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Toaster vs toaster oven: which is worth the counter space

Toaster vs toaster oven: a toaster makes better plain toast for less money, while a toaster oven does small cooking jobs a toaster cannot.

Amine Haddad4 min read

A two slice toaster beside a small toaster oven on a kitchen counter
Image by CordMediaDigitalServices from Pixabay

Verdict: buy the toaster if toast is the job, and the toaster oven if you want one small machine that does several jobs. For plain toast, a toaster is typically more even and faster.

The question of toaster vs toaster oven comes down to what else you want it to do. A toaster has narrow slots and heats bread from both sides. A toaster oven is a small oven with a door, a rack and a tray.

Which wins on

FactorToasterToaster oven
Plain toastToaster. Even, quick, simpleToaster oven is often slower and less even
Bagels and thick breadWide slot toaster handles itToaster oven handles it
Reheating pizzaPoor fitToaster oven
Baking small itemsCannotToaster oven
Counter spaceToaster. Smaller footprintToaster oven takes more
PriceToaster. Usually $Usually $$
CleaningToaster. Crumb trayOven tray and walls need wiping

Pick the toaster if

  • You make toast most mornings.
  • You want it ready in a couple of minutes and with no fuss.
  • You have a small counter.
  • You already own an oven or an air fryer for other jobs.

Pick the toaster oven if

  • You reheat pizza, rolls or leftovers often.
  • You cook for one or two and want to avoid heating a full oven.
  • You like melted cheese on toast, open sandwiches or small baked items.
  • You can spare the counter space.
Golden toast popping up from a toaster on a wooden counter
Plain toast is where a toaster does its best workImage by OleksandrPidvalnyi from Pixabay

How they work in practice

A toaster holds bread upright between heating elements. The bread cooks on both sides at once. A toaster oven has elements above and below, and some have a fan. The bread sits on a rack, so you often need to flip it or accept lighter toast on one side.

A toaster oven also takes longer to get going, since it has more space to heat. For one slice of toast, that wait is the main cost.

Worked example

Say you eat toast five days a week, and once a week you reheat a slice of pizza. The toaster handles the first, and a skillet, microwave or air fryer can handle the second. Now say you want to bake a small tray of vegetables and melt cheese on toast most days. The toaster oven covers all of it in one machine.

Where the verdict flips

  • You already own an air fryer: the toaster oven overlaps with it. A toaster may be the better second machine. See air fryer vs convection oven.
  • You have no room for two: the toaster oven covers more jobs, so pick it.
  • You eat bagels every day: choose a toaster with wide slots, or a toaster oven with a bagel setting.

The difference that matters

Whether you cook anything besides bread. If you do not, the toaster wins on cost, space and even browning. If you do, the toaster oven starts earning its place.

Caution

Clean crumbs often, since built-up crumbs are a fire risk in either type. Never leave a toaster or toaster oven running unattended. Follow the maker's manual. If you are weighing small ovens, also see microwave vs air fryer for leftovers.

Quick questions

Is a toaster oven better than a toaster?

Only if you want it to do more than toast. For toast alone, a toaster is typically faster and more even.

Does a toaster oven use less energy than a full oven?

For small portions, makers say yes, because there is less space to heat. Actual use depends on the model.

Can I replace my oven with a toaster oven?

For one or two people, sometimes for small meals. For a big roast or a full tray, no.

Can a toaster make bagels?

Yes, if the slots are wide enough. Look for a bagel setting or wide slots on the listing.

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