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Where to Put a Toaster Oven in a Small Kitchen (Best Tips!)

By: Author Jeff Campbell

Posted on  - Last updated:

Categories Toaster Ovens

A toaster oven is great due to its convenience and versatility making them an excellent choice for busy cooks. However, if you have a small living space, you may wonder where to put a toaster oven in a small kitchen.

A great place to put a toaster oven in a little kitchen is on the countertop, near the stove. This allows you to quickly and easily monitor and adjust the oven’s settings while cooking your food. If counter space is limited, install an over-the-range shelf to create additional storage space. 

Alternatively, it can go in a cabinet when not in use. Just ensure it is cool before putting it away.

Not only can toaster ovens toast bread and reheat leftovers, but they can also bake, roast, and even broil foods. When it comes to small kitchens, it is crucial to think carefully about where to put a toaster oven.

But don’t worry! If those don’t work for you, below, I’ll explore a bunch of options.

Toaster ovens are great appliances that can provide more cooking options than a regular toaster. However, they come in larger sizes and can take up valuable counter space in a tiny kitchen.

Can you put a toaster oven under a cabinet?

Yes, you can.

Putting a toaster oven under kitchen cabinets is an excellent idea if you plan to save counter space in your kitchen. It also puts the small kitchen appliance in a convenient and easy-to-reach location, ensuring its ease of use.

However, there are a few considerations that you should keep in mind when considering this setup.

You should make sure that the toaster oven is adequately ventilated. Toaster ovens produce heat, which needs to be able to escape to avoid any safety concerns. Proper ventilation is essential, and if you cannot adequately ventilate the toaster oven under the lower cabinets, then it is not safe to install it there.

When opting for under-cabinet installations, it is also vital to ensure that you have much room for the door to open correctly. Most toaster ovens require at least 4 inches of clearance from the top of the oven to the bottom of the cabinet above it.

This will allow the door to open fully and ensure the toaster oven will not be blocked.

You should also ensure that the cabinet toaster oven is securely mounted. If the toaster oven is not adequately secured, it could become a hazard if it becomes loose and falls.

Most toaster ovens will come with mounting hardware, but you may need additional screws or mounting brackets if the ones included are insufficient.

Toaster ovens and microwaves are two of the most favored kitchen appliances offering a convenient way to cook and reheat food.

But they have some essential differences that make one better suited for specific tasks.

If you need to know some of the essential differences between these appliances and whether toaster ovens are healthier than microwaves, then it would be best to visit my most recent article.

Here I addressed some of the significant differences between these essential kitchen appliances and whether microwaves destroy food nutrients.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Can I put a toaster oven on top of a quartz countertop?

Yes, you can.

Quartz countertops, sometimes sold under the brand name of Silestone, are a popular choice for modern kitchens. They can handle a variety of appliances, including your air fryer, coffee makers, and slow cooks. You can also consider placing a toaster oven on top of a quartz countertop, but there are a few things to know.

Quartz countertops may look like granite, but they are very heat-resistant and will not be easily damaged by high temperatures.

But that doesn’t mean they are indestructible. If the toaster oven is placed directly on top of the quartz countertop, the hot air of the appliance can cause the quartz to crack or chip.

The good idea is to place a heat protection pad or trivet between the toaster oven and the quartz countertop to prevent this.

Another thing to consider when placing countertop ovens on top of a quartz countertop is the appliance’s weight. Quartz countertops are not designed to support the weight of a full-sized oven, so the best places are on a sturdy surface that can hold its weight.

A heavy-duty trivet or baking sheet can provide enough support for the oven to rest on without damaging the quartz.

It’s vital to ensure the toaster oven is not too close to the edge of the quartz countertop. If it is, it could cause the countertop to become unstable and eventually crack or chip. For best results, place the full-sized ovens at least some inches away from the edge of the countertop.

Doing this will ensure that the quartz countertop remains undamaged and in perfect condition.

Can you put a toaster oven above the stove?

Yes, you can. Many choose to put a toaster oven on a wall-mounted shelf above the stove if there isn’t enough space on the kitchen counter to accommodate it. However, it would help if you considered a few things before doing so.

You should ensure your toaster oven is safely secured above the stove and not too close.

If it’s too close to the stove, there’s a chance it could overheat, which could start a fire. To ensure your toaster oven is safely secured, a great option is to use screws, brackets, and anchors to fasten it to the wall. Make sure the mounting plates are made from non-combustible materials, such as metals.

You also want to ensure your wall oven is not blocking the vents on your stove. If the toaster oven blocks the vents, it could restrict airflow and cause the stove to overheat.

This could cause a fire, so ensuring the toaster oven is not obstructing any vents is crucial.

When placing your best toaster ovens above the stove, a good option is to ensure that the oven does not come in contact with combustible materials. If the toaster oven is too close to combustible materials, such as wood, it could be a fire hazard and cause much damage.

The best option is to ensure the toaster oven is at least a few feet away from combustible materials.

Does the top of a toaster oven get hot?

Yes, they can. Toaster ovens are designed to get hot, and the top of the toaster oven is no exception. Depending on the different appliance models, the toaster oven’s top can get hot enough to cause burns or other injuries if touched.

To avoid getting burned, it is important never to touch the top of the toaster oven while it is in use. Additionally, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding keeping items away from the top of the toaster oven.

This will help to ensure that no items are placed too close to the top of the toaster oven, as this can cause the items to get hot.

It is also necessary to remember that some countertop models’ top is made of stainless steel, which can become extremely hot during use. The good idea is to use oven mitts when handling the toaster oven or any items placed inside the oven. This will help to avoid any potential burns or other injuries.

Remember that all toaster ovens are different, so the temperature of the top of the oven can vary from model to model. For this reason, it is always best to consult the instruction manual that came with your toaster oven and use heat guard gloves when handling the unit.

Toasters and air fryers are increasingly popular additions to the home kitchen as both offer quick and easy ways to prepare various foods.

However, like many people, you might have wondered if you can use a toaster oven for air frying.  

Need answers to this lingering question? Then you can visit my most recent article for more information.

In the article, I examined the distinctions between these appliances and the appropriate times to use both. The post also covered the appropriate times to use a toaster oven, in case it is something you’re interested in.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Is it safe to have a toaster oven on top of a microwave?

No, it is not recommended. There are a few reasons why this is not a good idea. One of the main risks of placing a toaster oven on top of a microwave is the possibility of smoke and fire.

Toasters and microwaves both use electricity and can generate a lot of heat. If the two are placed too close together, the heat generated by the toaster oven can cause the microwave oven to overheat and create smoke.

Furthermore, the toaster oven can also create smoke when its heating elements come in contact with the microwave’s metal exterior, creating a fire hazard.

Another issue to consider is that range microwaves and toaster ovens are designed to function differently.

Microwaves use high-frequency electromagnetic radiation to heat food, while toaster ovens use hot air and heated elements. Placing a toaster oven on top of a microwave can disrupt the heat distribution of the toaster oven, leading to uneven cooking and even the burning of food.

The two appliances are likely to be different sizes and shapes. Placing a toaster oven on top of a microwave can cause the microwave to become unstable and can increase the risk of it tipping over. A toaster oven can also block the air circulation of the microwave, which can make it overheat and cause a severe fire hazard.

It is best to separate the two kitchen appliances and place them on different surfaces. If you need to store the two together, it is best to find a space-saving toaster oven that fits inside the microwave.

If you own a toaster oven, you know how fantastic it is in saving time and energy when you need to toast, bake, or broil small meals and snacks.

However, if you have smaller storage space, you may wonder if it can go in an open wood cabinet. 

You should visit my most recent article if you also have a similar question. In the post, I outlined when you can consider keeping your toaster oven in the open wood cabinet. I also addressed when it is unsafe and the right amount of ventilation for these essential kitchen appliances needs.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Is there a toaster oven that does not get hot on the outside?

Several toaster ovens on the market are designed to not get hot on the outside. This is especially important if you have children or pets in the home, as they can get burned if they come into contact with a hot toaster oven.

One such toaster oven is the Calphalon performance toaster oven on Amazon. This toaster oven is developed to minimize the amount of heat that is radiated from the outside surface. It has a cool-touch body and a special heat shield that helps keep the oven’s sides cool to the touch.

The Calphalon performance toaster oven has additional features, including a glass door, a convection fan that circulates hot air throughout the oven for even cooking, and an extra-large interior that can accommodate a 12-inch pizza or slices of bread.

The toaster oven has twelve cooking functions: bake, toast, broil, warm, reheat, and defrost, and a digital LCD that’s easy to read. Almost 500 reviews and most are 5-star!

This toaster oven has several valuable accessories like a baking pan, 12″ pizza pan, dehydrate basket, wire rack, and removable crumb tray to make your baking and cooking experience more accessible.

CLICK HERE to see the current price on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

Toaster ovens are a great addition to any small kitchen.

They are a great space saver and can provide both convenience and efficiency. When deciding where to put your toaster oven in a tiny kitchen, it is crucial to consider the available space, the countertop height, and the ease of access to the appliance.

Considering these factors, you can find the perfect spot for your toaster oven.

Photo by Charlotte May: https://www.pexels.com/photo/kitchen-with-window-5824485/

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Jeff Campbell
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