Cuisnart Toaster Oven

[sudsmaster]

Well I'm always a sucker for a sale, and Costco has a $20 off coupon for the Cuisnart "Convection Toaster Oven" this month.

Although I've been mostly satisfied with the electronic Oster convection toaster oven I got a year or two ago, I've never found it to be acceptable to actually make toast. I'd read that the Cuisinart was better at that. So, even though it's a model that has been out for quite a while, and might be updated sooner than later, I got the Cuisinart, and have been testing it out.

Intitial impression: the toast function is good. Not perfect, as the underside of the bread (multigrain, two big slices) that I tried was more toasted than the top. But then I also went for a light toast setting and then had to amp it up for a second try, which might have affected the result. I have to wait a day or so for my toast ration to return ;-) to test it again.

Next up was a Digourno 12" frozen pizza, supreme. This came out better than I expected - more even browning than either the Oster or my GE P*7 wall oven have been able to do. Plus this oven seems to heat up much faster than the Oster, as well as having a nifty little beeper that sounds when the set temp is reached.

Downsides: no interior light, apparently it doesn't shut off the oven when the timer setting is reached, and the crumb tray removes from the rear, which isn't a problem for me now but could be in a tighter installation space. But I'm willing to settle for these downsides if it does bread right and makes a decent pizza.

Overall quality seems a step up from the Oster, which is not unexpected.

It's probably a keeper, and for $80 probably a good value (the Cuisinart web site lists it for $180).

It looks similar to this, except the top and sides are black enamel rather than brushed chrome.

I like that it's a bit smaller, overall, than the Oster, but still fits a 12" pizza just fine.

 

[circlew]

I have found nothing makes better toast than a good standard pop-up toaster.

 

[sudsmaster]

For standard bread slices, I'd agree that a conventional toaster is usually best.

However for the elongated or thicker bread slices one can buy nowadays, as well as the large square slices that bread machines make, often a conventional toaster will leave too much of the bread sticking out the top and hence untoasted. I find that very annoying. A toaster oven avoids this problem, pretty much.

 

[luxflairguy]

I've had that oven for several years and while the crumb tray is annoying, the performance can't be topped. When I'm home alone, it handles fish stick and tater tots, 4-6 bicuits, and even a Stouffer's big entree. The only drawback is it takes up a lot of counter space; it resides in the laundry room next door and still gets lots of use! Consumer Reports liked it too.

 

[lordkenmore]

It can also be argued that those who have a toaster oven might avoid a separate toaster simply to keep kitchen clutter down. This argument is one that I used recently when considering a decent-looking toaster at Goodwill. This toaster looked like it could handle a wider range of bread slices than what I was used to in Toasters Past. But the thought hit--how often do I toast? Answer: Almost never.

Of course, if that same toaster had been a fun vintage toaster, I might well have been able to resist temptation!

I use toaster ovens quite a bit, even at times when I've had a decent regular oven. Indeed, I've come to feel that a good toaster oven is worth more to me than a regular oven is.

 

[petek]

A couple of years ago I replaced moms toaster oven with a Panasonic Flash Xpress oven. It uses two types of Halogen lights and is hands down the best little oven ever and excels at making toast. I haven't even found a standard toaster that can toast as evenly and as fast as it can,,NONE. Sad part is that it was only the market a short time and you can't get them anymore and I wouldn't mind getting one for myself. Isn't big enough for handling a 12" pizza though.

 

[danmantn]

I have this unit and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE it...if you just make toast, buy a toaster, but I use this thing much more than my regular over...been very happy with it. Funny you should post this, was thinking about buying another one for my mom/dad for Christmas.

I have the stainless and paid like $100 at Amazon for it. The timer is just a timer--doesn't control the oven. It does shut off when using the toast function. Great for reheating bread too!
[this post was last edited: 10/18/2010-12:55]

 

[nmassman44]

I have that same toaster oven and its quite a workhorse. Heats up fast and does very well for baking. I love the convection bake feature on it. Toasting isnt quite that bad but thats not what I use it for anyways. I did see the one they had at Costco ad the price was very decent. I paid $179 for mine at Bed,Bath and Beyond. Here is a pic of mine.

 

[sudsmaster]

Well, it does look like I made the right purchase, then. In the past I've discounted the evenness of various toaster ovens, but this Cuisinart really does seem to work better than any other one I've had.

I remember seeing that little Panasonic halogen toaster oven, and wanting one, but the small size and the high price put me off a bit. Too bad they are no longer being made, though.

 

[tlee618]

I have thought about getting the Cuisinart my self. Have any of you ever tried it for broiling? Can you use the convection feature for that as well?

 

[passatdoc]

Breville

I was looking for a replacement toaster/countertop oven and had it narrowed down to the Cuisinart, Krups, or Breville models. The Breville generally costs more, I think it lists for $300 and it's rare to see it priced below $250, even via Costco or Amazon. The Breville is somewhat larger (six slices bread, 9" pizza pan, etc) though does not occupy much more counter space.

What sealed the deal for me were two events:

1. Discovering a $100 gift card for Williams-Sonoma (normally NOT the lowest price option in town) from 2006 that I had misplaced in the kitchen junk drawer.

2. Williams-Sonoma had dropped its price to $250, the same as Amazon.

With my $100 gift card, the cost was lowered to $150 plus the sales tax calculated on $250, so I walked out of Williams Sonoma with the oven for about $168. Both of the other ovens (not sold at that time by W-S) would have cost more at sources like Amazon. I am delighted with the oven and its multiple functions. If you only want a toaster with rewarming features, get a small toaster oven. The Breville is large enough to cook meals for four, without having to use one's large range or built in oven. Cooking baked potatoes or roasting chicken is a breeze and foolproof.

There is a smaller, more compact Breville oven, but it lacks convection. Had I not had the gift card, most likely I would have considered the Breville to be "too much oven" and would have gone with Cuisinart or Krups.

Amazon.com

 

[nmassman44]

On my Cuisinart oven there is only convection bake. Broil does OK but you cant run the fan when its on. That would be interesting if one could though.

 

[tlee618]

Thanks for that information Mike. Seems like you should be able to broil with the convention feature.

 

[appnut]

Breville

I've had the unjit for 11 months. I looked at both and read every review on both I could. Personally I felt the Breville was far superior and given I couldn't find but one complaint about it, I felt it was better. I've not been displeased at all. As I've aid before, it handles a 5 quart corning ware pot very well (no lids though with any pots or pans but I've not found that to be an issue). It handles a 9 x 13 pan that doesn't have external handles. A 13" piza pan comes with it. I use it every day. I've only turned my regular oven on 4 or 5 times since i put this in my house. Baked bread convection mode is wonderful. I'd buy one again i a heartbeat. Cookies and biscuits come out perfect.

Terry, I just checked convection is an option when under the broil mode and broil temperatures are available from 300 to 500 degrees. Very flexible.

I had a 20% off coupon for Bed Bath & Beyond and got mine for $198 plus tax.

 

[sudsmaster]

I am wondering what the point would be of broiling with convection...?

After all, isn't broiling done with the oven door ajar, which in effect is natural convection? Broiling is mostly radiant heat, anyway, and convection might just impair the process.

Just wondering.

 

[tlee618]

Rich, I am not sure but it seems like I read somewhere that with broiling with convection that you can leave the door close, you get better browning, and it cooks faster. Not sure if any of that is true. LOL Bob have you ever tried it?

 

[appnut]

I've not used the broil feature for meats of any kind. But when I have used it, I've been very pleased.

 

[sudsmaster]

Bob,

If you've never used the broil feature for meats, what have you used it for that has pleased you so much?