Tovala’s smart oven revolutionizes meal prep with its scan-to-cook technology, delivering gourmet dishes with minimal effort. Many users wonder if this convenient appliance can handle multiple meals simultaneously to save time. This article explores whether you can cook 2 Tovala meals at once, offering practical tips and strategies for success.
The Tovala oven is designed to streamline cooking, but its capacity and settings impact multi-meal cooking. Cooking two meals together can enhance efficiency, especially for busy households. Understanding the oven’s features and meal compatibility is key to achieving great results.
From meal planning to proper tray placement, this guide covers everything you need to know. With simple techniques, you can maximize your Tovala oven’s potential. Read on to learn how to cook multiple meals effectively and enjoy delicious dinners with ease.
Understanding the Tovala Smart Oven
The Tovala oven combines baking, steaming, and broiling in one compact appliance. It uses pre-programmed cook cycles tailored to each Tovala meal, activated by scanning a barcode. This ensures precise cooking for optimal flavor and texture.
The oven fits up to four aluminum trays or one sheet tray, depending on the meal. Its smart technology syncs with the Tovala app, offering guided instructions and customizable settings. This versatility makes it a favorite for busy cooks.
While designed for single-meal cooking, the oven’s capacity allows for multi-meal preparation under certain conditions. Knowing its limitations and features helps you plan effectively. Let’s explore how to cook multiple meals at once.
Benefits of Cooking Multiple Meals
Cooking two Tovala meals at once saves time, making it ideal for families or meal prepping. It reduces the need for multiple cooking sessions, streamlining dinner prep. This is perfect for busy evenings or hosting guests.
It also promotes energy efficiency by using the oven’s heat for multiple dishes. You can serve varied meals, catering to different tastes in one go. For example, pair a vegetarian dish with a meat-based one.
The method enhances convenience without sacrificing quality. With proper planning, you can enjoy restaurant-style meals with minimal effort. However, meal compatibility and oven space are critical factors.
Meal Compatibility and Oven Capacity
Tovala meals vary in size and cooking requirements. Some use one tray, while others need two or a full sheet tray. The oven’s capacity—four aluminum trays or one sheet tray—determines how many meals you can cook.
Meals with similar cooking times and temperatures work best together. For instance, two single-tray meals like Buffalo Chicken Pasta can cook simultaneously. Meals requiring different proteins, like chicken and salmon, should be cooked separately due to unique cook cycles.
Check the meal’s app description or insert for compatibility. Meals marked “Oven Fits 1 Serving” must cook alone. Understanding these factors ensures even cooking and great flavor.
Preparing to Cook Multiple Meals
Before cooking, review each meal’s instructions via the Tovala app or packaging. Note the cooking time, temperature, and tray requirements. This helps plan your cooking schedule.
Remove plastic film from trays and place meals on the oven’s lowest rack position, curved edges down. Ensure trays don’t overlap to allow proper heat and steam circulation. Use separate trays to prevent flavor mixing.
For meals with different cook times, start with the longer-cooking meal. Add the second meal later to sync completion. Proper prep maximizes efficiency and maintains quality.
Can You Cook 2 Tovala Meals at Once
Yes, you can cook 2 Tovala meals at once, provided they are compatible in size and cooking requirements. The Tovala oven can handle up to four single-tray meals or two two-tray meals, depending on the dish. For example, two Buffalo Chicken Pasta meals (one tray each) cook together seamlessly.
Choose meals with similar cook times and temperatures for best results. Scan the barcode once for identical meals, place them in the oven, and press start. The oven’s multi-mode cooking (steam, bake, broil) adjusts automatically.
Avoid cooking different proteins, like chicken and fish, together, as their cook cycles differ. Always check the app or insert for guidance to ensure even cooking and avoid under- or overcooking.
Cooking Single-Tray Meals
Single-tray meals, like quesadillas or pasta dishes, are ideal for cooking two at once. Each tray fits easily in the oven, allowing up to four servings total. Place trays side by side without touching.
Cook at the recommended settings, typically 15-20 minutes, depending on the meal. Flip or rotate trays halfway if instructed to ensure even cooking. Use the Tovala app for precise timing.
This method works well for quick meals with similar profiles. For example, two single-tray vegetarian dishes cook evenly together. Check doneness with a fork or thermometer for perfection.
Cooking Two-Tray Meals
Meals like Chicken Parmesan, which use two trays (one for protein, one for sides), limit you to two meals at once. The oven fits four trays total, so two two-tray meals fill the space. Arrange trays carefully to avoid blocking steam vents.
Follow the meal’s barcode instructions, scanning once for identical meals. Cooking takes about 18-25 minutes, depending on the dish. Monitor progress to ensure both meals cook evenly.
If one meal finishes early, remove it and keep warm while the other completes. This approach balances convenience with consistent results for heartier dishes.
Cooking Times and Tray Requirements Table
| Meal Type | Trays Required | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Tray (e.g., Pasta) | 1 tray per meal | 15-20 minutes |
| Two-Tray (e.g., Chicken) | 2 trays per meal | 18-25 minutes |
| Sheet Tray (e.g., Meatballs) | 1 sheet tray | 20-25 minutes |
This table shows tray requirements and approximate cooking times for different Tovala meals. Use it to plan multi-meal cooking efficiently.
Tips for Successful Multi-Meal Cooking
To maximize success, choose meals with similar cooking profiles. Check the Tovala app for compatibility notes or warnings. Avoid mixing meals with vastly different temperatures or times.
Use multi-level racks if available, ensuring space for air circulation. Rotate trays halfway through if one side cooks faster. Set timers to track each meal’s progress.
Monitor meals closely, especially the first time cooking two together. Use a food thermometer to check doneness, aiming for safe internal temperatures (e.g., 165°F for chicken). These steps prevent uneven results.
Tovala Meal Pairing Ideas
Here are three meal combinations for cooking two at once:
- Buffalo Chicken Pasta & Veggie Quesadilla: Both single-tray meals with similar 15-18 minute cook times, perfect for quick dinners.
- Tuscan Herb Chicken & Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Two-tray meals with compatible 20-minute cycles, offering a balanced meal.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Grilled Salmon: Single-tray dishes that cook in 18-20 minutes, ideal for a healthy spread.
These pairings ensure even cooking and complementary flavors. Always verify compatibility via the app.
Benefits of Cooking Two Meals Together
Cooking two meals simultaneously saves time, especially for busy households. It reduces overall cooking sessions, freeing up time for other tasks. This is ideal for meal prepping or serving multiple people.
It’s energy-efficient, using one oven cycle for two dishes. You can cater to diverse tastes, like pairing a meat dish with a vegetarian one. This adds variety without extra effort.
The method also simplifies cleanup, as you’re using the same oven cycle. With proper planning, you maintain the high quality Tovala meals are known for.
Storing and Reheating Tovala Meals
Store uncooked Tovala meals in the fridge until their “Enjoy Before” date. Freeze them if needed, thawing in the fridge overnight before cooking. This preserves freshness and flavor.
Reheat cooked leftovers in the Tovala oven using the reheat mode, typically 5-7 minutes at 350°F. Alternatively, use a microwave for 1-2 minutes, but the oven maintains better texture.
Keep meals in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge. Proper storage ensures leftovers stay safe and delicious for later enjoyment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid cooking different proteins together, like chicken and fish, due to differing cook cycles. This can lead to uneven cooking or flavor mixing. Stick to similar meals.
Overcrowding the oven blocks steam and heat flow, causing uneven results. Ensure trays have space around them. Don’t stack meals, as this disrupts cooking.
Ignoring the app’s instructions can result in under- or overcooking. Always follow barcode or app guidance. Check meals early to adjust for your oven’s performance.
Summary
You can cook 2 Tovala meals at once if they have similar cooking times and tray requirements, making it a time-saving option for busy cooks. The Tovala oven’s capacity allows up to four single-tray or two two-tray meals, but compatibility is key. Use the app for guidance, arrange trays properly, and monitor doneness for best results. This method offers efficiency, variety, and delicious meals with minimal effort. Try it to streamline your cooking and enjoy gourmet dishes at home.
FAQ
Can you cook 2 Tovala meals at once?
Yes, you can cook two Tovala meals at once if they have similar cooking times and temperatures. The oven fits up to four single-tray or two two-tray meals. Check the app or insert for compatibility.
Can I cook different Tovala meals together?
Avoid cooking different proteins, like chicken and salmon, together due to unique cook cycles. Choose meals with similar requirements for even cooking. Refer to the Tovala app for guidance.
How do I arrange trays for two meals?
Place trays on the lowest rack, ensuring they don’t overlap or block steam vents. Use multi-level racks if available for better air circulation. Rotate