What Can You Put in a Toaster Oven? (Metal, Plastic, Parchment Paper, Foil?)
A toaster oven is not just energy-efficient, but it is portable and half the size of the regular kitchen oven. Space is not a problem when you have a toaster oven cause you can also move it from one spot to another.
You can purchase it at a price that is less costly while it has a lot of functions found in most standard ovens.
Some homeowners have a question in mind and want to know what they can cook using a toaster oven.
But really, what can you put in a toaster oven? Below are some ideas you can use when you are planning on purchasing one.
Can You Put Wax Paper inside a Toaster Oven?
Wax paper is safe to utilize in the toaster oven, assuming it is used to line pans when you need to bake cakes, brownies, or muffins. Some people use wax paper because there is no need to grease the pan, and its non-stick property makes it popular with bakers.
Wax paper also does not cost as much and is easy to find, and always available for purchase. Users who want to find a great substitute for parchment can also rely on wax paper, as it can save them money.
However, wax paper can only take a limited amount of heat, and the user should never expose it to direct heat cause it is not heat resistant. Exposing the wax paper to direct heat will cause the wax to melt and catch fire.
Can You Put Metal in a Toaster Oven?
We can use most of the metal plates available in the market nowadays in the toaster oven. Most toaster ovens have parts made of metal, such as baking sheets, racks, and pans.
This may be the case, but you still have to double-check what you are using for safety. Make sure that what you are placing inside the toaster oven has high heat resistant and is oven-safe. You can check the bottom of the plate for warnings or recommendations if it is usable in toaster ovens.
Metals used in toaster ovens are stainless steel or cast iron material.
You may also use the metal tray found in most toaster ovens, as it is safe to use during food preparation.
Can You Put Foil in a Toaster Oven?
When you prepare food using the toaster oven, you may use aluminum foil for food cover during quick preparation. The foil should not be too wide or too long because of the risk of it touching the heating elements of the oven.
There are certain precautions when using foil in toaster ovens cause foil conducts heat and can lead to the toaster oven overheating. Toasters may not be aluminum foil safe, and once foil touches the heating elements, there is a risk that they can catch fire.
Some toaster ovens have instructions and a user manual where you can check the specifics about the machine. Most of these toaster ovens will have a warning and indicates what you can only use with it.
Can You Put Plastic in a Toaster Oven?
Using plastic in a toaster oven is not a good idea since heat and plastic don’t mix. Plastic will melt in just a short period because of the high temperature.
Although there are plastics with a high melting point, such as PET with a melting point up to 510 degrees Fahrenheit, such materials will degrade at some point with frequent exposure to high heat.
The material will weaken and soften within before you see it melting.
Some plastics have a lower melting point up to 265 degrees Fahrenheit, and this will have a short-term temperature resistance compared to PET plastics.
As we all know, most plastics, when exposed to extreme heat, will leach chemicals into the food. It is potentially harmful to your health.
Plastics used for the toaster oven are plastic made out of CPET or crystallized polyethylene terephthalate. This product can withstand temperatures between 35 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also safe for microwave, freezer and is dishwasher safe.
Can You Put a Mug in a Toaster Oven?
Some mugs may be oven-safe, and some may not be. There are high-quality mugs you can purchase that are safe for toaster oven use. Most of these mugs are used in the catering industry and durable compared to the usual coffee mugs readily available.
Some mugs are also the craze as it is utilized to make mug cakes. China mugs may not be used as they tend to crack to heat exposure.
You need to check what material your mug is made from. If after careful checking and you can’t still recognize if it is usable then it is best to opt from using it.
Other coffee mugs are not toaster oven-safe cause of the materials used in their manufacture. There are low-quality mugs that cannot resist high temperatures, and it may be risky to expose them to extreme heat. Products such as Stoneware mugs are reliable because of the material used during production that makes them thick and opaque. Some porcelain’s are also toaster oven-safe, and likewise, microwave safe.
Earthenware, though thick and heavy, may not be toaster oven friendly. They are prone to chip and crack if exposed to frequent high temperatures.
Bone China is a delicate coffee mug that is dainty and has a thin quality. It should never be put inside the toaster oven or in the dishwasher.
Pyrex mugs can withstand the heat of the oven. Check for the recommendation of the manufacturer before using their product.
Plastic or acrylic mugs must never be placed inside the toaster oven. It will just melt or soften after exposure. Using mugs with plastic or acrylic handles with the rest of the materials as oven safe is still not advisable to use in the toaster oven.
Make sure you have read the base of the mugs before using them to make French Onion soup au gratin or mug cupcakes.
Can You Put a Plate inside the Toaster Oven?
Some plates have an oven-safe symbol and are safe to use in the toaster oven. Not every plate is toaster-oven friendly.
Ceramic plates may be used for the toaster oven so long as there is an oven-safe label underneath.
Some ceramic plates are more sturdy, durable, and have a thickness that can withstand heat to a point. Some may crack if exposed to the heat of the toaster oven.
Again, being mindful is the key, so you will not find a crack plate in your hand.
Metal plates are also usable in the toaster oven, provided they are of aluminum, iron, and steel. Glass plates are safe to use given a toaster oven-safe sign at the bottom.
Most glass plates are not usable in a toaster oven and will crack if exposed at extreme temperatures.
Some plates you can’t use with a toaster oven include paper plates. This material will catch fire, particularly with the proximity to the heating elements. It may be the easiest and affordable to use but has the highest risk of starting a house fire.
Plates made of cardboard are also a no-go cause it is highly flammable, just like the paper plates. Although it is of thicker material, it has the quality of warming up quickly. Plates made of plastic will melt because of the extreme temperature inside the toaster oven.
Can You Put a Bowl in a Toaster Oven?
Pyrex bowls are used in a toaster oven because it is safe as it can withstand extreme heat. However, some Pyrex may also explode or crack at sudden temperature changes. When you remove the Pyrex bowl from the toaster oven, do not get it near cold water or any extremely cold surface. When you heat it and then cool it rapidly, the bowl can expand or contract and this can make the Pyrex bowl’s structure fail.
Some bowls made by Pyrex no longer use the same type of material, which is borosilicate, a mix of sodium, silicon, boron, aluminum, and sodium borate, considered more durable and highly resistant to shock. Pyrex is now produced using soda-lime glass though, in other parts of the world, Pyrex still follows the original ingredient in making Pyrex cookware.
Other brands will have a symbol at the back of the product informing the user if it is toaster oven-safe or microwave safe.
It may not be the case if you find a product without the user information, then it may be safer not to use it in a toaster oven. Using a bowl that is not for a toaster oven can shatter and explode.
They make some bowls of glass, and this will crack at a certain heat level. Others can even explode as they cannot accommodate the toaster’s high heat. It may even be risky when removing the glass bowl from the toaster, and it suddenly shatters.
It is such an inconvenience if you are heating some soup or anything that has liquid in it.
Can You Put Parchment Paper in a Toaster Oven?
Parchment paper is more durable than wax paper and sturdy than regular paper because of the gelatinous substance that formed during its construction. Parchment paper is also coated with silicone to make it more stable, dense, heat resistant, and with non-stick properties.
Parchment paper is thin and brownish, but there is also white or bleached parchment paper available.
Because of its durability and thinness, parchment paper is used by many bakers. It is also often used by homeowners in their kitchens.
Parchment paper can line pans and containers to resist any material from sticking in the vessel. Parchment paper is preferred because of its resistance to grease.
Parchment paper can handle extreme heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This is brought about by the silicone that covers the product. Parchment paper will brown but will not burn, which is better compared to wax paper.
Parchment paper is more costly than wax paper, but when homeowners and bakers want to be on the safe side while preparing their sumptuous dish, parchment paper is the way to go.
Can You Put Bacon in a Toaster Oven?
Toaster ovens have various functions and not just for reheating leftovers. You can even cook meat in a toaster oven as long as you know how it functions.
Bacon is simple to cook in a toaster oven. It is easy, and there is no need for too much preparation. Cooking bacon in a toaster oven will give you crispy and delicious bacon in minutes.
When you place the bacon in the toaster oven, make sure the oven is cold, cause no preheating is required. Bacon will have the time to release the fats without burning them.
A baking rack is also required to help the bacon turn out crispy, and there is no need to turn the bacon to cook it evenly.
When placing the bacon, there should be enough space between each strip so the heat will circulate in every bacon piece.
Cooking bacon will only take over 12 minutes but not over 17 minutes. It will also depend on the doneness you prefer.
Can You Put Hot Dogs in a Toaster Oven?
The toaster oven can handle not just bacon but also hot dogs and sausages. Cooking hotdogs in a toaster oven is easier than you think cause it will just take a few minutes, and you need not grill hotdogs on charcoal or fry them in a pan.
When you are putting hotdogs in a toaster oven, make sure you place some small incisions on the hotdogs. This will help the heat to penetrate the inside of the sausage. Small cuts will also help cook the hotdog throughout.
You may use the toaster oven rack to line up the hotdogs one by one. Provide space for each hotdog and don’t overcrowd them.
Preheating the toaster oven is ideal when cooking hotdogs. Once you place the hotdogs inside the oven, you can set the timer, or cooking time may depend on you. Occasionally flipping the sausage will ensure that the meat is evenly cooked and even browning on both sides.
Do not put the toaster on high heat cause it will immediately cook the outer portion while the inside is still raw.
Check the doneness of the hotdogs and reduce the heat if the meat is not yet cooked to your taste.
Can You Put a Pot Pie in a Toaster Oven?
Some frozen meals may not have a great outcome when cooked in a toaster oven. There are instructions for cooking the said meal, and sometimes it requires cooking it in the microwave.
Before purchasing any food you would place in your toaster oven, make sure it has a cooking direction meant for the toaster oven.
It is important cause the outcome of your cooking will depend on the directions you will be following.
Pot pie is satisfying to be cooked in a toaster oven cause of the temperature control, and a pie pan is available for use.
When cooking pot pies, particularly frozen ones, the temperature should not be too hot, and cooking will not take too fast, making the inside soggy or uncooked.
Using a thermometer to check the temperature of the pot pie is ideal to be sure you won’t eat anything raw.
Carefully read the instruction when placing frozen pot pies in the toaster oven cause some products are not meant for toaster oven cooking. Toaster ovens can also blast the heat and cook the outer portion of the pie while leaving the inside frozen.
Can You Put Popcorn in a Toaster Oven?
It is also possible to cook popcorn in a toaster oven as long as you have a toaster oven cage to stop corn kernels from popping everywhere. It is also possible to use tin foil. Popcorn kernels may be purchased in the market.
Preheating the oven is a must, so the inside of the toaster will be ready when you place the kernel container inside. Popcorn is quick to pop, and you need to ensure all the kernels are cooked. Seasoning the popcorn will depend on your preference.
Popcorn cooked in the toaster oven is said to be healthier compared to buying regular popcorn in groceries. It is said that ingredients found in commercial popcorn have added chemicals that are harmful to the body.
The bag used in commercial popcorn is another issue because of the PFC’s or perfluorinated compound in the popcorn bag that is a carcinogenic chemical.
Making popcorn at home with the help of a toaster oven-safe bowl is the key to enjoying healthy and traditional popcorn.
Can You Put a Hot Pocket in a Toaster Oven?
Hot pockets are tasty treats with cheese, meat, and vegetables as filling. There is a lot of filling variety to choose from with hot pockets. Hot pockets can be found in the frozen section and cooked using a toaster oven and even microwave.
Cooking hot pockets is simple with the use of a toaster oven. You only need to preheat the toaster to the temperature stated in the packet.
With the use of a baking sheet, hot pockets can be placed in the toaster oven. You can set a few hot pockets to cook per batch relying on the size of your toaster oven.
There is also the indicated cooking time where hot pockets can be done in 25 to 40 minutes, depending on your cooking preference. Some people who cook hot pockets in a toaster oven prefer a toasted outer appearance.
The temperature must not be too high cause the hot pocket will cook fast and create uneven cooking leaving you with a half-cooked hot pocket.
The hot pocket has a sleeve that you can use once you pull the hot pockets out of the toaster oven. It will ensure that you will not be burning your fingers while holding the newly cooked hot pocket.
Leaving it inside the toaster oven for a few minutes is also ideal, so you allow the pocket to cool a bit.
Can You Put Glass in a Toaster Oven?
There are common products made of glass that are not suitable for a toaster oven but there are also some products that are toaster oven-safe because such glass can withstand up to 450 degrees of heat.
Again there is also a safety issue when you want to pop that glassware inside the toaster oven. Pyrex is used in a toaster oven cause it does not break easily and is sturdy to resist extreme temperatures.
It is, however, noted that removing the Pyrex glass from the fridge and popping it directly in the toaster oven may not be a smart thing to do. A sudden temperature change can also compromise your glass.
Let the glass out for a few minutes and leave it at room temperature instead of popping it directly in the toaster oven.
Every glass product that swears its product is used in the toaster oven has a manufacturing direction that a user must follow, or else you will have a problem at hand. Thermal shock is the usual problem of glassware used in a microwave or toaster oven.
The first thing you must do before placing that glass inside the toaster oven is checking the manufacturing labels at the back of the product if it is oven-safe. There is also an indication of the temperature that the glassware will resist.
Glass made of borosilicate can withstand the heat of toaster ovens or those with tempered glass material.
If unsure of the capacity of the glassware, you better not use it in your toaster oven. One danger you can avoid is glass exploding or shattering.
Such an incident will not only damage your glassware but will also leave you with a broken toaster oven, or a cracked machine.
There is also a risk of hurting yourself when you remove the glassware from the toaster oven, and it suddenly shatters or cracks.
Final Thoughts
There are many types of materials that are safe to put in your toaster oven and materials that are not so safe to put in your oven. Just be careful and make sure to read the ingredients to make sure it is okay to put those items in your toaster oven and make sure to check how long you need to cook the particular food you are making to toaster oven perfection!
