Toaster Oven vs Toaster
Verdict: Choose a toaster oven if you want to bake, broil or reheat small meals without heating a full oven. Choose a toaster if you mostly make toast and want a smaller, simpler appliance.
A toaster browns slices of bread in slots and does little else. A toaster oven is a small countertop oven that toasts, bakes, broils and reheats. ENERGY STAR research finds toaster ovens draw about 1,200 to 1,400 watts while running, and that cooking a small to medium meal in one can save over 50 percent of the energy compared with a conventional electric oven.
The U.S. Department of Energy also advises using a toaster or microwave rather than the oven when you can, since it uses less energy and adds less heat to the room. For toast alone, a toaster does the job in its simpler form. This page compares them by what you cook and how you use the kitchen.
Toaster Oven vs Toaster side by side
| Trait | Toaster Oven | Toaster |
|---|---|---|
| What it cooks | Toasts, bakes, broils, reheats | Toasts bread, bagels and similar |
| How it heats | Enclosed heated chamber with racks | Slots with heating elements beside the bread |
| Power while running | About 1,200 to 1,400 watts | Small appliance; DOE lists it as lower energy than a full oven |
| Versus a full-size electric oven | Can save over 50 percent for small to medium meals | Not a substitute for an oven |
| Preheat | Most of the energy goes into preheating | No preheat step |
| Standby | Digital models under 0.2 watts; manual models none | Check the label of the model |
| Plugged in when idle | About 55 percent of households leave toaster ovens plugged in | Varies by household |
| Average life | About 5 years | Varies by model |
| Counter space | Larger footprint | Smaller footprint |
Last verified October 2026. Typical values; individual animals, products and local prices vary.
Which one fits you
Toaster Oven
- You want to bake, broil or reheat small portions without heating the oven
- You cook for one or two and use the oven mostly for small meals
- You want to avoid heating the kitchen in summer
- You are replacing a toaster and want one multi-use appliance
Toaster
- You mostly make toast, bagels or waffles and want something fast
- You have limited counter space and want a smaller footprint
- You want the simplest appliance with few settings
- You already have an oven or toaster oven for other cooking
How this works
The quiz compares what you cook, counter space and kitchen heat against what each appliance does. It does not rate brands, and the available data covers toaster ovens better than slot toasters. Quiz answers are weighed equally, and "Not sure" answers are skipped.
Energy numbers are averages from ENERGY STAR research and vary by model, time and food. Check the wattage on the appliance you plan to buy. Energy numbers are averages from ENERGY STAR research and vary by model, time and food. Check the wattage on the appliance you plan to buy.
Where these numbers come from
The figures and defaults on this page are based on:
- ENERGY STAR: Market and Industry Scoping Report: Toaster Ovens, Gives wattage, standby, use patterns, preheat energy and savings versus full ovens. (checked October 2026)
- U.S. Department of Energy: Top 11 Things You Didn't Know About Saving Energy at Home, Advises using toaster or microwave instead of an oven to use less energy. (checked October 2026)
Appliance guide. Power and savings vary by model, so check labels.
Frequently asked questions
Does a toaster oven use less energy than a full oven?
For small to medium meals, ENERGY STAR research says it can save over 50 percent of the energy compared with a conventional electric oven. Most of a toaster oven's energy goes into preheating, so very short cooking times save little more.
How much power does a toaster oven use?
About 1,200 to 1,400 watts while operating, according to ENERGY STAR research. Standby draw is under 0.2 watts for digital models and none for manual ones.
Can a toaster oven replace a toaster?
Yes, it toasts as well as baking and broiling. It takes more counter space than a toaster, so some households keep both.
How long does a toaster oven last?
ENERGY STAR research puts the average at about 5 years. Lifespan varies by model and how often it is used.
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