Toaster Ovens

[AlmostThere]

Toaster ovens were mentioned in another post, and with it being so hot here in the PNW this summer, I was considering getting one as I thought it would not heat up the kitchen as much as a regular oven. I do remember someone had one at my X's workplace and he said the outside got very hot. It was a Black and Decker model. My question is: do all toaster ovens get hot on the outside? Anyone care to put in their 2 cents about what they have and like/dislike about it?
Thanks!

[mitch5252]

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I've had 2 toaster ovens since we moved to TN. They both got pretty hot to the touch. I use mine when I just want to bake a couple of cookies for hubby (I make a batch, tray freeze little cookie size balls and then ziplock-baggie them and toss the bag in the freezer), or something else small. I do it instead of heating up my fairly large electric oven. My built in oven is obviously much better insulated, but I figure I'm using way less electricity. I have no basis in fact to believe this. And actually, when I think about the heat-loss factor, I'm probably not saving a dime! Maybe it's time I did a little research...

I also don't like it sitting out on the counter, so I had to make a spot for it in a cabinet, which wasn't easy!

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[carold]

I've had many Black and Decker toaster ovens over the years-the cheap $30.00 ones. Used it instead of my oven for baking and broiling-fish, meat, chicken, small dish of scalloped potatoes, baked potatoes, toast, etc., etc. Loved every one. Don't remember that they got too hot on outside. Liked it when they made the one with the pull out tray. Wouldn't work with a large family, but fine for DH and myself. I had many, not because they were unreliable, but because I wore them out. I give them 5 stars. carold

[avalen]

I used to have a Black and Decker toaster oven as well, it did not get hot on the
outside, was made to hook up under the cabinet but I never did that, just left
it on the counter. Used it for years, then the cord started to get hot as well so I
threw it away. Have thought about getting a new one but haven't yet.

[Redetotry]

I totally LOVE my toaster oven. It is a Cuisinart convection but you can get it without the convection part which I find I don't use. But the best part is that is holds a 9" cake pan or pie plate and my small cast iron skillet also fits. It bakes very well and doesn't seem to put out much heat although the surface is hot. The toaster part works great too, couldn't do without it and use it most of the time to bake.

[AlmostThere]

As my counter space is almost nonexistent, I was looking for something pretty small. Do they all cook pretty much the same no matter what size, or brand? So far I've not heard of anyone not liking how theirs cooks/bakes. I'm not interested in one that also cooks using the convection method.

[OutandAbout]

I've had Black and Decker toaster ovens for years. I love them. I just replaced mine last week, with another brand ,Cooks. I couldn't find the B&D. The outside does get hot on the units because there is not much insulation and the casing is metal. I would place the tray on top when I used it for toast and the tray was always hot. It's really no big deal, just don't touch it My new one has a sticker on top that says "Caution Hot" Maybe the ones that are made to go under the cabinet don't get hot? I find they do help keep the heat in the kitchen down. Linda

[Nasoosie]

I have a Black and Decker under-the-cabinet model, and have had it ever since we moved in here about 30 years ago. It hasn't burned the cabinet down yet! Actually, it has vents all around it so that air thermally circulates all around the top of it. I love the counter space underneath it, and I use the oven all the time.....for everything, as I don't have a REAL oven!

[AlmostThere]

Ok, I went into my 'gotta have it' mode and ordered a Black and Decker Plus under the cabinet model. It comes with a guard that goes between the unit and the cabinet because of the heat. Says it holds a 9" pizza. I'm excited and hope I like it as much as everyone else does theirs. Thanks for the input!

[rvgal]

I have a Black & Decker toaster oven & I use it every day. Mostly for toasting bread, bagels, english muffins, etc. I also use it when I make French Onion soup - I put the soup in a ceramic bowl, shred the cheese on it then put the bowl in the toaster oven. It melts/browns the cheese beautifully.

[Pooker]

I've had too many toaster/oven/broilers to count over the years, both in my stick house and in every rig we ever had. I insist on having the broiler part included because it's quick and easy to broil one or two portions (2 pork chops, 2 steaks, 2 hamburgs, etc.). I've had many different brands, too, and usually liked them all, except for the one that didn't have an automatic shut off when you opened the door all the way. I'd find myself eating my toast and notice the darn thing was still running! They all got hot on the outside just like a regular toaster might. In an RV they are the answer for doing all things from toasting your morning english muffin to broiling your dinner salmon and baking your dessert brownies. With a toaster/oven/broiler, a microwave, and maybe a George you can cook just about anything!

Pooker

[AlmostThere]

Needed: More toaster oven info!
Hmm........do all toaster ovens shelves slide out when the door opens? I went back and looked at the one I ordered and it didn't mention that. I don't think I'd like sticking my hand inside with it being so small and extremely hot.
Someone mentioned a crumb tray? Is that important to keeping it clean, or does it block the heat from circulating?
So any pan/dish that can be used in a conventional oven can be used in a toaster oven, (if it fits)?

[BirdbyBird]

Hey, thanks for all the good experience reports. I don't have an oven in the short bus and have thought about a toaster oven for cooking more healthy options when I travel for longer periods. I did just order the induction cook top that I saw at last years Ohio Gypsy Journal Rally..... I think it will reduce the heat within a small rig also and allow me to cook my PASTA !!!!!! You guys just keep talking.... I find out more and more.

The non cook.....

[retiredhappy]

If I have a toaster oven, microwave, George Foreman grill, stove top, and crockpot I can cook anything i would ever need. I don't like the way the RV oven cooks so have only used it a couple of times. I've cooked bisquits and choc chip cookies in the toaster oven. I bought a thingy that plugs into a 12v (cig lighter) that you can plug your crockpot into. When I have a long drive I put something in the crockpot, put pot in sink with towels to cushion and plug into the thingy. Voila, when I get to my destination, I have a hot meal to eat. The small GF grill is wonderful - I cook chicken thighs or breasts, pork chops, steak, salmon etc.

As for pasta I bought a "Fasta Pasta" that cooks pasta in the microwave. LOVE IT!!!!

I consider myself the Microwave Queen.

[carold]

I have to say, what a conversation over a toaster oven A pull-out crumb slide is a MUST in my book, or some other easy to clean method, especially if it is attached under the counter and you can't hold it upside down over the sink (which I did before I found the slide out one). So, I just added another comment. carold