{"id":906,"date":"2021-12-19T19:25:41","date_gmt":"2021-12-19T19:25:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/toaster.report\/?p=906"},"modified":"2023-04-06T21:52:36","modified_gmt":"2023-04-06T21:52:36","slug":"toaster-oven-vs-microwave","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/toaster.report\/toaster-oven-vs-microwave\/","title":{"rendered":"Toaster Oven vs Microwave: Which One is For You?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When setting up your kitchen, you\u2019ll need a few appliances to help with cooking, baking, defrosting, and reheating food. The two most common appliances for these jobs are the toaster oven and the microwave. <strong>While they have many similarities, there are key differences between the two.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, I\u2019ll examine the differences between a toaster oven and a microwave so you can choose the kitchen appliance that is best for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_64 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Article Overview<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0a0a0a;color:#0a0a0a\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0a0a0a;color:#0a0a0a\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/toaster.report\/toaster-oven-vs-microwave\/#difference-between-toaster-oven-and-a-microwave\" title=\"Difference Between Toaster Oven and a Microwave\">Difference Between Toaster Oven and a Microwave<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/toaster.report\/toaster-oven-vs-microwave\/#is-toaster-oven-better-than-a-microwave\" title=\"Is Toaster Oven Better Than a Microwave?\">Is Toaster Oven Better Than a Microwave?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/toaster.report\/toaster-oven-vs-microwave\/#is-toaster-oven-healthier-than-a-microwave\" title=\"Is Toaster Oven Healthier Than a Microwave?\">Is Toaster Oven Healthier Than a Microwave?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/toaster.report\/toaster-oven-vs-microwave\/#is-there-a-microwave-toaster-oven\" title=\"Is There a Microwave Toaster Oven?\">Is There a Microwave Toaster Oven?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/toaster.report\/toaster-oven-vs-microwave\/#so-toaster-oven-or-a-microwave\" title=\"So, Toaster Oven or a Microwave?\">So, Toaster Oven or a Microwave?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"difference-between-a-toaster-oven-and-a-microwave\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"difference-between-toaster-oven-and-a-microwave\"><\/span>Difference Between Toaster Oven and a Microwave<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When choosing between a toaster oven and a microwave, you\u2019ll need to consider the functionality and cooking time of each appliance. Other factors you should review are price, size, energy efficiency, and maintenance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"function\">Functions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Toaster ovens offer a wide range of functions including baking, toasting, and broiling. More expensive toaster ovens will come with even more options like defrosting and even rotisserie.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most meats and vegetables can be cooked in a toaster oven. Pizza, garlic bread, and other dough-based products also fare well with this appliance. Toaster ovens even work well for cooking smaller batches of muffins, cookies, and other baked goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A toaster oven is great for keeping foods warm once they have been cooked. Reheating liquids, like tea, coffee, or soup, is not recommended in a toaster oven. Defrosting can be done in toaster ovens that have that specific function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Microwaves are ideal for reheating foods that aren\u2019t dough-based. Foods like pizza or bread tend to get soggy or chewy when put in the microwave. Meats, vegetables, casseroles, stews, and pasta all reheat well with this appliance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you need to reheat a cup of coffee or bowl of soup, the microwave is ideal. This appliance can also be great for defrosting frozen foods like meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Microwaves cannot brown or crisp foods, so they are not suitable for broiling or toasting. A microwave isn&#8217;t the best choice if you are making foods that demand a crispy texture like chicken wings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cooking-time\">Cooking Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In almost every case, the microwave will reheat and cook foods faster than a toaster oven will.<\/strong> The downside to this is that microwaves do not heat foods as evenly as a toaster oven does.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a microwave, you may find that parts of your food are steaming hot while others are still cold. A toaster oven takes longer to heat foods but provides reliable, even heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"price\">Price<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Toaster ovens and microwaves are fairly comparable in price, at least in basic models.<\/strong> A simple toaster oven can be found for around $35 and microwaves generally start at $45 for a small, basic appliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With increasing size and functionality, prices will increase. Toaster ovens that have multiple functions like <a href=\"https:\/\/toaster.report\/rotisserie-toaster-oven\/\" data-lasso-id=\"1635\">rotisserie<\/a> can cost upwards of $100-$150. Larger microwaves are also priced at around $100 and up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"size\">Size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Both microwaves and toaster ovens range in size, from small countertop options to larger versions.<\/strong> A small microwave can measure 17 by 14 by 10 inches, while a larger one can be 24 by 19 by 14 inches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Toaster ovens can be as small as 16 by 13 by 8 inches, with larger models as big as 16 by 15 by 14 inches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"energy-efficiency\">Energy Efficiency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Microwaves are more energy efficient compared to toaster ovens.<\/strong> They use anywhere from 700 to 1300 Watts, compared to toaster ovens which use 1200 &#8211; 1800 Watts. Also, microwaves are mostly used for a shorter period of time. Cooking with a toaster oven usually includes longer cooking times which consumes more energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"maintenance\">Maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A microwave is generally easier to clean than a toaster oven.<\/strong> The removable turntable can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher while the inside of the appliance is wiped out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Toaster ovens can be kept cleaner by always using a tray instead of placing food directly on the rack. Food that gets burned onto the inside of the toaster oven makes it harder to clean. Luckily for you, I wrote a <a href=\"https:\/\/toaster.report\/how-to-clean-a-toaster-oven\/\" data-lasso-id=\"1636\">detailed guide on cleaning a toaster oven<\/a>. Make sure to check it out in case you need help cleaning your kitchen friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-a-toaster-oven-better-than-a-microwave\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"is-toaster-oven-better-than-a-microwave\"><\/span>Is Toaster Oven Better Than a Microwave?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Since toaster ovens and microwaves offer different functions, the best one for you depends on your cooking habits.<\/strong> Microwaves are best for reheating foods including liquids and for defrosting. Toaster ovens are better for cooking and baking foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"toaster-oven-pros-cons\">Toaster Oven Pros &amp; Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Heats food evenly.<\/td><td>Takes longer to cook food.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Keeps food warm.<\/td><td>Not ideal for defrosting foods.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Offers more functions like broiling and toasting.<\/td><td>Not ideal for reheating beverages or soups.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pros and cons of a toaster oven.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"microwave-pros-cons\">Microwave Pros &amp; Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Can make popcorn.<\/td><td>Cannot toast or broil foods.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Good for defrosting frozen foods.<\/td><td>Heat is not distributed evenly.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Can reheat soups, beverages, and other liquids.<\/td><td>Can make some foods soggy or chewy.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pros and cons of a microwave.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"is-toaster-oven-healthier-than-a-microwave\"><\/span>Is Toaster Oven Healthier Than a Microwave?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Both toaster ovens and microwaves are healthy options for making food. However, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/consumers\/consumer-updates\/5-tips-using-your-microwave-oven-safely\" data-lasso-id=\"2204\">FDA recommends that microwaves should not be used if they are damaged or don\u2019t close properly.<\/a> They also recommend people do not stand in front of a microwave for long periods of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-there-a-microwave-toaster-oven\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"is-there-a-microwave-toaster-oven\"><\/span>Is There a Microwave Toaster Oven?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, there is a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3C5ojVr\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-lasso-id=\"2205\">microwave-toaster oven combo<\/a> that allows you to have the best of both options. This appliance excels at both, baking and microwaving. Microwave toaster ovens are a welcome addition to every kitchen due to their versatility. Also, it cost less compared to owning both, a toaster oven and a microwave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"so-toaster-oven-or-a-microwave\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"so-toaster-oven-or-a-microwave\"><\/span>So, Toaster Oven or a Microwave?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you\u2019re looking for an appliance that will let you cook, bake, and broil, you should get a toaster oven. <\/strong>Particularly for people who don\u2019t have a full-size oven, this appliance is the best choice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you already own a full-size oven, the better choice would be a microwave.<\/strong> This will allow you to quickly defrost and reheat foods.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When setting up your kitchen, you\u2019ll need a few appliances to help with cooking, baking, defrosting, and reheating food. The two most common appliances for these jobs are the toaster<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":910,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ub_ctt_via":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/toaster.report\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Toaster-Oven-and-a-Microwave.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Larry Flynn","author_link":"https:\/\/toaster.report\/author\/toasty-guru\/"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/toaster.report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/906"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/toaster.report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/toaster.report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toaster.report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toaster.report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=906"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/toaster.report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/906\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2004,"href":"https:\/\/toaster.report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/906\/revisions\/2004"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toaster.report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/910"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/toaster.report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=906"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toaster.report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=906"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toaster.report\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=906"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}