All About Toaster Ovens

These mini-ovens have a wide range of kitchen uses, including toasting, browning, heating and baking. Features common to most portable ovens include temperature range from 200-500 degrees; separate controls for each function; removable doors, crumb trays, racks, heating elements and rotisserie assemblies; automatic timer; adjustable door position; chrome-plated housing; and metal accessories.

Toaster Ovens

Toaster ovens have smaller capacities and are capable of toasting bread on both sides at the same time. Tabletop ovens are much larger and will toast only one side at a time. While some models have top and bottom elements for baking and broiling, some come with only one element. This one-element unit stands with the element in the top to broil; when entire unit is turned over, the element is on the bottom to bake or roast.

These appliances are useful as second ovens or can be used in place of a large oven to reduce energy consumption. However, capacity is obviously limited and food preparation results may be less consistent than a conventional oven.

Toaster ovens come in different sizes, some with a signal bell that rings when food is done. Some models pop up toast from the top, like a regular toaster. Those that offer "slow-heat" cooking have low wattage current constantly flowing through top and bottom elements so different foods can cook simultaneously.

Other models provide two shelves for baking, but heat distribution may be uneven.

Other toaster oven features include a special defrost cycle and porcelain catalytic finish that cleans itself continuously at normal cooking temperatures.

Related to the table broilers/ovens are the smokeless broilers and broiler rotisseries, which have no covering but are safe for indoor cooking because they do not smoke or spatter. Two reasons explain this:

Infrared heating element reaches a temperature well above smoke range and forms a heat shield around the element; grease disintegrates as it strikes the element... without smoke. A stainless steel reflector pan under the broiler rack or spit has water in it (about ¾"). Should drippings fall through the element, they land in the water. . . no spattering. Most smokeless broilers have aluminum frame and chrome-plated grilling rack, spit and skewers. They disassemble for washing.

Convection Ovens

Convection ovens use electrical energy as do conventional ovens, but more efficiently. The air inside a regular oven is almost static, and cooking depends on the gradual conduction of heat from the outside to the center of food.

Convection ovens use a stream of power-driven air produced by a high-speed fan that swirls continuously over a standard heating element. This results in uniform temperature throughout the oven, which not only speeds cooking but saves up to 50 percent of the energy used by conventional ovens.

Because of the constantly circulating air inside convection ovens, they remain efficient when filled to capacity, even with foods touching each other and the oven walls. In fact, convection ovens are more efficient than microwave ovens for larger amounts of food, though they too lack the size of conventional ovens. Some can be used as slow cookers or to dehydrate fruits and vegetables.

Foods can be cooked at lower temperatures for shorter periods of time in convection ovens-in many cases, temperatures may be lowered by up to 75 degrees when baking, and roasting time is cut by about one-third.

Frozen convenience foods, such as TV dinners, can be cooked in half the recommended time with a 25 degree temperature reduction. Since convection ovens give off less heat than conventional ovens, the kitchen remains cooler when they are in use.

Convection ovens need no special adapter; regular household current may be used. They are easy to clean-most have either removable, dishwasher-safe components or continuous clean interiors, or both. Optional temperature probes are also available.

Safety Warning:

Do not plug in more than one heat-producing appliance on 15-amp (normal house current) circuit at one time. It will probably overload the circuit and blow a fuse or trip a circuit breaker. Extension cords are not advisable on heavy current pullers, but if one is absolutely necessary, use one as short as possible and use nothing smaller than a #16 gauge. Always be cautious when using electric personal care appliances around water. These appliances can cause electrocution when plugged in, even when not in use. Recommend use in the bedroom or other room besides the bathroom, especially for children.

DISCLAIMER: Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of the information in this document. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor Aubuchon Hardware can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

National Retail Hardware Association

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