Toaster ovens and conventional ovens are similar because both help cooks food. However, when preparing food in a toaster oven, you must use a container for cooking it in. Therefore, deciding to prepare food in a toaster oven brings up the question, what types of material work in a toaster oven.
So the answer to what are the best containers you can use in a toaster oven is listed in the table below:
| What Containers Can You Use In An Air Fryer | ||
|---|---|---|
| Container type | Image | |
| 1 | Ceramic baking dish |   |
| 2 | Ceramic oval bakeware |   |
| 3 | Souffle Dish Ramekins |   |
| 4 | Soup bowls |   |
| 5 | Glass containers |   |
| 6 | Cast iron dutch oven |   |
| 7 | Cast iron mini lodge pan |   |
| 8 | Stainless steel |   |
| 9 | Multi use Aluminum containers and pans |   |
| 10 | Copper - detachable handles |   |
| 11 | Silicone mould |   |
| 12 | Silicone cupcake liners |   |
| 13 | Silicone air fryer basket |   |
| 14 | Non-stick teflon muffin pans |   |
What are the right containers for a toaster oven
Toaster ovens provide many cooking options, similar to an oven. When cooking in a toaster oven, you want to keep it clean, and the best way to keep it clean is to use a container. There are many options available to prepare food in a toaster oven, including oven-safe containers such as glassware, metal, and ceramic.
Most toaster ovens come with a small metal tray for cooking with; however, you can purchase many more types of containers to use. When shopping for containers to cook with, check to make sure it contains materials safe for use in a toaster oven. Additionally, make sure the container easily fits in the toaster oven.
Most of these containers, such as glass, ceramics, and stoneware, are fired at high temperatures when created. However, the biggest threat for these containers is thermal shock. For example, when removing a dish from the refrigerator, you must let it warm to room temperature before placing it in a preheated toaster oven. Placing a cold plate in a warm toaster oven could cause it to break easily from the stress.
All toaster oven-safe containers are made to withstand high temperatures and do not melt. That is except for silicone and aluminum, which can melt when it comes in contact with the heating element. Check the manual to see which containers work best in the toaster oven you purchased. Additionally, check the container to ensure the material used is also toaster oven safe.
Ceramic containers
In most cases, ceramic containers are safe for use in a toaster oven. However, ensure the ceramic container is labeled toaster oven-safe before using because not all ceramic containers or their glaze can withstand high temperatures. Also, keep an eye on your ceramic containers because even oven-safe containers can get small cracks caused by uneven heating.
Avoid using small, thin plates or soup bowls in the toaster oven as they are more likely to crack. Instead, it is best to use the thickest plate or bowl to reduce the risk of breaking.
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Ceramic crockery
Like ceramic containers, ceramic crockery can only be used in a toaster oven when labeled toaster oven safe. First, check the bottom of the crockery to see if it contains a manufacturer’s stamp as being safe to use. If there is no stamp, check the manual that came with the crockery, look up the care guide online or contact the company. In most cases, the manufacturer’s website should contain information on the product’s ability to be used in a toaster oven.
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Ceramic cookware
Toaster oven-safe ceramic cookware, such as a pot or oval bakeware, can be used to prepare food in a toaster oven. Typically, these containers withstand high temperatures associated with cooking in a toaster oven. Any oven-safe cookware can be used in a toaster oven and identified with an “Oven-Safe” symbol on the bottom.
Similar to using ceramic cookware in the oven, check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper use of cookware in a toaster oven.
Silicone containers
Silicone containers are resistant to cold and heat, making them safe for use in a toaster oven. It is best to place a cookie sheet underneath the silicone cake pans because they are very flexible. Silicone containers, inducing mould containers, and silicone baskets work to cook and bake in a toaster oven.
Nothing fancy, just frozen blueberries & raspberries mixed into muffin batter.
Got these new silicone cupcake molds for my toaster oven and couldn’t wait to use them. The muffins just pop right out! pic.twitter.com/sp9VBxZ80j
— ksoh Fresco Food Tweets (@ksohFresco) July 28, 2020
When making cupcakes, you can use paper liners, but silicone cupcake liners work well in a toaster oven.
When using silicone containers, even if the container is non-stick, it is best to use a non-stick spray when baking in a toaster oven.
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What kind of pans can go in the toaster oven?
Many types of pans can go in a toaster oven; however, the biggest issue is finding pans that fit. Foil pans are ideal to use in a toaster oven and come in smaller sizes. Additionally, pans made from aluminum, cast iron, and steel all work well in a toaster oven.
These pans may fit in a toaster oven, but the handle or lip may cause the pan to be too big.
Manufacturers do not recommend cooking in a toaster oven if the container is too big and the door does not close all the way.
Cast iron mini Dutch oven
Cast iron is universally loved by many because it works to make so many meals. A cast-iron mini Dutch oven is perfect for soups, stews, and casseroles and works in a toaster oven. However, using cast iron in a toaster oven might not be the best option.
Cast iron is hefty, and you must make sure your toaster oven is strong enough to hold the weight. Check the owner’s manual for additional information about how much weight you can put on the cooking rack of your toaster oven.
I found this mini-sized dutch oven on amazon, wich is perfect for toaster oven:
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Stainless steel
Though not as popular as glassware or ceramic for cooking, you can use stainless steel in a toaster oven. Anything from stainless steel pans to cookie sheets work for cooking in a toaster oven. However, as with any container, check for the “Oven-Safe” marking or the owner’s manual to ensure it is safe to use.
Multi-use aluminum containers and pans
Aluminum containers and pans are perfect for use in a toaster oven. These containers make it possible to prepare food in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to heat up. They are perfect for small meals, such as Quiché, vegetables, and a single serving of lasagna. Aluminum containers are solid and durable, making them a popular choice to use in the kitchen.
Aluminum containers come in all shapes and sizes, making them a favorite for cooking and storing food. Some foodie friends even use oversized aluminum pans 🙂
pleased to announce my toaster oven can fit a truly massive tin takeout container with a little bending pic.twitter.com/BVxhtyB423
— loudmouth guttersnipe (@mildmayfoxe) July 19, 2021
The best way to use multi-use aluminum containers is for daily meal prepping and organization. You can spend one day putting together all of your meals for the week, refrigerate the meals, and heat them in the toaster oven when ready to eat.
Additionally, there is virtually no clean-up when using aluminum containers because they are disposable.
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Which glass containers can you put in a toaster oven?
Similar to ceramic containers, you can use glass containers in a toaster oven as long as they have the “Oven-Safe” stamp on the bottom. Glass that is safe to use in a toaster oven is Pyrex and other casserole-type dishes. Verify the glass container is oven safe before using.
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When cooking with glass containers, one thing to keep in mind is to avoid shocking the container, which can create small cracks. The small cracks eventually may lead to the entire dish shattering. To avoid shocking the glass container, do not place cold food on the glass and put it into a preheated toaster oven. Instead, let the food come to room temperature before placing the container in the toaster oven.
Corningware
Corningware is a popular item to use when cooking in convection ovens and toaster ovens. The glass-ceramic design of Corningware makes it durable to use in a toaster oven. However, as with glass and ceramic, you must do what you can to avoid extreme temperature changes, which can shock the container, causing it to crack.
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Corelle
Corelle glass dinnerware works best for everyday household use. However, it would be best not to use Corelle in a toaster oven or in situations with extreme temperature changes. Because of this, seek an alternative container to use when cooking in a toaster oven.
Casserole dish
Most casserole dishes intended for use in an oven also work in a toaster oven. The only issue is most toaster ovens are not big enough to accommodate the size of a majority of the casserole dishes available. Before using, check the casserole dish for the “Oven-Safe” stamp and ensure it is toaster oven safe.
Can you put a mug in a toaster oven
Using a coffee mug in a toaster oven is probably not the best container option available. Mugs made from standard porcelain, fine china, or earthenware are unsafe to use in the toaster oven. These materials will crack when you heat them or remove them from the toaster oven. Ultimately, it would be best not to use mugs in a toaster oven.
Souffle cup — ramekins
Ramekins made of stone bakeware or oven-safe ceramic are safe to use in a toaster oven. However, ramekins made from other materials may not be safe to use. Check for the “Oven-Safe” stamp on the bottom of the container and the manufacturer for safety guidelines.
Non-stick Teflon muffin pans
You can use non-stick Teflon muffin pans in a toaster oven. However, keep the use of these pans should to temperatures under 350 °F. Even if it is labeled non-stick, if not using cupcake liners, it is best to spray a coating of non-stick spray to the pan before cooking.
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What to look for before buying container for a toaster oven
A toaster oven is an excellent addition to any kitchen, especially when cooking and reheating leftovers. However, the biggest concern when using a toaster oven is ensuring what you want to cook fits in the smaller size of the toaster oven. Ensure to know the inside dimensions of your toaster oven and shop for those that comfortably fit inside. Check the owner’s manual for container size recommendations and clearance space required inside the toaster oven.
In addition to size, there are many other things to consider when buying a container for a toaster oven. The first thing you want to look for is the “Oven-Safe” stamp on the bottom of the container. This stamp signifies the container is safe to use in the oven and a toaster oven.
The next thing to consider when buying containers for your toaster oven is what you plan to cook. Knowing what you plan to cook in your toaster oven can help determine which containers you purchase. For example, if you plan to cook mini casseroles, you may want a ceramic casserole dish. Or, if you plan to bake, you may wish to use silicone baking or muffin pans.
Material — oven-safe = toaster oven safe
Though conventional ovens and toaster ovens operate similarly, they do cook food at different rates. Additionally, most oven-safe containers are toaster oven safe. However, because toaster ovens are smaller, you must take precautions as outlined by the manufacturer to cook at the proper toaster oven temperature. By doing this, you reduce the risk of your oven-safe container cracking.
Before shopping, check the owner’s manual for the toaster oven for recommendations and do some online research to see which brands of containers are toaster oven safe.
Size and capacity
The size and capacity of the inside of your toaster oven determine the size of containers you purchase. In addition, there is a required clearance space needed between the inside sides of the toaster oven and the container and food. The clearance space required also affects the size container you should buy.
For heavier containers, check the weight capacity of your toaster oven to ensure it can hold the container. Because most toaster ovens do not hold heavy containers, it is best to stick with the light yet durable ones.
Ideally, it would help if you shopped for containers that comfortably fit in your toaster oven and are the perfect size to cook your food.
What should you not put in a toaster oven?
Now that we have covered all the containers that work in a toaster oven let’s look at the items you should not put in a toaster oven. In addition to cracking from the heat, some containers are dangerous to put in a toaster oven. Knowing which containers you should not use helps keep you and your family safe from toxic fumes or fire.
Here is a list of items and materials you should not put in a toaster oven:
- Aluminum foil — Some toaster oven manufacturers warn consumers not to use aluminum foil in the toaster oven. Though not considered dangerous, it can lead to complications should it contact the heating element.
- Non-oven safe glass bakeware — If it is not oven-safe, do not use it in a toaster oven.
- Parchment paper — Most toaster oven manuals state not to use parchment paper because it quickly burns if it comes in contact with the heating elements.
- Plastic — You should never use plastic containers because they will melt. Additionally, plastic could cause a fire when it melts in a toaster oven.
- Styrofoam — Styrofoam cannot handle the heat of a toaster oven and is highly flammable.
Before using any container, check with the owner’s manual for the toaster oven and the container manufacturer to ensure it is safe to use.
Conclusion
Many containers work well in a toaster oven to cook, reheat, and bake. However, you must check the owner’s manual of the toaster oven and the manufacturer’s information for the container before using it. Check to verify the materials can be used in the toaster oven.