Many people buy a toaster oven so they don’t have to turn on their energy-hogging full-size oven for small meals. Then, to their dismay, they realize that most packaged frozen dinners have this warning: “Do not cook in a toaster oven.” These countertop ovens are just smaller versions of regular ovens, so is it really a bad idea to cook frozen meals in them?
First, let’s look at the differences between toaster ovens and full-size conventional ovens. Both produce dry heat and generally both have the same temperature range. The method of heating varies from oven to oven, with conventional models using gas or electricity as the primary energy source. Toaster ovens rely solely on electric heat, but this is no different than many regular ovens out there. So why couldn’t you cook a frozen meal in a toaster oven?
I had an idea why this would be, but rather than rely on guesswork, I went straight to the source. I contacted four major companies whose products warned against using a toaster oven. All four gave me the same answer: uneven and unpredictable heating could cause food to cook incorrectly. This can lead to food poisoning.
I have tested many toaster ovens over the years and I can tell you that not all of them have uneven and unpredictable heating, but many do. The problem with many is a discrepancy between the heat setting and the actual internal temperature of the oven. You may have set your oven to 375 degrees F as listed on the package instructions, but have an actual temperature much lower than that. This is especially true with cheap models that are poorly insulated. This can lead to undercooked food that can be dangerous to eat.
Is there a way to avoid this problem? There certainly is! Accurate instant read thermometers are easy to find and inexpensive. Many have probes that can be left inside the oven while it is in use. This will allow you to ensure that the internal temperature of the oven is where it needs to be. This will take care of any issues related to unpredictable heating or temperature.
Even the warm up is much harder to beat. Many inexpensive toaster ovens cook food very unevenly, leaving some portions burnt while others remain raw or undercooked. This isn’t just a problem with frozen meals; it’s problematic with anything you cook. The problem is simply amplified when you start with a product that is frozen instead of at or near room temperature. I would never try to cook a frozen meal in an appliance that has problems with uneven heating. I also wouldn’t want to use that appliance for any of my other cooking needs.
So is it safe to cook a frozen meal in a toaster oven? I would say the answer to that is “maybe”. You probably shouldn’t take any chances unless you’re absolutely sure that the appliance you’re using cooks things evenly and accurately. Use a thermometer to monitor your actual temperature, and check the internal temperature of the food once it’s done. Most packaged foods will tell you what the internal temperature of the food needs to be for it to be safe. There are also temperature guidelines provided by most local health departments. Use them if you are sure what the target temperature of the finished product should be.
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