Convection Oven Vs Toaster Oven: All The Differences & What’s Best?

There are two types of convection ovens: those that cook food directly inside the oven, and those that bake food outside the oven. Which type should you get?

If you want to save time and energy, then a convection oven might be perfect for you. These ovens heat up faster than conventional models, and they also distribute heat evenly throughout the cooking chamber.

Convection ovens are great for general cooking or roasting vegetables because their high temperatures allow them to brown foods without burning them. They also provide even heating, which means less unevenness in the finished dish.

If you like to make all kinds of foods, then a convection model is probably best. Because these ovens have higher temperatures, they can reach the right temperature more quickly. This makes it easier to avoid overcooking your baked goods.

If you are looking for a new oven, consider how often you will use it. Do you plan on using it every day, or just once or twice a week? Will you use it to make large meals or small snacks? You may need to buy additional parts if you’re replacing an older model.

If you’re buying a brand-new oven, however, there shouldn’t be any extra costs involved. These are things you should consider when comparing convection ovens and toaster ovens. 

Let’s delve in! 

How Does Convection Work?

The convection feature works by circulating hot air around the food as it cooks. It circulates this heated air through vents located above the racks where the food sits.

This process helps keep the food from drying out too much during cooking. You’ll notice that some foods dry out quicker than others when cooked in a regular oven.

Cookies and other baked goods tend to dry out more than other foods, so they benefit most from the circulation system.

What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Using A Convection Oven?

There are many benefits to having a convection oven. Here are a few of the most important ones:

Faster Cooking Time

Because convection ovens circulate hot air around the food, they can heat up food much faster than standard ovens. This means that you won’t spend as long waiting for your meal to finish.

Even Heating

When you cook something inside a convection oven, the food heats up evenly. This means that all sides of the food cook at the same rate. This prevents the center of the food from being undercooked or burned before the edges are ready.

Less Dry Out

As mentioned earlier, convection ovens help prevent foods from drying out. This is especially helpful for foods such as cookies, pastries, and cakes.

More Energy Efficiency

A convection oven uses less electricity than traditional ovens. This is because the heat is circulated throughout the entire cooking area rather than just heating one spot.

No Burn Marks

Convection oven users don’t get burn marks on their food. This is because the oven heats up the food evenly, preventing hotspots from forming.

Easy Clean-Up

Convection oven cleaning is easy. Just wipe down the interior surfaces after each use. There are no burn spots to scrub away.

Better Taste

Some people think that convection ovens reduce the flavor of certain foods. However, this isn’t true. In fact, convection ovens actually improve the taste of your food.

Healthier Food

Since convection ovens heat food evenly, they allow you to cook healthier foods without sacrificing flavor. For example, you can bake healthy bread, muffins, and pizza crusts without worrying about burning them.

Lower Cost

Since convection ovens use less energy, they cost less to run. This makes them cheaper to operate than conventional ovens.

Versatility

Convection ovens work well with all types of foods. They can handle everything from baking pizzas to roasting turkeys.

Quicker Cook Times

Convection ovens can speed up the cooking times of many dishes. This is particularly helpful for busy families who want to eat dinner quickly but still enjoy great tasting food.

Multiple Uses

If you have multiple ovens, you can use one for cooking and another for reheating. This saves time and money since you only need to buy one appliance instead of two.

More Space Saving

If you live in a small apartment, convection ovens offer a lot of space savings over conventional ovens. Since they don’t take up a lot of room, you can fit several into a single kitchen cabinet.

Long-Lasting

Convection oven technology has improved over the years. Today’s models last longer than ever before. You can expect an average life span of 10-15 years.

The best part about convection ovens is that there are so many different options available. If you’re looking for a new home appliance, consider buying a convection oven. It will save you time and money while making cooking fun again!

How Does A Convection Oven Work? 

A convection oven circulates hot air around the food. This allows it to cook faster and more evenly than conventional ovens. A convection oven also uses less energy than other types of ovens. 

What Do I Need To Know When Shopping For A Convection Oven?

There are many things you should keep in mind when shopping for a convection oven. First, make sure the model you choose comes with a fan. Fans circulate the hot air around the food, which helps it cook more efficiently.

Second, look at the size of the cooking chamber. Large chambers mean better circulation and therefore better cooking results. Smaller chambers may not be able to hold enough food.

Third, check out the temperature settings. Most convection ovens come with three or four temperature settings. The higher the setting, the hotter the food cooks.

Fourth, consider how often you plan on using your convection oven. Some models can be used once every few days, while others can be used daily.

Fifth, look at the features included with the model you choose. Many models include timers, racks, and even griddles. These add convenience and help make cooking easier.

Sixth, ask yourself if you’ll be using the convection feature regularly. If you plan on using the convection feature occasionally, then a regular convection oven might be better suited for you.

Finally, think about what type of food you plan on cooking. Do you like to bake bread frequently? Or do you prefer to roast meat? Knowing this information ahead of time will help you decide which type of convection oven would work best for you.

Which Convection Oven Is Right For Me?

When choosing between convection ovens, you first need to determine whether you want a countertop or a built-in unit. 

Countertop units are typically smaller and sit on top of the stove. They tend to cost less and are easy to move from place to place. 

Built-in units are usually larger and built directly into the wall. They are generally more expensive but offer a permanent location.

Countertop Vs. Built-In Convection Ovens

Countertop convection ovens have become increasingly popular. They are compact and convenient to use. However, since they are portable, you must remember to bring them with you when moving.

Built-in convection ovens are much bigger and require a lot more space. You cannot easily transport these units. They are also less portable, as they are permanently installed in one spot.

If you live in an apartment, condo, or small house, you probably don’t have room for a large built-in convection oven. In that case, a countertop convection oven is a great option. 

They are lovely and portable, which is why a lot of people in cities use them. 

How Much Does It Cost?

The price of a convection oven varies greatly depending on its size, features, brand, and style. A basic countertop convection oven costs $200-$400.

Countertop convection ovens take up a lot more space, and you lose a lot of countertop room, hence why built-in ovens are more popular. 

A built-in convection range costs anywhere from $1,000-$5,000, but they are conveniently placed, and they are pretty solid and reliable, too. 

What Features Are Included With My Model?

The most important thing to look for when buying a convection oven is the number of temperature settings. Look for three or four settings; anything less than this isn’t worth the money. 

It is ideal to have fan settings, as well as broil, grill, and roasting options. You absolutely need a temperature dial that has a wide range of temperatures, otherwise, there is no point. 

Next, look for a timer. Timers allow you to set the time for each individual cycle so you don’t have to keep checking on it. 

This saves time and energy, and it is super helpful when cooking different things in your oven. There’s nothing more annoying than coming back and checking on your food every twenty minutes.

Finally, look for a rack system. Racks allow you to cook multiple items at once without having to turn around. 

You should aim to have as much space and racks in your convection oven as possible, as this will make everything a lot easier for you. You should also be able to remove the racks and readjust them based on the size of the item you may be cooking. 

Is There Anything Else I Should Know About Buying A Convection Oven?

There are many things to consider before purchasing a convection oven. One of the most important factors to take into account is the amount of space available. 

If you’re living in a small apartment, condo, or home, you may not have enough room for a large built-in convection oven. Instead, opt for a countertop convection model.

Another factor to consider is how often you plan on using your convection oven. Most people only use their convection oven once every couple of weeks. Therefore, look for a model that has fewer settings.

Another thing to consider is how much heat you expect to generate from your convection oven. Some models can reach temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Others can reach just 250 degrees.

A final consideration is a warranty. Make sure the manufacturer offers a good warranty. If you purchase a used convection oven, make sure to check out the condition of the machine before making any purchases.

Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Use A Convection Oven For? 

The fan becomes a problem when it comes to delicate foods that start out in batter and set while cooking, such as pancakes, waffles, and French toast. 

Blowing air on foods can cause them to become unevenly shaped. There are a few things that you should not make or bake in a convection oven, as there is a risk that it may not work out as well as you’d like. This includes: 

• Bread, including quick bread such as flatbreads
• Custard, flans, and egg-based tarts and sauces
• Cakes 
• Souffles

This is just recommended, as you may not get the best results from a convection oven. However, if you were to cook these things in a convection oven, it is likely that it will turn out fine, but it may be better suited to a gas or electric oven. 

Why Should I Choose A Convection Oven Over A Toaster Oven? 

If you want to save some space, a convection oven is a better choice than a toaster oven. Not only does a convection oven require less space than a toaster oven, but it also cooks food faster. 

When compared to other types of ovens, convection ovens tend to be more efficient at heating food. They also produce less smoke and odors than standard ovens.

Toaster ovens tend to give off a lower heat, but in a more pointed and direct way, as they are usually meant for cooking smaller things. 

Which One Is Better, An Electric Convection Oven Or Gas Convection Oven? 

Both electric convection ovens and gas convection ovens are great choices. Electric convection ovens are generally smaller than gas convection ovens. 

However, they usually cost about $100-$200 less than gas convection oven prices. Gas convection ovens are typically larger than electric convection ovens. They also tend to last longer.

What’s The Difference Between A Convection Oven And A Microwave Oven? 

Both convection ovens and microwaves are great options for cooking. A convection oven uses hot air to cook food, whereas a microwave uses high-frequency waves to cook food. 

Microwave ovens are generally cheaper than convection ovens. Both types of ovens have pros and cons. 

For example, a convection oven tends to be more expensive than a microwave oven. But, a convection oven provides better control over the temperature inside the oven. 

On the other hand, a microwave oven has higher power output. It also heats food quicker.

How Do I Know If My Convection Oven Needs Cleaning?

You will know if you need to clean the oven. It will be dirty, and you may notice an odd smell coming from it. 

To clean a convection oven, first, turn off the power switch. Then, remove all items inside the oven. 

Next, wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. Finally, wash the exterior of the oven with soap and water. 

After this process, dry the oven thoroughly.

How Do I Clean A Convection Oven?

To clean a convection oven properly, first shut off the power switch. Remove all items inside the oven, then wipe down the interior with soapy water. 

You can use specific oven cleaning products, as long as they do not contain toxic chemicals and do not give off fumes. 

Wash the exterior of the oven using a sponge and warm water. Dry the oven completely after washing. 

Always make sure you remove any product or soap before you use the oven, and allow it enough time to dry. 

Can I Clean A Convection Stovetop?

Yes, you can clean a convection stovetop by following these steps: 

• Turn off the power switch.
• Remove the burner cover plate.
• Clean the surface of the stovetop with a wet rag.
• Wipe away any burnt residue.
• Replace the burner cover plate.

Toaster Ovens – All You Need To Know

Toaster ovens are small ovens with a front opening, a removable wire rack, and a removable baking pan that is used to bake, toast, broil, roast, defrost and dehydrate foods. These ovens work like traditional ones.

Their heating elements are located either at the top or the bottom, and these elements heat up the food when turned on. Toaster ovens provide a variety of heating options ranging from very high to very slow, for broiling and seared. They can even be used as warming devices.

Like conventional ovens, they also have timers and thermostats for maintaining constant temperatures during cooking times. 

Some toaster oven models come with convection options too i.e., they have fans inside them. They are preferred because of their size and functions.

How Does A Toaster Oven Work? 

Most toaster ovens have an internal light source that illuminates the interior of the oven. It also has a timer that allows users to program the time for various types of cooking. 

Many toaster ovens also feature a self-cleaning function. This means that if the user leaves the oven unattended for a long period of time, the door will automatically close and the oven will clean itself.

What’s The Difference Between A Toaster Oven And A Regular Oven?

There are many differences between a toaster oven compared to a standard oven. A toaster oven is smaller than a standard oven. It usually measures about 12 inches wide by 8 inches deep by 20 inches tall. It weighs around 15 pounds.

A toaster oven typically features a glass window so that you can see what’s going on inside the oven. It has a heating element that heats the food placed inside the oven. 

A toaster has no knobs, dials, or other controls. Instead, it has a simple touch screen display. Most toaster ovens have a built-in timer. Some models also have a self-cleaning option.

What Are The Advantages Of Using A Toaster Oven Over A Regular Oven?

There are several reasons why people prefer to use a toaster oven instead of a regular oven. For starters, they are much easier to use. 

With a toaster oven, all you need to do is place your food items into the oven and press a button. No more fiddling with knobs and dials. 

Another advantage is that they are much faster. Unlike a regular oven, a toaster oven doesn’t require preheating. So, once you turn it on, it gets hot almost immediately. 

Also, there is no danger of burning yourself while using a toaster oven. This is because they don’t have any open flames.

How To Choose The Right Toaster Oven

When choosing a toaster oven, make sure that you purchase one that suits your needs. You should consider the following factors before making a decision:

Size

The first thing that you should look out for when buying a toaster oven is its size. If you want a smaller model, then go for a compact toaster oven. However, if you want something bigger, then opt for a larger toaster oven. 

Compact toaster ovens are ideal for those who cook only occasionally. On the other hand, large toaster ovens are great for families who eat lots of meals together.

Features

When shopping for a toaster oven, you should also take note of its features. There are different types of features such as a convection option, a self-cleaning option, a microwave option, etc. Make sure that you get a toaster oven that comes with the features that you desire.

Price

Another important factor that you should consider when purchasing a toaster oven is how much money you’re willing to spend. When looking at prices, always compare apples to apples. 

Don’t just buy the cheapest model available. Look for a toaster oven that offers good value for money.

Warranty

If you plan to keep your toaster oven for years to come, then it’s best to go for a model that comes with a warranty. 

Warranties ensure that you will be able to repair or replace your appliance in case of an issue.

User Reviews

If you’re not sure which type of toaster oven is best suited for you, then you may want to read some user reviews online. These reviews give you insights from real users regarding their experience with their particular model.

Maintenance

You should also check whether your toaster oven requires maintenance. Some models require frequent cleaning. Others don’t. Always ask your manufacturer for details regarding this matter.

Brand Reputation

Finally, you should look out for brands that offer quality products. Brands like Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Bosch, GE, Samsung, LG, Panasonic, and Maytag are well-known names in the industry. They provide high-quality products that last long.

What Are The Different Types Of Toaster Ovens Available?

Toaster ovens come in two basic forms: those that heat up from below and those that heat up from above. Both types feature a heating element. 

However, the heating elements differ. While the heating element in an under-the-counter model heats up from below, the heating element in an over-the-counter model does the opposite. That is, it heats up from above.

Under-The-Counter Models

These models are generally found in small sizes. They are ideal for use in small spaces such as apartments. They weigh around 10 pounds. Their heating element is located underneath the unit. This allows them to heat up quickly. They cost around $100-$150.

Over-The-Counter Models

Over-the-counter models are generally large. They are ideal for larger kitchens. They weigh about 15 pounds. Their heating element sits above their base. This means that they take longer to heat up. They cost around $200-$300.

Which Type Of Toaster Oven Should I Buy?

This depends on your needs. If you want something portable, then go for an under-the-table model. If you want something that will fit well in your kitchen, then go for an over-the-top model.

Which Size Should I Buy?

This also depends on your needs. For example, if you have limited space, then opt for a smaller model. If you don’t need a lot of storage space, then go for a compact model.

How Do I Clean My Toaster Oven?

Your toaster oven should be cleaned regularly. Make sure that you wipe down its interior every time you use it. You can use a damp cloth. It helps prevent food particles from accumulating inside the oven.

Your toaster oven’s filter should be changed once a month. This prevents dust particles from getting stuck in the heating element. Changing the filter is easy. Just remove the top panel. Then, lift off the filter. Finally, throw away the old one and install the new one.

Can I Bake Using My Toaster Oven? How?

Yes, you can. Most models allow you to bake bread or cakes. Simply set the temperature according to the instructions provided by your manufacturer. You will have to be careful about placing larger objects in there, as well as maintaining temperatures. 

What Are The Disadvantages Of A Toaster Oven?

While there aren’t many drawbacks associated with toaster ovens, some people find them inconvenient. For instance, most models cannot accommodate heavy items. Also, some models may not be suitable for baking due to their dimensions.

Is A Toaster Oven Safe? Why?

Most toaster ovens are made of metal. This makes them sturdy. However, this doesn’t mean that they’re completely safe. In fact, overheating could cause damage to your appliance. So, make sure that you follow all safety precautions when operating your toaster oven.

Why Would I Choose A Toaster Oven Over A Conventional Oven?

A toaster oven offers several advantages. Toaster ovens save energy because they are not as large, and they tend to cook faster, too. They are also extremely convenient due to their small size and easy maintenance. 

They usually have small and sleek designs, and they are super easy to clean due to their size. Additionally, they are a lot cheaper, portable, and safer. 

They are ideal for entertaining, as well as for busy families. They are versatile, and there are so many things you can cook in them. 

They are great if you are not a baker because you are saving a lot of room by having a toaster oven rather than a conventional oven. Overall, toaster ovens are ideal for convenience as well as time-saving and money-saving. 

What Can I Cook In A Toaster Oven? 

You can cook almost anything in a toaster oven. From pizza to lasagna, cookies to cupcakes, burgers to steaks – you name it! 

A lot of models are equipped with direct grilling elements, hence why they can toast bread incredibly quickly. You cannot cook anything too large in a toaster oven, as well as anything too complicated. 

What Shouldn’t I Cook In A Toaster Oven? 

Some foods shouldn’t be cooked in a toaster oven because they’ll burn easily. These include popcorn, bagels, pretzels, French fries, and chips. 

Other foods shouldn’t be cooked because they won’t brown properly. They include pancakes, waffles, muffins, biscuits, and tortillas. 

Still, others shouldn’t be cooked because the heat will scorch them. These include eggs, fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, and desserts.

So, What’s The Big Difference Between The Two?

Now you know everything about conventional ovens and toaster ovens, let’s compare them. Here are the differences: 

Size

Toaster ovens are smaller than conventional ovens. They usually measure from 18 inches to 24 inches wide. Conventional ovens range from 30 inches to 36 inches wide. Toaster ovens usually have one or two sections to place food, whereas conventional ovens have three shelves, and possibly four. 

Cooking Time

Toaster ovens take much less time to cook food than conventional ovens. A conventional oven takes around 20 minutes to cook a meal. But a toaster oven takes only 10 minutes or so. 

Weight Capacity

Conventional ovens can hold up to 8 pounds of weight. On the other hand, toaster ovens can hold up only 4-5 pounds of weight.

Safety Features

Both types of ovens offer similar safety features. Both require you to keep a watchful eye on them while they’re being operated on. However, there are some safety features that toaster ovens have that conventional ovens don’t have. 

For example, toaster ovens have a timer feature. This means that you can set a timer to turn off the oven after a certain period of time. 

You can also program the oven to automatically shut itself off when it’s done. This is because its primary use is known as being a toaster. 

Features

Both types of ovens offer many different features. Conventional ovens offer features such as self-cleaning, defrosting, broiling, warming, and reheating. 

On the other hand, toaster ovens offer features such as self-cleaning, defrost, broil, warm, and reheat.

Power Consumption

Conventional ovens consume more power than toaster ovens. In fact, a conventional oven uses anywhere from 1,000 watts to 2,000 watts of power. 

On the other hand, a toaster oven uses only 500 watts of power.

Noise Level

Conventional ovens produce a lot of noise. On the other hand, toaster ovens make very little noise.

Cleaning

Both types of ovens need to be cleaned regularly. Conventional ovens need to be cleaned at least once every week. On the other hand, toaster ovens need to be wiped down with a damp cloth at least twice a month.

Cost

A toaster oven is generally cheaper than a conventional oven. Most toaster ovens cost $50-$100. On the other hand, most conventional ovens cost $200+. So if you want to save money then go for a toaster oven.

Durability

A conventional oven has a lifespan of 5+ years. On the other hand, the lifespan of a toaster oven is 3 years.

Warranty

Most manufacturers give warranties of one year on both types of ovens. But some manufacturers offer extended warranty periods for their products.

Energy Efficiency

Conventional ovens are energy efficient. Toaster ovens are not as energy-efficient, as they heat quicker. 

Maintenance

Both types of ovens require regular maintenance. But toaster ovens require far less maintenance than conventional ovens. 

Conventional ovens require daily cleaning, and they must be checked frequently.

Size

The size of an oven is determined by its width. A conventional oven measures between 30 inches and 36 inches in width. On the other hand, an average toaster oven measures 22 inches wide.

Cooking Temperature

The cooking temperatures offered by both types of ovens vary. Some conventional ovens offer convection heating. On the other hand, some toaster ovens offer baking.

Safety

Both types of ovens are safe to operate. But there are some safety features available in toaster ovens that aren’t available in conventional ovens. Such as timers and automatic shut-off functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Convection Ovens Less Reliable?

No. Convection ovens are just as reliable as non-convection ovens. In fact, some experts say that convection ovens are better than non-convection ones. 

Why? Because convection ovens circulate air in the oven, thus making it easy for the food to cook evenly. Since most cooks prefer to cook food evenly, this makes convection ovens the best choice.

Is Convection Oven-Safe?

Yes. Convection oven safety is guaranteed. When you use a convection oven, you won’t burn anything. You’ll only get delicious results.

Why Should I Buy A Convection Oven?

It’s true that convection ovens aren’t cheap. But, they’re worth every penny. First off, they save you money. Second, they help you prepare healthy meals. Third, they give you great taste. And fourth, they allow you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.

How Can I Tell Whether My Toaster Oven Is Working Properly?

If you notice that your toaster oven isn’t functioning correctly, then you should contact the manufacturer. They should be able to fix it for free. If not, then you may want to consider buying a new one.

Can I Use A Toaster Oven In My Kitchen?

Yes. They have been designed for a countertop, so are perfect to use in a kitchen.

Final Thoughts

Toaster ovens are great for people who love food but don’t like spending too much money. They are easy to clean and maintain. They cook quickly and efficiently. They are also safer than convection ovens. 

Convection ovens are reliable and efficient, and they are guaranteed to cook almost anything. 

We hope you’ve learned a lot about the differences between the two types of ovens. 

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