Long famous
for its scientific methodology and thorough, but dry reporting style, Cook's Illustrated listed the results of its latest study in its November 2009 issue:the best small kitchen appliances. Surprisingly, the waffle iron made the list, but the toaster-oven did not. Cook's Illustrated explained, "Our one recommended [toaster oven] cooked food more evenly (including roasted chicken) than the other models we tested, offering reliable cooking, user-friendly controls, solid construction—and even decent toast. But since it is expensive, we only recommend it if you want to invest in a higher-end toaster oven for small cooking projects. You can do equally well (and save a lot of money) with an ordinary toaster and your full-size oven."
Sure, there are savings when choosing to pass on the toaster oven for the ordinary toaster, what about the energy savings involved in pre-heating a toaster oven instead of an oven? Do you ever feel guilty turning on the oven when cooking for one? Full disclosure: my toaster oven did not make the cut in my last move, and to be honest, I'm loving the extra real estate on my counter top. But when I have the urge to make a baked potato or a tuna melt, I feel a twinge of guilt when I turn on the oven.
What do you think? Does the toaster oven play a more important role in the solo cook's/solo eater's kitchen? What are your toaster oven success stories? Do you agree with Cook's Illustrated that only the more expensive toaster ovens deserve a spot in your kitchen?
