Convection ovens and toaster ovens are common in almost every kitchen. We use both these kitchen appliances for cooking varieties of foods. Because of the requirement of different cooking recipes, we need to know the differences between a conviction and a toaster oven. If we know that we can apply the right cooking appliance for the right recipes. In this article, I will help you know the differences between convection and toaster ovens. After reading this, you will understand which cooking function to select when you are cooking.
What is a convection oven?
A convection oven is a cooking appliance that uses circulated hot air to cook food. It has an air circulation fan and a heating element. The heating element produces heat and the fan circulates it throughout the cooking chamber.
Because of the heat circulation by the fan, a convection oven cooks or bakes more evenly and consistently. It can give a crisp and caramelized crust to the food.
What is a toaster oven?
A toaster oven is usually a smaller-sized cooking appliance. It is usually used for toasting bread, baking the cake and pizza, reheating the leftovers, and so on. The rated power of a toaster oven is usually not that much. Thus, it cooks at a lower temperature.
Therefore, a toaster oven does not have enough cooking options. It has only bake, toast, bagel, and reheat functions. It does not use a fan to circulate the hot air throughout the cooking chamber.
Difference between a convection and toaster oven
Cooking capacity
Usually, a convection oven is larger than a toaster oven. It may have a cooking capacity of as much as around 30 quarts. On the other hand, the cooking capacity of a toaster oven can be around 10 to 15 quarts. Because of the size, a toaster oven is suitable for a smaller kitchen.
Power consumption
As the size of the appliance is smaller, a toaster oven consumes less power than that of a convection oven. A convection oven with a large capacity will have a heating element with a rated power of around 1800W. On the other hand, the rated power of a toaster oven will be around 1200-1400W.
Price
A toaster oven is a far inexpensive cooking appliance. It will cost you below 100 dollars. On the other hand, a convection oven is relatively more costly. The price of a convection oven is usually above 100 bucks.
Hot air circulation
A convection oven uses a heat circulation fan that circulates hot air throughout the chamber. Therefore, cooking in a convection oven is faster and crisper. On the other hand, there is no heat circulation fan in a toaster oven. Therefore, foods cooked in a toaster oven are not as crisper as cooked in a convection oven.
Cooking functions
The cooking functions of a toaster oven are limited to a few such as bagel, toast, reheat, and bake. On the other hand, a convection oven may have multiple cooking functions such as air fry, dehydrate, cookie, rotisserie, roast, grill, and so on. However, you may read our article to know the differences between a convection oven and an air fryer.
Temperature controlling
A convection oven is usually able to set the temperature level as per the needs. For example, you can set any temperature between the working temperature range. On the other hand, a toaster oven usually works within the preset cooking functions it has. You can not manually set your desired temperature.
Ease of cleaning
A toaster oven is usually compact. Therefore, it is difficult to clean it after the cooking is done. On the other hand, a convection oven is larger. Therefore, it is easier to clean it. The crispy outside of the food has less tendency to stick to the rack of the oven. It makes the cleaning process easier.
Advantages of a convection oven
- Cleaning up the cooking pan is easier for a convection oven. The food usually gets less sticky because of the uniform and faster cooking.
- A convection oven has more cooking functions.
- It gives a crisp and caramelized crust on the food that you will not get with a toaster oven.
- You can set the temperature as per your needs.
- A convection oven can cook faster than a toaster oven.
Advantages of a toaster oven
- Toaster ovens are relatively compact. They occupy little space on the countertop. Therefore, if you are having a smaller kitchen, then a toaster oven is more suitable for you.
- The price of a toaster oven is lower than the price of a convection oven.
- A toaster oven is easier to use.
- The power consumption of a toaster oven is less than a convection oven.
Final verdict
A convection oven is better than a toaster oven if we compare the features side by side. However, as the features are more, the price of a convection oven is also more. My personal opinion is that the value for money of a convection oven is still higher regardless of the added price. Therefore, when you are purchasing a toaster oven, I’d suggest you choose the model which has the convection function. Hamilton Beach has different toaster ovens that are with or without convection. When making your decision, choose the one that has both convection and toast functions.