The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Alternative to a Toaster Oven
If you are looking for an alternative to a toaster oven, you have come to the right place. While toaster ovens are convenient and versatile kitchen appliances, they may not be suitable for everyone. Fortunately, there are many alternatives available that can provide similar or even better results for your cooking needs. In this article, we will discuss the 7 to 10 most popular alternatives to toaster ovens, including their pros and cons, popular brands and models, and unique features. So let’s get started!
10 alternatives to toaster oven
- Air Fryer
- Convection Oven
- Microwave Oven
- Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo
- Countertop Grill
- Electric Skillet
- Slow Cooker
- Instant Pot
- Dutch Oven
- Rotisserie Oven
1 Air Fryer
The first alternative to a toaster oven that we will discuss is the air fryer. An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food, similar to a convection oven, but on a smaller scale. It circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy outer layer without the need for oil. This makes it a healthier alternative to deep frying, while still achieving that crispy texture that many people crave.
Air fryers are also a great alternative to a toaster oven because they are typically smaller and take up less counter space, making them ideal for small kitchens or those who don’t want a large appliance taking up too much space. They are also easy to use, with many models featuring simple controls and settings that allow you to adjust the temperature and cooking time according to the type of food you are cooking.
Another advantage of using an air fryer as an alternative to a toaster oven is that it can cook food quickly and evenly. Because the hot air circulates around the food, it cooks the food quickly and evenly, so there’s no need to worry about turning the food over or rotating it like you might with a traditional oven.
However, there are also some drawbacks to using an air fryer as an alternative to a toaster oven. For one, they can be quite expensive, with some models costing several hundred dollars. Additionally, they may not be suitable for all types of cooking, as some foods may not cook as well in an air fryer as they would in a traditional oven.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Healthier cooking option without added oil | Limited capacity compared to other alternatives |
| Can cook a variety of foods, including meat, vegetables, and desserts | May not be suitable for larger items or meals |
| Easy to use and operate | May require preheating before use |
| Many models are affordable | May not be suitable for certain types of food |
| Easy to clean |
Popular brands and models:
- Philips Airfryer XXL
- Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fryer
- Cosori Air Fryer Max XL
- GoWISE USA Air Fryer
Convection Oven
The second alternative to a toaster oven that we will discuss is the convection oven. A convection oven is a traditional oven that has a fan and exhaust system, allowing hot air to circulate around the food. This creates an even cooking temperature and reduces cooking time, making it a popular choice for many home cooks.
One of the main advantages of using a convection oven as an alternative to a toaster oven is that it can cook food faster and more evenly. The fan and exhaust system in a convection oven allow for better heat distribution, resulting in food that is cooked more evenly throughout. This can be especially useful for baking, as it can prevent the common problem of unevenly cooked baked goods.
Convection ovens are also more versatile than toaster ovens, as they can handle larger quantities of food and larger dishes. This makes them ideal for cooking for larger groups or for preparing family meals. Additionally, many convection ovens come with a wide range of cooking modes and settings, allowing for a variety of cooking methods such as broiling and roasting.
However, there are some drawbacks to using a convection oven as an alternative to a toaster oven. One is that they can be more expensive and larger in size, which may not be ideal for smaller kitchens or those with limited counter space. Additionally, they may take longer to preheat and can use more energy than a toaster oven.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cooks food more evenly and quickly than a traditional oven | May be more expensive than other alternatives |
| A versatile appliance that can be used for a variety of meals | May require preheating before use |
| Can be more energy-efficient than a traditional oven | Can be heavier and take up more space than a toaster oven |
| Easy to use and operate | Can be more difficult to transport |
| Easy to clean |
Popular brands and models:
- KitchenAid Digital Convection Oven
- Breville Smart Oven Air
- Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven
- Oster Digital Convection Oven
Microwave Oven
The third alternative to a toaster oven that we will discuss is the microwave oven. While often used for reheating leftovers or quickly cooking frozen foods, microwave ovens can also be used for a variety of other cooking methods, such as steaming or poaching.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can cook or heat food quickly | May not be suitable for baked or crispy foods |
| Easy to use and operate | May not be suitable for larger items or meals |
| Affordable | May not be suitable for certain types of food |
| Easy to clean |
Popular brands and models:
- Panasonic Microwave Oven
- Toshiba Microwave Oven
- LG NeoChef Microwave Oven
- GE Over-the-Range Microwave
Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo
The fourth alternative to a toaster oven that we will discuss is the toaster oven air fryer combo. As the name suggests, this appliance combines the features of a toaster oven and an air fryer, allowing you to cook a variety of foods in one appliance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Combination of two useful appliances in one | May not perform either function as well as separate appliances |
| Can cook a variety of foods, including baked and crispy foods | May be more expensive than other alternatives |
| Easy to use and operate | May not be suitable for larger items or meals |
| Can be more energy-efficient than using both appliances separately | May require preheating before use |
| Easy to clean | May not be suitable for certain types of food |
Popular brands and models:
- Cuisinart Digital Air Fryer Toaster Oven
- Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven
- Black+Decker Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven
- Cosori Air Fryer Toaster Oven.
Countertop Grill
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can be used to grill various foods, including meat and vegetables | May not be suitable for baked or crispy foods |
| Can be used indoors or outdoors | May not be suitable for certain types of food |
| Easy to use and operate | May require cleaning after each use |
| Can be more energy-efficient than a traditional outdoor grill | May not be suitable for larger items or meals |
| Easy to clean |
Electric Skillet
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can be used to cook various foods, including meat, vegetables, and pasta | May not be suitable for baked or crispy foods |
| Can be used to cook a large quantity of food | May require preheating before use |
| Easy to use and operate | May not be suitable for certain types of food |
| Can be more energy-efficient than using a traditional stovetop | May not be suitable for larger items or meals |
| Easy to clean |
Slow Cooker
The fifth alternative to a toaster oven that we will discuss is the slow cooker. While not typically thought of as a cooking appliance for crispy or baked foods, slow cookers can be a great option for meals that need to simmer for several hours.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can be used to cook various meals, including stews, soups, and roasts | Requires longer cooking times than other alternatives |
| Can be left unattended while cooking | May not be suitable for certain types of food |
| Can cook large quantities of food | May not be suitable for crispy foods |
| Can be more energy-efficient than using an oven | May require cleaning after each use |
| Easy to clean |
Popular brands and models:
- Crock-Pot Digital Slow Cooker
- Hamilton Beach Portable Slow Cooker
- Instant Pot Duo Nova Multi-Use Pressure Cooker
- Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker.
Instant Pot
The seventh and final alternative to a toaster oven that we will discuss is the Instant Pot. While not typically thought of as a cooking appliance for crispy or baked foods, the Instant Pot can be a versatile option for many different meals.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can be used for a variety of cooking functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, and more | May be more expensive than other alternatives |
| Can cook food quickly and efficiently | May require learning how to use it properly |
| Easy to use and operate | May not be suitable for larger items or meals |
| Can cook a variety of meals, including stews, soups, and roasts | May not be suitable for crispy foods |
| Can be more energy-efficient than using a traditional oven | Requires cleaning after each use |
| Easy to clean | May not provide the same level of browning or texture as other appliances |
Popular brands and models:
- Instant Pot Duo Nova Multi-Use Pressure Cooker
- Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker
- Instant Pot Smart WiFi 6 Quart Multi-Use Electric Pressure Cooker
- Instant Pot Duo Crisp and Air Fryer.
Dutch Oven
Dutch ovens have been a popular cooking tool for centuries, and they continue to be a great alternative to traditional toaster ovens. These heavy-duty pots can be used for a wide variety of cooking methods, including roasting, baking, and simmering.
One of the main advantages of a Dutch oven is that it is made of heavy, cast iron or enameled steel, which helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the pot. This means that you can cook food at a lower temperature and still achieve even browning and cooking. Additionally, the heavy construction of a Dutch oven allows it to retain heat well, making it ideal for slow cooking or braising.
Another advantage of using a Dutch oven as an alternative to a toaster oven is that it is extremely versatile. It can be used to cook a wide range of foods, from roasts and stews to baked goods and even bread. In fact, many people prefer to use a Dutch oven for baking artisan bread, as it creates a perfect crust and crumb.
Dutch ovens are also easy to use, with many models featuring simple controls and settings. They can be used on a variety of heat sources, including stovetops, ovens, and even campfires. And, because they are made of durable materials, they can last for years with proper care and maintenance.
However, there are some drawbacks to using a Dutch oven as an alternative to a toaster oven. For one, they can be quite heavy and bulky, which may not be suitable for smaller kitchens. Additionally, they require some maintenance and cleaning, as they can be prone to rust and other forms of damage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can be used to cook various meals, including stews, soups, and roasts | May require preheating before use |
| Can be used on stovetops and in ovens | May not be suitable for certain types of food |
| Can cook a large quantity of food | Can be heavier and take up more space than a toaster oven |
| Can provide even heating for cooking | May require cleaning after each use |
| Can be more energy-efficient than using a traditional oven |
Rotisserie Oven
Rotisserie ovens are a popular alternative to traditional toaster ovens, offering a unique cooking experience that many people enjoy. These ovens are often used for roasting meats and can help you achieve juicy, flavorful results.
One of the main advantages of a rotisserie oven is that it can cook food evenly on all sides. This is because the food is rotated on a spit or skewer, allowing it to cook and brown evenly. This can be especially useful for larger cuts of meat, such as whole chickens or roasts, which can be difficult to cook evenly in a traditional oven.
Another advantage of a rotisserie oven is that it can help you achieve a crispy exterior on your food. The constant rotation of the food allows the juices to drip off, creating a crispy, golden-brown exterior. This can be especially appealing for dishes like roasted chicken, which is often prized for its crispy skin.
Rotisserie ovens are also easy to use, with many models offering simple controls and settings. They typically come with a variety of accessories, such as rotisserie forks and trays, making it easy to cook a variety of foods.
However, there are also some drawbacks to using a rotisserie oven as an alternative to a toaster oven. For one, they can be quite large and take up a lot of counter space, which may not be suitable for smaller kitchens. They can also be more expensive than traditional toaster ovens.
Additionally, rotisserie ovens require some maintenance and cleaning, as they can be prone to grease and buildup. However, many models come with removable parts that can be easily cleaned.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can be used to cook various types of meat, including chicken, beef, and pork | May not be suitable for certain types of food |
| Provides an even cooking experience | May be more expensive than other alternatives |
| Can be more energy-efficient than using a traditional oven | May not be suitable for crispy foods |
| Easy to use and operate | May not be suitable for larger items or meals |
| Can cook a large quantity of food | Requires cleaning after each use |
| Easy to clean |