Toasters Vs. Toaster Ovens for Power Consumption

Toaster Power Consumption

Wattage varies for a given appliance, depending on factors such as which company makes the appliance and how efficiently it uses energy. Toasters, for instance, can use as few as 800 watts and as many as 1,400 watts, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. At the time of publication, this translates to an electricity cost of 9 to 16 cents for every hour you use your toaster if calculated using power data provided by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Toaster-oven wattage varies to a lesser degree than toaster wattage. Yours likely uses between 1,225 and 1,250 watts. It costs you between 14 and 15 cents per hour to use it. Since your toaster oven can cook meals, you're likely to use it for longer periods of time and therefore pay more for it per month.

Toasters are most practical for thin, solid foods. These include baked goods such as breads, waffles and --- if the slots on your toaster are wide enough --- bagels. Though your toaster costs more per use than your toaster oven, it likely costs less to operate per month unless you eat a large amount of baked goods.

Your toaster oven is the more practical choice for foods such as meats, casseroles and crumbly baked goods, such as brownies and cookies. Also, use it for large quantities of bread to decrease waiting time and electricity use.