A toaster oven with a power rating of 1800 watts will have a maximum power consumption of 1800 watts when operating at its highest temperature setting or when using all its heating elements simultaneously. However, at lower temperature settings or when fewer heating elements are active, the power consumption will be lower. The toaster oven's power usage will vary depending on the cooking mode, temperature, and duration of operation.
For example, if you're using the toaster oven to toast bread or bake at a high temperature, it will likely use closer to its full 1800-watt capacity. On the other hand, when using it at lower temperatures or for tasks that require less heating, the power consumption will be lower.
As for using the toaster oven with the lights off, some toaster ovens come with interior lights that automatically turn on when the oven is in use. These lights are useful for monitoring the cooking progress without opening the oven door, which can cause heat loss. However, the power consumption of these lights is relatively low compared to the heating elements.
If you are concerned about energy usage, using the toaster oven with the lights off could save a small amount of power, but the difference is generally minimal compared to the power drawn by the heating elements. So, while you can choose to use the toaster oven with the lights off to save a bit of energy, it's not the primary factor in reducing power consumption.
For more significant energy savings, consider the following tips when using your toaster oven:
Cook with Convection: If your toaster oven has a convection mode, use it when possible. Convection cooking can reduce cooking times and save energy.
Preheat Efficiently: Avoid excessively long preheating times. Most recipes provide a preheating duration that is sufficient to reach the desired temperature.
Use the Right Size: Use a toaster oven that matches the size of your cooking task. Heating a small item in a large toaster oven wastes energy.
Avoid Opening the Door Frequently: Opening the oven door frequently can cause heat loss and increase cooking time, so try to monitor your food through the oven window if available.
Cook in Batches: If you have multiple items to cook, consider cooking them in batches rather than one at a time.
By following these tips, you can make more substantial energy savings while using your toaster oven efficiently.