Should I use both upper and lower heating elements in toaster oven?

[mvintx]

I just picked up a Black & Decker countertop oven from WM for PC. Took me awhile to get the thing apart but I've bypassed the thermostat and timer and wired the convection fan directly to it's own power cord. Yes, I'll be running this with my PID.

Since the oven has both lower and upper heating elements, should I just disconnect the uppers or run both sets? The oven has two shelves and I was thinking perhaps the upper elements might overheat the top shelf. I'm planning on running the thermocouple through the top to just above the bullet tray. Any thoughts?

[Dragonheart]

I would run both elements, it will shorten the recovery time, especially if you have multiple fully loaded racks. One element might not be adequate to bring the temp up to 400 degrees or within any reasonable time frame. If you use multiple racks in your oven, more than two, you may get a little discoloration on the top rack if it is close to the element, but it is less likely using convection. Also discoloration probably will not happen unless you extend the cooking past what is needed for a complete cure.

[GregLaROCHE]

I have a normal oven that lets me run one or both elements. I only use the bottom one, but have wondered what difference both would make. I just do one rack at a time and figured since heat rises, most of the top heat would be wasted. However, with a fan, that’s a different story. If nothing else, it would probably be faster.

[mvintx]

OK, great. I've got both elements wired now so I'll just leave it that way. And I think I'll run the thermocouple through the side. Thanks for the comments.

Now, if I can get the pieces all back together...

[popper]

I didn't bother putting mine back together, just toss a cotton towel on top for insulation.

[Walter Laich]

I use both. works fine

it's not like you're cooking Peking Duck

[Ramson222]

I use both sets. I also wired my fan to a cord with a switch. Using both sets has worked well for me. I heat treated 30lbs of 9mm last night at 430 degrees for a hour. Had no problems using my pid from Hatch to control temp.

[6bg6ga]

Your either powder coating or hardening so your not going to melt the lead or even come close. Using both elements should shorten up the time it takes to bring the oven to temp and should insure a more even heating inside the unit.