I have one in my cabinet and never use the thing. It's in like new condition and I can't tell you what it does. If no one else knows, I'll drag it out and see if mine works the same way.

That's the way they work. I love my toaster oven! Since it's just the two of us I'll often roast veggies in it rather than heat up the big oven.

Here is a link that might be useful: how a toaster oven works

I just gave a Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven that I've had boxed in the basement for 6 years to my daughters friend. Still in its original packaging, I used it once or twice and put it away. I find for our needs its just a space eater.

You didn't say what brand it is, but I would call their CS number to inquire about it.

If you tell us the brand name and model number, we could track down the manual and let you know what's going on. I almost never use my ovens now that I have a toaster oven.

Hi all and thank you for the responses.
My toaster oven is a Cuisinart TOB60 convection.
After going to the link that natal supplied, I think it makes more sense now. I did not know that all TO are radiant heat. So I am assuming this is much different than our regular oven.
Graywings: Siance you use your toaster oven, can you ever get it to go on without the top element coming on.
I am thinking now that this is the norm.

I cannot live without a toaster oven - I would sooner give up our regular oven.

It is great for toasting bread or bagels, doing open face sandwiches topped with cheese, small quantities of things like frozen chicken patties or snacks, a few cookies if you use the pre-made dough in a container, etc. Lo-carb Tortillas topped with sliced ham, shredded cheese, make great sandwiches that can be folded in half when out of the oven.

Your toaster oven is WAY nicer than what I have, but I need something smaller and I like the very basic Black and Decker models. But every one I have had over the years, and the one older DS has, all have heating elements on the top that go on when baking. It is how the oven heats.

"I find for our needs its just a space eater" - that is us exactly. We received one many years ago as a wedding gift and used it occasionally for a while - then put it away, finally got rid of it. Even with just two of us, I don't think I'd use one much.

My MIL has some kind of countertop convection oven and it is huge! I'd rather have the counter space.

Sorry, this is not about me and a toaster oven though! I do hope you enjoy yours and find out how to use it.

tina

Yes, that is how TOs work. You can cover your item w/ foil to keep it from browning or drying out if that's your issue.

I don't think we ever had a toaster, it's always been toaster ovens. Even in the old kitchen with limited counter space it was a Godsend. We're on our second Cuisinart and like I said it gets used probably more than the big oven. Doesn't heat up the kitchen and many times is more economical especially for just two people.

We also have a microwave, but that is relegated to the pantry since it doesn't see much use. It's all about the way you cook.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cuisinart TOB-195

Lyban, I have a Cuisanart TOB-175 Convection. It is about 5 years old. I have never paid attention to whether the top or bottom or both heating elements come on, but will try to be more observant. I use it for toasting bread, broiling beef kabobs, baking fish, baking small batches of cookies.

The order of use of my appliances is
microwave
toaster oven
stove top
"real" oven - maybe 3 times a year.

Thanks again to everyone,
I think we will use the appliance quite a bit.
My only concern was to make sure it was not broken while my daughter could still return it.
I am now thinking that it is working fine , it is just me that did not understand the way TOvens operate.
Now that I realize the bottom element never comes on alone I am satisfied.
Thanks again.

It's the only thing my youngest DD has ever used for a toaster! To me, it seems the bread gets drier than when I use my toaster. Like les, she wouldn't have anything else! ;o)