In general, a toaster oven will use less electricity to heat small food items like frozen chicken nuggets compared to a conventional oven. Here's why:
Size: Toaster ovens are smaller than conventional ovens, which means they have a smaller interior space to heat. When you use a conventional oven to cook a small batch of chicken nuggets, you are heating a much larger space than necessary, leading to more energy waste.
Preheating: Conventional ovens typically require a longer preheating time, especially if you're cooking at a higher temperature. Toaster ovens, on the other hand, often preheat faster due to their smaller size.
Energy distribution: Toaster ovens are designed to heat up quickly and efficiently using radiant heat, conduction, and convection. They can concentrate heat around the food more effectively, reducing cooking times and energy consumption.
Insulation: Conventional ovens lose more heat through their larger doors and surfaces. Toaster ovens have better insulation relative to their size, which helps retain heat better during the cooking process.
However, it's worth noting that the actual energy consumption can still vary depending on the specific models and their energy efficiency ratings. Newer and more energy-efficient conventional ovens might narrow the gap in energy consumption compared to toaster ovens. Always check the energy efficiency ratings of your appliances to make more informed decisions on which one will be more energy-efficient for your cooking needs. As a general rule, using smaller appliances for smaller tasks tends to be more energy-efficient.