Black & Decker Countertop Convection Toaster Oven

The Black & Decker TO1660B Countertop Convection Toaster Oven has been an interesting addition to my kitchen. As someone who values efficiency and versatility in kitchen appliances, I was eager to see how this unit would perform in a variety of cooking tasks. Here’s my detailed experience with it.

Design and Build Quality

First impressions of the TO1660B are positive. It has a sleek, stainless steel exterior that complements most kitchen decors. The unit is compact enough to fit comfortably on my countertop without taking up too much space, yet it offers a surprisingly large interior. It can accommodate up to six slices of bread or a full 12-inch pizza, making it versatile for both small and larger meals.

However, the build quality leaves something to be desired. The materials feel somewhat flimsy, particularly the knobs and the crumb tray. The knobs are hard to turn and lack the smoothness I would expect from a reputable brand like Black & Decker. The crumb tray, while functional, is thin and bends easily, which could be an issue over time.

Cooking Performance

The TO1660B offers multiple cooking functions including convection bake, broil, and toast. It also features a 60-minute timer with a stay-on capability, which is handy for longer cooking tasks. The dedicated precision toast timer is a nice addition, ensuring that my toast comes out just right every time.

Convection Bake: I found the convection bake function to be quite effective. It circulates hot air evenly, which helps in cooking food faster and more uniformly. I baked a 12-inch pizza, and it came out with a perfectly crispy crust and evenly melted cheese. However, there is a learning curve in figuring out the right settings for different types of food. For instance, baking cookies required some trial and error to avoid burning the bottoms while ensuring the tops were cooked through.

Broil: The broil function works well for smaller items like chicken breasts and fish fillets. The dual-position rack slots offer flexibility in positioning the food closer or further from the heating element. However, I noticed that the top of the oven gets extremely hot during broiling, so caution is needed to avoid burns.

Toast: The dedicated toast timer is a standout feature. It allows for precise control over the toasting process, ensuring that my bread is toasted to the exact shade of golden brown I prefer. The toaster can handle six slices at once, which is great for families or when hosting guests.

Air Frying

One of the key selling points of this toaster oven is its air frying capability. While it does a decent job of air frying, it’s not without its limitations. The air fryer operates at a fixed temperature of 425°F, which can be too high for some foods. For instance, when I tried air frying homemade French fries, they ended up burnt on the outside while still undercooked on the inside. Pre-packaged frozen foods like chicken nuggets and fries fared better, coming out crispy and evenly cooked.

Ease of Use

Setting up and using the TO1660B is straightforward. The included bake pan and broil rack are useful additions, and the clear-view glass door allows for easy monitoring of the cooking process. However, the lack of a digital display or precise temperature control can be a drawback for those who prefer more control over their cooking settings.

Cleaning the unit is relatively easy, thanks to the removable crumb tray. However, the interior surfaces tend to get greasy and are difficult to clean without using abrasive materials, which are not recommended. The drip pan also stains easily and requires frequent scrubbing to maintain its appearance.

Capacity and Versatility

The large capacity of the TO1660B is one of its strong suits. It’s spacious enough to handle a variety of cooking tasks, from baking a full-sized pizza to roasting a small chicken. The three rack positions add to its versatility, allowing for different cooking configurations.

Final Thoughts

The Black & Decker TO1660B Countertop Convection Toaster Oven is a versatile and functional addition to any kitchen. It excels in tasks like toasting and baking, thanks to its convection technology and dedicated toast timer. The air frying function, while not perfect, adds an extra layer of versatility that can be useful for quick, crispy snacks.

However, the build quality and ease of cleaning leave room for improvement. The knobs are difficult to turn, and the crumb tray and drip pan require frequent maintenance. The fixed air frying temperature also limits its effectiveness for a broader range of foods.

Recommendation

Would I recommend the Black & Decker TO1660B? Yes, but with reservations. If you’re looking for a versatile countertop oven that can handle a variety of tasks and you’re willing to put up with some minor inconveniences, this model is a solid choice. Its large capacity and multiple cooking functions make it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

However, if you’re specifically looking for a high-performing air fryer or if build quality and ease of cleaning are top priorities for you, you might want to consider other options. The TO1660B is a good all-rounder but doesn’t quite excel in any one area.

In summary, the Black & Decker TO1660B is a capable and versatile toaster oven that offers good value for its price. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done for most everyday cooking tasks.