While conventional ovens aren’t without their benefits, such as superior room and better insulation, toaster ovens are a helpful addition to many kitchens. Toaster ovens come in handy when you’re cooking a meal for one or two people and don’t require multiple large racks.

Due to toaster ovens being smaller than regular ovens, they’re able to heat rapidly. There is also less space within the interior, meaning you can’t cook as much at once. This equates to them being the faster option, especially when compared to cooking a large meal in a regular oven. Heating times will vary from brand to brand. 

For those who live on their own, a toaster oven makes for an efficient way to cook a meal. This prevents the need to heat an entire conventional oven for a tray of food. Toaster ovens provide a quicker means of heating or cooking meats, and vegetables, or toasting bread.

How Do Toaster Ovens Work?

Toaster ovens heat similarly to a conventional oven. Both appliances distribute heat with a fan, allowing for an even distribution of the heat in a way that cooks food evenly.

Without the fan, certain spots within the oven would get overly hot while others remained cool. Toaster ovens often include a removable wire rack that can be arranged on different levels, similar to a regular oven.

Some toaster ovens radiate heat from top to bottom. This is suitable for reheating food and toasting items such as bagels and sandwiches. Many newer models have upgraded interior fans, as well as multiple settings such as toasting, broiling, baking, and even warming.

This can help free up space in a standard oven by taking over the side dishes. The fans in a toaster oven don’t have to work as hard as a standard fan, as there is less volume to heat up.

Many toaster ovens have heat sources on the top and bottom. The top heating element is usually only activated when something is being broiled.

Similarly to a regular oven, there is a temperature gauge that can be set to the correct temperature. Many toaster ovens can get between 400-450 degrees, with some models reaching as high as 500!

Can a Toaster Oven Replace a Real Oven?

Toaster ovens are convenient additions to many kitchens, though they have their limitations when compared to a regular full-size oven. For home cooks that find themselves frequently cooking for a large family, a toaster oven won’t have the same capacity as a conventional oven.

While a toaster oven can bake a few cookies, you’ll have to cycle through several batches to have enough for an upcoming bake sale.

For those who live alone or with one other person and don’t find themselves whipping up large, intricate meals on the regular — a toaster oven can certainly replace a real oven. Toaster ovens are very user-friendly and even somebody relatively inexperienced in the kitchen can use the appliance. 

Most toaster ovens can accommodate a 10-inch pizza or a 5-pound poultry roast. This is suitable for many and the quick heating time puts dinner on the table quickly.

Some toaster oven brands even allow you to switch off the fan, which provides a similar internal temperature heating element to a regular oven.

Having a toaster oven on hand can be helpful when unexpected guests show up on short notice. Due to a toaster oven being quick to preheat, you can potentially have a batch of cookies in and out of the oven quicker than it would take a normal oven to preheat to the correct temperature.

In this sense, the size limitation matters less than the speed at which the toaster oven can operate.

Do Toaster Ovens Use More Energy Than Regular Ovens?

Due to their smaller size, toaster ovens use less energy to heat and cook food than a regular oven. They benefit from the quick cooking speed, similar to a microwave while heating food evenly and even crisping up leftovers in a way that a microwave fails to do.

Some toaster ovens are even able to toast, broil, or defrost food. 

Toaster ovens preheat in record time, as they have a significantly smaller area to warm when compared with a conventional oven. This cuts down the overall cook time and saves you energy. According to Energy Star, a toaster oven can use between 1/3 and 1/2 less energy than a regular oven.

At the end of the day, full-size ovens are not the most convenient method for cooking smaller meals and in fact, they may struggle to evenly heat a small portion of food.

Toaster Oven Vs Regular Oven Pros and Cons

While many home cooks won’t be able to replace a regular oven with a toaster oven, sometimes toaster ovens make for a more efficient way to cook a quick meal. Not to mention the energy savings that occur when a standard oven doesn’t have to be preheated for some leftover pizza.

Toaster Oven Pros

Toaster ovens are much smaller than regular ovens, meaning that they take significantly less time to preheat. Due to the more focused heat, they can often cook and reheat food much quicker than a standard oven.

For many people, this is a major benefit. Instead of cooking a meal for half an hour, you may be able to have dinner on the table in under 20 minutes.

Toaster ovens often have superior broiling abilities when compared to other appliances, which can be a pro if you find yourself using this function frequently. Toaster ovens also don’t take up much space, making them suitable for smaller spaces. 

Toaster Oven Cons

Toaster ovens have limited interior space, which is beneficial in terms of quick heating but it also can make it difficult to cook certain items. When you’re shopping for a toaster oven, consider the size tray that you generally use.

Some toaster ovens won’t fit an entire frozen pizza while others have been specifically designed to ensure the proper fit. Other cons of toaster ovens include 

Regular Oven Pros

There’s simply no replacing a regular oven for those who cook large quantities of food for a family or those who enjoy meal prepping at the beginning of the week. You can fit multiple sheet trays in a regular oven and oftentimes, the temperature has a higher rating in a standard oven.

Regular Oven Cons

Regular ovens use more energy than a toaster oven, between 2,000 and 5,000 watts. They can also be more difficult to clean due to the larger racks. During the hot summer months, regular ovens can heat the home much more than a smaller toaster oven variety can. 

When Should You Use a Toaster Oven?

Toaster ovens are a great option for roasted vegetable sides, especially if your conventional oven is crowded with the main dish. The smaller oven can clear up extra space in your regular oven, which allows for more even cooking all around.

If you’re just heating a small item, a toaster oven will heat quicker and use less energy than it would take to preheat and run an entire conventional oven. 

When you’re looking to reheat leftover pizza, toast a bagel, roast fish, or whip up a vegetable side dish — these are all areas where the toaster oven excels. Toaster ovens also do well at cooking a tray of bacon or transforming a sad breakfast sandwich into a melty, crispy delicious start to the day. 

If you’re trying to save some time, toaster ovens can do the majority of what a standard oven can do, just on a smaller scale. Dinner for one can easily be cooked using a toaster oven, though you should probably stick to a standard oven for a large Thanksgiving meal.

While baking a whole roll of cookie dough may sound good in theory, many people would prefer to opt for one or two cookies, which a toaster oven can easily handle. Nothing beats the smell of a freshly baked cookie at the end of the evening.

If you have unexpected guests over, a toaster oven makes a quick and easy method for serving fresh-baked desserts. The downside to this is that you may find people begin showing up more frequently, once they’ve seen how fast you can throw together some coffee and a plate of cookies or brownies for two.

Is an Air Fryer a Better Option Than a Toaster Oven?

Air fryers are generally a cheaper option when compared to a toaster oven, especially a decent brand. However, the two appliances excel at different aspects of cooking. Many kitchens feature both appliances but if you have to opt for only one, you’ll need to determine which one is most suitable for your regular cooking habits.

If you’re an avid home cook, a toaster oven provides more options, which allows you to switch up meals and methods. Those who are struggling with an already cramped kitchen may enjoy the smaller size of an air fryer, though this also means sacrificing internal capacity.

If you’re happy using a standard-sized oven most of the time but want to whip up quick meals in a countertop appliance, an air fryer is the better option. However, if you want to stop wasting energy making small meals in a large oven, a toaster oven will be the most compatible appliance for you.

At the end of the day, air fryers are growing in popularity and if you find a good deal on one, you’re almost certainly going to enjoy using it. It cooks food incredibly fast, faster than a toaster oven. If you’re trying to find an appliance to be your end-all-be-all in the kitchen, you’re more likely to find this with a toaster oven.

Those who enjoy crispy food and are looking to make healthier versions of their favorite deep-fried foods will find that the air fryer is the clear winner in this category. Both feature similar maintenance patterns, such as regular cleaning. Air fryers have more pieces to clean, though they’re smaller and easily manageable.

As a general rule of thumb, you should always be unplugging appliances while they’re not in use. Leaving appliances plugged into an outlet can use up energy, regardless of whether they’re in use or turned on. You shouldn’t leave a toaster plugged in all the time, as it drains energy and puts a kitchen at an increased risk of fire danger.

Unplugging your toaster saves you money at the end of the day and it can save you from disaster. Many people wander off in the house, leaving their appliances unattended while in use.

The key to being prepared in the instance of an emergency is to have a fire extinguisher nearby and be familiar with how to use it if the need ever arises.

Is It Safe to Leave a Toaster Plugged In All the Time?

While many consumers may get away with leaving a toaster plugged in all the time without any disaster occurring within the home, the recommended safety measure is to unplug the appliance when not in use.

Electrical components should not be left plugged into the outlet constantly, as this increases the risk of hazards and a potential fire outbreak in the kitchen.

The inconvenience of plugging in and unplugging a toaster is minimal and provides little in the way of an obstacle to the user. However, it can protect your home and kitchen and decrease the likelihood of a fire occurring while left unattended.

The same is true with other kitchen appliances, such as a toaster oven, a blender, and a coffee pot. These items should be unplugged while not being actively used to create a hot pot of coffee or a delicious protein smoothie.

Owners of toasters should ensure that they’re regularly cleaning out any crumbs and debris from the bottom of the appliance.

These stale, burnt pieces may ignite more easily and cause a fire in the kitchen. Not only does clearing out scraps from the toaster keep it functioning for many years, but it can also protect your home from fire damage and excess smoke. 

Leaving a toaster plugged in can be increasingly dangerous if you have little ones or curious animals in the home. It’s not unheard of for a feline to jump up on the counter and play with cords and levers, which can potentially turn the toaster on.

Small hands may reach up on the counter and unexpectedly turn on the toaster before anyone has the chance to realize what’s happened. An unplugged toaster is less likely to be turned on by pets or children.

Can a Toaster Catch Fire? How?

Toasters can catch fire if food is left to overcook within the appliance. This can cause the item to ignite and anything around the toaster, such as a dishtowel, paper towel rack, or another flammable object to catch fire and spread the flames around the kitchen.

Toasters can also catch fire if the internal heating elements malfunction and cause a spark to ignite the appliance. 

The best way to ensure toaster safety is to unplug the appliance when not in use. Consumers should also never leave the appliance unattended while their breakfast is cooking. Toasters generally only take a minute or two to fully heat the food being toasted.

After this point, the toaster should be unplugged and placed somewhere safe and open to cool down completely. Hot toasters shouldn’t be placed in a drawer or other confined space.

Fires can break out surprisingly fast in the kitchen. While it may seem safe to toast your sourdough bread while you finish your morning routine, it’s safest to wait in the kitchen.

This way, if a spark ejects from the appliance or something begins to burn, somebody is there to quickly de-escalate the situation before it becomes more serious.

Safety measures every homeowner should take include keeping a fire extinguisher nearby in the kitchen. Everybody in the home should know how to use it.

The worst time to learn how to operate an extinguisher is during an active fire, as mental capacities are stretched to their limit and human error is more likely to occur during times of fear and stress.

Functional smoke alarms are an important element in avoiding fire hazards in the kitchen. While they may seem like an annoyance when they go off if you accidentally overcook your meal, they can be a lifesaver if a fire breaks out and nobody is in the kitchen to notice it.

Once the toaster is unplugged from the socket, users should take a quick moment to inspect the wiring on the appliance every once in a while.

This ensures that exposed electrical elements are noticed and either repaired or safely disposed of before they pose a threat. If the cord has been damaged in any way, the unit should not be sold or given away. 

Does a Toaster Use Electricity When Plugged In But Not In Use?

Appliances tend to use energy while they’re plugged in, even if they’re not currently in use. This phenomenon is referred to as phantom or shadow load. Shockingly, this standby power drain can account for between 5-10% of a household’s energy use.

Those looking to save money on their electricity bill can expect to save between $100-$165 annually if they become more diligent about their appliances, including the toaster.

Unplugging appliances when they’re not being actively used is a good rule of thumb for homeowners. This is true not only of toasters in the kitchen, but also of printers, coffee makers, and various household chargers. 

While the energy drain may not result in significantly increased charges on the bill, there are still savings to be had if appliances are consistently unplugged.

Some devices have a “standby” mode. This insinuates that the device is off and not silently draining electricity from the outlet. This is not always the case and sometimes these offenders can be sneaky offenders.

According to the Department of Energy, those looking to save money on energy should keep their appliances unplugged while they’re not being actively used.

The same recommendation goes for turning off lights while nobody is using them, as this can slowly add up costs of the month and the year that can equate to hundreds of extra dollars in electricity costs that weren’t necessary.

How Many House Fires Are Caused by Toasters?

Human error is often the culprit of household fires related to kitchen appliances. However, some fires can be due to issues with the item itself and failure on the manufacturer’s part to ensure a safe product for consumers.

The cheaper the parts, the more disposable the appliance is considered to be. This can often lead to flammable and dangerous machines that pose a threat to a home.

When a toaster fails to turn off, the result can be a house fire that breaks out in the kitchen. Oftentimes, toasters are plugged in, used, and unplugged while left to cool. If they are left unattended, this can quickly escalate into a house fire waiting to happen.

Between the years of 2014-2018, there were over 170,000 house fires originating in the kitchen according to fire departments around the United States. While not all of these were due to a toaster, it’s safe to assume a fraction of them were due to this popular appliance.

Toasters generally fall under the fifth most common kitchen appliance to start a fire. This can happen when food items, such as toast and bagels become overcooked and ignite from the heat. 

According to Consumer Reports, the most frequently cited issues with toasters and toaster ovens were linked to the toaster turning on by itself and the mechanism jamming while in use.

Unplugging the appliance can prevent the toaster from turning on while unattended and remaining in the kitchen while it’s in use can prevent ignition due to a jam. 

The Pros and Cons of Unplugging Kitchen Appliances 

The benefits of unplugging kitchen appliances are a safer home and saved expenses on energy costs. When a kitchen appliance, such as a toaster, is unplugged while it’s not being used, equates to a safer kitchen and home. Appliances that are left plugged in at all times can drain the outlets of energy while 

There aren’t many cons when it comes to unplugging kitchen appliances, other than the extra step of plugging them back in the next time you want to use them.

This quickly becomes a habit and many home cooks don’t even realize they’re doing it. The benefits of unplugging kitchen appliances far outweigh any cons, as you can have the peace of mind that your home is safe from electrical fires that may occur from an overheated appliance.

While some appliances, such as toaster ovens, generally have a safety fuse feature that is meant to blow if the appliance becomes overheated — it’s not generally recommended to solely rely on this feature.

This method can be flawed and may result in smoke and a potential fire. The best rule of thumb is still to unplug the appliance while you’re not using it. 

There are several reasons your toaster oven doesn’t turn on. It could be a damaged outlet, power cord, or main control switch. Other causes may be a defective door switch, blown thermal fuse, and faulty internal wiring.

Toaster ovens have become a staple in many kitchens. And when it doesn’t work, you’re unable to have your favorite treats. This guide will help you if you don’t know how to fix this vital kitchen appliance.

Why Won’t My Toaster Oven Turn On? (Fix)

Toasters are small kitchen appliances known as countertop ovens, and they are pretty resilient. But now and then, something goes wrong.

Here are several possible reasons your toaster oven fails to turn on.

1. No Electricity

When something disrupts the flow of electricity in your home, the toaster doesn’t get any power.

2. Damaged Power Cord

Examine the cable for cuts or exposed wires. If the cable has these signs, it must be replaced; there’s no question about it.

3. Faulty Power Outlet

The socket connects the toaster oven to the main power supply. Any damage to the outlet means no power can flow through to power the device. So, the toaster simply doesn’t turn on.

4. Broken Controls

If the main control switch is broken, there is no way to turn the oven off. Some brands have knobs instead, which could wear out, leading to this issue.

5. Defective Thermal Fuse

A thermal fuse is a cutoff for heat-producing devices utilizing a one-time fusible connection. They serve as a safety device, cutting off the power to the toaster oven during a malfunction.

6. Internal Wiring is Compromised

If you have ever disassembled the appliance after purchasing, the problem may arise from the internal wiring. The toaster oven will not work if the connections are wrong.

How Do You Fix a Toaster Oven That Won’t Turn On?

Begin by checking the most obvious reasons. Turn on a light to confirm that there is power in the house. Then check the power outlet. Plugin another home appliance to see if it turns on; the outlet is OK if it does.

The power cord of the toaster oven should be inspected next. Replace it if there is visible damage or exposed wires.

If the problem isn’t with the electrical current, make sure nothing prevents the door from closing completely. It could be a crumb or morsel of food that fell. After checking this, proceed to the next possible problem: A blown thermal fuse or a faulty main control switch.

Consult the toaster oven’s service manual to identify the components that need to be disconnected and inspected. A continuity test should reveal which one requires replacing. Continuity tests are performed using an ohmmeter or multimeter.

You can disconnect each malfunctioning element and test it to see if it needs to be fixed. If none of the elements are faulty, test the solenoid and, if necessary, replace it.

How to Replace the Main Switch

1. Remove the side panel.
2. Detach the clips, screws, or rivets that fasten the switch to the chassis.
3. Replace if contacts are fused or the leaves are broken.

To Replace the Solenoid

1. Locate the solenoid assembly.
2. Unscrew the brackets to access the unit.
3. Use a continuity tester or multimeter to verify your suspicions.
4. Replace the solenoid and return the brackets.

If replacing the unit necessitates cutting or desoldering, take it to an appliance repair shop.

How Do I Find the Thermal Fuse on a Toaster Oven?

The fuse is located inside every toaster oven. Although brands vary, the basic mechanism is similar across the board. This means that the inside of the appliance is often the same.

Here’s how to locate the thermal fuse.

1. Remove the feet. These are the screws holding the housing.
2. Detach the back panel by removing the screws.
3. Slide off the metallic panel gently. It’s a thin sheet of metal, so be careful not to bend it.
4. Remove the inner panel as well.
5. Pull the insulation back. Please handle it with care as it easily falls apart. You’ll see the thermal fuse assembly.
6. Remove the two screws that hold the bracket that secures the thermal fuse in place. You may have to do so from the inside of the toaster oven.

Without a thermal fuse, a countertop oven would have no way of stopping the temperature from rising to unsafe levels, increasing the likelihood of causing a fire.

Should you decide to DIY, try to be as organized as possible. Label every component as you removed them from the toaster oven. Otherwise, you will have quite the puzzle to solve trying to figure out which screws go where.

Remember to unplug the appliance from the power outlet before taking it apart. I don’t have to reiterate just how dangerous it could be should you attempt to do so with the power still on.

How Do You Tell a Thermal Fuse is Blown?

To determine whether the fuse has blown, you need to use a digital multimeter. Touch the fuse’s wire leads with the multimeter probes and take note of the reading.

If you receive a low value, such as zero or a few ohms, the fuse is continuous and thus works correctly. Consider the fuse blown if the reading is extremely high, such as several Megohms. Similarly, if the multimeter needle does not move, the thermal fuse isn’t conducting electricity, thus, faulty.

If the fuse is defective, disconnect it and replace it with another of the same capacity. Any debris on the assembly is removed with a can of compressed air.

Other Common Toaster Oven Problems

Toaster oven users have reported several other issues even when the toaster oven turns on and off.

Here is a list of the most common problems and their possible solutions.

Dim or Flickering Oven Light

When you open the door or begin the heating process, the light’s main function is to provide illumination, allowing you to view the food within and determine when it is cooked.

When the bulb flickers or remains dull, it might be due to faulty wiring, a defective control board, or something trivial like the toaster oven settings. When used for low-power tasks like reheating and defrosting, the light bulb might glow dimly.

To fix the issue, replace it with a new one. It is recommended to seek a qualified technician for this procedure since you risk damaging components attached near it, such as the capacitor.

The Oven is Not Heating Up

This is one of the most common problems that oven owners encounter. It can happen even when the light is turned on and could be caused by a damaged diode, a broken door switch, or a faulty capacitor.

It is not recommended to repair toaster oven heating problems unless adequately skilled. Only a professional technician can determine whether the heating failure is caused by a capacitor burnout, faulty diodes, or a defective door switch.

Food is Burning in the Oven

This occurs when heat is dispersed too quickly and unevenly due to the heating rods producing unequal heat. The result is one side of your dish cooks faster than the other.

Examine the color of the rods. If one is brighter than the other, this is a red flag. It means that one of the rods generates more heat, causing the food to burn on the side with the bright red rod.

It could be the result of a defective solenoid. Although solenoid failure is uncommon, it does occur. A solenoid’s primary function is to convert electrical energy to heat energy, thus activating the heating elements. And a malfunction leads to overheating, thus, the burnt toast.

Beware of any burnt smells coming from the toaster oven because it’s how you diagnose a solenoid issue. And I’m not talking about the lovely aroma of pastries in the oven – No! This one has a fairly acrid smell that resembles burning plastic.

To resolve this, you must replace the solenoid. However, a skilled technician is best for this job due to its proximity to vital components.

Is It Worth Repairing a Toaster Oven?

Even though repairing a toaster oven might be challenging, it is worth every minute and cent. Most repairs cost less compared to buying another appliance.

Replacement parts are also readily available. Components that need replacing, like the solenoid, thermal fuse, and light bulb, can be easily purchased online.

Tip for Thought

Consult a maintenance specialist if you cannot pinpoint the specific problem (even after going through the toaster oven instruction manual and this guide). Attempting to do so blindly may cause further damage, which might be irreversible.

Ensure the technician has the necessary technical skills and is conversant with your specific brand.

A toaster oven can be an incredibly convenient and valuable kitchen asset, or entirely superfluous, depending on the setting. They are particularly useful to people in small apartments and dorms where they might not have access to an oven, as a toaster oven is capable of many things an oven might be needed for. They can be a great energy-saving option for smaller-scale cooking.

However, cooks who prefer to reheat their food in a microwave, toast their bread in a slot toaster, and have easy access to an air fryer or traditional integrated oven/range might find a toaster oven to be redundant. 

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Toaster Oven?

Pros

• The electric heating filaments can brown, bake, toast, crisp, and caramelize.
• The intense dry heat provided is excellent for keeping foods warm.
• Toaster ovens use much less energy than a traditional oven/range and so are more efficient for heating or reheating single servings of food.
• Pop-up toasters and toaster ovens use about the same amount of electricity. Toaster ovens are versatile though, unlike a traditional pop up toaster, which is a single use appliance.
• Removable wire rack and baking sheet are more compact and easier to clean than those of a large oven.
• Toaster ovens are a much safer appliance today than they have ever been. Modern dials and digital timers provide customizable heat intensity and cook times.

Cons

• Longer cook times than a microwave for reheating food.
• Not capable of heating liquids
• Not capable of thawing
• Can dry out foods.
• The removable glass door creates a cold spot near the front of the oven. Turning food for even cooking may be required. 

When Should You Use a Toaster Oven?

Toaster ovens are particularly useful in spaces lacking an integrated kitchen stove top and oven such as dorms, smaller apartments, office kitchens, campers, and trailers. Many of us think of ovens as ubiquitous things, a standard feature. When this isn’t the case, a toaster oven can be an only slightly limiting replacement. 

A toaster oven can get as hot as a traditional oven, most topping out between 450°F and 500°F. However, the easy-open manual front door can let heat escape near the front of the oven, creating a cold spot. Turning food midway is best practice for even cooking. It may take longer and some creativity, but you can do almost anything you can do in a traditional oven in a toaster oven.

When cooking for just one person, a toaster oven can be a time and energy-saving alternative to a large oven. Whether you live alone, or are the only one who is hungry, heating up the whole oven can seem excessive and wasteful for just one person. 

A toaster oven is a perfect option to make smaller portions of foods you would normally make in the oven. This reduces your carbon footprint in the long run. 

When cooking large meals, a toaster oven can be used in conjunction with traditional ovens and microwaves to get the job done.

There are many settings for which a toaster oven is the best appliance for the job. Its specialties include:

Toasting

This appliance can toast a slice of bread as well as any slot toaster. The wire rack suspended between upper and lower heating elements toasts both sides evenly. 

The toaster oven really shines when it comes to toasting baked goods that wouldn’t fit in a traditional slot toaster like scones, rolls, croissants, bagels, fragile pastries, and pies. 

The removable baking sheet also allows for toasting smaller items like nuts, breadcrumbs, grains, or spices while easily watching for burning through the small glass oven door.

Broiling 

Toaster ovens almost universally offer a broiling feature, which is when only the upper heating element gets extremely hot to brown the surface of whatever food is near. 

The broiler setting in a toaster oven can be used to caramelize sugar on top of deserts, brown cheese on the top of a casserole or baked potato, scorch the bechamel on top of a croque monsieur, or set a wheel of brie bubbling in a ramekin.

Roasting

The durable heating elements of an electric toaster oven are well equipped to provide the dry radiating heat required for roasting. 

The toaster oven can be a perfect option for roasting lean meats like chicken and turkey breast, or for cooking foods like bacon and sausage as the direct high heat cooks them quickly and evenly, while the oven door protects users from dangerous oil splatters. It can also roast delicious vegetables like broccoli/cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, or squash.

Baking

A toaster oven is well suited for baking things with shorter or more gentle cook times, like eggs and fish. I like using it to make egg pies like frittata and quiche. 

It makes frozen pre-made foods from the freezer aisle or pre-portioned cookie dough really easy and convenient to bake. 

Reheating food 

While the microwave is most associated with reheating food, a toaster oven is excellent for making leftovers like french fries, fried chicken, dumplings, and pizza crispy again.

Warming

This setting on a toaster oven is an effective way to keep dishes warm while you finish something else. 

For example, keeping a casserole warm while you finish the sides. It can keep bread and rolls warm in a basket until it’s time for dinner. When cooking things like pupusas or pancakes in batches it can keep them fresh until each one is finished and can be served together.

How Much Do Toaster Ovens Cost?

Toaster ovens can be incredibly affordable depending on the model. A basic 4 slice toaster oven can cost as little as $30. 

Most basic 6 slice toasters cost between $50-70 and stainless steel options, which are popular, can cost upward of $80. Specialized toaster ovens may offer a convection feature, which tends to greatly increase the cost, usually adding about $100. 

Toaster ovens are typically designed to sit on a countertop, but some are made to be installed under cabinets or shelves. Between hardware and installation, these models can cost significantly more.

How Much Electricity Do Toaster Ovens Consume?

A toaster uses about 1,200 – 1,800 watts. At a cost of $.12 per 1000 watts per hour, a toaster oven costs between $.15 – $.22 cents per hour to operate. Compared to the 2000-5000 watts it takes to run an oven, the toaster oven is the clear energy-saving option.

Can a Toaster Oven Replace a Microwave

While a toaster oven and a microwave might be similar in size and price, their strengths are very different.  

A toaster oven uses less electricity than a microwave, but toaster ovens tend to have longer cook times than microwaves, making them less efficient overall even if they have a smaller carbon footprint than a microwave. 

Microwaves can heat liquids like tea, stews, or soups quickly and easily unlike toaster ovens. They can pop popcorn and bake potatoes much faster than a toaster oven could, as well as thaw meats and melt chocolate. 

But toaster ovens can brown and crisp and refresh leftovers much better than a microwave. Perhaps if one preferred using a kettle or pot on the stove for heating liquids, popping popcorn in a pot, baking potatoes in a traditional oven, and thawing meat in the sink, then a toaster oven could replace a microwave nicely as a tool primarily to reheat food. 

Whether they are worth the counter space and energy consumption when there are so many other appliances offering a range of features to choose from is up to the needs of the individual cook and their kitchen.

It’s possible to make popcorn in a toaster oven because the oven will apply a sufficient amount of heat to the kernels. To keep the popcorn from popping all over the place inside the toaster oven, use a cage or a tent of tin foil. 

The best part about using a toaster oven for your popcorn is that it’s likely one of the healthiest ways to make it. 

In the case of a toaster oven vs. a microwave, with a toaster oven, you can season the popcorn yourself, so you can make a conscious decision to add less salt and butter. 

If it’s toaster vs. stovetop, in most cases, everyone uses oil for flavoring and to keep the kernels from burning. When using a cage in a toaster oven, you’ll have to take a hard pass on using oil if you want to avoid a fire hazard or a smoky mess. 

So, there you have it – using your toaster oven for popcorn is a win-win. If you’re ready to experiment, here are the first few steps you’ll need to take. 

Making Popcorn in a Toaster Oven

There’s nothing conventional about using your toaster oven for making popcorn, but once you taste it, you’ll see that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with this method. 

If you’re looking for a healthier, oil-free way to enjoy popcorn, this is one of your best bets. Or, if you don’t have a microwave, stovetop, or quick access to an oven, a toaster oven may be an easy pick. 

Here’s the super quick-and-easy way to make popcorn in your toaster oven. 

What You’ll Need

The prep required for making popcorn is always close to nil, and it’s no different when using a toaster oven. You’ll just need popcorn kernels (check out unusual varieties here) and tin foil OR a toaster oven cage – you’ll likely find a rotisserie cage.

Using tin foil will make for easy cleanup, but using a cage will be better for watching the popcorn pop and get rid of the temptation to use oil. This is how you’ll use a toaster oven cage for the popcorn: 

• Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

• While it’s warming up, place a layer of kernels in the cage, close it, and set it inside your toaster oven once it’s preheated. 

• Then it’s just time to wait. The popcorn will pop quickly, so once the cage is full, you can turn off the oven and remove the cage. Let it sit before opening. 

• Note: If you want to make your popcorn with oil, you’ll quickly see why going the cage route is a bad idea. Keep reading for the tin foil method you’ll want to use. 

In a pinch, most people don’t have cages for toaster ovens, but it’s still possible to make popcorn without making a mess. Just rip off a sheet of tin foil, and you’ll find that this process is a bit different but quite simple. 

• If using tin foil, it may be easier to start by forming a boat-like shape with the foil first, with the two ends pointing up. 

• Once your “boat” is ready, pour the popcorn along the bottom of the boat, according to how much you want, and drizzle it with a tablespoon of oil. Then close it tightly at the top so that kernels won’t escape once the popping starts. 

• You won’t be able to see the kernels popping like you would be able to with a cage, so one conventional microwave and movie concessions trick is to listen closely to the popcorn. Once the popping slows to about 3-5 seconds between pops, you’re safe to take out your popcorn boat. 

• Note: When prepping, don’t add too many kernels, and don’t make the foil boat too small, or the extra popcorn may fall out once you open it.

After that, it’s up to you to season your popcorn with whatever you have on hand. And if you have guests, popcorn is always a crowd-pleaser, so you can’t go wrong by setting out a few tasty seasonings and letting your friends dress up their bowls. 

Now, if the oven is taken and your roommate is thawing five pounds of food in the microwave, you know how to whip up a quick snack in your toaster oven. 

And there’s no need to stop there – if you want to change up your salty snack routine one day, read on for more ideas that will take the edge off of your hunger. 

More Toaster Oven Snacks

Toaster ovens cook faster than the larger models, so it stands to reason that if you want to have a warm snack before running out of the house, or settling in to relax, study, or work, a toaster oven is a perfect appliance to have especially if you want food that’s a little more high maintenance compared to microwaved bites. 

If you find yourself in this situation pretty often, don’t get stuck eating the same thing over and over – here’s a chance to try something new. 

• Chips and Crisps – Do you have a vegetable slicer or a steady hand with a knife? Now’s the time to put it to work with potatoes, apples, carrots, zucchini, or whatever you’d like. You don’t need a fancy dehydrator, just a pan, oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a few minutes. Adjust the seasonings as you please, then pop your sliced foods into the toaster oven at 450 degrees. 

• Tortilla Wraps – This can make for a satisfying light lunch, and it’s versatile enough that you can use many different fillings. Place a tortilla on a baking sheet and layer it with deli meat, cheese, spinach, olives, peppers… the list can go on. Whatever you’d like baked onto a crispy shell, lay it on thick. 

• Hot Trail Mix – Think about your favorite trail mix. Do you prefer peanuts, cashews, almonds, or all of the above? Sweet or savory flavors? Now make it better. Sprinkle the nuts with a seasoning you’ll love. Toss in bits of spicy jerky or dried fruit. And don’t hesitate to drizzle it all with chocolate. There’s no room for guilt with a toaster oven recipe.   

• Fancy Eats – If you really want to get creative, and have extra time on your hands, scan the delicious appetizers listed on 25 Toaster Oven Appetizers For Your Next Party. And luckily, a few of the options, like apple nachos and baked pita chips, will actually be a pretty quick fix. 

These unique recipes can satisfy a demanding appetite in case you get tired of scarfing down popcorn, and it’s a good way to help you think outside the box. 

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you’re feeling armed with the ability to pop, toast, and roast some popcorn and great foods galore. 

It all just goes to show that you can find many ways to use and appreciate your toaster oven. Of course, you’re going to use it for the occasional pizza bagels, but these ideas are meant to help you up your snacking game. 

So, go ahead and get started with your first test: making the popcorn! When you’re finished, load it up with whatever you want to treat yourself – chocolate candies, nuts, anything. 

Once you have your new popcorn recipe down, and you’ve wowed your friends, a world of new food creations is at your disposal. And the only issues with those creations? The fact that you won’t want to share. 

Based on the fact that there are such guidelines regarding what type of materials you put in your toaster oven, I figured there would be similar restrictions regarding pans. I’d surely want to know if I can use a pan or not in an appliance before buying it.

Thankfully, there are pans made out of different materials. Not all of them are equally suitable for the toaster oven. I took it upon myself to find out which materials were better than others and why that is.

I’ve included links to Amazon, where all of my recommendations are conveniently available.

What kind of dishes can you put in a toaster oven? In most toaster ovens, you can use dishes made of silicone, stone (stone bakeware), ceramic, steel, and aluminum. You shouldn’t use glass at all, even the companies themselves say so. You should always start by consulting the manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding what materials should be used in your toaster oven as they may vary from one oven to the next.

That’s the short story (to say the least). To get a greater understanding, we must dig deeper and understand why certain materials shouldn’t be used.

What Kind of Dishes Can You Put in the Toaster Oven?

This information may not apply universally, you should first and foremost seek answers from the manufacturing company as they are the most reliable source of information for your specific toaster oven.

The information I have gathered may apply to most toaster ovens but yours may be an exception. I’m trying to prevent accidents from happening here – not creating one.

Oh, there’s one more thing to keep in mind before reading the next section.

Glass, ceramics, pottery, and stoneware are all fired at high temperatures but their biggest threat is thermal shock. Taking a dish out of the fridge and placing it in a heated toaster oven will create a sudden spike in temperature levels. This puts a lot of stress on the dish and can cause it to break easily.

Let’s talk about what can be used now.

What I’ve found to be the most suitable options for either dishes or liners in the toaster oven are the following;

• Silpat Silicone Baking Mats
• Steel Pans
• Ceramic Pans
• Stone Bakeware
• Aluminum

What qualities do these have that make them suitable?

They’re capable of withstanding high temperatures, they do not melt (silicone and aluminum foil will melt if they come in contact with the heating element – but nothing should ever be placed that close to the heating element), they come in different sizes, they don’t release toxins when heated, they won’t smoke when heated, and they won’t start a fire if placed in the toaster oven with care.

What Can You Not Put in a Toaster Oven?

While I was surfing the web, gathering information on the topic, making sure nothing had slipped my mind, It became clear to me that a lot of people still use the materials that the manufacturers themselves have warned us to use.

Now that they’ve done so successfully, they recommend others to do it too. I wouldn’t be quick to do so, there are reasons why some materials are restricted while others aren’t.

The little box that is your toaster oven may not seem very harmful but one must keep in mind that these electronic devices are capable of reaching very high temperatures very quickly. They’re much smaller than regular ovens but don’t let that fool you, the sheer size of the toaster oven in combination with a strong heating element is the source of its power.

It doesn’t use magnetic waves, like the microwave oven. It’s basically built upon the same principles as your regular oven. Things that can be used in your regular oven can oftentimes also be used in the toaster oven. Nevertheless, the manual should always be consulted before experimenting.

Potential dangers include the following:

• The material placed inside the oven or the oven itself starts to burn.
• The toaster oven malfunctions.
• The material inside the toaster oven starts to spark.
• The toaster oven overheats.
• The dish is damaged by the heat.
• The material melts and fuses to different parts of the toaster oven, damaging it and preventing it from functioning properly.
• The pan placed onto the toaster oven’s rack weighs too much, causing the rack to break or bend.

If this list isn’t enough to scare you, let’s take a look at the different materials individually to find out what the general consensus is regarding the use of them in a toaster oven. You may be able to find contradictory comments for each and every kind of dish on this list online but this seems to be what manufacturers and the majority of users have agreed on.

Can You Put Glass (Pyrex) In a Toaster Oven?

You should not put glass in your toaster oven. Earlier I mentioned that toaster ovens are small-scale ovens and could, therefore, handle materials similar to those an oven can handle. But, there’s a slight difference between the two: the proximity to the heating unit.

The toaster oven’s design isn’t as spacious and anything place inside the oven will be much closer to the heating elements than it would in a regular oven. That’s why Pyrex shouldn’t be used in a toaster oven. It won’t be able to handle the concentrated heat – which may cause too much stress on the glass and it may deform.

If the glass has cracked already, it may actually break. In fact, this hungry lad had to pick shattered glass from his oven when his Pyrex-dish exploded in the heat.

Can You Put Parchment Paper In a Toaster Oven?

For someone who just recently purchased or starting using their toaster oven, it may have come as a surprise that you shouldn’t use parchment paper in the toaster oven. After all, the toaster oven is quite similar to a regular oven, which handles parchment paper just fine.

The main difference? The toaster oven’s size will place parchment paper much closer to the heating element than an oven would. This increases the risk of starting a fire.

Can you Put Plastic In a Toaster Oven?

I would advise against it. Plastic will have a hard time withstanding the toaster oven’s temperature, causing it to melt. This can, in turn, damage the toaster oven, make a mess, or even worse, start a fire.

Avoid putting plastic in the toaster oven.

Can You Put Wax Paper In a Toaster Oven?

Wax paper shouldn’t be mixed up with parchment paper. Wax paper is not nearly as heat-resistant as parchment paper is. Whereas parchment paper is coated in silicone, wax paper is coated in wax. When exposed to high temperatures, the wax coating will melt and the paper itself can catch on fire.

The answer is, therefore, no. While wax paper is very useful in other endeavors, it should not be used in a toaster oven.

Can You Use a Cast Iron Skillet In a Toaster Oven?

When it comes to cast-iron skillets the main concern is a different one. There’s not much risk for combustion when using a cast-iron skillet. Instead, you need to be aware of the weight of the skillet and the toaster oven’s maximum capacity to avoid bending the rack with the weight of the pan.

Refer to the user manual or contact the manufacturer to find out if it’s OK to place cast iron skillets in your toaster oven.

What Size Pans Fit in a Toaster Oven?

This depends entirely on the model of your toaster oven. You would have to refer the product’s measurements when looking for a fitting pan. Toaster ovens come in varying sizes so it’s hard to say right off the bat. I’ve found most toaster ovens to be capable of holding dishes between 8.5 x 6.5 and 12 x 10 inches.

I’ll show you a small toaster oven and a quite large one to give you an idea of the range of different sizes available.

The Panasonic FlashXpress is considered to be a really small toaster oven, measuring 12.00 x 13.00 x 10.25 inches. The Hamilton Beach 31104D is a larger toaster oven and measures 16.54 x 20.62 x 13.11 inches. As you can see, there’s quite a difference between these two.

The Panasonic is used for smaller things, like garlic bread or toast, while the Hamilton Beach can cook two 12″ pizzas simultaneously.

While it sounds appealing to line the trays using parchment paper to almost cut the entire clean-up process out of the equation, many toaster oven boxes clearly state that parchment paper shouldn’t be used in toaster ovens as parchment paper may pose a threat. But what about aluminum foil?

Can you put aluminum foil in a toaster oven?

You can put aluminum foil in a toaster oven in certain cases. Foil can conduct and even reflect heat in the toaster oven, causing it to reach temperatures above the allowed limit. This can cause the device or the counter under it to melt, or start a fire. Placing foil so that it restricts airflow or comes in contact with heating elements may also be dangerous.

Some manufacturers allow the use of aluminum foil in their toaster ovens under certain conditions while others prohibit it. There are reasons why parchment paper, wax paper, foil, and other liners should be used carefully if even used at all in the toaster oven.

Why is that so? I mean, aside from the fact that it may spark a fire – why are toaster ovens less compatible with, say, parchment paper than a regular oven?

Can I Put Aluminum Foil in MY Toaster Oven? (Most Brands Listed)

Let’s take a look at the different manufacturers and their respective restrictions on usage of aluminum foil in their toaster ovens. While these guidelines can’t stop you from doing anything, they clearly state the risks of doing so. I believe you won’t be reimbursed for any damage if you go against the companies recommendations and an accident happens.

More importantly, you do not want to cause harm to yourself or anyone living in your home. Take their recommendations seriously.

When researching what the different brands have stated regarding aluminum foil in their toaster ovens, this is what I was able to come up with. It should be noted that these are not my recommendations, but rather what information I was able to find from the manufacturer’s websites regarding the topic.

Being responsible for everything that happens in our kitchen is more than enough responsibility for me. Haha.

Breville: “Do not cover crumb tray or any other part of the oven with metal foil. This will cause overheating.”

Oster: In their FAQ, they answer this question with; “No, Placing foil in the unit may cause the unit to heat up over 500 degrees. For this reason we do not recommend using foil in the toaster oven” but then there’s a video created by Oster on Youtube on how to use foil in the toaster oven.

KitchenAid: Foil can be used but should not cover crumb tray or any other part of the oven. This will cause overheating.

Black & Decker: “You can use aluminum foil on or around the food being cooked. Never use aluminum foil on the crumb tray, the floor, the walls, or along the entire rack. Doing so will cause overheating and improperly manipulates heat reflection, leading to poor results.”

Cuisinart: “Do not cover crumb tray or any part of the oven except the baking pan with metal foil. This will cause overheating of the oven.”

Hamilton Beach: “Yes, but do not allow it to come into contact with the heating elements. Do not use to cover the crumb tray.”

Panasonic: “Do not cover the crumb tray nor any part of the oven with aluminum foil as this will cause overheating.”

Instant Pot Omni: “To avoid the risk of fire or electrical shock, oversize foods, metal foil packages, and metal utensils must not be inserted into the
appliance.”

Cosori: “To avoid overheating, do not cover a tray, basket, or rack with metal foil unless directed. If foil is used, use extreme caution and always fit the foil as securely as possible. If the foil contacts the oven’s heating elements, this can cause overheating and risk of fire”

What Are The Risks of Putting Aluminum Foil in a Toaster Oven?

I know we’ve talked about the risks of potentially starting a fire by placing aluminum foil in a toaster oven without using the slightest bit of caution – now let’s take a look at why there are risks involved and how you should go about using aluminum foil in your toaster oven.

Risk 1: Aluminum Foil Can Spark

Aluminum foil is metal and will, therefore, spark if it comes in contact with the toaster oven’s heated element. These sparks can, in turn, damage the toaster oven or start a fire. You don’t want sparks in your toaster oven, believe me. It doesn’t take much to start a fire and a few sparks are sufficient to cause a toaster oven to malfunction.

Risk 2: Aluminum Foil Can Catch on Fire

Yes, aluminum foil can actually catch on fire. Now, following the first risk I mentioned above, I present yet another reason why it’s very important that your aluminum foil doesn’t get anywhere close to the heating element. Direct contact with the heating element could overheat the aluminum foil, potentially leading to combustion.

Risk 3: Aluminum Foil Can Melt

Considering the fact that aluminum foil can spark and catch on fire, one might’ve guessed that it can also melt. At very high temperatures, aluminum foil will start to melt and create a thin, yet very sticky and strong layer that fuses together with whatever it has been in contact with. Trust me, this is not something you desire – you want to avoid it at all costs.

When in contact with the heating element, aluminum foil will melt onto the heating element, creating a surface around it that keeps the heat source from distributing heat properly – this will make your toaster oven less effective but can also be hazardous if the melted foil combusts. Remove it as quickly as possible.

Secondly, you do not want to let aluminum foil get in contact with the toaster oven’s interior walls. The surface of the wall is hot enough to cause the foil to melt, this can damage the toaster oven.

Risk 4: Aluminum Foil Conducts Heat Greatly

Heat conduction or thermal conduction is the movement of heat from one place or object to another one that has a different temperature at the time they come in contact. Metals are among the most effective substances when it comes to conducting heat – and guess which metal is one of the best? Yes, aluminum foil.

This means that aluminum foil can get very hot when placed in a toaster oven. It may even get hot enough to cause the internal temperature in the toaster oven to rise above recommended limits. It’s quite impressive but it’s truly a possibility because of how well aluminum conducts heat.

Risk 5: Aluminum Foil Conducts Electricity

In addition to conducting heat, aluminum foil is also a fine conductor of electricity, so if the foil comes in contact with parts of the toaster oven, such as the heating element, it may arc or carry a current to parts of the toaster oven that shouldn’t be exposed to it.

How Can I Use Aluminum Foil In a Toaster Oven Safely?

Alright. It’s obvious that there are a couple of things to keep in mind in order to do this properly. These guidelines are meant to be followed to minimize the risk of melting, electrical shocks, and causing a fire.

But they’re not only created to keep ourselves from harm but also to make sure that the device itself isn’t damaged. Of course, the primary concern should always be about ourselves. Here’s what I’ve come up with when researching this topic.

#1 Read The User Manual

This is without a doubt the first thing you should do if you’re asking yourself this question. The company behind the product will have the best answers and if their product doesn’t live up to its promise, they’re the ones to blame.

You may come across a manual that’s missing a piece of information or one that doesn’t answer your question. In that case, get in contact with the manufacturer and have them answer your question directly.

The manufacturer should be your first source of information.

#2 Keep Aluminum Foil From Interior Walls & Heating Elements

Place the aluminum foil so that it’s far from the heating element and the interior walls will prevent it from melting and damaging the toaster oven – or starting a fire. Make sure there’s space between the foil and the sides, and even more between the foil and the heating element.

#3 Do Not Cover the Crumb or Drip Tray With Aluminum Foil

Never ever cover parts of the toaster oven with foil.

Your drip tray will collect grease as you cook fatty foods and it may sound appealing to cover it in aluminum foil to collect the dripping grease but that’s a bad idea. We’ve talked about how well aluminum foil conducts heat and that it can get very hot as a result of that.

Well, the dripping grease is now resting on a bed of aluminum foil that’s being heated in the toaster oven and once it’s hot enough it may actually cause the grease to combust.

Your crumb tray shouldn’t be covered in aluminum foil, either. Doing so can cause the toaster oven to overheat.

#4 Don’t Reuse Aluminum Foil

I can’t speak for you but I’ve done it before. As long as I declare the foil to be in good condition, I’ve used it more than once. However, I’ve come to the conclusion that it shouldn’t be done in the toaster oven – and if it is, you need to make sure that there’s no grease residue left on the foil.

Why?

If you’ve ever cooked foods on aluminum foil before, then you know that the aluminum will collect grease pretty quickly (depending on what you’re cooking). The grease build-up isn’t dangerous or harmful by itself, but it’s the combination of grease and heat that could start a fire.

Therefore, I advise you to keep track of your foil. Make sure there’s no grease residue.

#5 Get The Best Aluminum Foil

Which, in this case, would be heavy-duty aluminum foil. While regular and heavy-duty foil are made out of the same material, there’s something that separates them – the thickness. The difference between the two is actually something worth taking into account when cooking. Heavy-duty aluminum foil can handle both weight and heat better than its thinner counterpart.

The sturdier, thicker version costs a little bit more, but I would still consider it very affordable.

#6 Cut the Foil Accordingly

If you decide to use aluminum foil in your toaster oven, make sure to cut it neatly so that it fits perfectly inside the oven pan. There shouldn’t be any foil hanging over the edges at all. The more foil you have, the harder it is to contain in the specific areas you want to cover. That’s something to keep in mind as you want to be very certain about what parts of your toaster oven are in contact with the aluminum foil.

#7 Use Cooking Spray

If you want to prevent food from sticking to lighter, non-stick aluminum foil, drizzle cooking spray onto the surface. It’ll be much easier to remove foods from the liner. In addition to that, cookies and other baked goods will get a nice brown finish by cooking them on oil-sprayed foil in the toaster oven.

What Other Alternatives Are There?

It’s obvious that aluminum foil isn’t the first thing a manufacturer would recommend if you were to ask them what kind of liner you should use in your toaster oven. I’m making this assumption based on the somewhat restrictive instructions regarding the use of aluminum foil in the user manuals.

With that in mind, I set out to find the most suitable substitute for aluminum foil for the toaster oven. I was looking for something that had similar or superior qualities – meaning? Well here’s what I wanted it to have:

• Affordable price
• Non-stick properties
• It should be easy to clean
• It should be easy to store
• If disposable (is it reusable?)
• If not disposable (how long does it last?)
• It shouldn’t be harmful to use in a toaster oven

Using these merits as guidelines, I found what I believe to be a few very safe and secure ways of cooking in a toaster oven.

Silpat Silicone Baking Mat

It’s a convenient silicone baking mat made from silicone with fiberglass mesh – giving the Silpat great non-stick properties when cooking most, if not all, foods.

Not only will your food be intact when finished cooking, rather than being served as “whatever could be scraped off” but you will also have a much easier time cleaning the Silpat because of its non-stick properties.

The mat isn’t much larger than a piece of A4 paper but slightly thicker. It’s convenient and easy to store.

According to what I’ve read, these mats can be used approximately 2500-3000 times (in temperatures between -40 to 434 degrees Fahrenheit) before they start to degrade. This means that the silicone mat is far cheaper per use than aluminum foil ever will be.

Silicone baking mats come in different sizes, shapes, and by different manufacturers. Here’s the one I’ve been using ever since I stumbled upon its existence. It’s available on Amazon. It’s available in different sizes too – measure your toaster oven’s pan to find out which size is appropriate for you.

Stone Bakeware

Bakeware can be crafted using silicone, tinned steel, stainless steel, glass, and stone. The type of material used to create the bakeware will have an impact on how the bakeware should be used – cooking time and temperature may have to be adjusted accordingly.

I have always vouched for stone bakeware. They’re durable, eco-friendly, and very easy to maintain in good condition. Unless you torture your bakeware on a regular basis, it will most likely last your entire lifetime, if not longer than that.

When looking for bakeware for your toaster oven, measure the toaster oven as you want to keep at least half an inch between the pan and the toaster oven’s interior walls.

The majority of my stoneware is from Le Creuset, a french company that has been making high-quality products since 1925. They’re also available on Amazon – here’s a link to the one I’m using for my toaster oven. However, my toaster oven is quite big and can hold larger stoneware such as the one I linked above, which measures 12.5 by 8.25 inches.

Not all toaster ovens can house stoneware of that size. If that’s the case for your toaster oven, you may want to look into something along these lines. Still made by the same manufacturer but just a slightly smaller model, measuring 11 by 9 inches.

The Minimalistic Approach: Oil

Last and definitely least is a more minimalistic approach. It involves the pan that comes with the toaster oven and a small amount of oil. Yes, the traditional way of doing it is to simply add a small bit of oil and covering the pan with it so that it doesn’t stick.

It’s definitely not as sexy and convenient, but it’s still an option and that’s what I’ve promised to include in this section. It doesn’t substitute aluminum foil per se, but it is an alternative way of doing it – and one that works quite well too.

Toaster Ovens Aren’t Like Microwaves

Another question that I stumble upon frequently is one regarding microwaves. Why can I put aluminum foil in the toaster oven but not in the microwave? The short answer is that these two appliances operate very differently and will, therefore, also react very differently to metals of any kind.

Looking at a toaster oven and a microwave oven, I think one can easily jump to the conclusion that the toaster oven is a simpler device and in many ways, it is. The toaster oven looks like a small-scale regular oven. In fact, the toaster oven and larger regular ovens operate by the same principles.

With that said, there’s still a fascinating amount of engineering required to recreate the toaster oven and its effective way of managing heat. The toaster oven is small in size and will, therefore, heat up pretty quickly – but not as quickly as a microwave. Managing these fluctuating heat levels is imperative to keep the temperatures within acceptable limits. This is managed by the way air flows through the toaster oven.

If temperatures were to reach levels above what the manufacturers have considered being safe – your toaster oven could be damaged, rendered useless, or start a fire. We’ve gone through this earlier in the article – consider the fact that aluminum foil may interfere with the toaster oven’s ability to properly distribute air – and that’s one of the reasons why it could be dangerous to put aluminum foil in your toaster oven. But it doesn’t have to be if you’re cautious.

Microwaves, on the other hand, use magnetic waves to heat food – they’re very quick to heat up and are seldom used for more than 10 minutes in one session – but often as little as 2 minutes as the primary use for a microwave is to reheat food.

These magnetic waves in the microwave oven are blocked by aluminum foil and can’t reflect as they were meant to. This prevents the microwave from functioning as it’s supposed to.

Furthermore, a single piece of aluminum foil could cause an electrical arc inside the microwave. The gravity of the electrical arc can differ anywhere from making small noises, damaging the microwave oven to starting a fire and burning down the house.

That’s why aluminum definitely shouldn’t be used in a microwave while the same doesn’t apply to a toaster oven.

Is a toaster oven-safe under a cabinet? The short answer, no under normal circumstances; it is not safe to put your toaster oven under your cabinet. If you want to place your toaster oven under a cabinet, you need to find a model designed safely to be mounted under a cabinet with plenty of insulation.

You can place your toaster oven under your cabinet, but there is more to it than taking out your toolset and mounting it. It is best to know what you are getting yourself into before your small pizza catches fire in your house.

If you are remodeling your kitchen like I was, or you are adding another kitchen appliance, you want to best experience possible, from shopping for your toaster oven to the perfect placement in your specific kitchen.

Where Is the Best Place To Keep a Toaster Oven?

It seems that no matter how big or small a kitchen is, there never seems to be enough counter space. Counter space quickly gets taken up by appliances, groceries, and at times, dishes. The biggest issue with toaster ovens is they get hot. If the toaster oven is not in the best location in your kitchen, it can quickly become a fire hazard.

Some places to keep a toaster oven:

• Countertop – This is the best option because it has plenty of ventilation. Toaster ovens should be open on three sides for optimal circulation.

• Countertop while in use, then store in the cabinet once the toaster oven cools. – If you choose this option, make sure it cannot be accidentally left on, increasing your chance for a fire.

• Open cabinet with no doors to keep the toast oven ventilated.
• If you have space, building a shelf for the toaster oven to sit on – This will also create sufficient ventilation.

• If you are in the position to do so, you can upgrade your kitchen space to create hiding spots for appliances when not in use. Again, make sure it cannot be accidentally left on, increasing your chance for a fire.

• Under a cabinet – If you choose this option, find a toaster oven designed to be mounted. To further prevent kitchen fires, purchasing a toaster shield is useful. You can buy one for $20 on Amazon.

Toaster ovens should be placed in a ventilated area, out of a cupboard to avoid overheating. Toaster ovens should also be away from the sink to avoid contact with water, and away from curtains to prevent catching fire.

If you are not sure if your toaster oven can go under a cabinet safely, make sure you read the warnings in the instruction manual that comes in the packaging.

What Are The Pros of Placing a Toaster Oven Under a Cabinet?

There certainly are positives to keeping your toaster oven under your cabinet. People, in general, do not want to give up their counter space. Any way to hide appliances to create more space is welcomed in most homes, especially ones with limited space. A clean countertop is more visually appealing than one cluttered with various kitchen appliances.

1. Space-saving – If it is under your cabinet, your counter space is free for cooking preparation.
2. A small kitchen on a budget – If your kitchen doesn’t have a lot of space and you are on a budget, and under-cabinet toaster oven can be your favorite cooking tool. Some models can cook pizza between 3 and 9 inches.
3. Easy cleaning – If you purchase a stainless steel model, it makes clean-up a lot easier.

Some top-rated toaster ovens designed to be mounted:

• The Black and Decker TROS1000 SpaceMaker Digital Toaster Oven – Currently $349.00 on Amazon
• BLACK+DECKER TO3250XSB 8-Slice Extra Wide Convection – Currently $85.00 – $99.00 on Amazon
• Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven with Element IQ – Currently $160.00 – $180.00 on Amazon

What Are the Cons of Placing a Toaster Oven Under a Cabinet?

There certainly are negatives to keeping your toaster oven under your cabinet, the biggest being a fire risk. Whether you own, rent, are single, or have a family, a fire is a scary thing.

Having to put in a claim and re-purchase everything and losing stuff you cannot replace is something to be taken seriously. The potential for fire is real, which should be your primary deciding factor.

• Cost – When you buy a toaster oven that is designed to be placed under a cabinet, the price can be a lot higher than a toaster oven, you can pick up at your local Walmart.

• May not be efficient for cooking – Depending on what you plan on preparing for dinner, the toaster oven may not be able to handle it. With a small cooking space, you sometimes need to make sacrifices to get what you need out of your area. A toaster oven under your cabinet is probably not going to be your primary source of meal prep.

• Installing is not easy – I don’t know about you but, I am not handy when it comes to fixing anything in my house. Installing the toaster oven under your cabinet may take more skill than you possess.  

• Users have reported it gets too hot – If your toaster oven is designed to go under your cabinet or not, people that have decided to do it think it still gets too hot.

• Users have reported the controls are not efficient – With different models that have knobs or LED displays have said that the controls on the toaster oven are still not useful. They either get stuck for the screen does not recognize the touch.

• Users have reported they are noisy. – I don’t know about you, but I do not like excess noise, and I certainly do not like noises coming from my kitchen.

• Choices – Few models specifically indicate that they are safe to be under a cabinet.

Where Can I Get More Information On Small Kitchen Ideas?

If you are in the middle of a remodel like I am, or you just want to organize your kitchen space, you can find great ideas here. I have started to utilize the suggestions on that website in my kitchen. I have shared the information with my friends and family that need to add more space in their kitchens too.

My favorite design on that website is to turn your stovetop into extra counter space. Before reading that suggestion, I never thought to utilize that space when it is not in use. I bought a cutting board that fits on top of my stovetop, and I use that when cutting up my vegetables.

I have started using the tops of my cabinets. I put stuff up there that I do not use daily; thus I do not have to get up there often. I put serving dishes and more substantial dishes that I have trouble fitting elsewhere.

I found the area on top of my fridge is great for cereal boxes and larger snack containers that do not fit anywhere else. There are times where I buy extra items that are on sale, and the top of the refrigerator is the perfect place to put those additional items until I need them.

Speaking of the fridge, I have installed a rolling pantry between the fridge and the wall, which is perfect for spices and smaller jars.