Many people buy a toaster oven so they don’t have to turn on their large, energy-consuming oven for small meals. Then, to their dismay, they notice that most packaged frozen meals 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 food in them?
First, let’s look at the differences between toaster ovens and conventional full-size ovens. They both produce dry heat and generally both have the same temperature range. The heating method varies from oven to oven, and conventional models use gas or electricity as the primary energy source. Toaster ovens rely solely on electrical heat, but this is no different from many normal ovens out there. So why couldn’t you cook a frozen meal in a toaster oven?
I had an idea why this would be the case, but instead of relying 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 lead to food being cooked incorrectly. This can lead to food poisoning.
I have tried 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 the oven to 375 degrees F as indicated in the package instructions, but it has an actual temperature much lower than that. This is especially true with poorly insulated economic models. This can lead to undercooked foods that can be dangerous to eat.
Is there any way to fix this problem? There certainly is! Accurate instant-read thermometers are easy to find and inexpensive. Many have probes that can be left in the oven while it is in use. This will allow you to ensure that the internal temperature of the oven is where it should be. This will take care of any issues related to unpredictable heat or temperature.
Uneven heating is much more difficult to overcome. Many inexpensive toaster ovens cook food very unevenly, leaving some portions of the food burned while others are raw or undercooked. This is not just a problem with frozen meals; it is problematic with whatever you cook. The problem is amplified when you start with a product that is frozen rather than at or near room temperature. I would never attempt to cook a frozen meal in an appliance that has uneven heating issues. I also wouldn’t want to use that appliance for any of my other kitchen needs.
So is it safe to cook a frozen meal in a toaster oven? I would say the answer is “maybe”. You probably shouldn’t take chances unless you are absolutely sure that the appliance you are using cooks things evenly and accurately. Use a thermometer to monitor your actual temperature and check the internal temperature of the food once it is done. Most packaged foods will tell you what the internal temperature of the food needs to be to be safe. There are also temperature guidelines provided by most local health departments. Use them if you are not sure what the target temperature of the finished product should be.
Visit Toaster Oven Reviews to find the best toaster oven for frozen meals and much more. You’ll find thousands of reviews, as well as a handy buying guide to help you along the way.