Toaster ovens are one of the cooking appliances that are present in almost every home. It’s a versatile cooking tool that you can use for several purposes. Further, it’s compatible with a variety of cookware. However, not all cookware is suitable for it. In addition, some kitchen items can cause some issues if put in a toaster. So now, the question is, what are these things you can’t put in a toaster oven?
We can sum up all the things you can’t put in a toaster oven into five. These things are styrofoam, plastic, parchment paper, glassware, and mugs and cups. Thus, if you’re planning to cook or reheat food using these things inside a toaster oven, you may want to consider using other options as alternatives.
If you use a toaster oven regularly, you’ll need to make sure everything you put inside is safe and won’t cause any unwanted incidents. Now, since the mentioned things are typical for reheating and cooking, you’ll want to know why you shouldn’t put them in a toaster oven.
In this article, you’ll see an in-depth explanation regarding this matter. This way, you can be aware of the reason and avoid putting such things in your toaster oven.
Let’s get started!
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What can you not put in a toaster oven?
While a toaster oven works with many things, there are still some items that you should never put in it. These things are styrofoam, plastic, parchment paper, glassware of any kind, and all mugs and cups.
Although these things may be safe for cooking and reheating in some appliances, the uneven heating and uncontrolled temperature of a toaster oven can cause damage to these things. As a result, you may end up ruining your food and even destroying your toaster oven.
To give you a better explanation, take some time to read further. Below, you’ll see each item and its corresponding effects and reasons why you can’t put them in your toaster oven.
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is built out of expanded polystyrene. Unfortunately, such a material cannot withstand the heat of toaster ovens, even though they don’t heat up like other ovens.
In short, take it as a rule of thumb to never place styrofoam containers in the oven. Furthermore, since styrofoam is very flammable, you should avoid placing it in the oven or even anywhere near such.
Styrofoam containers can be used to store items in the fridge, but don’t use such to cook or reheat in your toaster oven.
Plastic
Plastic materials should not be used in toaster ovens because they will melt as the temperature rises. Thus, you cannot put plastic materials even in other types of ovens.
Whatever type of plastic it is, it should not be used in a toaster oven because it may melt from the inside or entirely. In addition, it might potentially result in a fire danger.
In short, always keep plastic materials away from your toaster oven. For example, if you use one for storing food in the fridge, take your food out of the plastic before reheating in the toaster oven.
Parchment Paper
Some toaster oven instructions say that certain materials should not be used in a toaster oven, and the first thing on those lists is paper, which includes napkins and plates.
If your toaster oven doesn’t somehow come with specific instructions not to use paper, you can try using parchment paper. However, if it doesn’t state anything about the parchment paper as safe, we advise you to keep it away from your toaster oven.
Now, even if you can’t find manuals on the toaster oven, the parchment paper manufacturers themselves will advise you not to use these papers in your toaster oven.
Although parchment paper can withstand extreme temperatures compared to other papers, it can still burn if they touch the heating bars of your oven. Thus, if you really must use one make sure, that it won’t reach the heating element.
Glassware
Glassware dishes remain questionable since most people experience glassware breaking due to extreme heat. However, most glassware manufacturers state that their products are toaster-oven safe.
To ensure your safety, check your manufacturer’s manual to see if your glassware is safe in the toaster oven. Also, if you have a different dish, use it instead of glass to be safe.
Mugs and cups
We suggest otherwise if you’re thinking of heating your drinks in your mugs and cups through your toaster oven. These things are not fit to use for a toaster oven.
Although some manufacturers state their coffee cups as safe in toaster ovens, they do not use conventional porcelain, earthenware, or china mugs. These things will break in the toaster oven or when you remove them.
Summary
So, what are the things you can’t put in a toaster oven? In a nutshell, avoid putting styrofoam, plastic, parchment paper, glassware, and all mugs and cups in your toaster oven. These things may cause some problems in your toaster oven. As a result, they may end up ruining your food or, worse, damage your toaster oven.
As a general rule of thumb, you should consult your manufacturer’s manual to ensure that the things you put in your toaster oven are perfectly safe and won’t cause any issues.
Also Read:
- Toaster Oven Safe Bakeware: What Can I Put In a Toaster Oven?
- Can You Use Aluminum Foil in a Toaster Oven?
- What Can You Cook in a Toaster Oven? And What Not?
Resources
Image credits – Canva
