Toaster Buying Guide
from Overstock.comToasters and toaster ovens are convenient small appliances to have in your home. Toasters are on the must-have list for every kitchen, while toaster ovens are a fun appliance for those who love toasted foods and treats. This toaster oven and toaster buying guide is designed to help you learn how to buy toasters and toaster ovens.
Toasters
These basic appliances are some that every kitchen should have. When choosing a toaster, consider its size, since it will be on your countertop or placed in kitchen storage.
Basic toasters
Smaller families, couples or singles will do great with a 2-slice toaster. If you have a large family, a 4-slice toaster will be able to perform at a capacity that will suit your needs. Since you won't always be toasting four slices at once, look for a toaster that lets you toast only two slices separately, instead of all four.
Bagel toasters and wide-slot toasters
Bagel toasters and wide-slot toasters are ideal for bagels, thick breads or sliced muffins. Bagel toasters have a setting which only toasts one side, which is perfect for bagel lovers.
Common toaster features
- Toast lightness/darkness: This feature lets you select how light or dark you want your bread toasted.
- Crumb tray: This makes clean up easy. A crumb tray should be easy to remove and clean.
- Bread lift: This feature is great for shorter slices of breads and English muffins.
Toaster Ovens
Instead of toasting vertically, toaster ovens toast the bread horizontally; this allows toppings to be toasted on the bread. Toaster ovens are larger than toasters, allowing larger items to be cooked inside. Some models may also include temperature and cook time adjusters.
Toaster ovens can be a pizza lover's delight; they make great pizza ovens, and toasted and crisp pizza will be an instant hit. Some toaster ovens can also bake cookies: no need to heat up the oven and the whole house, just pop them in the toaster oven.
Things to look for when selecting a toaster oven
- Capacity
- Easy-to-clean crumb tray and interior
- Variable rack positions
- Broiling, baking or toasting functions
- Even heat distribution
- Attractive appearance
An attractive appearance might seem silly, but remember: toaster ovens are larger than toasters and usually stay on the counter when not in use.
I've noticed many kitchen appliances listed as refurbished; what does this mean?
Refurbished toasters and toaster ovens are returned appliances that have been restored to like-new or almost-new condition. The quality of refurbished and reconditioned toasters and toaster ovens is just as high as new appliances.
Customers return appliances for many reasons, so this means there are a few refurbished categories:
- Opened box: The product shows no signs of use, and the customer only opened the box.
- Customer returns: The customer opened the appliance box and may have used the item briefly before returning. The toaster or toaster oven may show a small amount of wear and tear.
Customers may have returned the item because they changed their minds, didn't like the color or found it too difficult to use. We still call the appliances refurbished, even if it hasn't been used. And this means great things for you! Refurbished and reconditioned items are priced way below retail compared to new small appliances, especially at Overstock.com.
Do you have any safety tips for toasters and toaster ovens?
Toasters and toaster ovens do include safety tips in their instructions, but here are the common ones:
- Never poke a metal object into a plugged-in toaster, even if it is off, since the coils could still shock you.
- Don't touch metal parts without an oven mitt or potholder.
- Allow the toaster oven to cool completely before you attempt to clean it.
- Make sure to clean the crumbs and food bits from the bottom of the toaster oven. These are often the cause of burning smells and smoke.
In a hurry
Mornings often see a flurry of activity as everyone tries to prepare for the day before they're late to school or work. If you're one of these people, you may benefit from a combination kitchen appliance. Combination appliances do more than one function at a time. You can save yourself time in the morning with an egg and toaster combo and an automatic coffee maker.
Breakfast isn't the only time people hurry. Dinner is sometimes made in such a rush that you aren't able to enjoy the act of cooking. Delay cooking functions on microwaves and ovens, presets for most foods and slow cookers: these small appliances were made to help cooks in the kitchen enjoy cooking at home again.
Spruce up your kitchen
You've been using those worn out chairs and chair pads long enough! Fix up your kitchen eating areas with new furniture and chair pads. Pick up a dining table or breakfast table and keep it protected with tablecloths and table runners. These kitchen linens will prevent water rings and scratches from center pieces, and they create an inviting atmosphere that your family will enjoy.