Black an Decker Toaster Oven -1350 Watts TRO700 Series Review

A few years ago when our 13 year-old B&D TRO355 finally bit the dust, we replaced it with another of the same model.  Everything was fine, but then one day it started getting wonky on us.  It would bake but just not toast.  Have you noticed how things just don't seem to last as long these days?

But no problem, we got a T-Fal 4 slice toaster.  Nice, very nice.

Apparently my in-laws didn't think it sufficient because one day in our old TRO355's place sat a new B&D TRO700.  It seems they were over at Costco and bought one for themselves, so why not pick up another one for us.  Don't get me wrong, I really do appreciate them and I'd understand the gesture better if they brought us over a half a skid of paper towel or garbage bags that they picked up at Costco.  But a Toaster Oven?  Goodness, I can't wait for them to go shopping for a fridge! 

Black an Decker TRO700

It's a stylish unit that's significantly larger than its TRO355 cousin.  It will toast 4-6 slices of bread at a time.  But unlike the lowly TRO355 that had a toast ready sensor, the TRO700 relies on a timer as do most newer Toaster Ovens.  Getting a dark piece of toast out of it takes upwards of 5 minutes.  It's slow!

Opening the curved glass door of the unit is tricky.  Because of the odd design it's very possible to burn the back of your hand on the hot glass.  This move requires practice.

The Oven feature however is superior to the TRO355.  First you select a temperature, then you set the timer.  Once the timer runs out the unit shuts itself down.  A safer way to go than the TRO355 requirement of remembering to turn the oven off.  Since we house the Toaster Oven permanently in a closet compartment, it's less likely that we'll inadvertently set our house ablaze.

The crumb tray is easily emptied from the front, rather than than the rear of this unit.

While it has a Convection Setting, this merely turns on a weak fan to circulate the hot air.  I haven't noticed any significant cooking efficiencies with it engaged.

Reservations

Black & DeckerKitchen Appliances are no longer actually made by Black & Decker.  The name was sold to Applica a number of years ago who has them manufactured in, you guessed it, China.  I'm not anticipating that this unit will last nearly as long as our original B&D Toaster Oven.

Also, the oven tray supplied is quite small.  It appears to be something that was designed for a far smaller unit.

My Viewpoint

As Toaster Ovens go, the TRO700 appears to be a reasonable choice for consumers who have reasonable expectations.  It's fine for heating and reheating things that don't belong in a microwave and maybe baking some potatoes.  On the other hand I wouldn't recommend it for any serious cooking chores.