03-30-2012, 03:31 PM
Unless specifically noted on the instructions, toaster ovens are zero clearance devices, and many of them have the option of being installed as built-ins in wooden cabinets. That said, perishable foodstuffs above are going to suffer, and removing plastic light fixtures above is just a no brainier. They do get hot to the touch, and might affect the wood finish, but shouldn't be a hazard.
That said, if you want to install a heat shield, thermodynamic properties of materials say that it should be a piece of aluminum, not steel, and have an air gap both above and below to be effective. A piece of stainless screwed flush to the cabinets is not going to stop any heat transmission.
That said, if you want to install a heat shield, thermodynamic properties of materials say that it should be a piece of aluminum, not steel, and have an air gap both above and below to be effective. A piece of stainless screwed flush to the cabinets is not going to stop any heat transmission.