Applied Physics at Breakfast
Traditional, pop-up toasters heat using an nickel and chromium alloy known as "nichrome" that lets off about 1000 watts of heat power by resisting electrical current. Toaster ovens are much more versatile because they operate at about 1500 watts and employ a tray instead of a pop-up mechanism. While still employing nichrome, the coil is much thicker, creating more resistance and, in turn, heat.
But rather than the simple on/off electrical connection of the traditional toaster, the toaster oven features a number of components that allow you to set the temperature, time, and other functions. While a pop-up toaster has a capacitor that shuts off power once reaching a certain voltage level according to the desired level of browness, a toaster oven uses an electronic thermostat that turns on the heating elements when the temperature drops below the set level.
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Like a regular toaster, the electric toaster can use a system of electromagnets that will ring a bell when it is done, but usually manufacturers opt for an electric beep to signify that the toaster is hot or done toasting. Typically, the fewer moving parts, the better.
Fixing Some Toast
The nice thing about a largely electrical composition over mechanical is that if you are so inclined, you can replace toaster oven thermostats or timers should one break down. The bad thing about electrical components is that grasping the complexities of a circuit board is not nearly as fun as springs and magnets. And of course, locating matching parts for your toaster oven may be more trouble than purchasing a new toaster.
