Author Topic: Microwave versus toaster oven  (Read 5575 times)

Hoberto

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Microwave versus toaster oven
« on: June 06, 2015, 08:41:31 AM »
The microwave I bought in 1993 is taking longer and longer to heat anything and I'm thinking to replace it with a toaster oven.  I use the microwave exclusively to reheat meals.  This time of year I avoid the oven because it heats up the entire house.  I'm thinking a toaster oven would use less energy than the oven, take up less space and perhaps let me make roasted items even in summer.  A microwave would be faster for reheating but would lead to more dishes since I'd have to transfer my food from Tupperware to a plate/bowl.  What do you think? 

I did read through the toaster oven vs toaster thread and did see some good posts about microwaves but would like more opinions about replacing a microwave with a toaster oven.  I've never had a toaster or a toaster oven.

BlueMR2

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Re: Microwave versus toaster oven
« Reply #1 on: June 06, 2015, 08:48:53 AM »
I have a hard time understanding how a toaster oven could be more efficient than a microwave.  A microwave heats the food directly, vs a toaster oven which (like a regular oven) heats air, which then heats the food...  If there's a resource that demonstrates a toaster oven being superior, I'd love to read it.

We have a small convection oven that we love.  Perfect for things that don't work well in the microwave and definitely uses less power than firing up the large oven.  Can be used in place of a large oven for everything that will physically fit (note that a lot of packaged food says do NOT use in a toaster oven, but is OK in our small convection oven).

Hoberto

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Re: Microwave versus toaster oven
« Reply #2 on: June 06, 2015, 08:57:52 AM »
I can't imagine that a toaster oven would be more efficient than a microwave either.

I hadn't thought about a convection oven, didn't even realize these were available as a counter sized appliance.  Thanks for suggestion.

vhalros

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Re: Microwave versus toaster oven
« Reply #3 on: June 06, 2015, 09:01:14 AM »
It reheats things in a way that is much more delicious for things that should be crispy. But I do not think it uses less energy than a microwave.

frugaliknowit

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Re: Microwave versus toaster oven
« Reply #4 on: June 06, 2015, 09:22:33 AM »
Two different animals.  A toaster oven is a substitute:  "toaster or oven".  You can use it for toast, or you could potentially bake a pie in it.  For something like pizza or anything with dough, it takes longer to heat, but you avoid the mushyness that often results when heating in a microwave.


MsPeacock

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Re: Microwave versus toaster oven
« Reply #5 on: June 06, 2015, 01:21:46 PM »
A plate of food can be reheated in the microwave in about 2 minutes. A toaster over would take - 15 minutes maybe? I while, much longer. Not sure about comparative energy use - but this would make a huge difference for me. I have both appliances and like the toaster over for small things that can't be done in the microwave (e.g. pizza, baked potatoes), but I don't think it is a very good choice for reheating.

Hoberto

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Re: Microwave versus toaster oven
« Reply #6 on: June 06, 2015, 02:05:48 PM »
I don't have room for both and was hoping to mostly replace the oven, too.  Sounds like I should just suck it up in the summer and not use the oven or suffer through a heated house if I want to use it.

Shamantha

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Re: Microwave versus toaster oven
« Reply #7 on: June 06, 2015, 02:55:08 PM »
I would buy a combination microwave-convection oven such as this one:
http://www.lg.com/us/microwave-ovens/lg-LCSC1513ST-countertop-microwave
It is the best of both worlds, especially for oven dishes, as it heats quickly but still gives a crisp crust. You can also use it just as an oven or microwave.

Runrooster

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Re: Microwave versus toaster oven
« Reply #8 on: June 06, 2015, 04:13:32 PM »
My toaster oven was $20 from goodwill, looked new, and worth every penny of counter real estate. Can you stick it in your regular oven? What about on top of the microwave with maybe a wooden block to protect the microwave?  Its gotten so crazy in our house, we have two microwaves and I refuse to get rid of them.  One is over the stove and was acting funny so I moved the middle of the night one downstairs.  Its great!  Now we can microwave things without getting up from the table and there are no battles if one person is at the stove and someone else wants to microwave (all. The. Time.)

Hoberto

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Re: Microwave versus toaster oven
« Reply #9 on: June 07, 2015, 02:54:56 AM »
My toaster oven was $20 from goodwill, looked new, and worth every penny of counter real estate. Can you stick it in your regular oven? What about on top of the microwave with maybe a wooden block to protect the microwave?  Its gotten so crazy in our house, we have two microwaves and I refuse to get rid of them.  One is over the stove and was acting funny so I moved the middle of the night one downstairs.  Its great!  Now we can microwave things without getting up from the table and there are no battles if one person is at the stove and someone else wants to microwave (all. The. Time.)

I'm going to keep an eye out for something used, and look into the combination convection/microwave.  I definitely don't have space like your suggestion.  Fortunately, I don't have to worry about kitchen battles. The dog doesn't use the microwave!  ;)  I could put something new in or on the oven, though.  My current microwave is dying, whatever I end up with will just replace its counter space.


I would buy a combination microwave-convection oven such as this one:
http://www.lg.com/us/microwave-ovens/lg-LCSC1513ST-countertop-microwave
It is the best of both worlds, especially for oven dishes, as it heats quickly but still gives a crisp crust. You can also use it just as an oven or microwave.
 
These look really interesting, but costly.  I'm going to consider one and look for a deal. Thanks for the idea.