In a world riddled with technological advancement, some of the appliances may resemble or have similar functions. This can cause a lot of confusion especially when it comes to purchasing one or the other. When it comes to toaster oven vs microwave, the confusion is even more. This is because of the overlap in their functions, capabilities and their features.
Earlier, toaster ovens were just meant for runny cheese and yummy toast as well as other grilled sandwiches. Currently however, these kitchen appliances are far more advanced in wattage and other features which make them as useful as microwaves in what they can do. Some smart ovens may have even more functions compared to microwaves.
For those planning to buy either a microwave or toaster oven, we have discussed some differences between the two to allow you make the right decision.
Browning Capabilities
Browning of food is the function of a component of an oven called a broiler. Microwave ovens cannot brown foods because they lack a broiler but toaster ovens do. The latter ensures that the browning occurs evenly and in the case of high quality toasters, the browning function occur faster than in conventional ovens.
Energy Efficiency
As regards energy expenditure, a microwave is slightly more energy-efficient compared to a toaster oven. While a microwave uses an average of 700 to 1300 Watts, toaster uses an average energy of between 1200 and 1800 Watts. This means that it uses up to half the energy of the conventional ovens while a microwave uses only a third of that.
Therefore, compared to the regular ovens, the two kitchen appliances are energy-efficient. You will choose what will be more cost-effective based on their energy expenditure.
Kitchen Counter-top Convenience
So many appliances need to fit into a kitchen; it has to be state-of-the-art. It is therefore important to ensure that the appliances you use are easy to handle and occupies lesser space. Toaster ovens fit these specs. They are generally lighter in weight, smaller and user-friendly compared to microwave ovens as well as other conventional ovens.
If you have low set kitchen cabinets or limited space in your kitchen then it would be better to go for a toaster oven rather than microwave ovens. This is because the latter are usually bulky and so occupy more space than the former.
Heating Times
The heating time of these two appliance pretty much depends on whatever is being cooked. In a nutshell, the heating times are comparable between the two but the outcome is what differs. Microwave is quite faster in heating some food kinds but toughens them.
A toaster oven on the other hand may be slower in heating but the broiling function it possesses ensures that there is even eat distribution in the food and this produces softer and fluffy foods, instead of being hard and chewy as would be with microwave.
The Meals Size
When it comes to large meals or meals that take too long to be cooked then microwave ovens have an edge. The reason for this is straightforward- microwaves are larger and faster compared to toaster ovens. If you have a large family or you like cooking meals that take longer then choose microwave oven.
On the other hand, if your family is small and all you need to cook are fast foods, then toaster is the oven of choice. Furthermore, the best toaster oven in the market is large enough to cook a chicken and even a pizza medium in size.
Crispy Cooking And Bread Heating
A toaster oven is primed to produce delicious crispy foods. The same cannot be said of a microwave oven. Its broiling unit is capable of crisping meats, breads and even potato chips without having to fry them. Crisping function is so far only available in microwave toasters.
When it comes to bread heating, the toaster oven is way better. The even heat distribution characteristic of it makes heated bread soft and delicious. Microwave oven on the other hand toughens everything from bread to vegetables.
Now you have it all, those merits and demerits can help you make an informed choice as to which of the two to buy. To give you a head-start, the advantages of toaster ovens outweighs by far those of microwave ovens but the choice remain your very own prerogative.
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