Toaster ovens and microwaves serve different purposes and have distinct advantages depending on your cooking needs and preferences. Here are some factors that might make a toaster oven a better option than a microwave for certain tasks:
Versatility in cooking: Toaster ovens are more versatile when it comes to cooking. They can perform a wider range of cooking functions, such as baking, broiling, toasting, and roasting. This makes them suitable for preparing a variety of dishes, from crispy foods like pizza and cookies to roasted vegetables and meats.
Texture and taste: The toaster oven's dry heat and convection feature allow for more even cooking and browning, resulting in better texture and taste for certain foods. Microwaves, on the other hand, often heat food unevenly and might not provide the same level of browning or crispiness.
Crisping capabilities: Toaster ovens are excellent at crisping and browning the surfaces of dishes, creating a more appealing appearance and texture compared to microwaved food, which can sometimes become soggy.
Reheating quality: While microwaves are generally faster for reheating leftovers, toaster ovens can provide better results for certain foods. They can reheat pizza, fries, and other items more evenly, maintaining their original texture and flavor.
Cooking for small quantities: Toaster ovens are ideal for cooking or reheating small portions of food. They use less energy compared to heating up a large microwave for small tasks, making them more efficient for quick meals.
No need for special containers: In a toaster oven, you can use regular cookware like baking sheets, oven-safe dishes, and aluminum foil, which may not be safe to use in a microwave. This allows for more flexibility in how you prepare and cook your meals.
Avoiding the "microwave effect": Microwaving can sometimes result in uneven heating, where the outer edges of the food get hot while the center remains cold. A toaster oven's more even heat distribution helps avoid this issue.
It's important to note that microwaves also have their strengths, such as speed and convenience for certain tasks like reheating beverages, defrosting frozen items quickly, and steaming vegetables. Ultimately, whether a toaster oven is better than a microwave depends on your cooking habits, the types of dishes you frequently prepare, and your preference for texture and taste. Many households find value in having both appliances to cover a wider range of cooking needs.