Machines
Upgrade your Toaster Oven
This mod to a entry level toaster oven will increase heating efficiency and temperature accuracy of the oven. It requires substituting the thermostat that the toaster oven comes with to a REX-C100 Digital PID Temperature Controller. This controller is obtained from Aliexpress and is relatively cheap. The second part of the mod is to install some fibre-glass insulation. This is rated to around 540c so should be able to easily handle the toaster oven's maximum temperature. You have to be selective where you put the insulation as it can impede the mechanical operation of the taster oven. You can also use fibre cement to help insulate your oven.
More Information
1
Safety First!
Electrical Safety:
Unplug the toaster oven before starting any work.
Use appropriate tools: Use insulated screwdrivers, wear electrical safety gloves.
Double-check wiring: Ensure connections are secure and properly insulated.
Before using the modified oven, test it in a safe environment to ensure it functions correctly and doesn't overheat.
Consult a qualified electrician if you're unsure about any electrical aspects of the modification.
Considerations:
Monitor first use: Stay vigilant during the initial use of the modified oven to detect any potential fire hazard.
Handle fiberglass insulation carefully: Wear protective gloves, long sleeves, and a mask to avoid skin and respiratory irritation.
Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for both the toaster oven and the REX controller
Never leave the modified oven unattended while in use.
Safety is paramount when working with electrical appliances. If you have any doubts about your abilities or safety, seek professional assistance
2
Removing the cover and identifying the thermostat.
Make sure you have the toaster oven unplugged from the power socket.
1. Locate the screws that holds the main cover in place and remove them.
2.Carefully and without force, remove the cover. as shown in picture one, identify the thermostat. It will be behind the front dial that is used to change the temperature of the toaster oven. Please note in picture 1 that I have already removed the 2 wires from the thermostat (brown wires with spade connectors). the wires on either side of the thermostat should be connected to the SSR on terminals 1 and 2 on the 24~380VAC side illustrated on the SSR. The terminals on the other side of the SSR go to the EX-C100 Digital PID Temperature Controller. Be aware that those 2 wires need to be connected with the correct polarity.
3
Install the temperature probe.
With the K type probe, I removed the rotisserie motor from the toaster oven and screwed the probe in one of the holes. You may have to find a nut to fit the probe and drill a hole in the wall of the toaster oven to make the K type probe be in the actual oven part where the heat is. couple of notes here. If you have a look at picture 1, you will see that I have circled in red the probe and 2 other objects. the other 2 objects are the heating elements and when the oven is plugged in that will have electricity running through them. You would want to put some fiber-glass insulation around them to prevent them from being short circuited by the wire of the K type probe. only place the fiber-glass insulation between the wall and all the wires of the toaster oven - do not cover the SSR with insulation as it needs to be kept relatively cool. In the photo, you can see that I have powered on the oven - please don't do that until the covers are back on. I am a qualified electrical fitter-mechanic.
4
Adding insulation and finishing up
At the minimum you should add insulation between the wiring compartment and the toaster oven. With the SSR installed in the wiring compartment, heat is not what you want in there as the SSR will overheat. Also protect the wiring that is going from the wiring compartment to the REX-C100 Digital PID Temperature Controller. metal that is cut away is sharp and has the potential of cutting wires and shorting them out. To house the REX-C100 Digital PID Temperature Controller, if you have one, fold up a sheet of metal to mount on the outside of the toaster oven. You could also mount a plastic container of some sort and make a cutout to mount the controller.
All up plan your steps and if you have any questions just let me know and I will do my best to help.