When we bought our house, one of the kitchen’s selling features was a built-in microwave shelf. But instead of a microwave, we put a toaster oven in that spot—and it’s been a cherished kitchen appliance ever since.

I won’t go into a long debate about why microwaves are harmful. Let’s just say if you shouldn’t stand too close to one while it’s running, imagine what it’s doing to your food!

Why am I such a fan of our toaster oven?

First, it’s the only kitchen appliance that hasn’t broken down in the ten years we’ve lived in our house—despite being used multiple times a day.

Second, it’s the perfect tool for heating up leftovers. I always tell people to cook extra meat or fish for dinner and leave it covered in CorningWare or Pyrex overnight on the counter. No need to refrigerate it for just one night—it won’t go bad, and you won’t get sick, especially if your food comes from a trusted source.

The advantage of leaving prepared food out overnight is that it requires less reheating the next day. Just two or three minutes in a toaster oven does the trick. The less you heat your leftovers, the more nutrients they retain.

Interestingly, this practice may even strengthen your immune system. In Thailand, for example, it’s common to prepare food in the morning, leave it out all day in the heat, and eat it for dinner. Despite this, foodborne illness outbreaks are rare. Regular exposure to bacteria and pathogens from food that has been sitting out may help build resilience over time.

Take-Home Message

A great breakfast option is leftover dinner. Don’t be afraid to leave prepared food out overnight, and use a toaster oven to warm it up the next day. And if you still own a microwave—ditch it!