Leaving your toaster oven open for heat is not recommended and can be potentially hazardous. Toaster ovens are designed to be used with the door closed during cooking or heating processes for several reasons:
Safety: Opening the toaster oven door while it's in operation can expose you to hot surfaces, heating elements, and hot air, which may cause burns or injuries.
Efficiency: Toaster ovens are designed to retain and circulate heat efficiently when the door is closed. Opening the door lets the heat escape, making it less effective in cooking or toasting your food properly.
Temperature Control: When the door is closed, the toaster oven can maintain a consistent and controlled temperature, which is essential for cooking various recipes correctly.
Energy Waste: Leaving the toaster oven open will result in significant heat loss, wasting energy and potentially increasing your electricity bill.
If you need to check on your food or monitor its cooking progress, it's better to use the oven light (if your toaster oven has one) or briefly open the door to avoid losing too much heat. Also, remember to use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling the toaster oven while it's hot.
In summary, always use your toaster oven with the door closed during cooking to ensure safety, efficiency, and proper cooking results.