Getting started
Your first decision will be whether to buy a basic pop-up toaster or a countertop toaster oven that can do more. Think about your cooking habits and your budget. If counter space is a concern, a two-slice toaster is the most compact choice. But if you often cook for a crowd and need extra oven capacity, a toaster oven can assist. Use this toaster and toaster oven guide to make your decision.
Consider versatility
Toasters and toaster ovens will brown a piece of bread. If that's all you want, go with a basic toaster. Most toaster ovens, on the other hand, will melt a cheese sandwich, broil a hamburger, or roast a 4-pound chicken. But toaster ovens generally don't toast bread as well as toasters do. They leave stripes on one side and take longer--4 to 6 minutes, versus 2 to 3 minutes for a toaster on a medium setting.
Decide what you're willing to spend
Toaster ovens are generally more expensive than toasters because they're bigger and can do more. If you want to economize, you'll find top-performing toasters for as little as $15. Low-priced toaster ovens that did well in our tests cost about $70 to $80.
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