Modern countertop kitchen appliances such as air fryer microwave are a must-have due to their convenience. This portable appliance is easy to use and arguably healthy due to the use of little oil when cooking. These appliances come as a combo of either microwave or toaster oven. However, the difference between microwave and toaster oven can make it challenging to choose the right one when shopping for it.
So, should you get a microwave or toaster oven for your kitchen? You need to know the different features that can help you decide which one to buy. And this comprehensive article details those features. Read it to the end to get all the relevant information regarding these countertop ovens.
Microwave or Toaster Oven: What is the Best?
The followings are the difference between microwave and toaster oven-
Installation
Both of these appliances, microwave and toaster oven are available in portable countertop models. However, they differ since you can hang microwaves to create a streamlined look in your kitchen. This is because microwaves don’t emit heat, unlike toaster ovens. Hiring a professional to install the microwave is the best approach owing to the electrical work that goes into the process and the need to account for exhaust ducting. In addition, you must adhere to building codes, which can be challenging if untrained.
It’s safe to say that microwaves have the upper hand regarding the ability to fit in kitchen cabinets. However, the toaster oven’s ability to prepare different feeds makes it a necessity, and it will be best to own both if your budget allows.
Use
The appliances like airfryer microwave differ in their use. But in the microwave vs toaster oven, a microwave is most suitable for steaming raw ingredients or reheating cooked food. For instance, you can use a microwave oven as a bean soaker, dough proofer, fruit and vegetable baker, and de-crystallize honey. These uses are quite different from those of a toaster oven.
Toaster ovens are best for cooking from scratch, using raw ingredients. You can also bake using a toaster oven due to its browning ability. This means that a toaster oven allows you to teak around different recipes. So, can one replace the other? As a toaster oven can’t do all the functions of a microwave, it’s still an excellent appliance to add to your kitchen.
Countertop Convenience
Although both appliances are meant for countertops, the microwave can be a problem if you have limited space in your kitchen. Most microwaves are 24 inches wide and quite heavy compared to toaster ovens, and this makes them suitable for spacious kitchens and where they require less moving.
On the other hand, toaster ovens range from 16 inches wide and 8 inches deep to 20 inches in width and 10 inches in depth. It means that they can fit in kitchens with limited space. In addition, they are considerably lighter, and this feature makes them more countertop convenient.
Food Preparation Time
Saving time is the essence of using a microwave or toaster oven. However, these appliances differ in the time they take to prepare food. The microwave cooks fast because the water molecules within the food heat simultaneously, and this feature makes it best for fixing quick meals. Toaster ovens take longer because they heat the food directly, and their heating coil takes time before attaining the right temperature. On the upside, toaster ovens come with high and low-temperature settings. But the juicy food requires slow cooking, which takes time. Therefore, the microwave wins if you are in a hurry.
Energy Efficiency
Microwaves are energy efficient compared to toaster ovens. Toaster ovens use 1200 to 1800 watts, whereas microwaves use around 700 to 1300 watts. Although it’s best to know that the power consumption of toaster ovens varies depending on the brand, you should check if the one you intend to buy has Energy Star certification. In addition, the toaster oven’s long cooking time means that you will use it for a long time, which further uses more power. So, buying a microwave is the best option to save on power.
Safety
These appliances, being electric, means you need to consider safety as you decide on which one to buy. But which one is safer? Microwaves are much safer because they don’t heat up unless you use them for a long time. Compared to toaster ovens, they heat up and cause accidental burns if you touch the outer part.
Furthermore, these countertop ovens are susceptible to fire. In most cases, the fire is due to the accumulation of food particles and crumbs at the base of the appliance. Leaving food for too long at very high temperatures can also lead to catching fire. Therefore, you must ensure you prevent fire and use a microwave if you are uncertain of a toaster oven’s safety.
Ease of Cleaning
Both microwave and toaster oven need regular cleaning. However, each differs in complexity and ease of cleaning. The simpler microwave is easy to clean because you only need to remove its circulating plate, and the toaster oven requires removing all the interior components. On the upside, its interior is dirt and grease-resistant porcelain enamel, which calls for caution during cleaning. It would be best to use a soft sponge since metal scouring pads can damage the interior; therefore, if you find cleaning hard, it’s best to go for a microwave.
Cost
It’s without a doubt that toaster ovens and microwaves are essential. But it’s equally important to compare the prices as you plan to buy one. Toaster ovens are generally cheaper than microwaves, and the price ranges from $35 to $75, depending on the brand. The conventional ones cost $200 but are still lower than the price of a high-end microwave ($250). Suppose you are on a shoestring budget; it will be best if you go for a toaster.
Conclusion
A kitchen appliance like an air fryer microwave is necessary when you want to fix your healthy meal quickly. However, choosing whether to buy a microwave or toaster oven combo can be challenging because of the similarities. But the difference between microwave and toaster oven you have read here can help you make a sound decision. In summary, both are remarkable when cooking different types of food using different recipes. The one you go for should fit your diet, schedule, and other factors.
