Is it time to throw away my toaster oven?

A countertop steam oven and a toaster oven are the same class of appliance: both are compact, plug into a standard 120V outlet, and require no installation. A steam oven — specifically a combi model, which pairs steam with convection — performs every function a toaster oven does and adds moisture-based cooking a dry toaster oven cannot. For most households it is a direct replacement. The exceptions are narrow, and covered below.

They are the same class of appliance

A countertop steam or combi oven occupies a toaster-oven footprint, draws from a standard 120V outlet, and requires no wiring or cabinetry changes. Replacing one with the other is a like-for-like swap, not a renovation. This is what separates the decision from replacing a built-in wall oven, which involves electrical work and installation.

A steam oven covers every toaster-oven function

Toaster ovens are used mainly for toasting, baking, reheating, and — on multi-function models — air frying. A combi steam oven handles all of them:

• Toasting and baking use the same radiant and convection heat.
• Reheating is handled more effectively with steam (see below).
• Air frying and convection are standard on most combi and multi-function steam ovens, which include a convection fan and an air-fry mode.

Because a combi oven browns and crisps with the same dry, fan-forced heat, no toaster-oven capability is lost in the switch.

The added capability a toaster oven lacks: steam

A toaster oven produces only dry heat, which draws moisture out of food. Steam addresses a specific set of tasks a toaster oven handles poorly:

• Reheating leftovers. Pizza, roast chicken, and rice reheat without drying out; dry heat leaves the same foods tough.
• Fish, vegetables, and eggs and custards cook gently and retain moisture, with a wider margin before overcooking.
• Bread benefits from steam during the rise and dry heat for the crust, in one appliance.

Where a toaster oven remains the better choice

A steam oven is not superior in every respect. Three cases favor keeping a toaster oven:

• Toasting alone. A dedicated toaster or a basic toaster oven is faster and cheaper for toast. A steam oven is not warranted for that use.
• Purchase price. Toaster ovens start near $50; steam ovens start higher, reflecting the added steam system.
• Preheat time. Some steam ovens take longer to reach temperature than a basic toaster oven.

Where toasting and simple browning account for nearly all use, a toaster oven remains adequate.

The verdict

For households that reheat and cook regularly, a countertop steam or combi oven replaces a toaster oven in the same footprint and performs the routine tasks as well or better. Where the appliance serves mainly as a toaster on a limited budget, replacement is not necessary — a steam oven can be added alongside if steam cooking is wanted. In most cases the steam oven is a more capable appliance occupying the same space.