So many foods taste great toasted–bagels, English muffins, waffles, and of course, bread! When it comes to choosing a kitchen appliance for your toasting needs, you might be wondering if you should opt for a toaster or a toaster oven. What’s the difference?
In this article, we’ll review the similarities and differences between a toaster and a toaster oven. We’ll take a look at the pros and cons of each to help you decide which one to get.
Are Toasters and Toaster Ovens The Same Thing?
Toasters and toaster ovens have some similarities but they are not the same appliance. Toasters have slots to put certain types of food–most commonly, bread–into, while toaster ovens have an open cooking space similar to full-size ovens. Toaster ovens have a wider range of cooking options than toasters do.
What is a Toaster?
A toaster is a kitchen appliance that uses electricity to toast certain types of foods including bread, waffles, and bagels. When the electric current travels to the heating elements inside the toaster, these elements heat the food, causing it to brown and toast.
Toasters usually come with either two or four slots. These appliances have a push lever to start operation, a dial to change the heat or time setting, and a cancel button to stop toasting.
Some toasters come with additional functions, for example, the ability to widen the slots for thicker slices of bread or bagels. Other options include a keep warm function and a frozen function that lets you toast foods from their frozen state.
What is a toaster Oven?
A toaster oven is an electrical kitchen appliance that can be used for a variety of cooking purposes. All toaster ovens have the ability to toast bread and waffles just like a toaster does. They also let you cook and bake foods like meats, vegetables, and cookies, similar to a full-size oven.
Toaster ovens may also have advanced functions that let you broil, defrost, and rotisserie foods. Some appliances will come with preset options for making cookies or pizza. A toaster oven can cook most things a full-size oven can, just in smaller quantities.
I wrote a detailed guide about toaster ovens. Make sure to check it out if you’d like to know more about toaster ovens and the way they work.
Toaster vs Toaster Oven
When deciding between a toaster and a toaster oven, consider what your needs are in the kitchen. Do you just want an appliance that can make toast and the occasional waffle? Go for a toaster.
If you’re looking for an appliance for cooking, baking, and roasting foods, you’ll want to opt for a toaster oven. You’ll definitely want to choose a toaster oven if you don’t have a full-size oven in your kitchen.
Toaster Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Inexpensive–toasters can be purchased for as little as $20. | Only used for toasting–not cooking or baking. |
| Fast–toast is ready in just a couple of minutes. | |
| Small–toasters take up very little counter space, making them ideal for small kitchens. | |
| Energy efficient. |
Toaster Oven Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Multipurpose–allows you to cook, bake, broil, and more. | Takes up more counter space than a toaster. |
| Uses more energy than a toaster. | |
| More expensive than a toaster. | |
| Takes longer to heat up. |
Does a Toaster Oven Use More Electricity Than a Toaster?
A toaster oven will use more electricity than a toaster for the simple fact that it is used for a longer time. While it may only take a couple of minutes to make toast in a toaster, most things you’ll be making in the toaster will require more time.
Is it Better to Buy a Toaster or a Toaster Oven?
It’s best to buy a toaster if you are looking for an appliance that will make toast, waffles, bagels, and similar foods. If you want an appliance to cook a wider range of foods like meat, vegetables, and baked goods, it’s best to get a toaster oven.
Either Way, It’s Toasting Time!
Whichever appliance you choose, you’ll love how easy it is to make hot, delicious toast in the mornings!
