Does anyone use convection toaster ovens? I have read and heard they use 1/2 the energy of a regular oven while performing all the necessary functions (bake,broil,etc) I like the idea of using less energy and since there is just the BF and I, the size would probably do for almost anything we would want to eat. I feel guilty firing up the oven for a couple potatos or a frozen pizza. Just a tree huggin' thrifty girl at heart!! I would love to hear any opinions on them.
I have one and use it all the time. For something like a potato or a couple pieces of pizza, like you said, it's perfect, and I've even used it for baking. The one I have is pretty small so it couldn't completely replace an oven (like if you wanted to roast a whole chicken or something else large) but it's very useful for smaller things. Also, if you need to bake two things at once but at different temperatures, it's so handy to have and use at the same time as your regular oven.
I don't have one, but my MIL asked for one for her birthday last year from me and my DH and she loves it and uses it all the time. She uses it for all the things that scarlett mentioned. I would get one, but my countertop is already cluttered with a coffemaker, stand up mixer, toaster, and electric can opener.
I just got one a couple of weeks ago and I love it! I live with my brother and it's perfect for the two of us. So far I've made wings, chicken breasts, crabcakes, toast, sandwiches, potatoes, tater tots, and a 12" pizza. (Geez I sound like a junk food addict, don't I?) Everything cooks a lot faster, but I've realized you have to be careful with the package directions. My oven didn't come with instructions and I had no idea how to adjust the temps for convection. So far, I've found that I have to lower the recommended temp when using the convection feature, as well as cut the time by 30-40%. I'll get it down soon I hope!
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