The first toaster oven was introduced in 1910 by the company General Electric (GE). It was called the "D-12," and it was a combination of a toaster and an oven, designed to sit on a kitchen countertop. The D-12 could toast bread and also cook small items like meat, making it a versatile appliance for its time. This invention laid the foundation for the toaster ovens we use today. Over the years, toaster ovens have evolved, offering more features and functionalities, but the basic concept remains the same.