The first patent for an electric toaster was filed in 1893 by Crompton & Company of Chelmsford, Essex. This early toaster design was quite different from the toaster ovens we know today. It featured a wire element made of iron that toasted bread one side at a time. Over the years, toaster ovens have evolved into versatile kitchen appliances capable of baking, broiling, and toasting, making them a handy and multifunctional addition to any kitchen.
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Table of Contents
- Toaster Oven Top Picks
- KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven
- BLACK+DECKER Convection Toaster Oven
- Cuisinart Air Fryer Convection Toaster Oven
- Breville Mini Smart Toaster Oven, Brushed Stainless Steel
- Hamilton Beach Countertop Toaster Oven
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Toaster Oven Top Picks
Product Details:
- Functions: Dehydrate, proof, bagel, toast, air fry, bake, broil, reheat, keep warm
- Capacity: 21 Liters
- Dimensions: 16 x 17 x 11.3 inches
- Temperature: Warm – 450°F
For those looking for a nicely designed toaster oven, this one is one that you should consider. It has a sleek look and controls. It has a No-Flip Air Fry Basket and 360° Air Fry System, creating perfect air-fried dishes like french fries and delicate fish. The oven has a 9×13-inch baking pan for sheet cakes, one-pan dinners, or roasting two chickens (3.4 lbs each). It also has Even-Heat Convection Technology, ensuring consistent heating along with fast preheat in under 4 minutes. It delivers quality results in a compact countertop size.
Product Details:
- Functions: Bake, broil, toast, bagel, pizza, frozen snacks, potatoes, cookies
- Capacity: 13 Liters
- Dimensions: 11.18 x 15.47 x 8.3 inches
- Temperature: 200°F – 450°F
The BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Stainless Steel Toaster Oven with Broiler Pan is a handy addition to your kitchen. It’s big enough for a 9” pizza or four slices of bread, fitting well on any countertop. It can bake, broil, toast, and keep your food warm, reaching temperatures up to 450°F. It comes with a baking and broiler pan that fits just right. You don’t have to worry about finding the right pans! You can watch your food cook through the big window. It makes cooking easy, and it even comes with a toasting rack.
Product Details:
- Functions: Air fry, toast, convection bake, bake, convection broil, broil, grill, warming
- Capacity: 17 Liters
- Dimensions: 12.25 x 15.75 x 13.75 inches
- Temperature: Warm – 450°F
This powerful 1800W toaster oven and air fryer does a lot – it can air fry, toast, bake, broil, grill, and warm your food. It’s easy to use with a temperature dial, 60-minute timer, and toast shade selector. The roomy interior fits 6 slices of bread, air fries 3 pounds of chicken wings, bakes a 12-inch pizza, or roasts a 4-pound chicken. It comes with accessories like an oven light, rack, baking pan, AirFry basket, and grill, all in a nonstick easy-clean interior. What’s cool is it has a dual-sided grill and griddle plate for searing steaks and veggies on one side and making breakfast on the other.
Product Details:
- Functions: Toast, bagel, bake, broil, pizza, roast, cookies and reheat
- Capacity: 12.74 Liters
- Dimensions: 12.9 x 17.7 x 10.5 inches
- Temperature: Warm – 425°F
This sleek mini oven in matte stainless steel fits well in any kitchen. Cleaning is easy with a sliding crumb tray. The control panel is user-friendly with a big dial and LCD screen. It heats up fast, reaching 425°F in 3 minutes, saving energy. Functions like Toast and Bagel are simple, with adjustable settings. The Broil function is quick, and there’s a ‘A Bit More’ button for extra time. It has three rack positions, but watch out for the loud beeper, and keep it away from upper cabinets because the top gets hot. Overall, it’s a handy oven for easy cooking.
Product Details:
- Functions: Toast, bake, broil
- Capacity: 12 Liters
- Dimensions: 11.5 x 14.9 x 8.7 inches
- Temperature: Reheat – 300°F
This toaster oven is great for those looking for a simple and compact countertop oven. It has a few options for cooking, temperature, and timer. It has a 30-minute timer with a Stay On option, a bell when it’s ready, and it turns off by itself. However, for first time use, there’s a warning about smoke and fumes, but it won’t be an issue after that. Other than that, it’s great for cooking steaks, bread, pizza, and more. It also uses up to 75% less energy and is 28% faster than a typical kitchen oven when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I clean my toaster oven? Cleaning your toaster oven is easy! Wait for it to cool down, then wipe the interior with a damp cloth. Remove the crumb tray and wash it with warm, soapy water. For stubborn stains, a mixture of baking soda and water works wonders.
Can I use aluminum foil in my toaster oven? Yes, you can use aluminum foil in your toaster oven, but be cautious. Don’t let the foil touch the heating elements, as it can cause a fire. Keep it at least one inch away from the sides and top.
What’s the ‘Stay On’ function for on the timer? The ‘Stay On’ function allows you to bypass the timer and keep the toaster oven running continuously until you manually turn it off. It’s handy for tasks that require longer cooking times.
How do I prevent smoke and fumes during the first use? It’s normal for a new toaster oven to produce some smoke and fumes during the first use due to residual manufacturing materials. To minimize this, run the toaster oven empty for about 15-20 minutes at a high temperature before cooking food.
What can I cook in my toaster oven besides toast? A toaster oven is incredibly versatile! You can bake cookies, roast vegetables, cook small batches of casseroles, broil fish or meat, and even reheat pizza. Explore different settings and get creative with your cooking.
Can I bake using both upper and lower heating elements simultaneously? Most toaster ovens allow you to use both upper and lower heating elements simultaneously for baking. This ensures even cooking and browning. However, always check your toaster oven’s user manual for specific guidelines.
Is it safe to leave my toaster oven unattended while in use? It’s generally recommended to avoid leaving your toaster oven unattended while in use. While modern toaster ovens have safety features, it’s a good practice to keep an eye on the cooking process to prevent any potential issues.
Conclusion
To wrap it all up, toaster ovens are like kitchen helpers that make cooking easier. Whether you’re toasting your breakfast or baking something sweet, these little machines add a bit of convenience to your kitchen. Remember to consider factors such as functionality, convenience, and capacity when choosing one. So, here’s to tasty adventures, effortless cooking, and the joy these handy appliances bring to your home!pp