Black & Decker 6-Slice Convection Toaster Oven

In my quest for a reliable and versatile countertop oven, I recently had the opportunity to put the Black & Decker 6-Slice Convection Toaster Oven (model TO1640B) to the test. As someone who values both performance and practicality in kitchen appliances, I was curious to see how this oven would fare in a variety of everyday cooking scenarios.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the Black & Decker oven strikes a balance between sleek design and functional build. The black exterior and brushed stainless steel accents give it a modern look that fits well in most kitchen settings. However, the control buttons and the digital interface left much to be desired aesthetically. The buttons felt a bit cheap and flimsy, which made me question their long-term durability.

The oven is reasonably compact given its capacity, with dimensions of 17.5 x 14 x 10 inches. This makes it a viable option for kitchens with limited counter space. The interior is spacious enough to handle up to six slices of toast or a 12-inch pizza, which is ideal for small to medium-sized families.

Functionality and Performance

One of the standout features of this oven is its convection cooking capability. By circulating hot air around the food, it promises more even cooking results. And for the most part, it delivers. I baked cookies, roasted vegetables, and even tackled a small chicken, all with satisfactory outcomes. The cookies had a nice, even bake, and the vegetables roasted to a crisp without burning.

The oven also includes a "Perfect Broil" system for precise broiling, which I found to be somewhat hit or miss. While broiling fish and thin cuts of meat worked well, thicker items like chicken breasts needed more time than I expected. The dual-position rack slots offer some versatility, allowing you to adjust the height based on what you're cooking, which is a useful feature.

Ease of Use

Setting up the oven is straightforward, but using it efficiently requires a bit of a learning curve. The 60-minute timer with a signal bell and stay-on function is a practical feature, though I found the signal bell to be excessively loud, almost reminiscent of a smoke detector going off. This could be alarming in a quiet household or apartment setting.

The digital interface, unfortunately, is one of the oven’s weaker points. The panel is dimly lit and can be difficult to read, especially under low lighting conditions. I found myself needing to turn on additional lights just to set the time and temperature correctly. Additionally, the blinking blue light above the panel can be quite distracting, and in some cases, even headache-inducing.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the Black & Decker oven is relatively hassle-free. The removable crumb tray, baking pan, and broil pan make it easy to maintain. However, I did notice a greasy residue on the removable parts the first time I used them, which required thorough washing before using them for cooking. This initial inconvenience was offset by the ease of cleaning during regular use.

Safety Concerns

One aspect that did raise some concerns was the exterior of the oven getting extremely hot during operation. The handle also gets quite warm, especially near the glass door, making it essential to use oven mitts when opening and closing the door. This is a notable safety issue, particularly in households with children.

Cord Length

Another minor but inconvenient aspect is the short 24-inch electrical cord. This limited where I could place the oven in my kitchen, forcing me to use a surge protector extension cord to reach an outlet. While not a deal-breaker, it’s an aspect that could have been easily improved.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Convection cooking offers even baking and roasting.
- Spacious interior accommodates a variety of foods.
- Easy to clean with removable parts.
- Dual-position rack slots for versatile cooking.
- Compact and aesthetically pleasing design.

Cons:
- Dimly lit and hard-to-read digital interface.
- Excessive external heat and warm handle pose safety risks.
- Short electrical cord limits placement options.
- Loud signal bell can be disruptive.
- Initial greasy residue on removable parts.

Final Verdict

After putting the Black & Decker 6-Slice Convection Toaster Oven through its paces, I find myself with mixed feelings. On one hand, it’s a versatile and compact oven that handles a wide range of cooking tasks quite well. The convection feature is a definite plus, offering more consistent cooking results compared to traditional countertop ovens. It’s also relatively easy to clean and maintain, which adds to its practicality.

However, the issues with the digital interface, excessive external heat, and short electrical cord cannot be ignored. These drawbacks could be particularly problematic for some users, especially those sensitive to blinking lights or those with limited kitchen space.

Would I recommend this oven? Yes, but with reservations. If you’re looking for a reasonably priced, versatile oven that can handle everyday cooking tasks and you’re willing to overlook some of its minor flaws, the Black & Decker 6-Slice Convection Toaster Oven is a solid choice. However, if safety concerns and ease of use are top priorities for you, you might want to explore other options that offer a better balance between functionality and user experience.