When it comes to toaster vs. toaster oven, which one do you choose? While similar, these common, everyday kitchen appliances both have unique differences. Keep reading to find out which option in the toaster vs. toaster oven debate fits your needs better.

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Toaster vs. Toaster Oven

Toasters are known for their small size, quick cooking speed and even toasting. A toaster oven offers toasting capabilities as well as cooking a wider variety and extra cooking space, and they're easy to clean. When making your decision, it’s important to consider your counter space, the different types of foods you eat and what your morning routine looks like. Keep these questions in mind when shopping for a toaster vs. toaster oven.

What is a Toaster?

A toaster is a small kitchen appliance to lightly cook (or toast) slices of bread, bagels or some pastries. There are openings on the top of the toaster to put your preferred food in. The toaster has dials on the front, letting you adjust the cooking level to create the perfect piece of toast. Once the toaster is finished, it'll pop your food up, allowing you to easily grab and go.

Benefits of Using a Toaster

Small & Compact

Toasters are small and work well for any size kitchen. They range in toasting capacity, letting you choose between a two or four-slice toaster. A two-slice toaster is perfect for one person, while a four-slice toaster is better suited for multiple people. Toasters are lightweight and can be easily stored away in a cabinet or closet due to their small size when not in use.

Tip: If you would rather keep your toaster on your counter when not in use, add a toaster cover to protect it from dust and dirt particles.

Quick & Easy

Toasters are designed to do one thing – toast. The design is straightforward: two or four openings for bread and a dial letting you choose how toasted you want your bread. There are coils close to the openings that heat up and cook your bread slices. The closeness of the coils allows your food to cook quickly, letting you get on with your day.

Even Toasting

Whether you like your toast lightly toasted or close to burnt, toasters always provide an even level of cooking. Since the coils are on either side of the bread, your designated toasting level will happen on both sides, creating an evenly cooked piece of toast.

What is a Toaster Oven?

Toaster ovens offer the same capabilities as toasters but are also designed to have capabilities of a small oven. With a downward facing door, you can open your toaster oven and place your food on a wire rack or tray. A convection fan circulates the warm air to cook your food. Toaster ovens are well known for their ability to bake, broil, and warm but offer toasting capabilities as well. They tend to be larger than regular toasters and are commonly left on the worktop.

Benefits of Using a Toaster Oven

Cooking Variety

Toaster ovens give you the benefits of an oven without having to turn it on, giving you the option to bake, warm, broil, toast and even air-fry. The versatility allows you to get creative with quick dinners and is a go-to option if you are making dinner for one or a small snack for a group.

Extra Cooking Space

If you find that your oven is often kept busy or out of order, a toaster oven allows for extra cooking space. It's perfect for entertaining purposes, letting you use your main oven to bake dinner while warming up rolls or appetizers in the toaster oven.

Easy to Clean

A toaster oven is much smaller than an oven, making cleaning it a much easier task. It includes a crumb tray at the bottom that easily slides in and out to empty. Use a damp cloth to wipe down your toaster oven after use to keep the inside (and outside) looking like new.

Tip: Found this article handy? Then why not check out:

• How to Choose the Best Food Processor
• Ask the Experts: What is a Skillet?
• How to Use a Waffle Maker for Insta-Worthy Waffles