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Basically pleased (though not ecstatic)
This is the Model 6293 Oster 6-Slice Convection Toaster Oven. I state that up front, because there are a lot of reviewers here writing about clearly different models. When a person can't even correctly identify the item they have, the credibility of the entire review goes out the window. With that said, I'll attempt to provide what I consider to be reasonably accurate information based upon my experience with this appliance.
In deference to those who complain that their T/O exploded, went up in flames, or just stopped working, I truly sympathize. The fact is, though, that I have had mine just short of two years, with nary a problem. With regard to other complaints reviewers actually voiced, I'll offer my personal thoughts.
Hot on the outside? Hellooo . . . they all are! That must be why they have non-metallic handles. Pots and pans get hot, too, but you don't go grabbing one of those with bare hands, do you? Hot. Handles. Okay?
Complicated settings? C'mon, there are three simple dials - function, temperature and cook time. How difficult could they be to master? Oh, I see, they have to be turned. Well . . . oh, never mind.
Too lightweight? The thing weighs about 9 pounds, for crying out loud. Just how heavy does a toaster oven need to be? For the sake of stability, it does have four substantial rubber feet. So, regardless of weight, it's not gonna move around much.
Aluminum outer casing? Then why will a magnet stick to it?
Noisy convection fan? Sorry, I can barely hear mine running. The End.
Flimsy bake/broil pan? Yep, but that's not an issue unless you try to cook a 5 pound ham in it. A regular kitchen oven is far better suited to that purpose anyhow. Having said that, operator error did reduce mine to a puddle of molten aluminum when I inadvertantly set it on a hot cooktop burner. I just sucked it up and bought a better pan.
Pizza droops when baking? Well, probably not if it isn't hanging over the edges of the rack. Besides, that's what pizza crisping pans are for.
Short electrical cord? Yeah, I suppose that could present a countertop logistics problem to some. Not an issue for me, though, 'cause I got plenty of electrical outlets in all the right places. And, yes, they're GFI outlets . . . the ones that one reviewer didn't know could be reset.
Your parents had a fire in one of these? And they gave it to you?? And you use it??!!?? Umm . . . about that inheritance you were counting on . . .
Toasts bread only on one side? Try flipping the rack over so that it's centered in the oven. Trust me, you really can do that. It's not like the nails in the box that can only be used on the wall they point to. As a last resort, try the "Toast" settings on both the function and temperature dials. Uh huh, they're really there.
The crumb tray doesn't have a lip on it? Please look again. No, that's the wire cooking rack.
Here's an odd one - when removing the crumb tray, the crumbs catch on the heating elements and fall onto the bottom of the oven. Uh, there's one full inch of distance between the element and the tray. Literally, an un-split bagel would clear. Julia Child, you've got yourself a serious crumb problem!
You removed the door spring (why?) and you use a can to keep the door closed?? Aren't you the one who tossed a perfectly good strainer 'cause the water kept running out of it?
For my money, $59 to be exact, this is a pretty decent toaster oven. It looks good, it performs reasonbly well, and it still does both after nearly two years in my kitchen. My research indicates that these things are the second most polarizing of any kitchen appliance, at least in terms of user opinions . . . surpassed only by coffee grinders. Notwithstanding that fact, I side with those of you who are satisfied with this one.
[Sunday, November 23, 2008]
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A good buy!
