We're all looking for ways to reduce the costs associated with preparing food at home. A toaster oven is one appliance that can cut down on electric costs because you can use it for small jobs, rather than your full-size oven. This is also nice for summer, when you don't want to heat up the whole kitchen.
Toaster ovens are often by used gluten-free families, so here are some shopping tips, compiled by Fine Cooking magazine in the June/July-2009 issue, to help you choose the one that's right for you.
What to Look For?
[1] Measure your countertop so you know how much room you can devote to a toaster oven. Don't rely on eyeballing the space and then realize the toaster oven won't fit.
[2] Decide how you're going to use the toaster oven before you look for features. For example, you don't need a complex machine is all you're going to do is toast bread in it.
[3] The features of automatic shut-off, a timer, a bell, and a cool-to-the touch exterior are very nice if you need this safety because you have kids in the kitchen.
[4] The doors, hinges, and walls should be very sturdy and strong enough to withstand heavy use. Some offer two, rather than just one rack position.
Fourteen models were tested; the winning three were compared in the article, ranging from the least expensive DeLonghi (EO-1200B) at $60 to a mid-priced Cuisinart (TOB50) at $100 to a KitchenAid (KC01005) at $130. I have the DeLonghi model and it has performed just fine, but my older model does not have the new “pizza bump” which is a “bumped out” area in the back that allows you to bake a 12-inch pizza. Now, that would be nice.
The Cuisinart model is very retro and sleek-looking and has a 3-year warranty, compared to only one year for the other two models. But the crumb tray must be removed from the back, which may be a little inconvenient if the oven is pushed against a wall.
The KitchenAid, largest and most expensive of the three, is described as sturdy, powerful, and able to handle any task given to it. Of the three, it will take up the most place on your countertop.
My advice is to take a look at these models online, or visit your local kitchen store to get up close and personal.
DeLonghi Toaster Oven
Kitchen Aid Toaster Oven
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