Microwave vs. The Toaster Oven

I just read an article called "Microwave or Toaster Oven, Which is the Greener Kitchen Gadget?" by Jaymie Heimbuch. It was a compare and contrast article about microwaves and toaster ovens. You've probably heard that switching to smaller cooking devices saves a lot of energy. But which one saves more--a microwave or toaster oven? A microwave uses about 750-1100 watts but a toaster oven uses about 1200-1700 watts. As you may have noticed, the microwave obviously saves more energy but it really all depends on how you want your food cooked and how you will use it. A microwave is used if you want something hot at that very moment and you don't really care how well it's warmed as long as it's hot, fast. A toaster oven is used if you are willing to wait to have your food evenly warmed just like in an oven. There is also a difference in how much time is used to warm the food. Say you're warming pizza. In a microwave, it would take about 2 minutes but in a toaster oven, it might take about five minutes. The toaster oven would obviously cost more because it takes longer to heat up food in it. Ultimately, the kitchen appliance you choose is based on your own choice. If you're the type of person who wants food heated quickly and with the least energy, go with the microwave. If you want your food heated well and you want to cut back on the energy required to use an oven, then go with the toaster oven. And if you can't decide, there's always an option open of buying both. You would have to use them both wisely but you can always do that.
In my opinion, I think a toaster oven is better. I, personally, like my food well heated. The toaster oven is also a lot safer. Microwaves can sometimes be harmful and I've heard that they can cause cancer. Although I do use a microwave more often, a toaster oven would be better for me. If everyone chose a toaster oven and used it wisely, we might just be able to cut back on energy use. After reading this, I just might start using a toaster oven more often.