How to Compare Toaster Ovens to Convection Ovens

If you regularly cook frozen pizzas and snacks and toast bagels and bread, then you may have an older toaster oven that needs replaced, but replacing it with another toaster oven isn't your only option. You can choose a convection oven instead. A convection oven has features that a toaster oven does not, but it often comes at a higher price tag.

• 1

  Compare the size of the toaster ovens and convection ovens in which you're interested. Toaster ovens are generally smaller than convection ovens and cost less. If you have limited space on your counter, or your cupboards hang low, then you may be forced to go with the toaster oven.

• 2

  Consider the cooking time. A convection oven set at the same temperature as a toaster oven will always take less time to cook food. A convection oven uses fans to circulate the heat and equally transfer the heat over, under and around the food. The heat in a toaster oven is not equally transferred and results in uneven cooking and a longer cooking time.

• 3

  Compare the features. Certain toaster oven and convection oven models offer different levels of features, including non-stick interiors, crumb trays, touch pad controls and stainless steel constructions. Some features, such as the stainless steel construction, are mostly cosmetic, but other features, such as the non-stick interior, allow you to easily clean the oven.

• 4

  Consider the efficiency of both ovens. A toaster oven typically uses more energy than a convection oven. A convection oven can cook the same food a toaster oven cooks, but on a lower heat setting since it transfers the heat all around the food. A lower heat setting means better energy efficiency.