Toaster Oven

Features 'a plenty

One of the best things about toaster ovens is that they are so versatile.  Because of their small size, you can move them around your kitchen.  But they also have versatile cooking functions as well.  They have the ability to:

Toast

Brown

Heat

Bake

Broil

Some of the features you can expect to find on a standard toaster oven include a temperature range, usually from 200-500 degrees, separate controls for toasting and baking functions, warming option, crumb trays, a toasting rack, baking tray, and broiling pan, removable doors with adjustable door position, and an automatic timer.  

From small to large

Toaster ovens come in a variety of sizes, and almost all are counter top accessible. Larger toaster ovens may include two racks for baking, and may hold up to six slices of bread, rather than a smaller version which holds two or four. 

Keeping it clean

If you use your toaster oven to toast bread on a regular basis, you'll probably notice that the crumb build-up happens at an alarmingly fast rate!  Cleaning your oven doesn't have to be hard though.  Most toaster ovens come with a crumb tray, which can be dumped and washed with soap and water on a regular basis.  To clean the inside of your oven, remove the bottom panel and scrub with soap and water.  The outside can be cleaned with an all-purpose spray. 

The issue of safety

Toaster ovens tend to be safe appliances if used properly.  Many brands include an automatic shutoff function, reducing the risk of fires.  You can also find toaster ovens with cool touch sides, reducing the risk of injury. 
 

Not as expensive as you thought

Toaster ovens range in price from around $50 to $200 or more.  More expensive toaster ovens usually include a defrost option, a slow-cook option (low wattage circulates constantly through the oven to cook different types of food), a self cleaning function, and a convection oven feature (which circulates heat evenly).  Look for trusted brands such as Cuisinart, Black and Decker, Toastmaster, or Hamilton Beach.  

More information on ovens