Toaster ovens are handy, especially when you want to bake something but don't want to heat up the entire kitchen with a full-size oven. Or if you want only a small portion. Think of a toaster oven as a big toaster or a small oven. Here's how to fix one that needs repair.

How Does It Work?

Components of a typical toaster oven.

A toaster oven is a small heating appliance that toasts bread, waffles, etc., and may (depending on the wattage) also function as a miniature oven. Some allow you to bake and broil foods, offering precise temperature and function controls.

To use a toaster oven, you set the controls, open the door and place food on a shelf, then close the door. When the oven is set to toast, the toaster thermostat regulates the upper and lower heating elements as selected by the controller. When set to bake or broil, the bake thermostat controls the heating elements as selected by the temperature controller and possibly by a timing mechanism.

Fix-It Tip

As with toasters, keeping a toaster oven running longer means keeping it clean of food debris. Clean bread crumbs and other foot particles out of the inside of the oven frequently.

The features of toaster ovens vary considerably from model to model. However, most operate in the same manner and can be diagnosed and repaired similarly.

You can access the heating element through the clean-out door on the underside.

What Can Go Wrong?

The problems that toaster ovens may present are similar to those of other heating appliances. The electrical cord may need replacing. The main switch, the thermal fuse, and the solenoid may be faulty. The thermostat may be faulty or need recalibrating.

How Can I Identify the Problem?

If the oven doesn't work at all, make sure the circuit breaker or fuse is on at the electrical service panel and test the electrcal cord.

If the oven doesn't work on its toaster and oven functions, test the main switch (see the Appliance Conrols Fix-It Guide). As needed, check the fuse.

If the toaster function doesn't turn off unless the door is open, test the solenoid, the switch and if necessary, the thermostat (see the Appliance Conrols Fix-It Guide).

Location of the typical toaster oven's thermal fuse.

If the toaster oven stays on when the door is opened, check the main switch (see the Appliance Conrols Fix-It Guide). If the oven doesn't heat, test the heating element.

Fix-It Tip

Need to replace the toaster oven? Consider spending a little more to purchase one that is heavier than other models. The components will typically be of better quality and will probably stand up to longer use.

Most toaster oven controls can be accessed by removing the unit's side panel.

What Parts, Materials, and Tools Do I Need?

Replacement parts are available from the manufacturer, aftermarket suppliers and local appliance parts houses and larger home centers. Refer to the guides mentioned above (Electrical Servce Panel Fix-It Guide, Electrical Cord Fix-It Guide, Appliance Controls Fix-It Guide, and Heating Element Fix-It Guide) for specific requirements and step-by-step procedures.

Caution!

As you remove levers and knobs, mark each with a piece of masking tape or draw a diagram, because some parts are interchangeable. Remember to put screws and other small parts in a container rather than let them roll around on the table and get lost.