Countertop ovens, also known as toaster ovens, are a convenient appliance for baking, broiling, toasting, and reheating foods. They take up minimal counter space and can perform most basic oven functions on a small scale. Countertop ovens typically range in size from 0.5 to 0.8 cubic feet and use less energy than a full-sized oven. They are great for cooking small portions quickly or keeping cooked foods warm until ready to serve. When used properly, countertop ovens can produce delicious results comparable to what you would get from a traditional oven. Here are some tips on how to successfully cook with a countertop oven:
What You Can Cook in a Countertop Oven
Many of the same dishes you would make in a regular oven can be prepared in a countertop oven, just in smaller quantities. Here are some of the most common foods cooked in countertop ovens:
- Toast
- Bagels
- Pastries like croissants or danishes
- Cookies
- Muffins and cupcakes
- Pizza
- Potatoes
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Fish fillets
- Vegetables
- Casseroles
- Nachos
- Fruit crisps and crumbles
In most cases, the recipe quantities will need to be halved or quartered to fit in a countertop oven. It may take some trial and error to get the baking times and temperatures right for certain dishes. Be prepared to adjust accordingly if something is over or undercooked.
Advantages of Using a Countertop Oven
Here are some of the benefits of using a countertop oven:
- Takes up less space than a full-sized oven
- Heats up and cooks food faster than a standard oven
- Uses less energy than a large oven to operate
- Allows more precise temperature control
- Can be kept on the counter for convenience
- Portable and easy to move around
- Affordable option compared to built-in ovens
- Great for cooking small batches or portions
Tips for Successful Cooking
Follow these tips to get the best results when cooking with your countertop oven:
- Get to know your oven’s hot and cool spots – Heat distribution can vary, so rotate dishes while cooking.
- Lower the temperature – Most countertop ovens run hotter than standard ovens so reduce heat by 25°F.
- Use lighter pans – Dark metal pans absorb heat, so use shiny, light pans for more even cooking.
- Don’t overload it – Allow space for air flow; overcrowding can cause uneven cooking.
- Keep an oven thermometer inside – Double check that the temperature gauge is accurate.
- Convection setting improves air flow – Utilize convection function if your oven has it.
- Add extra cooking time for frozen foods – Extend time for frozen items which take longer to thaw and heat.
- Watch it closely – Set a timer and check food often to avoid overcooking in the small space.
- Use foil or pans for easier cleanup – Line the oven rack with foil or use a baking sheet.
Setting the Proper Temperatures and Times
Because countertop ovens heat up and cook faster, you’ll need to adjust standard recipes. Here are some temperature and time guidelines:
Temperatures
- Reduce oven temperature by 25°F from recipe
- Most ovens max out at 450°F. Don’t exceed maximum.
- Use 400°F or less for basic baking
- Cook chicken between 350-425°F depending on cut
- Roast vegetables from 400-425°F
Cooking Times
- Start checking food 5-10 minutes before recommended time
- Add 5-15 minutes to frozen food cook times
- Cookies/breads: Reduce time by 25% from recipe
- Chicken breasts: Cook 15-25 minutes
- Chicken thighs: Cook 18-22 minutes
- Fish fillets: Cook 8-12 minutes
- Chops/cutlets: Cook 10-15 minutes
- Roasting vegetables: 15-20 minutes
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm poultry and pork have reached a safe internal temperature.
Tips for Baking
Baking is one of the most popular uses for a countertop oven. Here are some pointers for getting perfect results with cookies, cakes, breads, and more:
- For cakes, use pan sizes called for in recipe – Avoid pans touching oven walls.
- Check halfway through and rotate pan – This ensures even rising and browning.
- Use center rack position – Placing pans in center results in most even heating.
- Allow extra time for baking pans like ceramic or glass – Heating takes longer than metal.
- Watch closely near end to avoid over-browning – Drop temperature 25°F if browning too fast.
- Check for doneness earlier than recipe states – Insert toothpick to test if baked through.
- Allow baked goods to cool completely before removing from pan – Food will still cook from residual heat.
Getting to know your new countertop oven well will take some trial and error. Keep notes about what works to refer back to. With the right techniques, you can make practically any recipe successfully.
Important Safety Tips
While countertop ovens provide convenience for home cooking, they also pose some safety risks to be aware of:
- Never leave oven unattended when in use – Stay nearby just like a stovetop.
- Keep oven exterior and cord away from water – Don’t immerse or spray water to clean.
- Place oven at least 4 inches away from wall or edge – This prevents accidents.
- Avoid using aluminum foil linings – Can cause sparks orfires.
- Unplug when not in use – Prevent shocks or electrocution.
- Use potholders – Oven and dishes get very hot!
- Don’t use if cord is damaged – Have repaired before using.
- Check that plug fits outlet snugly – Loose connections can spark.
- Keep small children away – Hot surface can cause burns.
Always refer to the instruction manual for additional precautions specific to your oven model.
Cleaning and Maintenance
To keep your countertop oven performing well, follow these cleaning practices:
- Unplug oven and allow to cool fully before cleaning.
- Wipe down exterior with a soft cloth and mild detergent.
- Do not immerse or use excessive water.
- Remove rack and wash separately with warm soapy water.
- For stubborn grease stains, use baking soda and water paste.
- Do not use oven cleaners or abrasive scrubs inside oven.
- Gently wipe down interior walls with soft cloth and mild detergent.
- Replace foil or baking liners periodically.
- Do not clean door seal – wipe carefully to avoid damage.
- Check manufacturer guidelines for crumb tray cleaning.
Regularly maintaining your countertop oven improves safety and performance. Always take care when cleaning around heating elements. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for any specific maintenance recommendations.
Top Countertop Oven Models
If you’re considering purchasing a new countertop oven, here are some of the best options currently available:
Breville Smart Oven Pro
- 1800 watts with 5 quartz heating elements
- Inner light to monitor cooking progress
- 10 preset cooking functions
- Digital LCD display
- Approx. $250
Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven
- 1850 watts with dual heating elements
- 7 preset functions
- 0.95 cubic feet capacity
- Digital controls with LED display
- Approx. $220
Panasonic FlashXpress
- Double infrared heating
- 6 preset cooking menus
- Compact 0.5 cubic foot design
- See-through glass door
- Approx. $150
Oster Digital Stainless Steel Oven
- 1100 watt turbo heating element
- 6 slice toaster capacity
- 90 minute timer with auto shut-off
- Interior light while cooking
- Approx. $90
Do your research to find the right size, features, and price range for your needs. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family with countertop ovens they love.
Common Countertop Oven Troubleshooting Issues
Despite their convenience, countertop ovens can still experience some technical issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Oven Doesn’t Turn On
- Check power connections and reset breaker if needed
- Test outlet with another appliance to confirm functioning
- Plug into different outlet in case current one is dead
- Verify control panel settings are correct
Heating Elements Don’t Work
- One element may be burned out while others work
- Test elements with multimeter for continuity
- Replace any defective heating elements
Interior Light Bulb is Out
- Unplug oven before replacing bulb
- Use appliance bulb with correct wattage
- Do not touch new bulb with bare fingers
Door Won’t Close Properly
- Make sure oven is level with no obstruction
- Check alignment of hinges
- Adjust or tighten door hinges as needed
- Examine door seals for damage or misalignment
If problems persist after troubleshooting, have your oven serviced by a professional repair technician. Do not attempt removal of any housing or components yourself.
Conclusion
Cooking with a countertop oven allows you to save time, energy, and space in the kitchen. When you select the right model and learn how to adjust recipes to its settings, it can match the performance of a full-size oven beautifully. Follow the temperature, time, and technique tips provided to get picture-perfect results. With the convenience of a countertop oven, you may find yourself opting to cook at home more often.