The latest toaster ovens claim they can do more than ever, including saving you money on your hydro bill.
Consumer Reports tested 23 toaster ovens ranging in price from $40 to $250 to help you find the right appliance for the right job.
One Hamilton Beach comes with a built-in temperature probe that promises to deliver "perfectly cooked, juicy meat."
Tester Dan DiClerico used the appliance to cook a seven-pound roast.
"The outside was crusty. But the temperature probe we tested wasn't all that accurate," he said.
The meat was supposed to be medium rare but came out noticeably rarer.
As for pizzas, most of the toaster ovens did well – except for a $200 Delonghi.
"The back is almost raw, and the front is nicely cooked, except for the bottom you can see is still not cooked well," Cindy Fisher said.
Many toaster ovens tout convection cooking or baking, but Consumer Reports says those features don't pay.
"Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate the air and speed up cooking, but toaster ovens are so small that air circulation probably doesn't make a difference," DiClerico said.
As for toast, many toaster ovens can fit six slices. But not all toast evenly.
Consumer Reports did find several good toaster ovens. It named the $80 Oster a Best Buy. It does a very good job making toast and cooking pizzas.
Another recommendation is a $230 Breville. It's very good at toasting and does a great job with pizza.
If all you need is a toaster, Consumer Reports has tested dozens and named the $50 Hamilton Beach 22502 a best buy.
If you are thinking green and saving energy than using the right sized appliance for the job is key. So don't use your oven if the microwave or toaster oven will do.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
