Black & Decker TRO490W Toast-R-Oven Classic 4-Slice Countertop Oven, White
by Black & Decker
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Category: Kitchen
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: Black & DeckerBrand: Black & Decker
Model: TRO490W
Color: White
Product features:
- 1200-watt countertop toaster oven with 4-slice capacity
- Toast, bake, broil, and reheat functions; 30-minute auto-off timer
- Temperature up to 450 degrees F; 2 rack positions; fits a 9-inch pizza
- Slide-out crumb tray for quick cleanup; broil rack and bake pan included
- Measures 9.25-Inch x15.75Inch x 8.75-Inch
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Black & Decker TRO490W Toast-R-Oven Classic 4-Slice Countertop Oven, White
Customer Review: toaster-ovens ain't what they used to be...
Summary: 2 Stars
My dad worked for GE, and in 1957 brought home the first "Toast-R-Oven". Unlike modern toaster-ovens, in which the toasting and baking are performed in the same cavity, it was a conventional toaster with a tray underneath where items could be inserted for cooking or light grilling. (You can see a picture of it in the 12/2009 or 1/2010 issue of Consumer Reports -- I don't remember which.)
When I moved away from home, one of the first things I bought was a GE toaster oven -- the model that has become /the/ "classic" toaster oven, with the pull-down door and chrome finish. It lasted about 10 years, and I replaced it with the exact B&D equivalent (which was white, but otherwise identical), which lasted 20 years. Had the power solenoid not jammed, I would still be using it.
Looking for a replacement, I studied Web reviews. The conclusion I drew was that /all/ toaster-ovens, regardless of make, model, or price, were utter JUNK. But I needed one, so after a bit of shopping, I picked up this model for an attractive price at Targét.
It appears that most (if not all) toaster-ovens have abandoned the 70-year-old double-thermostat system. Instead, you turn a timer for the degree of darkness. On this model, there are only two markings (pale and black), with nothing in-between to make it easy to repeat your favorite setting. Is it asking too much to add markings?
Worse, this oven takes quite a while to warm up. So, as there is no thermostatic control of the toasting cycle, the setting that's right for the first batch of toast will overtoast -- possibly even burn -- subsequent batches. This is the oven's major flaw, which is probably common among timer-controlled toaster-ovens, B&D or otherwise.
There are safety issues. One poster has pointed out that the timer doesn't always shut off for "light" settings. The user manual says that, for short settings, you should turn the timer all the way up, then back. This has /always/ been a problem with mechanical spring-driven timers, but it shouldn't be necessary. And as another pointed out, the knobs aren't sufficiently asymmetrical to make it clear which end is pointing which way.
The most-significant safety issue is the lack of a door interlock. Opening the door doesn't shut off the elements, or stop the toast cycle, as it did in earlier toaster-ovens. This is something the Consumer Product Saftey Commission should look into.
As toaster-ovens go, this isn't a /bad/ one. There's room for six English muffin slices, and the glass door is big enough to reveal everything going on inside. Multi-slice toasting evenness is okay, but the toast is decidedly "stripéd", not unlike steaks or chicken breasts on a grill.
I've had mine almost a year, and have had no problems. The TRO490W therefore gets a grudging recommendation, even though it's not up to the quality one expects from GE/B&D.
More Black & Decker TRO490W Toast-R-Oven Classic 4-Slice Countertop Oven, White reviews:
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Description of Black & Decker TRO490W Toast-R-Oven Classic 4-Slice Countertop Oven, White
On a hot day you'll appreciate the ability to bake, toast, broil and reheat without heating up your kitchen by using your full size oven. At breakfast time you can toast up to 4 slices of bread. For convenience the TRO490W features a 15-minute auto-off bake timer and a bake and toast signal bell. When the door is opened, the dual-position rack advances for easy access.Toaster Ovens
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