Toaster or Toaster Oven - Which Should I Get and Why?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores the experiences and preferences of participants regarding toasters and toaster ovens. Participants share their frustrations with traditional toasters and discuss the versatility of toaster ovens in various cooking tasks.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration over having multiple toasters that fail to work properly, questioning the reliability of various brands.
  • Another participant shares a positive experience with their toaster oven, highlighting its usefulness for making toast and reheating food.
  • Several users mention the versatility of toaster ovens, noting they can cook a variety of foods beyond just toast.
  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, discusses the convenience of having both a toaster and a toaster oven, but prefers the latter for its multifunctionality.
  • Another participant mentions their long-lasting toaster oven and how it has served them well over the years.
  • Some participants express concerns about counter space and the practicality of using a toaster oven versus a traditional toaster.
  • One participant recounts a humorous incident involving a toaster catching fire, illustrating the frustrations some have faced with toasters.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of toasters versus toaster ovens, with some participants favoring toaster ovens for their versatility while others remain skeptical about their use.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences with different brands and models of toasters and toaster ovens, reflecting a range of cooking needs and kitchen setups.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants considering kitchen appliance options or those looking to share experiences related to cooking appliances.

kcjodih
kcjodih
Gold Member
Messages
3,391
What brand of toaster do you have and do you like it? Or do you have a toaster oven and prefer that instead?

I've had 5, yes 5, toasters in 7 years and every darn one ends up being a piece of junk! They end up not toasting without putting it all the way to the darkest setting or having to toast it twice, and I'm so fed up. I've tried Sunbeam, Black & Decker and other models I can't remember. Prices between $30 and $100 and still no luck!

Dh took it upon himself to pick me up a new one today since it was 'only $25' even though I'm not really needing another one. Mine hasn't toasted properly for a year now (and I've only had it 1 1/2 years) so why replace it now? He says it was a 'great deal'. I said don't open the box until I ask opinions on toasters that actually TOAST longer than 6 months that also have the wider slots for bagels. Or maybe I need a toaster oven (although I hate things on my counter and can't see lugging that out everyday)

So what works for you?
 
I LOVE my Toaster oven! I make toast and also my kids chicken nuggets and fries in it, corndogs, reheat pizza in it etc! I couldn't imagine not having one! I'll have to go check the brand but it's at least 5 years old I think!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Hmm...I just reheat pizza a few minutes in the oven on convection or use my microwave...still not sure about the toaster oven but I sure am glad to hear it's lasted THAT long. It might be worth it just for that!
 
toaster ovens are where it's at if you ask me!
toasters are a multi-tasker as Alton would say ;)toaster ovens can do everything - pizza, toast, twice baked taters, brownies... anything!I think mine is a Black & Decker and we've had it for close to 4 years I think.
 
Heather...I was looking at a toaster oven recently...how do you make toast in them. (Sorry...that sounds IGNORANT!!) Do you just put it on the tray and it toasts both sides?

Jodi...I am in the same boat as you are! The one I have right now was about $50 and for the past few months, only one side toasts at all, and even then it's erratic. One time it toasts nicely, the next time I have to do it twice. What a PITA.

I DO keep mine out on the counter, since it's a 4 slicer and I don't have the cupboard room to put it away. Plus, DH would NEVER put it back anyhow! lol
 
you just put it on the rack for toast - the tray is for baking stuff
and the mini bar pan is perfect for toaster ovens!
 
My mini bar pan lives in there, it's my most seasoned stone! :) But I do take it out when I am toasting anything, just lay it on the rack as Lindsay said. It toasts boths sides!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
KellyTheChef said:
Heather...I was looking at a toaster oven recently...how do you make toast in them. (Sorry...that sounds IGNORANT!!) Do you just put it on the tray and it toasts both sides?

Jodi...I am in the same boat as you are! The one I have right now was about $50 and for the past few months, only one side toasts at all, and even then it's erratic. One time it toasts nicely, the next time I have to do it twice. What a PITA.

I DO keep mine out on the counter, since it's a 4 slicer and I don't have the cupboard room to put it away. Plus, DH would NEVER put it back anyhow! lol
Click to expand...

Kelly, mine only toasts toast on one side too! I have to flip the bread around. But bagels on the bagel button toast one side only but not enough unless I toast it twice.

Mine's a 4 slicer too but it goes in my pantry when I'm done. I only have my TTA, coffee pot and kettle on my counter and a silver cannister set. Sounds like alot but I have a really long wrap around counter with just 2 things on either end. So I do have room for a toaster oven on my counter if I end up getting one, just not convinced I'll use it for anything other than toast and bagels. I already have a convection oven I hardly ever use....
 
Ahhh...now I get it!

I have never owned a toaster oven, so I was looking for the slots for the toast when I was looking at them the other day! Duh!

I think I got rid of my small bar pan, cuz I never used it! If I get a toaster oven, I am gonna have to get another one so I can use it in there!
 
If you're looking for something versatile, get a toaster oven! They toast, and they're great for things that you want to bake without having to heat up the big oven (like baking 2 biscuits - can't bake properly in the microwave!). Do some research online and read reviews of current models. DH and I have a Black and Decker - we got it as a wedding present (14 years ago) and it's still going strong.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Okay, I just checked my toaster in the pantry and it's a Kenmore and the one still in the box is a Black & Decker. So they're name brand toasters but never work worth a darn for long :mad:
 
toasters s*ck

I've been through a few now and always have to twice toast them to get them looking like they've been toasted.

I've tried a few brands and spend $10 - $50 and nada... I even had one catch on fire while toasting it the second time....

I was at work and a everything bagel caught on fire. I thought I was seeing things and left the room, when I returned to the room because of the burning smell it had doubled in size...

I'm an air head at times. my boss was an ex cop so he banned me from buying everything bagel, and twice toasting things :D

His mom was visiting his office and she had seen the lower setting I had set on so she changed it to a higher setting, so when it had popped up i just pushed it down for the double toast and then it caught on fire... so it's all the mom's fault :)
 
I have a toaster and my BF has a toaster oven. He also has my mini bar ban. He LOVES the stone and can't imagine how he managed without it.

I have had my current toaster for 1.5 years and the only reason I got a new one was b/c it sits on my counter and I wanted a black one. I sold my white one in a yard sale since it still worked great.
 
My toaster is made by Fostoria (who ever heard of them??) I've had it for 30 yrs. and it was my aunts before that. It still works great! I also have a toaster oven and totally love it, Black and Decker; I've had it for probably 25 years and it still works great. I've never used it for toast though, just the toaster. My only complaint is all these things, including my microwave take up too much of the counter space.
 
Hey Jodi! Target (not sure if you have one in Canada) has one that's a toaster and a toaster oven. Let me see if I can link it. It's also on sale this week (well just for the remainder of today) for $35.
http://www.target.com/Hamilton-Beach-Toastation-Black/dp/B000Z59AUQ/sr=1-4/qid=1219495706/ref=sr_1_4/601-9272980-9448114?ie=UTF8&rh=k%3Ahamilton%20beach%20toastation&page=1
 
Since the day I was on my own, I only had Toaster Ovens. Then I met DH and he HAD to have a toaster. So we have BOTH taking up counter space! I wish I could convince him to ditch the toaster, but no such luck!

The only good thing is that we can be making breakfast at the same time.

But, really, a toaster oven is SO much more versatile. Anytime you have something small and don't want to heat the oven, the toaster oven is the way to go! And you can broil in it too.

I had a Black & Decker that lasted for about 10+ years and now I have a Cuisinart. I am pretty happy with it. I did love my B&D (I can't remember why I got rid of it - I think it was starting to look beat up and was finally not toasting as well as it used to.)
 
I have very little room and pretty much always have... so a toaster oven is a godsend. It's versatile and way more multi-functional than a toaster. It's easier to clean too. In my toaster oven I can bake, roast and broil. I've even used it to bake up Sculpey clay things. I love my toaster oven and have even used it as my only oven when I had a tiny apartment without an oven. Oh and it makes toast too. LOL...
 
I haven't read everyone elses responses but I will say that I LOVE a toaster oven! We always had one when I was a kid and I had one for 5 years before we moved the last time. I had a Black & Decker that mounted under a counter it was great, although DH had to fix it twice.

I used it for so much! Love that the small bar pan fits in it. I would do 1 or 2 small chicken breasts instead of heating up the kitchen.

As for regular toast I like the toaster oven way better than my toaster which is 12 yeas old and always been a bit flakey.

Ohhh... I forgot it is the best for reheating pizza! Nice and crispy. I hate nuked pizza!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between a toaster and a toaster oven?

A toaster is designed primarily for toasting bread and bagels, using slots to hold the bread upright. A toaster oven, on the other hand, is a versatile appliance that can toast, bake, broil, and even reheat food, offering more cooking options in a compact size.

Which appliance is better for small kitchens?

If you have limited counter space, a toaster oven may be the better choice as it serves multiple functions, allowing you to save space by combining several appliances into one. However, if you only need to toast bread, a traditional toaster might be more compact and simpler to use.

Can a toaster oven replace a conventional oven?

A toaster oven can replace a conventional oven for small meals and snacks, especially in small households or for reheating leftovers. However, for larger meals or baking multiple dishes at once, a conventional oven is generally more efficient.

Are toaster ovens more energy-efficient than traditional toasters?

Generally, traditional toasters are more energy-efficient for toasting bread since they heat up quickly and use less energy for short periods. Toaster ovens take longer to preheat and may consume more energy, but they offer versatility for various cooking tasks.

What should I consider when choosing between a toaster and a toaster oven?

Consider your cooking habits and needs. If you frequently toast bread or bagels, a toaster may suffice. If you want the ability to bake, broil, or reheat food, a toaster oven is a better investment. Additionally, think about your kitchen space, budget, and how often you cook.

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