My kids thought I needed one and bought it for me....I have replaced it many times over the years....because when they come their kids like cheese melted on a bagel....
When this one dies I will replace itw ith a regular toaster!
no if you have an oven and a toaster, you don't need it.

If you don't have a toaster, keep it! I use my TO all the time when baking and re-heating for just 1-2 people. Saves on energy and saves heating up the big oven in the summer!

Teresa

I use mine all the time - much more than I use my regular oven. Last night I made enchiladas, and the pan fits perfectly in the TO, and since it is on top of the counter, I don't have to stoop to get it out of the regular oven. I also use it for making toast and for keeping things warm, like pancakes and waffles. I live with just my brother, and I find the TO to be much more convenient for what I make than the regular oven. I've roasted chickens in it also and use it for baking grits and other casseroles. I very seldom use large pans - the grits pan is Corningware 9"x9", and the enchilada pan is about 6" x 11", I think. My previous TO would fit a 9x13 pan, but the one I have now does not.

If I had a toaster, I would still want a toaster oven.

Lars

I recently went through this. Do I need it? Or not? I hadnt had a toaster oven for quite some time but saw one at Costco that interested me.

So I bought it and I havent regretted it one time. I am so hapy with it.

My son doesn't have to heat up the big oven for his afternoon snack of frozen french fries or bagel bites; a 12" pizza will fit in this oven. I love it!

"--there's just 2 of us-- "

That might be the best reason to have one.

I've been working on the same decision. The big oven seems like overkill for so many things I do. Part of the decision is about what kind to get. If I understand correctly, there is a great range of types from wimpy to heavy duty, with a corresponding range of prices.

Jim

I'm the only one in the house who doesn't use ours! :) I just never seem to have a need to use it (or the microwave!).

Everyone else loves using it. It's probably the "go to" appliance. I'll admit it's convenient for smaller things. I think my issue still stems from the fact that is sits out in plain view and I like my counters bare! I'm still punishing it, I suppose.

There are only two of us, and like so many others, I use my toaster oven all the time. I roast vegetables in it, heat leftovers that need to be crisped, bake salmon patties in it or chicken breasts, make casseroles, etc. I rarely use it for toast but it really comes in handy when you're dealing with odd shaped or overly large bread slices. It's one kitchen appliance I couldn't be without.

They are convenient for small jobs and side dishes. If it is a good one, I'd keep it. Otherwise, I'd return it and get a good one.

I've been toying with the idea of one forever but I always come 'round to saying no to me. I don't like lots of stuff on the counter and I don't want to give up that much counter space....yet somehow I still want one! LOL

I never really used one when I had one, but then I got a microwave that also bakes and haven't looked back since. I'm always going to have a microwave and to have it also able to bake has been great. I too use it for baking smaller items rather than fire up the stoves oven. I bake rice pudding, bread puddings and even custards in it. Christy likes her rolls toasted for sandwiches and it works great for reheating things you wouldn't want to get soggy in the microwave like... quiche.. Smiles. So, I guess I have a toaster oven but it's also a microwave. I much prefer having them both in one. Ours is getting ready to kick the bucket and I'll be getting another one. This is our second.

Not wanting additional stuff on the counters, I snubbed a TO for years. But reading how CF members love and use theirs, I decided to test the concept. I went to Goodwill, found one for $10, tested it for 1 month and found that it could be an impact appliance. So several years ago I bought a high-end TO and have never looked back. I love it and use it more than my regular ovens. DH still doesn't understand why we couldn't make do with the $10 Goodwill TO.

Sharon, just came across something and thought of you!

A spacesaver toaster oven! Take a look:

Here is a link that might be useful: click here

Shaun you're an enabler! LOL This could tip the scales for me!

Haha! Good reviews too!

I love my toaster oven. I don't cook in it like some because we still have 4 kids at home, but it is so good for baking pizzas, making toast and the kids use it for making toasted sandwiches and all kinds of other things. I don't regret buying it when my toaster quit working. I can make 6 slices of toast in mine at one time.
Lisa

I invested in a Breville toaster oven just before Thanksgiving and it's now one of the few kitchen appliances I wouldn't part with.

I use it almost every day for toasting, reheating and baking. Especially around the holidays it allows me to prepare meals and sides that require different oven temps without a hassle.

The only other one I've owned (30+ yrs. ago) was lousy and not worth losing the counter space. This one is great at everything. It heats up in a fraction of the time my big oven does and turns itself off when the timer rings. My sister went out and bought one a couple weeks after seeing mine. Her family with teens/college agers prefer its results to the microwave.

I would echo the post that advised that if yours is one that you're not delighted with to return and get a really good one.

Yup. I join the chorus of TO converts. For the past 30+ yrs I've relied on double ovens. In July, we started our whole house reno and I've been without a kitchen until now. I bought a GE TO enticed by its price and rotisserie, and have used it daily for the past six months for everything from filet mignon to pork roast to fab cornish hens and stuffing to broiled salmon. Six months, daily, except for a few dinners out. In hindsight, I should have bought a Breville but thought it may not be worth the additional expense for a few months usage. Had I known how much I would love a TO for its size, low energy use, etc. I may not have bought my MasterChef. LOL ! Now I'm seriously considering a Breville (based solely on its reviews and seemingly quality build -- not that I had problems with the GE but for long term usage maybe the Breville with its higher wattage, closer calibration and sturdier housing may last longer) for daily use in my new, almost complete! YAY!!!, kitchen. Go for it!

T.O. Yes.

The unit Shaun linked to, Black & Decker SpaceMaker is a good unit. Just want to point out that I am not sure their dimensions are correct. 20 inches deep is not possible.

Also, the top gets very hot for that unit, make sure your cabinet can take it.

dcarch

I've had a couple, amanda has had one, we've gone through several at the office. None of them lasted very long or worked very well, and none of them were big enough to put anything bigger than a sandwich in. I don't have any space for anything else at home so there's no way I have one. elery has one that he never uses and Amanda seldom used hers either.

So, I guess it's a matter of preference or maybe what you cook? The one at the office was expensive, but with ten employees, none of us use the toaster oven. Well, it did get pressed into service to reheat sausage filled wontons for the office potluck yesterday, but it burned the edges before the filling was heated through.

Annie