More and more people nowadays are cooking their own meals during the pandemic, as most of us prefer to stay home and avoid ordering food. Because it enhances our chances of staying healthy and virus-free, home cooking is the easier and safer option. Toaster ovens are a blessing for those who cook at home, as these ovens don’t just cook waffles and make toast crispy; they also perform as a regular oven but on a smaller scale. If you are hesitant about investing in a toaster oven, you shouldn’t be. There are many great reasons to invest in a toaster oven, some of which are listed below.
Functionalities
Toaster ovens aren’t just used for toasting; they can perform many tasks and substitute for a regular oven. However, they are also adequate for smaller dishes, so it is a perfect option if you have a small family or are living by yourself. Toaster ovens have a wide range of functions as they can bake, toast, broil, roast, defrost, dehydrate, and warm up food using different heating options from very low to very high.
Saves Space
Conventional ovens take up a lot of space in your kitchen. Toaster ovens, on the other hand, can perform the same tasks while taking up very little space on your countertop, as most models are just one-fourth of the size of a regular oven. Moreover, if you need that space for another appliance, you can easily unplug the toaster oven and put it aside after cooking. Additionally, as the professionals at https://kitchenfold.com/toasters/best-toaster-ovens/ point out, these compact appliances come in a variety of sizes, so you can easily find one that perfectly fits on your countertop. There are many designs, sizes, and price ranges to choose from, so make sure to shop around and compare your options before making a purchase.
Reduces Power Consumption
While conventional ovens take time to preheat, which leads to higher energy consumption, the preheating time of toaster ovens – given their small size – is prompt, saving energy and lowering the electricity bill. The world is about to face a huge energy crisis, which is why we should start using electricity wisely and more efficiently. Using a toaster oven uses 40%-60% less electricity than a conventional oven.
Protects Your Kitchen from Overheating
When using a toaster oven, you do not have to worry about the kitchen becoming hot, which often happens when a conventional oven is used. Toaster ovens offer a targeted heating approach, while conventional ovens use energy to heat the entire space around them. An overheated kitchen area can be very annoying, especially during hot summer days or if you live in tropical or desert regions. Toaster ovens do not heat your kitchen area, so they allow you to enjoy cooking a nice meal for your family and friends at any time of year without being roasted alongside the food.
Easy to Clean
Cleaning kitchen appliances is not an easy task, especially when it comes to the greasy, stuck-on food common in ovens, microwaves, and stoves. However, toaster ovens are small and easy to clean and do not require a complex, time-consuming cleaning process. Sometimes wiping them with a damp cloth after every use does the job and makes the thorough monthly cleaning manageable and easier.
Easy to Use
Using a toaster oven is easier on the body than using a conventional oven. No bending or squatting is required, and this advantage is not to be taken lightly, especially for those who cook often. Bending over your conventional oven frequently can cause back pain and discomfort. Toaster ovens also come with two to three bottoms for different functions, making them easy to use and control.
Portability
Due to its relatively small size, you can simply unplug your toaster oven and take it anywhere with you. This is an advantage if you are moving, too, as you can just put it in your car, saving space for bigger items in the moving van. Also, if you are going camping or on vacation, and you prefer to use your own appliances, the toaster oven’s portability feature will come in handy.
A toaster oven is a versatile kitchen appliance that will not take much space in your kitchen and can fit any budget due to the availability of a large number of brands, designs, and features that come at different price points. Investing in a toaster oven will not only help you cook meals while saving space and money, but it is also a wiser and safer choice for our environment. For these reasons and more, investing in a toaster oven will definitely make your life easier.