Even though they do share one toasting function, traditional toasters are different appliances from toaster ovens. Often, consumers prefer to use the larger toaster oven appliance because it is more functional for other things than simply toasting bread.

Toaster Types

Typical small toasters come in 2 or 4 slice models that can have additional features such as wide slots for thick breads, like bagels. This smaller economical appliance may be preferred by individuals who are not looking for something as complex as a toaster oven, or are purchasing within a certain budget. Also, toasters are much smaller than toaster ovens, which may be a key purchasing factor for kitchens with minimal counter space.

Of course, toasters can be very basic and do not come with certain features worth noting that are included with a toaster oven. Toaster ovens could even meet your bread browning needs while providing more cooking function. Toaster ovens are also capable of preparing foods that need to be baked or broiled.

Features

Depending on the type of toaster or toaster oven a consumer purchases, there are numerous functions that may be considered when purchasing either appliance, some common features are:

• Bagel setting: provides the best setting when toasting bagels in order to toaster the inner section of the bread without burning the outside
• Removable slide out crumb tray: makes it very easy to routinely clean your toaster safely
• Variable temperature settings: can be convenient when wanting to received desired toasting in one cycle, and the defrost function helps save time
• Safety anti-jam: automatically shuts off toaster when there is a bread jam in order to avoiding burning
• Toast shade settings: allows user to decide toast browning shade between several levels to accommodate users preference to toasting style

Other Considerations

As far as performance goes, with toasters it's not a matter of speed, but how well and even they brown bread products. Of course price rangers usually determine performance levels. For best performance, choose a toaster with a higher wattage. You may also want to consider the warranty period and whether the purchase cost makes it worth considering.

Control panel:

Stick to three dials -- cook function, temperature setting.

Automatic shut-off feature:

If the oven shuts off after 30 to 60 minutes, there's less risk of food being left to burn or the unit to catch fire.
Consider toasting needs: Regular toaster slots are wide enough for regular size bread slice. Other models with long, wide slots can accommodate slices of thicker breads or bagels.

Removable crumb tray:

These are much easier to clean than hinged trays. The best crumb trays are dishwasher-safe.

Size of oven's interior:

Consider your cooking needs. Some toaster ovens may only handle only two slices of bread; while other models may fit entire 12" frozen pizza. If you are planning to cook entire pizza, make sure to choose one that is deep and wide enough.

Oven Size:

Look for oven that fits in your counter space.
Make sure to check out the large selection of toasters and ovens at Sonic Electronix to find the one that best suits you.

Toasters & Ovens

Toasters & Ovens Information

Toaster Types

Features

Other Considerations

Control panel:

Automatic shut-off feature:

Removable crumb tray:

Size of oven's interior:

Oven Size:

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