The Cooks' Den » Toasters http://www.thecooksden.com Cooking Tools - Gear for Cooks and Chefs Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:49:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Black & Decker Toaster Oven, 4 Slice | Toast-R-Oven Energy Efficient, Chrome TRO480BS http://www.thecooksden.com/black-decker-toaster-oven-4-slice-toast-r-oven-energy-efficient-chrome-tro480bs/ http://www.thecooksden.com/black-decker-toaster-oven-4-slice-toast-r-oven-energy-efficient-chrome-tro480bs/#comments Thu, 15 Sep 2011 19:05:26 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12757 Black & Decker Toaster Oven, 4 Slice This Black & Decker 4-slice Toast-R-Oven is a frequent best-seller due to its relatively low retail price -- and the fact that it's pretty easy to find on sale. If you look around long enough, you should be able to find this toaster oven for under 30 bucks. To me, that's a no-brainer.

Or is it?

Well... it is if you don't expect much for the price you paid. I'd recommend another model instead (see below). Allow me to explain:

The Toast-R-Oven at least comes with all the basic, essential features that a toaster oven should have. It can toast, broil, and bake up to 450 degrees. It has a bagel setting for only toasting one side, and a keep-warm setting once the food's done. Cooking can be done either via timer (which goes up to 30 minutes) or a dial that keeps the toaster oven continuously on. And for easy cleanup, there's a crumb tray and baking pan included.

A feature that stands out from the norm is that the walls are slightly curved inside to accomodate a personal pizza. It'll be a small pizza; the oven measures about 12x19x15 inches, and that's on the small side for a toaster oven.

If only that were the biggest complaint...

User-friendly? Not so much. While the Toast-R-Oven does have three adjustable dials to accomodate toast darkness, time, heating functions, etc., the precise tuning can be difficult to master. Otherwise, you end up with burnt toast, or heat that doesn't turn off once the timer's done. The functions can be done if you take the time to figure stuff out.

Other complaints include a longer-than average toasting time and an unpredictable "ticking" sound. But the most concerning issue for me is the exposure to unsafe heat. While 1200 W is plenty hot enough for a toaster oven, the surface of the unit gets extremely hot when it's on, stay-cool handle notwithstanding. This toaster oven should not be stored by anything flammable; make sure it's out of the way where kids and pets won't accidentally touch it when it's on -- and don't rest anything on top of it, either. Ow.

There are too many cautions for me to enthusiastically recommend this 4-slice Toast-R-Oven TRO480BS. Instead, I'd recommend the digital 6-slice model. Black & Decker seem to have rectified a lot of the above problems with the Toast-R-Oven CTO6301.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/black-decker-toaster-oven-4-slice-toast-r-oven-energy-efficient-chrome-tro480bs/feed/ 0 Chefscape Egg Toaster, Automatic 4 Slice | English Muffin Breakfast Bagel w/ Defrost, High Lift http://www.thecooksden.com/chefscape-egg-toaster-automatic-4-slice-english-muffin-breakfast-bagel-w-defrost-high-lift/ http://www.thecooksden.com/chefscape-egg-toaster-automatic-4-slice-english-muffin-breakfast-bagel-w-defrost-high-lift/#comments Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:42:20 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12692 Chefscape Egg Toaster, Automatic 4"You get what you pay for" is a saying I've often used to reinforce any purchase that I didn't happen to find on a clearance shelf. If something's dirt cheap and it breaks, I don't feel so bad about any poor investment skills -- it's all about the bargain shopping "high."

That's not the case with this Chefscape Egg & Muffin Toaster. If you're lucky to find one in the bargain bin, great! Quit reading and jump on that opportunity. Otherwise, there are some considerations to keep in mind before choosing this model.

Good news is, this 4-slice Chefscape toaster comes with a lot more add-ons than most egg & toaster combo appliances out there. There are tons of attachments and trays in the box. What I like most are the custom egg cooker trays that are both round and square -- one less hassle when picking breads to go with your breakfast sandwich, since the eggs adapt to their respective molds when cooking. You can opt for an English muffin or bagel one day, then use slices of multigrain toast the next and have a "fitted" egg in the sandwich both ways.

Chefscape included the most desired toaster functions in this model as well: a bagel setting (which only toasts one side of the bread), defrosting capability, and high-lift handles. Another attachment holds up to 8 eggs in place for hard-boiling. The cord stores inside the black and brushed stainless machine, which is cool to the touch for added safety.

I want to say I like the versatility, but one thing's lacking when it comes to cooking both eggs and toast with the Chefscape. While it can cook eggs, toast, or both eggs and toast together, that last option can only be completed at the same exact time -- which dries out the toast despite the "keep warm" setting. You'd think the way to avoid this would be to pop in a piece of toast midway through the egg cycle, except that doesn't work. The eggs stop cooking, and all power switches to the toast cycle. If cooking simultaneously is an important feature for your next toaster, then take a look at the Back to Basics 4-slice Toaster & Egg Cooker. Its timing is the same as the Chefscape, but it gets higher marks for keeping toast at the right warmth while the eggs finish cooking.

Another thing to watch out for is the non-stick coating in the egg cooker. If not treated with caution and care, it will begin to chip and peel -- something that will influence flavors as well as raise health concerns.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/chefscape-egg-toaster-automatic-4-slice-english-muffin-breakfast-bagel-w-defrost-high-lift/feed/ 0 West Bend Egg & Muffin Toaster | Breakfast Sandwich Maker, Brushed Stainless Steel 78822 http://www.thecooksden.com/west-bend-egg-muffin-toaster-breakfast-sandwich-maker-brushed-stainless-steel-78822/ http://www.thecooksden.com/west-bend-egg-muffin-toaster-breakfast-sandwich-maker-brushed-stainless-steel-78822/#comments Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:29:05 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12688 West Bend Egg & Muffin Toaster One way to get a healthy, filling breakfast each morning is to get up early and cook all your proteins and breads from scratch. But while that may be the best-tasting way to go about your morning, chances are it's not the most feasible thing to do day after day. As much as I'd like to say I could do that every morning, I know deep down there's no way I'd actually do it. I love sleeping in too much! A toaster like this West Bend Egg & Muffin Toaster can really come in handy, in that case.

This West Bend 2-slice model is very similar to one we've seen by Back to Basics, and the two are very similar. Both have the ability to toast several different kinds of bread products with adjustable levels of light-to-dark doneness. It can cook one egg inside, either soft or hard poached, scrambled, or hard boiled. I like the high-lift toaster handles, always a bonus for me since I really don't like trying to weasel a piece of toast out of a pair of piping hot toaster slots. And the West Bend retail price is a bit less expensive, too.

But, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Just a couple of features didn't make it into the West Bend's design, such as a defrost button and a "keep warm" function -- a nice thing to have when you want to keep the meats warm while the toaster is still working on those English muffins. The slot design is thinner than some models, so extra thick bagel slices might not fit inside. Most new users also warn against a plastic smell when the toaster is first used. Like most electronic appliances, this smell may be bothersome at first but will go away after a few uses.

The non-stick egg cooker is a favorite feature of the West Bend. It's even easier to use after adding a bit of cooking spray inside. Or, for a low-fat option, use pre-cut pieces of parchment paper instead.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/west-bend-egg-muffin-toaster-breakfast-sandwich-maker-brushed-stainless-steel-78822/feed/ 0 Back to Basics 4 Slice Toaster & Automatic Egg Cooker | Includes Breakfast Meat Warming Tray w/ Hard Boiler http://www.thecooksden.com/back-to-basics-4-slice-toaster-automatic-egg-cooker-includes-breakfast-meat-warming-tray-w-hard-boiler/ http://www.thecooksden.com/back-to-basics-4-slice-toaster-automatic-egg-cooker-includes-breakfast-meat-warming-tray-w-hard-boiler/#comments Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:49:01 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12684 Back to Basics 4 Slice Toaster &If you're like me, you crave every extra minute that you get to sleep in. Snooze alarms are used multiple times in the morning. Everything you need for your day is set out the night before, so when that dreaded 10th snooze alarm goes off, the only thing you have to do is roll out of bed, grab everything (especially coffee), and trudge out the door like every other zombie that wishes, just for that moment, that they were a morning person.

And if you're like me, packaged breakfast foods start to get really old, really fast. I kept thinking, "I don't have time for anything else." That was before I replaced my toaster with this Back To Basics Toaster & Egg Cooker. No more frantic runs to the nearest fast food chain to pick up the latest McSandwich I'm craving. This way, I get to choose the kind of foods I put in my body.

With this highly-rated 4-slice toaster, I don't have to take time out of my morning routine to get a healthy breakfast in my belly. It toasts up to 4 bread items -- toast, bagels, English muffins, and croissants -- and cooks eggs in under 4 minutes. The eggs can be poached, scrambled, or hard boiled. Underneath the cooker are two warming trays for heating up pre-cooked meats like sausage or Canadian bacon.

The technological specs on the 4-slice model are impressive, but they don't detract from it being very easy to use. Each function operates independently from the other; I don't have to make eggs and toast at the same time. The bagel setting toasts just one side of the bread, and the defroster works great on breads that I forgot to take out of the freezer the night before. I also like the "lift" on the handles -- this makes it easier to get smaller English muffins out of the slots without burning my fingers.

Other handy features include a removable crumb tray, a space in the back to wrap and store the electric cord, an exterior that's cool to the touch, and a one-year warranty.

If the 4-slice model is a bit too big for your liking, no worries -- Back To Basics makes a 2-slice toaster combo as well.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/back-to-basics-4-slice-toaster-automatic-egg-cooker-includes-breakfast-meat-warming-tray-w-hard-boiler/feed/ 1 Sharp Convection Microwave Toaster Oven w/ Grill | Silver R-820JS http://www.thecooksden.com/sharp-convection-microwave-toaster-oven-w-grill-silver-r-820js/ http://www.thecooksden.com/sharp-convection-microwave-toaster-oven-w-grill-silver-r-820js/#comments Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:18:38 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8805 Sharp Convection Microwave Toaster OvenSharp has really raised the bar with this full-featured oven. If you are searching for a true all-in-one solution to countertop cooking, then this may be just the thing to meet your needs.

The Sharp R-820JS looks to be a sophisticated microwave oven at first glance. The controls are extensive, and the digital display performs many helpful functions. Hidden within however, are convection and grilling abilities that rival the best toaster ovens available. First, there is the 900-watt convection microwave. This combines the best of the two technologies, the microwave for speedy cooking and the convection feature to better circulate hot air around the food. This has the benefit of more thorough browning and a true "oven baked" result, rather than the typical mushy product from standard microwaves in the past. Items that you may never have considered cooking in a "microwave" can be prepared with good results in this oven: pizza, hamburgers, baked goods, and even roast meats.

As the TV host says, "Wait, that's not all!" You will also find dual over-and-under grills in this model that emit 1500 watts of radiant heat to surround the food being cooked. The control panel provides a considerable amount of automatic functions designed to make meal preparation easier. Although plentiful, the control panel is neatly designed with functions clearly marked. The large two line digital display guides you through all the processes, even setting the clock. You will want to spend some time studying the instruction manual to make the most of the features. Still, you should be able to start using this right out of the box without difficulty.

I am no fan of the microwave oven, considering them unnecessary for all but the most desperate situations in the kitchen. This oven from Sharp has so much built-in versatility, however, that I will have to rethink my position.

For those that are a fan of the microwave oven, check out the additional products Sharp offers in its line.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/sharp-convection-microwave-toaster-oven-w-grill-silver-r-820js/feed/ 0 KitchenAid 2 Slice Metal Toaster | KMTT200SS | Brushed Stainless Steel Appliances http://www.thecooksden.com/kitchenaid-2-slice-metal-toaster-kmtt200ss-brushed-stainless-steel-appliances/ http://www.thecooksden.com/kitchenaid-2-slice-metal-toaster-kmtt200ss-brushed-stainless-steel-appliances/#comments Sat, 02 Jan 2010 23:25:23 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8772 KMTT200SS kitchenaid toasterUntil someone comes up with a radical new technology for toasting bread, we will be choosing our favorite device from small slotted boxes with spring plungers, little changed in a lifetime. All the while cursing the heavens for burnt or underdone toast. Into the fray comes this model from Kitchenaid that doesn't shake the paradigm but promises to do the job required effectively and stylishly.

This two-slice toaster is housed entirely in brushed stainless steel with an effectively insulated case that keeps the outer housing cool to the touch while in use. The company markets their products as more high-end, and the style is evident here in the brushed finish and substantial feel of the components. While there are no visible electronic controls or displays, the unit is governed by a sophisticated electronic sensor for the "Even-Heat" toasting system meant to better control the browning of bread. A dial control sets the darkness desired, and there is a bagel setting for toasting only the cut side while you find where the cream cheese is hiding.

A reheat button completes the controls on this model. There is no cancel button -- rather, the lever is used like toasters of yore. Just push up a bit on the lever while toasting to cancel and raise the toast. Extra-wide slots should accommodate the chunkiest of breads while a removable crumb tray catches all the mess. The tray is dishwasher safe, and the toaster comes with a 1-year replacement warranty.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/kitchenaid-2-slice-metal-toaster-kmtt200ss-brushed-stainless-steel-appliances/feed/ 0 Krups Quartz Convection Toaster Oven | Digital Black Programmable http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-quartz-convection-toaster-oven-digital-black-programmable/ http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-quartz-convection-toaster-oven-digital-black-programmable/#comments Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:40:00 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8782 Krups Quartz Convection Toaster Oven This convection toaster oven from Krups offers sophisticated electronic controls along with innovative quartz heating. All meant to elevate the experience beyond what you would expect from a countertop appliance.

The oven has an interior capacity of .59 cubic feet, which is roomier than most toaster ovens in this category according to the manufacturer. It features a soft-touch control panel with six pre-set cooking controls for common foods such as pizza, brownies, and bagels. The convection function circulates air around the food while cooking for quicker more even results. The toaster uses a patented quartz cycling technology that moves 1600 watts of power between the upper and lower elements for maximizing the efficiency of the heat. The temperature controls are adjusted in 25 degree increments for speedy setting up to 450 degrees using the backlit digital display. Also worth noting is the defrost feature and the toasting controls with nine darkness settings. The controls are all located on a panel to the right of the door with lighted details for easier viewing.

I was impressed with this toaster when it arrived on the scene. Krups designed it with a host of impressive controls, and it has a no-nonsense technological look that suits a modern kitchen. The temperature control is accurate, and the quartz elements seem to heat up instantly, doing an impressive job of cooking food. This is a heavy unit -- it sits solidly on the counter with no rattle to the components. Ultimately, for all its handy features, I found it a bit too small inside for real practicality in my kitchen. Just a bit more height inside and it would fit a small roast or a whole bird, two things that I hate to have to cook in a large oven.

Also take a look at this digital convection toaster oven by Sanyo.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-quartz-convection-toaster-oven-digital-black-programmable/feed/ 0 Sanyo Automatic Toaster Oven | Kitchen Countertop Space Saving | SK-7S http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-automatic-toaster-oven-kitchen-countertop-space-saving-sk-7s/ http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-automatic-toaster-oven-kitchen-countertop-space-saving-sk-7s/#comments Sun, 13 Dec 2009 23:01:17 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8763 Sanyo Automatic Toaster Oven For the many small jobs a pop-up toaster can't handle -- like open-faced sandwiches with cheese -- a full-sized oven does not make good economic sense, wasting watts on a snack-sized item that could as easily be spent on a turkey. The Sanyo Space Saving Toaster Oven fits neatly in that niche, with oven-style removable shelves and energy-saving features that put its 950 watts to efficient use.

This compact toaster oven takes up only about a square foot of counter space, handy for small kitchens or large ones, but you can't use the Sanyo Oven for the equivalent of full-size baking or roasting. The unit runs at a fixed temperature of approximately 375 degrees Fahrenheit -- any recipe calling for that temperature has a good chance of working properly, but above and below that, the only compensation you can make is to increase or decrease cooking time. The automatic shutoff circuit runs the oven for only fifteen minutes and is adjustable for shorter periods. The major feature you control is how many of the heating elements run at one time.

Select the right task and this little oven is very handy, but it's not a heavy duty machine built for slow roasting. Use it to toast sandwiches, brown meringue, or reheat frozen food. As with any home appliance subject to high heat, a good safety habit is to unplug the Sanyo oven when not in use.

If it's vertical (not horizontal) space you need to save, try the DeLonghi Digital Toaster Oven.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-automatic-toaster-oven-kitchen-countertop-space-saving-sk-7s/feed/ 0 Oster Stainless Steel 6 Slice Convection Toaster Oven & Broiler #6297 http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-toaster-convection-oven-stainless-steel-6-slice-6297/ http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-toaster-convection-oven-stainless-steel-6-slice-6297/#comments Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:46:19 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8744 Oster Toaster Convection Oven The Oster 6297 Convection Toaster Oven offers a wide temperature range, thoughtful design, and timed cooking up to 60 minutes. Pick an oven recipe that fits its range and you'll get good results; for a countertop oven, it's very capable.

One of the nice perks of the Oster Toaster is the rounded back, allowing a nine-inch round pizza to fit the rack. Two rack positions are built in, and either can be removed to allow more cooking space or easy cleaning.

The thermostat allows the full range of cooking temperatures from 150 degrees to 450 degrees. You can warm food, bake cornbread, and toast bread or sandwiches without hassling over ways to make it work. A baking pan is provided, along with a broiler insert and a removable crumb tray.

Side handles allow safe repositioning of the oven while it's still hot, but that's something you should think about before beginning the cooking cycle. The sides of this oven get hot -- you need safe distances between all sides and anything combustible, and keep the power cord from touching the unit. It does get hot enough to melt insulation. The Stay-Cool handles should be safe to touch, but be careful of the door.

The cooking timer which runs the automatic shut-off is an older mechanical design and somewhat noisy, but it is dependable. Oster includes a limited one-year warranty on the 6297 Toaster.

For a traditional toaster with a larger-than-average capacity, see the DeLonghi Extra Long Toaster.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-toaster-convection-oven-stainless-steel-6-slice-6297/feed/ 1 Oster Convection Toaster Oven | Retro Red 6 Slice 6295 http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-convection-toaster-oven-retro-red-6-slice-6295/ http://www.thecooksden.com/oster-convection-toaster-oven-retro-red-6-slice-6295/#comments Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:20:41 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8471 Oster Convection Toaster Oven The Oster Toaster oven is available in a fire-engine red color and features a convection cooking system and uncomplicated controls meant to provide versatility and space-saving convenience on the kitchen counter.

This model has a decidedly retro appearance with rotary dials, and an industrial-style metal casing with venting slots on the sides. Looks are a bit deceiving in this case, as the oven features a convection fan for faster and more even cooking. This comes in very handy when baking or roasting larger items such as chicken. Be careful, though, as the convection feature can dry out more delicate items like breads when reheating. You can use this to your advantage when dehydrating foods or making croutons for instance. You can actually make your own beef jerky in a toaster oven -- Google some recipes for more info. It's fun to do, and a real money saver.

This model has two oven racks and unfortunately only two rack positions: low and high. Making those six slices of toast is a challenge as they tend to brown unevenly depending on which heating element is closest. A middle rack position would have been an improvement here. The lower rack opens a bit with the door for retrieval of cooked foods, advertised rather boastfully by Oster as an "auto-advance rack". Yes, and if you drop your toast, it will fall "automatically" to to floor. Butter side down of course.

A simple wind-up timer controls cooking and sounds off when finished with a loud bell. This toaster oven rates slightly above average with the online community, with the biggest complaint centering around that uneven toasting limitation. The convection cooking is the most enjoyed feature of this model.

It also comes in stainless steel.

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