There are two type of people in this world: Those who use toasters, and those who use toaster ovens. Sure, both have the same basic function. But the toaster and toaster oven have considerable differences—things that some consumers might not think about before they head out to buy. Check out our list of things to think about when choosing your toasting tech, and weigh in on which works best for you.
Before you make the final call and head to the checkout, make sure you've fully considered more than just the sale price. Stop yourself in the aisle and really think about these three points:
1. Think about space.
This is the most frequent thing people think about when shopping, but it might not be the most important. If counter top real estate is at a premium in your kitchen, you're forced to go the way of the toaster. But if you can afford the space, consider the next thing on the list: Your diet.
2. Think about the food you eat.
If you really just want to make a good piece of sliced-bread toast in the morning, nothing beats a good ol' toaster. You can even find one with wide slots for bagels. But if you know leftovers and oven-ready frozen meals are a weeknight staple for your small household, then a toaster oven might be better for you.
3. Think about time.
If you're shopping to ease your morning breakfast routine, nothing is faster than a simple toaster. A toaster can conveniently toast your bread in minutes, while a toaster oven might make you late for work.
Comments (10)
Previously we were a toaster owner...moved "up" to a Toaster Oven and have loved every moment of it! Our new house has limited counter space but the amount of use we get out of the toaster oven is worth it. We will broil salmon, chicken, make casseroles, cookies, brownies, etc... For our small family it works great so we don't have to use the big expensive oven for everything!
I actually have both. The toaster is there only to do toast, just because I can't stand the way toaster ovens toast bread. Other than that... toaster oven all the way.
I have one that's a convection toaster oven with a rotisserie spit - which I have to say is just AWESOME!
I just ordered a Breville Smart Oven, which I've been eyeing for awhile but had no reason to purchase. My family and I are moving back East so I'll be renting a basement apartment with a teeny tiny kitchenette (actually, wet bar but we might rip it out and put in a little ikea kitchen--assuming we even get that house), and I can't wait to give this a try. Fortunately, I have a lot of miniature-sized pans and dishes that should fit in it nicely.
I figure, I would rather have one large-ish multi-taking convection "toaster" oven, then a big toaster that only does, well, toast.
Where is the competition? Are there people who prefer a toaster when given a choice?
I never used toaster ovens until I had a roommate who had one. Now I can't imagine life without it. So much better than using a whole oven for small single meals, and nothing will get stuck!
Breville Smart Oven is the best! We can roast game hens, make a 16" pizza, dry jerky and make toast. Now our very large 36" commercial Vulcan oven is used only for turkey.
My toaster oven is a cheap one. One coil on top only works half way, so you get really uneven toast and things will burn around the corners, especially stuff like bagels.
I'm with picantel on this one.
Toaster oven FTW
We have both also, and I love the toaster over, but just be aware that the energy bill will increase substantially using the toaster often.
>oops, I mean the toaster oven=$$$
We're also in the "both" camp. 2 slice basic toaster for quick things, larger convection toaster oven for meals for 2 or light duty baking.
Greatly reduces how often we have to resort to the big oven.