Can You Put A Toaster Oven In A Cabinet? (Find Out Now!)
Toaster ovens are one of those things that people either use daily or assume are obsolete. Don’t ask me why, I don’t make the rules. If you’re one of the many who see the toaster oven as a breakfast-making must-have (or for those awesome after-school pizza bagels!), then you need to find a way to store it. How about cabinets? Are they safe?
Cabinets of all types are good for storing a toaster oven when it’s not in use. If you want to use a toaster oven in a cabinet, special care needs to be made for ensuring that the area is ventilated and insulated. Not all toaster ovens can be stored in a cabinet.
Toaster ovens are still popular, in their 90s-tastic goodness. You have to make sure it’s stored correctly if you want to make the most of your space. This guide will give you a better idea of what to expect.
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Can You Store A Toaster Oven In A Cabinet?
If you are not currently using the toaster oven and aren’t plugging anything in, then it’s totally fine to put a toaster oven in any cabinet you please. It will not pose a threat to you if it has no power running to it. However, if you want to actually keep the toaster oven while you’re heating things up, things tend to be a little bit different.
Certain specifications have to be met if you want to store a toaster oven in a wooden cabinet and use it there too. If even one of those conditions or specs aren’t met, it’s a bad idea. Firefighters actually make a point of warning people against using toaster ovens that are shoved in cabinets without proper care.
When Can You Store A Toaster Oven In A Cabinet?
Honestly, I strongly advise you to store your toaster oven anywhere but a cabinet. It’s not ideal and even if you take precautions, it can damage your cabinets or spark a fire. However, you will still be mostly safe if these conditions are met:
- The toaster oven in question is meant to be used in small spaces. Look for compact models that have low wattage if you need to keep it in the cabinet. High wattage models are more likely to pose a fire hazard. Ideally, you’ll shop for a “cool touch” toaster oven that doesn’t give off too much heat.
- You have to have 4 inches of space around every side of the toaster oven. This is usually the biggest issue that people have with putting a toaster oven in a cabinet. It has to be a REALLY big cabinet in order to give it enough space. Toaster ovens give off a lot of heat, and can reach temperatures of 500 degrees. You want to make sure nothing touches the oven, lest it gets burnt. The only exception to the rule is a “cool touch” oven.
- The cabinet should be metal, or should have fireproofing insulation in the area that the oven will sit. This helps reduce the chance of having a fire break out. Try to avoid insulation that conducts heat, especially if your cabinetry is wood.
- Your cabinet needs to have ample ventilation. No ventilation in your cabinet means that you will probably have an overheating toaster oven. That could lead to oven burnout or damage to your cabinetry.
What’s A Better Option For Cabinet Toaster Oven Storage?
Cabinets are a great place to store toaster ovens in the right situation. Many people are able to get toaster ovens that are supposed to be hooked at the bottom of kitchen cabinets. This allows you to save precious counter space while still getting the toasting goodness that a good toaster oven offers.
When picking out your toaster oven, look for an under-cabinet mounting toaster oven. Oh, and get a toaster oven heat guard. This will make installation a breeze and reduce the chances of a fire.
Where Is The Best Place To Store A Toaster Oven?
Without a doubt, the best place to store a toaster oven is on the counter. Countertops are built to handle a lot of heat, and also offer tons of ventilation for your toaster oven. This means that you’ll have virtually no chance of fire (as long as your oven works well) and that you’ll have easy access to all of its toasting power.
A close second would be an open shelf—ideally, one made out of insulated material. You want to ensure that the toaster oven doesn’t touch any other wiring near it. Otherwise, the heat from the oven could melt wiring and cause a short circuit.
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Related Questions
Do toaster ovens cause a lot of fires?
Toasters and toaster ovens might cook food well, but they are a known fire hazard. Every year, toaster ovens cause around 3,000 fires nationwide. Fats, meats, breadcrumbs, and oily foods that are left at the bottom of the toaster oven increase the rate of fire risk.If you want to keep a toaster in your home, it’s important to have both a fire hydrant in your kitchen. You also need to make a point cleaning your toaster oven regularly. It’s the best way to prevent a fire.
Are there toaster ovens that do not give off heat?
In recent years, engineers were able to make a toaster oven that has ample insulation around the walls. This makes them cool to the touch, even when they’re heating up your toast. They are called “cool touch” toaster ovens. We strongly encourage you to get one if you are worried about overheating.
Are there any products that can help insulate toaster oven heat from cabinetry?
Yes! If you want to secure your toaster oven in place without having to worry about excess heat, you can buy a ToasterShield. This is a specially designed mat and cage that is there to help absorb the heat and keep your cabinetry safe. It’s a good way to help keep your shelving and your oven safe from the heat.
Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.
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