The short answer is yes, a toaster oven uses more electricity than a toaster. But the difference is not as significant as you might think. In this article, we will compare the energy consumption of both appliances and explain why a toaster oven might still be a better choice for some situations.
A toaster is a simple device that heats up bread slices using electric coils. The average power rating of a toaster is around 800 to 1500 watts, depending on the model and the number of slots. A toaster usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes to toast bread, which means it consumes about 0.04 to 0.13 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per use. Assuming you use your toaster twice a day, that adds up to about 0.96 to 3.12 kWh per month, or 11.52 to 37.44 kWh per year. At the average electricity rate of 13.19 cents per kWh in the US, that would cost you about $1.52 to $4.94 per year.
How much electricity does a toaster oven use?
A toaster oven is a more versatile appliance that can toast, bake, broil, and roast food. It works like a mini oven, with heating elements on the top and bottom. The average power rating of a toaster oven is around 1200 to 1800 watts, depending on the size and the features. A toaster oven usually takes about 4 to 6 minutes to toast bread, which means it consumes about 0.08 to 0.18 kWh of electricity per use. Assuming you use your toaster oven twice a day, that adds up to about 1.92 to 4.32 kWh per month, or 23.04 to 51.84 kWh per year. At the average electricity rate of 13.19 cents per kWh in the US, that would cost you about $3.04 to $6.84 per year.
How much more electricity does a toaster oven use than a toaster?
Based on the calculations above, we can see that a toaster oven uses about twice as much electricity as a toaster per use. However, the difference in the annual cost is not very significant, ranging from $1.52 to $2.90. That means you would only save about $0.13 to $0.24 per month by using a toaster instead of a toaster oven. Of course, these numbers are based on average values and assumptions, and your actual usage and electricity rate may vary.
Why might a toaster oven be a better choice than a toaster?
Despite using more electricity, a toaster oven has some advantages over a toaster that might make it worth the extra cost. Here are some of them:
A toaster oven can do more than just toast bread. You can use it to make pizza, cookies, muffins, chicken nuggets, and other dishes that would not fit or work well in a toaster. This can save you time and energy by not having to use your regular oven for small portions.
A toaster oven can toast more evenly and consistently than a toaster. Some toasters have hot spots or uneven heating that can result in burnt or undercooked toast. A toaster oven allows you to adjust the temperature and the time to get the perfect toast every time.
A toaster oven can keep your food warm until you are ready to eat it. Some toaster ovens have a warm function that can maintain a low temperature for up to 30 minutes. This can prevent your toast from getting cold and soggy if you are not eating it right away.
A toaster oven can be easier to clean and maintain than a toaster. Some toaster ovens have a removable crumb tray that can be easily washed and dried. Some also have a non-stick interior that can be wiped with a damp cloth. A toaster, on the other hand, can be harder to clean, especially if crumbs get stuck inside the slots or the coils.
A toaster oven uses more electricity than a toaster, but the difference is not very large. Depending on your usage and preferences, a toaster oven might still be a better choice for you, as it can offer more functionality, convenience, and quality. However, if you only need to toast bread and nothing else, a toaster might be more efficient and economical for you. Either way, you can save energy and money by choosing an energy-efficient model, unplugging the appliance when not in use, and using it wisely.
