Black & Decker Crisp 'N Bake Air Fry 6-Slice Toaster Oven

As someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, I am always on the lookout for gadgets that can make cooking more efficient and healthier. So, when I got my hands on the Black & Decker Crisp 'N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven (model TO3217SS), I was eager to see if it could really perform as a multifunctional device.

First Impressions

Straight out of the box, the Crisp 'N Bake makes a good impression. Its sleek, silver and black design is both modern and functional, fitting nicely under my kitchen cabinets without taking up too much counter space. It comes with a variety of accessories including an air fry basket, a bake/broil pan, and a rack. The external crumb tray is a thoughtful addition for easy cleanup.

Ease of Use

The Crisp 'N Bake is user-friendly, featuring intuitive knob controls for temperature, function, and timer settings. The knobs are sturdy and easy to turn, but I did notice that the markings are not very distinct. A little extra attention is required to ensure you’re setting the right temperature and function, especially given the similarity in colors on the dial.

Performance

Toasting

The toaster function is straightforward and does a good job. It can handle up to six slices of bread at once, and I found the toast to be evenly browned. The knob allows you to set the desired level of browning, and it delivers consistently.

Baking and Broiling

The baking and broiling functions are where the Crisp 'N Bake starts to show some limitations. Unlike conventional ovens, the top heating element remains active even in bake mode, which can cause the tops of dishes to brown or even burn before the insides are fully cooked. To mitigate this, I found myself having to cover the tops of my dishes with aluminum foil or moving the rack to a lower position. This workaround gets the job done, but it means you can't just set it and forget it.

Air Frying

The air fry function is what sets this unit apart from traditional toaster ovens. It uses convection technology to circulate hot air around the food, aiming to provide that crispy finish without the need for excessive oil. In practice, I found mixed results. French fries and chicken wings came out perfectly crispy, but larger items like chicken breasts didn't fare as well. The preset temperature of 450°F for air frying is quite high and resulted in the food getting overly browned on the outside while still being undercooked inside. Lowering the temperature manually and increasing the cooking time helped, but this is something that requires a bit of trial and error.

Build Quality

The build quality of the Crisp 'N Bake is another area that could use improvement. The wire and mesh racks feel somewhat flimsy, and I noticed that the door doesn't always close properly, which can lead to heat escaping. Over time, this could become a significant issue, especially if you plan to use the unit frequently. The crumb tray and baking/drip pan also started to show signs of wear and tear after a few uses.

Cleaning

Cleaning the Crisp 'N Bake is relatively easy, thanks to the removable crumb tray and non-stick surfaces. However, the air fry basket can be a bit challenging to clean, especially if you’ve been cooking something greasy. A good soak and some scrubbing usually do the trick.

Versatility

One of the standout features of the Crisp 'N Bake is its versatility. With five cooking functions—bake, broil, toast, keep warm, and air fry—you can accomplish a lot without needing multiple appliances cluttering up your counter. I particularly appreciated the "keep warm" function, which is great for busy families.

Energy Efficiency

Another plus is the energy efficiency. Using the Crisp 'N Bake instead of a full-sized oven for smaller meals can save on electricity and reduce heat in the kitchen, which is a big benefit during the warmer months.

Final Thoughts

The Black & Decker Crisp 'N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven offers a lot of functionalities in a relatively compact package. It excels at toasting and basic air frying but requires some adjustments for baking and broiling to prevent food from burning. The build quality leaves something to be desired, and you may need to handle it with a bit of care to ensure longevity.

Would I recommend this tool? If you’re looking for a versatile, space-saving appliance primarily for toasting and light air frying, the Crisp 'N Bake is a solid choice, especially given its reasonable price point. However, if you are a serious home cook who needs precision and reliability for baking and broiling, you might find this unit falls short of your expectations. For those who can navigate its quirks and are willing to experiment a bit, it can be a useful addition to your kitchen.