So, you are interested in a new Toaster Oven? Welcome to the family of millions who have or are adding this small, versatile energy efficient appliance into your food preparation arsenal. The variations of toaster ovens that are available are vast, which is great because it gives everybody the ability to buy the oven that is just right for their needs. The first thing you need to decide is whether you want a specialty toaster oven such a rotisserie or an infrared oven or want to stay with a more conventional approach so you have more overall flexibility. A conventional toaster oven is a great overall, multifunction solution. They are terrific for a single person up to a small family for baking, boiling and grilling. They can be a convenient, energy efficient addition to your kitchen. They can combine the functionality of a few appliances such as a toaster, a pizza oven and an energy efficient oven into one convenient countertop piece. Some of the smaller, more economical ovens are great for a couple pieces of toast and for small cooking jobs such as hot dogs and snack foods or prepackaged single serving dishes. The larger ovens can accommodate a full size chicken or frozen Pizza. The more expensive units have electronic cook timers and temperature displays, better insulation and enhanced safety features in addition to also being a convection oven, which can really make a difference in the quality of your baking. Also if you are looking to go a little more green and at the same time reduce your electric bill, these counter top ovens perform as well as your full size oven using a lot less power.

Below are some of the types of cooking you can do with a toaster oven and an explanation of each.

Conventional is your basic electric heating element like the one in the bottom of your full size oven. This covers most toaster ovens as their basic functionality (other than Infrared).

Broiling is a common option which is very similar to the broiler element in your full size oven and is great for broiling steaks and fish. It browns nicely and also is healthier because the fat drains away.

Convection is an option to a conventional oven that circulates the hot air for even heating.

Infrared ovens work by electromagnetic radiation. Electrical energy is converted to light energy, most of which is in a spectrum that we cannot see. This light energy is transmitted directly into your food unlike a conventional oven that heats air that cooks your meal. That is why an infrared oven is more efficient than a conventional oven. It is a safe and efficient oven that can use 30 to 40% less energy to cook your food with the benefit of a very juicy locked-in flavor rather than a tough dried out meal.

Rotisserie cooking can create some great meals and make you a hit with your family and friends. You can create broasted chicken just like at the deli right in your home for a fraction of the cost. There are a couple variations of rotisserie ovens. Some larger standard-looking toaster ovens have the capability to remove the rack and be used as a rotisserie toaster oven. Others are designed specifically for this purpose, using a rotisserie wheel similar to a carousel. Some have vertical wheels and some have horizontal wheels. These are great for broasted chicken and rotisserie foods, but are specially made to rotisserie cook and not suited for replacing a conventional toaster oven.

Confused? How big? How much money? Which options? Below are some of the top considerations you may want to review to help you make the best choice for you.

Size – How large of an oven do you need? What are you going to use it for? How much counter top space do you have? Are you going to heat up frozen foods such as chicken tenders fish sticks or do you want to take full advantage of your new oven and also make full size pizzas, casserole dishes and sizeable foods such as full chickens? I suggest you buy the largest size your counter top and budget permit because after you find how convenient it is, you will be looking for more and more uses for you new toaster oven. Also be careful of size if you want to cook pizzas, a frozen pizza is just under 12 in. A lot of toaster oven descriptions only give only outside dimensions so if that is the case pick one 2 or 3 inches wider than you need for inside clearance to be safe.
Price – How much do you have budgeted? In today’s hard times, this can be a real and limiting factor. You can get the best value for your needs by reviewing all the options and buying one that has what you really need and forgoing the frills. You can also keep you eye open for a good deal.
Options – What “extras” do you want? Options are wide open. There is anything from a ton of electronic features and controls to none stick interior to automatic eject racks.
Versatility – What type of cooking do you want to do? Do you want to do specialty cooking like with a rotisserie oven for roasts and chickens or do you want to do convection baking? Do you want to do more conventional baking and reheating? If so a conventional toaster oven with whatever options you want is the way to go.
Safety – Generally speaking, toaster ovens are very safe appliances. Some options to consider to make your new oven even safer are things like “cool touch sides” which also means the oven is better insulated and will more efficient to operate as you will get less heat loss. Automatic ejecting racks take reduce the risk of burn form reaching inside a hot oven. Make sure your electrical circuit can handle the wattage of your new oven.

There are many options and different styles to choose from. Don’t let it overwhelm you.