Toaster Oven

[Bucky]

Hi - we're "thinking" of getting a toaster oven and I was wondering if any of you have one?  If you do, what kind is it, and what is the feature you most like about it?

We don't want a great big one, but we also don't want a dollhouse size either!   

During the summer months when it is sooooo hot out, heating up the oven is the last thing we want to do.  We figured with a toaster oven, it wouldn't create as much "heat" and yet we can still cook things that don't turn out as well if you do it in the microwave.

Any suggestions or thoughts are appreciated. 

Thanks,
Bucky

[newhorizons]

Hi Bucky, Have two small DeLonghi ovens.

When lived in my little two room cabin with no AC, I took the one I purchased for myself outside on front porch and baked so as to not heat up cabin.  Mine is the DeLonghi Turbo Convection type.  Plain and convection, neat for browning tops of food items.

The second one does not have convection feature and cost $99. I researched and researched and Con. Reports rated it highly.

Have had both of them for more than five years and with no problems.  

Purchased at DeLonghi website.

newjoy

[Jozee]

My MIL bought us one. We used it 5 times and threw it out. It didn't cook anything evenly or correctly. Not sure the brand. Maybe I just didn't know how to use it the right way.

[olmphoto2]

I bought a halogen oven recently for the reasons you mentioned (especially the heat in the kitchen issue) and to decrease the amount of fat needed to cook food or remaining in it once it is cooked.  We really like it alot!    It takes a bit of getting used to at first, but isn't hard, cooked the best fish I've ever made, chicken great too and some things like hamburgers I've even cooked straight from frozen!  I've cooked a whole chicken several times now.  It cleans like a dream.  Read some of the review comments with the listing here, if you like, Bucky.  This is the one I brought, with a study glass bowl for about $100.  I was hesitant because finances are so tight but I think it's been helping us stay healthier already. I did buy a four piece accessory package too....makes it big enough to bake a turkey!

Web search keywords: Secura Halogen Infrared Turbo Convection Countertop Oven
This is what they look like:



Weird, eh?

[Bucky]

Thanks everyone for your replies.  I looked at a few models the other day in the store.  I just wish they weren't so big as they take up a lot of precious counter space that I like.  Last year we got rid of our counter microwave and had one installed above the stove when we got a new one.  I would hate to have to give that space up again. 

Mary Ann - I have never seen or heard of that kind of oven.  Yes, it does look strange.  Almost like a clear, see-through crockpot.  I haven't had the opportunity to check into that yet, but I am curious and will have to check it out.

I'm the kind of person who has to "see" something in person before buying it.  I like to see the size, open and close it, check out all the features.  Pictures and the "actual" thing are some times so very different (especially, in size).

It is so disappointing to go into the stores now and the products they make are made of cheap materials . . . . not the older, more solid made products.      Plus, lots of times, they are waaaaay overpriced for what you get.   

Bucky

[Meld256]

Bucky,

After going to a couple recent bridal showers I've seen some really cool new models. Like the one Mary Ann showed, they have come a LONG way, baby, from the ones in the 80's! 

There are several I saw on the Macy's website that are awesome. KitchenAid and other brands and there are about $100, on average.  But they do everything; a convection oven, a broiler, it toasts, the works. I've thought of getting rid of our microwave entirely and getting one of these.  This might do the job since it's just the two of us, and would help keep our house cooler in summer and save on the gas bill for the winter.

We don't have much counter space, either. In fact, we use the top of the clothes washer as a temporary counter because of our tiny, mobile home kitchen!  We have one long counter with cabinets underneath where we have the coffee pot, microwave and a tv my husband insists on having there.
Good luck on your search...I think you'll find something you'll like.  Then you can give us a review!