I bought a toaster oven about a year ago at an NBC (Name Brand Second Hand) store for less than $30. I use it more than my regular oven.

Love mine! Hate heating up the house just to make a single small pizza, or biscuits, or bake small dishes of scalloped potatoes, etc. We got rid of our toaster to free up counter space because we would get more use from a toaster oven. So we invested in a Cuisinart and use it every day. I have made cakes, pies, casseroles, meatloaf, etc. Just can't live without it. I would suggest everyone with small appliances get in the habit of unplugging them when not using them. Just like your irons-you just never know.

I don't like toaster ovens but I did buy a microwave/convection oven combo. I love the convection part - it's fast, fast, fast and I'm not heating up the whole big oven for something little.

Mine is a Hamilton Beach. It's more than a toaster oven. It has a rotissere (I've done a chicken) in it. It also is a convection oven as well. Most of the time there is my husband and I. Last night I baked 2 sweet potoates in it. I've baked biscuits and a pumpkin pie in it. You're right it keeps us from using the big oven.


Jenny:)

I use my toaster oven for a lot of things - but not toast. I find the toaster does a better job. I have had several different makes of toaster oven and found it to be true for all of them. But they are great for cooking a piece of fish and finishing off a baked potato that was started in the microwave. I usually bake several pieces of chicken in the regular oven and freeze what I don't plan to use right away.

Yes, we added a Breville a couple of years ago, kind of expensive, does everything, big enough to hold a frozen pizza, not crazy about the toast that it produces, heating is uneven in that area.
Love the idea of not having to turn on the oven, or suffering the toughness of the microwave. Definitely a good purchase for us.

toaster oven
 

I have a Delonghi Convection oven, about the size of a toaster oven, it toasts, bakes, defrosts,and broils. I use it lots more than the stove oven, I cook for two and don't use those large utensils anymore.

It's great and I really like it, sure saves heating up the kitchen and saves on utility bill too.

Viv

Do your research and get what you want and will use. I use mine nearly every day when cooking for 2. I do not have a broiler in mine, a feature which I miss. When this one dies, I will get one that will broil, bake, and toast as well. I think about my toaster oven like I do about my microwave: How did I ever manage without it.

Yes! I use it to broil meat, bake french fries and cookies(when I only want a few). I have used them for over 6 years. I use my microwave much less than I have in the past. Can't do without one.

Have one and use it daily. Just the 2 of us to cook for. Haven't had the big oven on in years. Adjusted recipes to go in smaller ovenwear. You may need to adjust your recipes but I would encourage you to get one.I don't think I could be without one. I placed an old cutting board underneath to keep heat from damaging countertop. Works for me. fmd36 in NH