4 slice toaster

Homemakers are enjoying a renewed relationship with the toaster oven. This granddaddy of the microwave delivers the results cooks want, with the time-saving service that modern cooks need.

Toaster ovens are aptly named counter-top appliances that resemble both a tiny oven, and a big toaster. Handy substitutes to energy-gobbling full-size ovens, toaster ovens can crisp up your waffles, toast your bread, and re-heat just about anything.

Cooking with a toaster oven is as easy as using a microwave. Just dial the heat control to the temperature you need, place the food inside, and close the door. Your little toaster oven will do the same amount of work, yet use up just a little of your valuable counter space. It's also easy to keep an eye on your food, as most models have glass windows.

If the food on the shelf has been set for toasting, the toaster thermostat will be activated. The thermostat, in turn, causes the built-in heating elements to kick in to gear. These heating elements are found both at the top and bottom of the inside of the oven, providing a balanced source of heat. Your toaster oven will also have a heat control to set the desired temperature. If, on the other hand, your dial has been set for baking, the baking thermometer then gets activated. Like the toasting thermometer, this will activate the same heating elements.

There is another function that comes into play during the baking process. The baking time, or duration, is controlled by a timing mechanism. The success of your baking will depend upon the wattage and capacity of your particular toaster oven. As a rule, the baking capabilities are reflected in the retail price of the appliance.

All manufactured products will eventually face mechanical problems, and toaster ovens are no exception. Many homemakers will find that they need to purchase a replacement electrical cord, as the original cords are known to burn out fairly quickly. Others complain of faulty thermostats. When thermostats cause errors in temperature regulation, they can be recalibrated. If you face this problem, check your product manual or take the appliance to a professional service shop.

The main switch, thermal fuse and solenoid are other components of a toaster oven's electrical anatomy, and all are prone to becoming faulty with regular use. If your toaster oven needs repair, but is less than one year old, check your warranty to see if you can get a product replacement or refund. If your toaster oven is an older model in need of repair, it may be worth retiring the old oven and treating yourself to a new one. Think of the environment, however, and ask if the toaster oven can be repaired before you decide to dispose of it.

Take good care of your toaster oven, and it will take good care of you. Choose a reputable brand, and you will enjoy perfectly toasted mini-pizzas and hors d'ouvres for years to come.

4 slice toaster

4 Slice Toasters

4 Slice Toasters

4 slice toaster: 4 Slice Toasters

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