How to Choose a Toaster or Toaster Oven

A toaster is built for toast, bagels, and similar foods. A toaster oven can also bake, broil, and reheat, but takes more counter space. Which one fits depends on what you cook and how much room you have.

Toasters

• Slot count: two-slice models are common for small households, and four-slice models suit larger ones.
• Slot width: wider slots help when toasting bagels, thick bread, or artisan loaves.
• Browning control: a dial or buttons let you set how dark the toast gets. It may take a few tries to learn how a particular toaster toasts your bread.
• Extra settings: bagel and defrost buttons are useful if you toast those often.
• Crumb tray: a removable tray makes cleaning easier.

Toaster ovens

A toaster oven works like a small oven on the counter, which can be convenient for small meals and reheating when you do not want to heat a full-size oven.

• Interior size: check whether it fits what you plan to cook, such as a small baking sheet or a pizza. Interior dimensions are usually listed in the product details.
• Functions: toast, bake, broil, and sometimes convection, which uses a fan to move hot air.
• Temperature controls: dials are simple, while digital controls can be more precise.
• Racks and trays: see what comes in the box and how many rack positions there are.

Space and ventilation

Toaster ovens get hot on the outside. Leave the clearance the manufacturer recommends around and above the appliance, and do not place it where heat could damage cabinets.

Cleaning

Crumbs collect in the bottom of both appliances. Unplug and let the appliance cool before emptying the tray, and check the manual for how to clean the interior and which parts are removable.

Which one should you get?

• Choose a toaster if you mostly make toast and bagels and want something compact.
• Choose a toaster oven if you want to reheat, bake small items, or broil, and you have the counter space.

Specifications vary by model, so confirm the details with the retailer before you buy.