Keep plates warm before serving dinner
I even use mine to dry out herbs from my garden. I spread the herbs on a baking sheet, set the oven to its lowest temperature, and leave the door cracked open. In a few hours, I have perfectly dried herbs for cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a toaster oven replace my microwave?
It depends on how you use your microwave. Toaster ovens cook food differently and take longer than microwaves. If you mostly use your microwave to reheat leftovers and want them to stay crispy, a toaster oven works great. But if you need to quickly heat up soup or defrost meat, a microwave is still faster and more convenient. Many people find that having both is ideal.
How long should a good toaster oven last?
With proper care, a quality toaster oven should last about 5 years. Budget models might only last 2-3 years, while premium models can work well for 7-10 years or even longer. Regular cleaning and careful use (like not slamming the door or overloading the oven) can help extend its life.
Can you put foil in a toaster oven?
Yes, but you need to be careful. Never let aluminum foil touch the heating elements, walls, or bottom of the toaster oven, as this can cause overheating or even a fire. It’s safe to wrap food in foil or use it to line the baking pan (but not the crumb tray). Always check your specific model’s manual, as some manufacturers advise against using foil at all.
Do toaster ovens really save energy?
Yes! Toaster ovens use about half the energy of a full-sized electric oven when cooking small to medium-sized meals. The energy savings come from the smaller space that needs to be heated and the faster preheating time. However, if you’re cooking for a large family, a regular oven might be more efficient overall.
Can you bake cakes in a toaster oven?
Absolutely! You can bake delicious cakes, muffins, and breads in a toaster oven. You’ll need to use smaller pans that fit your specific model, and you might need to adjust temperatures or cooking times slightly. Convection toaster ovens are especially good for baking because they circulate hot air for even results.
Are toaster oven temperatures accurate?
Not always. Many budget and mid-range toaster ovens can run 25-50 degrees hotter or cooler than the temperature you set. If you plan to do a lot of baking, which requires precise temperatures, it’s worth buying an oven thermometer to check. Some premium models have better temperature control and stay closer to the set temperature.
Is it worth getting a convection toaster oven?
For most people, yes. Convection cooking (which uses a fan to circulate hot air) cooks food more evenly and about 25% faster than standard toaster ovens. Foods also tend to get crispier on the outside while staying moist inside. The downside is that convection models cost more. If you mostly make toast and simple reheated meals, you might not need this feature.
After using my toaster oven nearly every day for the past six months, I can definitely say it was worth buying for me. I love how quickly it heats up, how little energy it uses compared to my full-sized oven, and how crispy it makes my reheated pizza. That said, it’s not perfect for everything – I still use my microwave for quick heating jobs and my regular oven for big family dinners.
Whether a toaster oven is worth it for you depends on your cooking habits, kitchen space, and budget. If you cook small meals often, want crispier results than a microwave can provide, and have the counter space to spare, a toaster oven could be a game-changer in your kitchen. Just be sure to choose one that fits your needs and budget, and you’ll likely find yourself using it more than you expected!
