Toaster vs. toaster oven what is best for my kitchen?
7 minutes
12 November 2025
Toasters and toaster ovens are two useful countertop appliances that share the ability to toast foods like bread, waffles and bagels. A toaster specializes in one thing—toasting breads to the shade and level of crispiness you choose. A toaster oven has a few additional uses beyond toasting. When deciding between these two items, you’ll want to consider each appliance’s advantages. Read on to discover which one best suits your needs by learning more about the difference between a toaster and a toaster oven.
Toaster vs. toaster oven what is best for my kitchen?
What is a toaster oven?
A toaster oven can be thought of as a cross between a toaster and a small oven. Toaster ovens on the market today vary widely. They are usually designed to hold slices of bread for toasting or a dish for reheating, among a few other functions like defrosting and in some cases even baking or broiling. Toaster ovens can be a great choice for simple tasks.
The terms countertop oven and toaster oven are often used interchangeably, but they have traditionally been different appliances. A countertop oven is usually larger, has more functions and can be used to fully cook or bake a range of recipes.
What’s the difference between a toaster and a toaster oven?
Toasters come in two and four-slice options and are designed to do one task: deliver expertly toasted breads—from light to dark—quickly. In addition to toasting anything a toaster can, toaster ovens or countertop ovens, which are available in mounted and countertop styles, are also capable of performing as a small oven.
In addition, one of the main differences between a toaster and a toaster oven is the toaster oven’s ability to be set to a specific temperature or cooking function like bake, broil, defrost or reheat. Many toasters have a dial or control to select a certain heat setting, or toast shade, but not a specific temperature or cooking function.
Toasters are designed to load slices of bread into slots in the top of the appliance, while toaster ovens have doors that typically open from the top and swing down like a traditional oven door does. They feature a small rack or racks to hold toast or other items to be heated.
What can you make with a toaster oven?
A toaster oven is capable of performing like a small oven. In addition to toasting breads, bagels and waffles, they can take on sandwiches, muffins, filled wraps and rolls. They’re useful for making pizzas, broiling smaller items like a tuna melt or seafood and reheating leftovers. Some toaster ovens can bake a small dish.
A countertop oven can make the same things a toaster oven can make and select KitchenAid® countertop ovens can also air fry, dehydrate, convect bake and proof. The KitchenAid® Dual Convection Countertop Oven with Air Fry and Temperature Probe features a No-Flip Air Fry Basket and 360° Air Fry System, making it easy to create delicious air fried recipes using little to no oil.
What can you make with a toaster?
A toaster is a compact kitchen appliance that specializes in making toasted breads, bagels and even some pastries quickly. Toasters have coils facing either side of the item, enabling them to deliver an even level of cooking to both sides. Toasters also feature slide-out crumb trays to make cleaning quick and easy.
KitchenAid brand makes a variety of timeless toasters in two and four-slice styles that have features like extra-wide slots to toast a variety of shapes and sizes, including homemade or craft breads.
What are the advantages of a toaster oven?
A toaster oven can heat up more quickly than an oven and stand in for the larger appliance for smaller scale dishes when you don’t want to turn the oven on. Or, it can supplement an oven by cooking or reheating an extra dish. In addition, it can toast items that are topped or buttered, which a toaster can’t do. To add even more functionality to your countertop, there are a few toaster ovens on the market that offer advanced capabilities typically found on countertop ovens like convection. If you upgrade from a toaster oven to the KitchenAid® Digital Countertop Oven, you can enjoy the ability to air fry.
What are the advantages of a toaster?
Toasters are a great way to prepare delicious toasted foods quickly. The coils, which are located close to the food being toasted, heat up fast and deliver bread (and more) toasted to your preference, in just minutes. These time-saving appliances are compact and come in a variety of colors to fit your style and your kitchen.
Is a toaster or toaster oven better for my needs?
If you’re looking for an appliance that takes up little space, is easy to store and toasts 2-4 pieces of bread, bagels or toaster pastries quickly, then a toaster may be just right for you. If you do a lot of entertaining, have a little extra counter space and would like a toaster with a little more capacity and versatility, then adding a toaster oven to your kitchen might be ideal. Some Makers like having both options, a toaster for the morning rush and a toaster oven to warm appetizers and rolls for parties and more. You can also review our guide to see if a microwave or toaster oven is the right fit for you.
Toaster and toaster oven comparison
Toaster | Toaster oven | |
|---|---|---|
Speed | A quick method for achieving great, toastiness outside and moisture inside breads, bagels and more | Quicker than a conventional oven, but not as fast as a toaster at toasting foods |
Capacity | 4-slice models can toast up to 4 items at a time | Provides extra oven space—helpful for entertaining |
Precision | Numbers determine toast’s “doneness,” i.e. 1=Light, 5=Dark | Heats up to selected temperatures |
Versatility | Designed to toast foods | Capable of toasting foods in addition to providing other small oven functions like baking, broiling and reheating |
Size
| Compact, easy to store | Takes up more counter space than most toasters |
Aesthetics | Come in a variety of colors, materials and styles | Come in a variety of colors, materials and styles |
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