ResearchDid You Know? There is More Than One Type of Toaster
If it's time for a new toaster, you may want to consider that there is more than your standard toaster that toasts two pieces of bread at a time. Many people actually find that they can make whole meals in a toaster, if they have the right type. Most people picture the reflective aluminum toaster when they hear the word, but the options are more than that. If you use your toaster a lot or you simply like toasted foods, there are options.
The Regular Toaster
A regular toaster is small and can usually toast any where from 2-8 slices of bread at one time. Of course, the most toasting capacity that you want, the more money you'll have to spend on your toaster. Most toasters will help to keep your toast, bagel, or English muffin warm for a few moments while you are busy getting other portions of your meal prepared. Pricier models have options such as bells that ring when the toast or food item is done. Some more expensive models of regular toasters also have two shelves for toasting, although many consumers report that they do not heat evenly. Other fun options are a defrost cycle, reheat, timer, auto shut off, toast shade, and interior light. Toasters are not all that exciting, but they are a staple in most homes and most of us use them more than we even realize.
The Convection Toaster Oven
A convection toaster oven is different than your typical toaster that you have on the counter top for toast, bagels, and English muffins. Convection ovens work because they use a stream of power driven air that moves over a heating element. Because the air moves continuously, there is a consistent temperature in the convection toaster oven. Convection ovens were sort of the thing before the microwave, although they are still more efficient than microwaves. Convection toaster ovens are not used to cook large portions as they simply are not big enough, but they can be used to dehydrate foods, cook small portions of food, and roast small chickens, roasts, and even turkeys!
Convection toaster ovens are often very convenient for people because the trays and such are removable and can be put into the dishwasher to get cleaned. Because they are small and easy to clean, they are appealing to those that don't like a lot of clean up but do like to cook at home.
Which is Right for You?
Deciding which type of toaster is for you probably is not very hard. In fact, some people have one of each because they are typically used very differently. While some people choose to toast their bread and such in a convection oven, most people use a regular toaster for those tasks. Convection ovens are often used as a more secondary oven, for single people that cook small meals, or for large families during the holidays that need more space in the oven to prepare their holiday meal. So, if you simply want something to toast your bread and bagel, you probably just want a regular toaster. If you want something that is capable of toasting as well as roasting and even dehydrating, you might want to consider a convection oven.
If space is an issue, you'll probably want a regular toaster as they are cheaper. If you want to save money, again a regular toaster is a good idea. Neither the regular toaster or the convection toaster oven is better than the other, you just need to consider how much you can spend, how much space you have, and what you will do with it. When you've thought about all of these things you will have your answer as to which type of toaster is right for you. So, which is it? The regular toaster or the convection toaster oven?