Toaster ovens have come a long way since their introduction. No longer used solely for reheating leftovers or toasting sandwiches, today’s models come close to mirroring nearly all the functions of a full-sized oven, only with faster pre-heat and cook times and lower energy consumption. Use them brown, bake or broil, but before you buy, make sure you know what features you’ll use most so you get the most toaster ovenyou’re your dollar.

Form and Function
Toaster ovens are available in a wide variety of styles, finishes and colors, so finding one that matches your kitchen’s décor shouldn’t be your first consideration. How your toaster oven looks should be a lesser consideration than its actual design.

The first thing you want to be aware of is how much counter space you have available to house your toaster oven. Toaster ovens range in size from compact, 10-inch cubes all the way to space-hogging 26-inches by 16’inches. Depending on the toaster oven you choose, it may also have back-mounted vents that require it to be placed a reasonale distance away from the wall to ensure your safety.

Next, you’ll want your toaster oven to feature large, clear windows with good visibility. Usually, toaster ovens come with one or two racks that may or may not be adjustable. If you’ll be cooking a variety of items that are different sizes, choose a model that allows you to adjust rack height and maximize the interior usable space. Not sure how large a unit you need? Think about the largest foods you’ll be cooking. If you’re primarily using the toaster oven for frozen foods, fixed racks may be okay.

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