Convection Oven Vs Toaster Oven: All The Differences & What’s Best?

Convection Oven Vs Toaster Oven


Discover All The Differences Between Convection Oven Vs Toaster Oven

Do you know the difference between convection oven vs toaster oven? Both can be used for cooking food, but they each have their own strengths.


A convection oven is large and has fans that circulate air throughout the space, which helps cook food more evenly.

The toaster oven cooks at lower temperatures than a standard oven, so it’s better suited for smaller tasks like reheating leftovers or making toast.

A toaster oven can be used as a mini-oven. It cooks faster than an ordinary oven but takes up less space because it’s smaller.

A convection oven has fans that blow hot air around inside so your food will bake more evenly or crispier on the outside without drying out in the middle.



This post delves into the differences between convection oven vs toaster oven, how they work and why one might be better suited for certain cooking needs than another.

What Is A Convection Oven?

Convection ovens have fans that circulate air throughout the space, which helps cook food more evenly. This is due to the constant flow of hot air that comes into contact with all sides of the food.


Convection ovens are often used for baking because they produce consistent results. The airflow also prevents food from sticking to the pan or baking dish, so cleanup is a breeze.

what is A Convection Oven


A convection oven works by blowing hot air around the inside so your food will bake more evenly or crispier on the outside without drying out in the middle.

This is great for making things like biscuits, potatoes without them being raw in the center, chicken breasts, and more.

Convention ovens are often used for baking because they produce consistent results.



Advantages Of Having A Convection Oven

There are a few advantages to owning a convection oven:

1. They cook food more evenly, so you don’t have to worry about one side of your food being overcooked while the other is undercooked.

2. The airflow prevents food from sticking to the pan or baking dish, so cleanup is a breeze.

3. Convection ovens are often used for baking because they produce consistent results.

4. They work great for making things like biscuits, potatoes without them being raw in the center, chicken breasts, and more.

What Is A Toaster Oven?

Toaster ovens can be used as a mini-oven. They cook food more quickly than an ordinary oven but take up less space because they’re smaller.

It allows you to toast breads, bagels and other items; bake small cakes and pizza; brown the top of foods like casseroles and lasagna; or roast meats without heating up your full-size oven.

A toaster oven cooks at lower temperatures than a standard oven, so it’s better suited for smaller tasks like reheating leftovers or making toast.

what-is-A-Toaster-Oven

It has a heating element on the top and bottom of the oven that cooks food from the outside in. This is different than a convection oven which cooks food from all sides at the same time.

Toaster ovens are often used for toasting bread, bagels, and English muffins. But they can also be used for baking cakes, pies, cookies. Some people even use them to cook a small chicken or a rack of lamb.

Advantages Of Owning A Toaster Oven

There are a few advantages to owning a toaster oven:

1. They cook food at lower temperatures, so they’re better suited for smaller tasks like reheating leftovers or making toast.

2. Some toaster ovens come with baking pans and racks, so you can do more than just toast bread.

3. Toaster ovens take up less space than a standard oven, making them great for kitchens with limited counter space.

4. They’re often cheaper than a convection oven.

17 Differences Between A Convection Oven Vs Toaster Oven

1) Size and Cost

Convection ovens are larger than toaster ovens. They take up more counter space and are usually made for baking, while a toaster oven is smaller, doesn’t heat up the entire kitchen, and better suited for small tasks like making toast or reheating food.

Convection ovens cost more due to their size, power consumption and versatility whereas a toaster oven costs less.

2) Temperature

Cooking temperature is one of the factors that make the difference between convection oven vs toaster oven.

Toaster ovens cook at lower temperatures than a standard oven, making them ideal for smaller tasks. Convection ovens cook food at higher temperatures, making them better suited for baking.

Convection ovens cook food at lower temperatures than standard ovens do because they circulate air throughout the space using fans which helps cook food more evenly.

This makes convection ovens perfect for items that require consistent results such as baking cakes, cookies or other pastries. Toasters take much longer to preheat than convection ovens.

A convection oven can bake and roast at a wider range of temperatures than a toaster oven. A toaster oven is better suited for tasks that don’t require high heat, like making toast or reheating food.

3) Even Heating

The fan in a convection oven circulates hot air around so your food will cook more evenly. This is great for things like biscuits, potatoes without them being raw in the center and chicken breasts!

A toaster doesn’t have this same feature which can lead to uneven cooking – perfect if you’re making breakfast sandwiches or bagels though since those usually need cooked through all sides of an item before they’re ready.

4) Heating Element placement

A convection oven has an element on the top and bottom of the oven that cooks food from the outside in. This is different than a toaster oven which cooks food from the top and bottom at the same time.

This difference in heating element placement is what allows convection ovens to cook evenly.

5) Versatility

A convection oven can be used for baking, roasting, toasting and more. It also has a broil function which is great for adding that crispy finish to foods like chicken or fish.

A toaster oven can only be used for toasting breads, bagels and other items; baking small cakes and pizza; browning the top of foods like casseroles and lasagna; or roasting meats without heating up your full-size oven.

6) Capacity & Power

The baking and roasting capacity of convection oven vs toaster oven is another difference. A toaster oven can hold a maximum of 4 slices of bread, a 9-inch pizza or a 9 x 13-inch pan whereas a convection oven can accommodate many different sized dishes.

A convection oven is larger than a toaster oven, so it can fit larger products like 9×13 pans. They also cook more quickly and evenly at lower temperatures than a toaster oven.

Toaster ovens are smaller, bake smaller items like personal pizzas or slices of cake, and cook food faster than an ordinary oven because they use high-heat methods like broiling.

If you plan on cooking larger items like pizzas or chickens in either appliance, you’ll be better off with a convection oven since its capacity is greater than most toaster oven models (1 cubic foot compared to 0.5 cubic feet).

7) Energy Use & Safety

Convection ovens use about 20% less energy per year standard electric-coil ovens. Toaster ovens use about half the amount of energy as a full-size oven; this is because they’re designed to cook food quickly at high heat which uses less energy than an oven that uses the same amount of time to reach lower temperatures like those found in baking or roasting.

Convection ovens are safer than standard electric-coil ovens because there’s no hot coil inside; it’s replaced by either metal bars or fans that blow hot air around instead.

A convection oven will emit less heat than a standard electric-coil oven too. When talking about the price convection oven vs toaster oven, Convection ovens are much more expensive.

So if you want an affordable way to cook your food with minimal risk of burning yourself on a hot coil, a toaster oven is the safer option.

8) Temperature Control

Convection ovens allow you to set the temperature at whatever level you want, while most models of toaster ovens usually have pre-set cooking levels (i.e 250 degrees).

Convection ovens don’t have a “bake” function, which means they’re not as flexible as toaster ovens. Toaster ovens can toast bread and bagels and you can often use them for baking and broiling with the appropriate racks.

9) Ease of Cleaning

Convection ovens are easier to clean than toaster ovens. The fans in the convection oven help prevent food from sticking to the pan or baking dish, so cleanup is a breeze.

When discussing about cleaning problem between convection oven vs toaster oven. Toaster ovens can be difficult to clean because food often gets stuck on the top and bottom heating elements.

A toaster oven is better suited for small jobs and has a tendency to get dirty quicker since the racks are closer together, making them harder to clean or there’s not as much space between items being cooked.

A convection oven racks are spaced apart so it’s easier to wipe off crumbs and food particles from between them.

However, you’re still going to want to brush off excess debris from under the rack if you can. If crumbs bake onto the bottom of your appliance they could cause damage later on! 

10) Design And Look

As with all appliances, convection ovens and toaster ovens come in different designs and colors. If you want your appliance to blend in with the rest of your kitchen décor, you’ll need to take a look at the design and color options available before making your purchase.

11) Ease of Use

Both convection ovens and toaster ovens are relatively easy to use. However, a convection oven does require some knowledge about cooking with fans – you’ll need to know how to adjust the temperature and time accordingly when baking or roasting.

A toaster oven is a great option for those who are not as familiar with using an oven, since they’re generally pre-set to specific temperatures and cooking times.

Toast controls are simple with a toaster oven – most models only have an on/off switch and they’ll automatically shut off when the cycle is complete or if a fire starts. Convection ovens often offer additional features like a dial for changing the temperature or several buttons for cooking times.

12) Price

Convection ovens are more expensive than toaster ovens because of their size, power consumption and versatility. Toaster ovens are less expensive.

13) Cooking Space

The main difference between convection ovens vs toaster oven is that convection ovens have more cooking space since there’s no heating element in the bottom of the appliance.

A toaster oven has about as much interior space as a microwave – usually around 0.5 cubic feet compared to over 1 cubic foot for a convection oven.

14) Energy Efficiency

Convection ovens are more energy efficient than toaster ovens because they have a fan, which reduces the cooking time by 50% or more. A toaster oven has an electric heating element that’s always on, so it takes longer for your food to heat up and cook.

15) Durability

Convection ovens can last a lifetime with proper care and a toaster oven’s life expectancy is typically shorter since it has an exposed heating element inside.

However, older models have been recalled due to defects in construction which caused the heating elements to break down faster during everyday use. In 2005 , Cuisinart recalled 1 million of their toaster/broilers due to a fire hazard.

16) Accessories & Function

Many convection ovens come with accessories like baking trays, broil racks, pizza stones and more. Toaster ovens usually don’t have these extras, but you can purchase them if needed.

The number of oven functions convection ovens are usually more expensive than toaster ovens because of the additional features they offer.

Some models come with pre-programmed settings so you can bake, broil or toast without having to set the temperature and time.

A convection oven is essentially a mini oven that can be used for baking, roasting, broiling and more – many manufacturers even claim that their product’s cooking performance is 70% faster than standard electric or gas ovens!

17) Types Of Food

A toaster oven is best for small, quick meals like breakfast items or frozen dinners. A convection oven is suitable for large-scale cooking jobs like preparing a holiday turkey or baking an elaborate cake.

Convection ovens are larger, more versatile and better suited for cooking large meals. They can handle just about any type of food that you could cook in a traditional oven – from toast to tater tots!

In summary, convection ovens are more expensive than toaster ovens, but they offer more cooking space and are more energy efficient. They can also last a lifetime with proper care. Toaster ovens are less expensive and better suited for small, quick meals.

However, they have been recalled in the past due to construction defects. Convection ovens come with a variety of accessories and functions, while toaster ovens usually don’t.

Lastly, convection ovens are better suited for cooking large meals, whereas toaster ovens are great for smaller items.

Both types of appliances work well in different situations. Toaster ovens are great for small snacks like toast, bagels, frozen foods, and reheating leftovers.

Convection ovens have a more even heat distribution than toaster ovens, so they’re better for baking large items at higher temperatures.

Both types come with their own unique pros and cons, so it’s important to think about your specific needs before making your purchase decision.

Useful articles you may need: 

  • Top 10 Best Turbo Convection Ovens 2022
  • Best Toaster Ovens Under $100 Reviews 2022 (Top 12 Revealed)

Convection Oven Vs Toaster Oven, Which Oven Is Better For You?

Which type of oven is best for you will depend on your needs and what you plan to cook. If you’re looking for an appliance that can handle large-scale cooking jobs, a convection oven is a way to go.

However, if you want an oven that’s better suited for small, quick meals, a toaster oven is a better choice. Whichever type of oven you choose, make sure to read the reviews before making your final decision!

When it comes to convection ovens vs toaster ovens, both appliances have their pros and cons. It ultimately depends on what you’re looking for in an oven and how often you’ll use it.

convection oven vs toaster oven

If you want an appliance that can do it all, a convection oven is the way to go. But if you’re only looking for something for smaller jobs, a toaster oven will do the trick!

The difference between a convection oven vs toaster oven is that a convection oven has fans that circulate air throughout the space, which helps cook food more evenly.

A toaster oven cooks at lower temperatures than a standard oven, so it’s better suited for smaller tasks like reheating leftovers or making toast.

The convection oven is large and has fans that circulate air throughout the space, which helps cook food more evenly. It allows you to bake small cakes and pizza; brown the top of foods like casseroles and lasagna; or roast meats without heating up your full-size oven.

Toaster ovens are often used for baking because they produce consistent results. The airflow also prevents food from sticking to the pan or baking dish, so cleanup is a breeze.

This is due to the constant flow of hot air that comes into contact with all sides of the food. Convection ovens are great for making things like biscuits, potatoes without them being raw in the center, chicken breasts, and more.

Toaster ovens are more compact than standard convection ovens, so they’re great if you live in a small apartment or have limited storage space.

A toaster oven is also simpler to store because of its compact design – no need for racks or trays!

toaster-oven-are-more-compact-than-convection-oven (1)

You can easily tuck away your toaster oven on the countertop between uses since it only requires minimal space.

Convection ovens are larger and heavier, which means they’ll take up more room on the countertop.

convection-oven-are-heavier

If you don’t have much cabinet space either, you might want to consider getting a wall-mounted convection oven instead of one that sits on the floor – but make sure your kitchen cabinets are deep enough first!

The downside to convection ovens is that they are often more expensive than other ovens on the market. They also use a lot of energy, so you’ll want to take that into account if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option.

Toaster ovens, on the other hand, are typically less expensive and use less energy. However, they have been recalled in the past due to construction defects.

Convection ovens are better suited for large meals, whereas toaster ovens are great for smaller items.

They can bake small cakes and pizza, brown the top of foods like casseroles and lasagna, or roast meats without heating up your full-size oven.

A toaster oven is generally more compact than a convection oven with fans that circulate air throughout the space, so it’s easier to store – you don’t have to worry about taking up cabinet or countertop space! Toaster ovens tend to be less expensive than standard convection ovens too.

Convection ovens are more expensive than toaster ovens but come with more features. They are better suited for large-scale cooking jobs while toaster ovens are great for smaller items.

Convection ovens also come with a variety of accessories and functions while toaster ovens usually don’t. Lastly, convection ovens are better suited for cooking large meals while toaster ovens are great for reheating leftovers.

Toaster ovens are a popular choice for those with smaller kitchens because they take up less space. They’re also good for people who don’t need to cook as much food as you would need in a large oven. In cases like this, they can be an ideal solution.

But they can run into problems when it comes time to bake bread or pizza crust. There’s no hotter environment than an oven with the door closed, so bread tends to get a little too crispy on top.

Toaster ovens are good for heating up small amounts of food or making toast! They’re also great for people who live in apartments because they take up less counter space.

One problem when it comes to toaster ovens is that they don’t cook as evenly as full-sized ovens due to high temperatures collapsing the air inside. This can lead to burn spots in your food – especially when baking items like bread and pizza crust!

Convection ovens are typically larger than toaster ovens, and they offer features that make them more practical for cooking. For example, convection ovens have a fan that circulates the hot air around food inside the unit.

This allows you to cook at lower temperatures while still maintaining crispy textures on your food. If you’re looking for an appliance with extra conveniences, then a convection oven might be right for you! 

A convection oven is an appliance that cooks food at a higher temperature than a standard oven. The difference between the two appliances is how they distribute heat.

In a toaster oven, the heat comes from one side and cooks in 360°, while in a convection oven, there are multiple heating elements for more even cooking.

A toaster oven can also toast bread whereas a convection stove cannot. Generally speaking, the size of your kitchen determines which appliance you use most often: if space permits then it’s best to go with both!

Which oven is the best fit for you will largely depend on your needs and what you want to use it for.

If you need an oven that can do it all, a convection oven is probably the way to go. But if you’re looking for something more affordable and versatile, a toaster oven might be the right choice for you!

So, should you buy a convection oven or a toaster oven? The answer depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for an appliance that can handle small, quick meals, then a toaster oven is the better option.

However, if you want an appliance that’s more versatile and energy efficient, then a convection oven is the way to go. Keep in mind that convection ovens are larger than toaster ovens, so they may not be suitable for everyone. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of oven is best for your needs!

Optimal Combination Method 

Lately, there are more and more models that have it all in one. That means you can find a toaster oven WITH A CONVECTION OVEN! Plus they turn off the fan automatically which makes them perfect for cooking food as well – plus no need to hover over two different appliances when only want toast or biscuits!

A convection toaster oven is a kitchen appliance that cooks and bakes food better than your traditional broiler. The rich airflow of this type of cooking equipment allows you the flexibility, convenience and ease in space-saving designs which are great for smaller kitchens or apartments!

It’s true that they are a bit costly, though they offer an array of extra functions. They’re worth the price because you get everything you need in the mini-ovens!

A convection toaster oven is the perfect alternative for people who have limited space. In addition, it’s more convenient because you don’t need as much space or money with this type of cooking machine!

This appliance cooks and bakes food much better than a traditional model, but its small size means that you can’t cook as many dishes at one time or use it when your kitchen isn’t too busy with other appliances running in between!

In the end, it is up to you to choose the appliance that best suits your needs. If you need an all-in-one appliance for a small kitchen, then a toaster oven with convection oven capabilities might be the best option.

But if you have more space and want an appliance that’s more versatile, a convection oven would be a better choice. Keep in mind that toaster ovens are good for small amounts of food, while convection ovens are better for cooking larger meals. So choose wisely!

Tips On What Foods Work Best In Either Type Of Oven

Now that you know a little bit more about the differences between convection ovens vs toaster ovens, let’s take a look at some of the best foods to cook in each type of oven!

Toaster ovens are great for making toast. They’re also effective at toasting things like bagels, English muffins, and other kinds of bread. If you want something that’s crispy on the outside but still soft on the inside, then you’ll love what toaster ovens can do!

If you’re looking for an appliance that can bake larger types of food, then a convection oven is perfect for the job! Convection ovens work well with snacks like fries and wings, or any dish where you need high heat to create textures like crispy crusts or crunchy textures.

Plus, most convection ovens come with baking trays so you don’t have to worry about finding pans that fit your specific model.

So in quick summary, here is top list about the main differences between convection oven vs toaster oven you need to remember:

  • Toaster ovens are great for reheating leftovers, making toast, and cooking small items.
  • Convection ovens are great for baking, broiling, and roasting foods.
  • Convection ovens cook food more evenly than toaster ovens, so they’re ideal for large items or multiple items at once.
  • Toaster ovens typically reach higher temperatures than convection ovens, so they’re better suited for quick cooking jobs.
  • Convection ovens come with a variety of features that toaster ovens don’t have, such as a rotisserie function and temperature probe.
  • Both types of ovens should be cleaned regularly to avoid bacteria buildup.
  • Toaster ovens are a cheaper alternative to convection ovens, but they tend to cook less evenly.
  • Convection ovens are larger than toaster ovens, so they may not be suitable for everyone.
  • It’s important to remember that convection ovens and toaster ovens have different purposes, so you can’t use them interchangeably.

FAQs related to Convection Oven Vs Toaster Oven

Can a convection oven replace a toaster oven?

A convection oven can replace a toaster oven, but you won’t be able to make toast in it. So if you need something for toast and other quick meals, then a toaster oven would suit your needs better.

They are two different appliances that serve different purposes. Toaster ovens are typically used for toasting bread, reheating leftovers, and cooking small items, while convection ovens are designed for baking, broiling, and roasting foods.

Which is better for reheating food- a convection oven or a toaster oven?

Both types of ovens can be effective at reheating food. However, convection ovens tend to have a more even heat distribution than toaster ovens, so they’re the better option if you’re looking for perfectly cooked food every time.

What foods work best in each type of oven?

Toaster ovens are great for toasting, reheating leftovers, and cooking small snacks like fries or chicken nuggets. Convection ovens are ideal for baking, broiling, and roasting larger items like pizzas or casseroles.

How often should you clean my convection oven vs toaster oven?

It’s important to clean your appliances regularly so you can avoid the buildup that might affect performance. Toaster ovens typically come with crumb trays that make it easy to clean out excess food particles while convection ovens usually require a little bit more work.

However, both types of appliance should be cleaned regularly and wiped down to prevent bacteria build-up.

How much does a convection oven cost vs a toaster oven?

Toaster ovens are typically less expensive than convection ovens. However, the price difference may vary depending on the features and size of the appliance.

Convection ovens tend to be larger in size than toaster ovens, so keep that in mind when making your purchase decision.

What are some of the benefits of a convection oven over a toaster oven?

Convection ovens cook food more evenly, so they’re ideal for cooking larger items like pizzas or side dishes. And many are equipped with features that make them easier to use, such as digital timers and rotisserie functions.

When should you not use a convection oven?

It’s not recommended to use a convection oven for activities that don’t require cooking, such as defrosting and dehydrating.

Convection ovens should not be used to make toast. They also shouldn’t be used to cook items that are smaller than the size of the oven cavity. If you’re looking to cook something small, like a piece of toast or a frozen pizza, then a toaster oven would be a better option.

Conclusion about Convection Oven Vs Toaster Oven

When it comes to ovens, there are two main types of devices. Convection ovens and toaster ovens have different advantages depending on what you need them for.

For instance, if your focus is baking bread or pizza crust, a convection oven will be better suited for the task because they cook food more evenly than other models. But if all you want to do is reheat leftovers or toast some bread, then a regular old toaster oven will suffice just fine.

Which type would work best for your needs? We can help you decide by answering any questions that come up during the buying process!

Convection ovens are the most common type of oven because they heat up food more evenly than toaster ovens.

This is due in part to their design, which circulates hot air around the food for better cooking. Convection ovens also have much larger capacities and can cook foods faster by using multiple racks at once.

The downside? They’re usually more expensive than a standard countertop model or compact toaster over (which doesn’t mean you should avoid them).

If you want an even-cooking solution but don’t need all that extra space, consider purchasing either two convection models or one conventional unit with a rotisserie attachment– both will end up costing less overall while giving you similar results when it comes time to enjoy your dish.

We hope this article on the differences between convection oven vs toaster oven proved helpful! For more information on either of these appliances, check out our page.

Which type of oven is best for you? That’s up to you to decide! But hopefully, this article has helped you make an informed decision. Thanks for reading!

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