While firing up the oven during meal preparations, wouldn’t you like to conserve energy? Before you purchase kitchen appliances, it’s proper to consider how you can optimize their functions. Ovens come with different designs, shapes, and functions.
The regular types are countertop ovens, but most homeowners with less kitchen space prefer toaster ovens. With this buying guide, shoppers will understand the best type of oven for their cooking processes. However, I shall analyze the common differences between toaster and countertop ovens.
The Features Of Countertop Ovens
As a child, I grew up with much passion for roasted chicken, confectioneries, and pastries. Everyone had countertop ovens set between cabinets in their kitchens too. Countertop convection ovens lack space-saving designs, but they come with options of electric or gas fuel connections.
They are also called wall ovens because their style of installation requires cabinets to hold them. Regardless of their sizes, they work like toaster ovens. Normally, you’ll need a professional to install your countertop oven with the gas (butane or propane) line.
Additionally, convention methods of air circulation can reduce the energy consumption of countertop ovens. This method increases the speed of cooking and circulates hot air with a fan.
PROS
- It’s suitable for preparing large meals
- With the circulating air method, countertop ovens can cook food faster and more evenly at lower temperatures.
- More fuel-source options (electricity and gas)
- Allows flexibility of rack placement
- Countertop ovens can work during power outages
CONS
- Less energy efficiency than toaster ovens
- No space-saving design
- Installation cost
- Creates much heat in the kitchen during the summer months
The Features Of Toaster Ovens
Toaster ovens have simple designs with heating elements that respond quickly. Since these heating elements are both at the top and bottom parts, expect your meals to be cooked quickly. This type of oven is ideal for users that are in a rush to have a toast before hitting the road every morning.
With the space-saving designs of toaster ovens, it’s convenient to use them in any area of your kitchen.
While they are more energy-efficient than countertop ovens, you shouldn’t think of using toaster ovens for large cooking jobs. Usually, toaster ovens with built-in convections have large sizes. However, a portable toaster oven is more convenient and easy to use.
PROS
- They have more energy efficiency only (between 1/3 to ½ energy consumption of countertop ovens).
- Space-saving designs
- Easy to store when you don’t need to use them for a long period
- They don’t require installation; so, buyers can save cost
- During the summer months, they don’t heat the cooking space
CONS
- Their designs allow less flexibility of rack placement
- They are not suitable for cooking large meals
- Less fuel-source options
- They will not work during power outages
Conclusion
It’s good to make wise choices before buying kitchen appliances. The differences between countertop and toaster ovens can guide your purchase decisions. We are confident that you can choose the right type of oven after considering your cooking needs, kitchen space, and budget.