Does a Toaster Oven Save Electricity? When It Helps—and When It Doesn’t

At some point, most of us have stood in the kitchen and wondered:

Does a toaster oven actually save electricity, or does it just feel more efficient?

It’s a fair question. Toaster ovens are smaller. They heat up faster. They seem more economical.
But electricity doesn’t care about appearances—it cares about time and power.

So let’s take the guesswork out of it.

In this article, we’ll walk through how toaster ovens use electricity, how they compare to traditional ovens, and when they truly help us save energy—and when they don’t.

The question does a toaster oven save electricity usually comes from a very practical place.

We’re cooking a small meal.
We don’t want to heat the whole house.
We’re trying to be more energy-conscious—or lower our electric bill.

And on the surface, it makes perfect sense to assume that a smaller appliance uses less electricity.

Sometimes, that assumption is right.
Sometimes, it isn’t.

A toaster oven works by converting electricity into heat through heating elements—just like a regular oven, but on a smaller scale.

Most toaster ovens use:

• 1,200 to 1,800 watts

• Short cooking times

• Little to no preheating

The key detail here is time.

Electricity use isn’t just about how powerful an appliance is. It’s about how long it runs.

A full-size electric oven typically uses:

• 2,000 to 5,000 watts

• Longer preheat times

• More energy to maintain temperature

Even if we’re cooking something small, the oven still has to:

• Heat a large internal space

• Warm thick walls and racks

• Maintain that heat for the entire cooking time

That’s where a lot of energy gets lost.

Here’s the most important takeaway:

👉 Toaster ovens save electricity when we’re cooking small amounts of food for short periods of time.

Let’s look at a realistic example.

• Reheating leftovers

• Toasting bread

• Cooking a small frozen meal

• Baking a couple of chicken breasts

In these situations, a toaster oven usually:

• Heats faster

• Uses less total energy

• Finishes cooking sooner

A full-size oven, on the other hand, is doing far more work than necessary.

A toaster oven is usually the more efficient choice when:

• We’re cooking for one or two people

• The food fits comfortably inside

• Cooking time is under 30 minutes

• Preheating isn’t required

In these cases, the energy savings are real—even if they’re not dramatic on a single use.

Over time, though, they add up.

This is the part many articles skip.

A toaster oven doesn’t always save electricity.

It may use more energy when:

• Cooking large meals

• Baking for long periods

• Running at maximum temperature for extended time

If we’re roasting a whole chicken or baking multiple trays of food, the toaster oven may need to run longer—or even in batches.

At that point, a regular oven can actually be more efficient overall.

Yes—often, it is.

Traditional ovens can take 10–20 minutes to preheat. During that time, they’re using full power without cooking anything yet.

Most toaster ovens either:

• Don’t need preheating

• Or preheat in just a few minutes

That alone can make a noticeable difference in energy use.

Let’s keep expectations realistic.

Using a toaster oven instead of a full-size oven won’t cut your electric bill in half.
But it can reduce energy use for daily cooking tasks.

For many households, the savings show up as:

• Slightly lower monthly usage

• Less peak energy demand

• Reduced heat in the kitchen (which matters in summer)

It’s a small win—but a consistent one.

People often ask how toaster ovens compare to:

• Microwaves

• Air fryers

In general:

• Microwaves use the least electricity for reheating

• Air fryers are very efficient for small, crispy foods

• Toaster ovens offer versatility with reasonable efficiency

Each has its place. The toaster oven shines when we want oven-style results without oven-level energy use.

If we want to get the most benefit, a few habits help a lot:

• Skip preheating unless absolutely necessary

• Cook multiple items at once when possible

• Use the right setting (bake vs. broil)

• Keep the interior clean for better heat circulation

Small changes. Real impact.

Not by itself.

If we already use a toaster oven regularly, the savings are a bonus.
If we rarely cook small meals, the benefit is limited.

A toaster oven makes the most sense when:

• We cook often

• We prepare small portions

• We want flexibility and speed

Energy savings are part of the picture—but not the only reason to own one.

Does a Toaster Oven Save Electricity?

So, let’s answer the question clearly.

Yes, a toaster oven can save electricity—but only in the right situations.

It works best for:

• Small meals

• Short cooking times

• Daily, practical use

It’s not a magic solution.
But used wisely, it’s an efficient tool that fits modern cooking habits very well.

And sometimes, efficiency isn’t about doing everything differently—it’s about choosing the right tool at the right moment.