Toaster oven vs toaster: which one earns its counter space
Toaster oven vs toaster: a toaster is cheaper and faster for bread, a toaster oven does more jobs. Here is which to buy based on how you cook.
Hamza Idrissi3 min read
Verdict: a toaster does toast well and costs little. A toaster oven does toast okay, plus small meals, and takes more space. Pick by what you cook, not by what the box says.
Which wins on
| Factor | Toaster | Toaster oven |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $ | $$ |
| Toast quality | Even and fast | Fine, slower |
| Other jobs | Bagels | Bake, broil, reheat |
| Counter space | Small | Large |
| Heat up time | Short | Medium |
| Power use | Low | Lower than a full oven |
| Cleaning | Crumb tray | Tray and inside walls |
Cost use math
These are examples, not quotes.
If you make toast every morning, a $20 toaster used 365 times a year costs about 5 cents a day in its first year. A $70 toaster oven used 150 times a year for small meals costs about 47 cents a use in its first year, and falls fast over a few years. If you would otherwise heat a full oven for a single potato, the small oven saves energy each time, according to general guidance on oven use.
See cost per use for how to run your own numbers.
Pick a toaster if
- Your main use is toast and bagels.
- Your counter is small.
- You want the cheapest option.
Pick a toaster oven if
- You cook for one or two.
- You reheat pizza and leftovers.
- You live in a small home or a hot climate where a full oven heats the room.
- You do not own an air fryer. A toaster oven can do some of the same jobs, as our look at an air fryer under $50 explains.
Rule that matters most: measure the counter and the space above it. Heat needs room to vent.
Check before you pay
- Size inside. Will a 9 by 13 inch pan fit?
- Safety mark from a recognized lab.
- Dials that feel solid.
- A removable crumb tray.
- Return policy.
Safety
Keep it away from the wall and away from curtains. Never leave it on while you are out. Clean crumbs often, because they can burn. Do not use plastic or foam containers inside. Follow the maker's manual.
Where the answer flips
If you make a lot of toast for a family, two slots may not keep up, and a four slice toaster is a better buy. If you already have a microwave and a stove and rarely bake small portions, a toaster is enough.
Quick questions
Is a toaster oven worth it?
Yes if you bake or reheat small portions often. It is not worth it if you only make toast.
Does a toaster oven use less power than a full oven?
Usually yes for small meals, since it heats a smaller space.
Can a toaster oven replace a toaster?
It can make toast, but slower and less even in many models.
Can I put foil in a toaster oven?
Many makers allow it if it does not touch the heating elements. Check your manual.
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