Microwave vs Toaster Oven: Which Should You Buy?

Two Kitchen Staples, Very Different Strengths

Microwaves and toaster ovens are both countertop appliances that heat food — but they work differently and excel at different tasks. Choosing between them (or deciding if you need both) depends on how you cook and what results matter most to you.

How They Work

Microwave

Uses electromagnetic radiation to heat water molecules inside food from the inside out. Extremely fast. Produces moist, evenly heated food. Cannot brown or crisp.

Toaster Oven

Uses electric heating elements (top and bottom) to heat food from the outside in, like a conventional oven. Slower than a microwave but produces browned, crispy results. Can toast, bake, broil, and roast.

Side-by-Side Comparison

What a Microwave Does Better

• Speed: Reheats food in 1 to 3 minutes vs. 10 to 20 minutes for a toaster oven
• Defrosting: Purpose-built defrost function; toaster ovens can't defrost effectively
• Moist foods: Soups, oatmeal, rice, vegetables, fish — the microwave keeps them moist
• Convenience: No preheating, one-touch operation
• Energy per use: Uses less energy for quick reheating tasks

What a Toaster Oven Does Better

• Toasting: The microwave cannot toast bread — the toaster oven does it perfectly
• Baking: Cookies, muffins, small casseroles, frozen pastries
• Broiling: Melting cheese, browning tops of dishes
• Reheating pizza: Restores the crispy crust that the microwave destroys
• Roasting small portions: Chicken thighs, vegetables, small cuts of meat
• Frozen foods: Better texture than microwave for most frozen items

Which Should You Buy?

Buy a microwave if:

• Speed is your priority
• You frequently reheat leftovers and defrost food
• You cook moist foods (soups, rice, vegetables, fish)
• You want the most convenient option for everyday use

Buy a toaster oven if:

• You frequently toast bread or bagels
• You want to bake small batches without heating a full oven
• You want crispy, browned results
• You're replacing a full oven for small-batch cooking

Buy both if:

• You want to cover all cooking scenarios
• You want to avoid using your full oven for small tasks
• Counter space allows

The Verdict

For pure convenience and speed, the microwave wins. For versatility and oven-like results, the toaster oven wins. Most households benefit from having both — they complement each other perfectly. If you can only have one and you prioritize speed and convenience, choose the microwave. If you prioritize cooking quality and versatility, choose the toaster oven.