02-27-2021, 07:55 PM
(This post was last modified: 02-27-2021, 09:09 PM by ShadowsDad.
Edit Reason: added stuff
)
We've had it for at least 5 years and I was hesitant to but it due to the pressure sensitive "buttons" that were the controls. They're starting to get wonky so before the unit is completely gone it was time to replace it. OK, that's what I told the wife, but the buttons are getting wonky. The truth is that I need the thing in the shop for coating bullets. Shhhhh! Just don't tell the wife the reason.
I spent some time looking at this and that, but was pretty sure I wanted one that could air fry. That means 1800 watts. Did I have the circuit to handle it? Maybe. It's plugged into a 20a circuit but other things are on the line; time will tell. I spent some time today checking the temp' dial to see if my eye (it's infinitely adjustable) and the dial are close to the actual temp'. Close enough. If I want it closer I'll get a separate thermometer, same as I used to check it with, and keep it with the oven. But back to the winnowing process... I saw them priced up to $400. OK that wasn't going to happen. That might be OK if I was single, lived in an apartment and had to furnish my own oven that would leave with me when I moved out. I finally settled on the linked to unit. I use other items made by Cuisinart. I considered the unit to be highish end without going crazy on price. The other units I looked at in a serious way were Breville, one was the $400 unit, the others were just shy of $300. I didn't spend that for the Cuisinart. Heck, it's a toaster oven that air fries, it's not a main oven.
They have a model with buttons, I deliberately stayed away from buttons in all of the brand/models that I considered. If any unit had buttons for major functions I removed that unit from consideration.
https://www.cuisinart.com/shopping/appli...ens/toa-60
After I gain experience with it I'll come back and post a review. But all I can state at this time is that it works.
edit: Some review items now... Some things I'm not crazy about already. When I make an omelet I put it under the broiler to make sure the topside eggs are cooked and whatever the filing is is hot. When this oven is opened the power is cut off and the handle on the pan is far too long to close the door on. Maybe I'll epoxy the switch closed. Or not. I do have a broiler in the big oven. It's just that the T/B/AF is right next to the cook top and I'm an old SOB and I don't like change. It was so easy with the old unit to just turn the broiler on right before adding my eggs to the pan, and then when the time was right to reach over to put the pan in to finish them. Old dogs new tricks.
The cord is a fine length for us, but might be too short in some kitchens. It is the same length as the old unit, but I have the same complaint no matter what short cords are found on. The excuse they gave is pretty lame, they didn't want people tripping over it. I think people who would trip over it have a much bigger problem than the cord. I think they should stay off the countertop, it's not for walking on. Maybe they think people who live in hovels who put the oven on their dirt floor also have electricity? Clearly either Cuisinart or I am missing something.
One thing I need to do and haven't done yet is to make sure the wires in the outlet are screwed in place and that the push in connections weren't used. I don't trust those push in outlet connections (in the wall) for items that draw high amps, in this case 15amps. (1800w/120v=15a)
It has built in timer and that's part of the "on" switch. The oven doesn't turn on without the timer being in use. The timers lowest time is 10 minutes. I would lime it so much more if it had an "on" setting with an optional timer. My wifes morning bagel requires only 6 minutes (on bake) after the T/B gets up to 425°F. We are accustomed to using loose timers. But I understand that Cuis' is trying to make this T/B usable for folks who don't have the separate items. You know, those folks who would trip over a longer cord. Or those folks who claimed in the reviews that, "It burns everything!". Maybe it does. I haven't gotten there yet but I don't see how.
I spent some time looking at this and that, but was pretty sure I wanted one that could air fry. That means 1800 watts. Did I have the circuit to handle it? Maybe. It's plugged into a 20a circuit but other things are on the line; time will tell. I spent some time today checking the temp' dial to see if my eye (it's infinitely adjustable) and the dial are close to the actual temp'. Close enough. If I want it closer I'll get a separate thermometer, same as I used to check it with, and keep it with the oven. But back to the winnowing process... I saw them priced up to $400. OK that wasn't going to happen. That might be OK if I was single, lived in an apartment and had to furnish my own oven that would leave with me when I moved out. I finally settled on the linked to unit. I use other items made by Cuisinart. I considered the unit to be highish end without going crazy on price. The other units I looked at in a serious way were Breville, one was the $400 unit, the others were just shy of $300. I didn't spend that for the Cuisinart. Heck, it's a toaster oven that air fries, it's not a main oven.
They have a model with buttons, I deliberately stayed away from buttons in all of the brand/models that I considered. If any unit had buttons for major functions I removed that unit from consideration.
https://www.cuisinart.com/shopping/appli...ens/toa-60
After I gain experience with it I'll come back and post a review. But all I can state at this time is that it works.
edit: Some review items now... Some things I'm not crazy about already. When I make an omelet I put it under the broiler to make sure the topside eggs are cooked and whatever the filing is is hot. When this oven is opened the power is cut off and the handle on the pan is far too long to close the door on. Maybe I'll epoxy the switch closed. Or not. I do have a broiler in the big oven. It's just that the T/B/AF is right next to the cook top and I'm an old SOB and I don't like change. It was so easy with the old unit to just turn the broiler on right before adding my eggs to the pan, and then when the time was right to reach over to put the pan in to finish them. Old dogs new tricks.
The cord is a fine length for us, but might be too short in some kitchens. It is the same length as the old unit, but I have the same complaint no matter what short cords are found on. The excuse they gave is pretty lame, they didn't want people tripping over it. I think people who would trip over it have a much bigger problem than the cord. I think they should stay off the countertop, it's not for walking on. Maybe they think people who live in hovels who put the oven on their dirt floor also have electricity? Clearly either Cuisinart or I am missing something.
One thing I need to do and haven't done yet is to make sure the wires in the outlet are screwed in place and that the push in connections weren't used. I don't trust those push in outlet connections (in the wall) for items that draw high amps, in this case 15amps. (1800w/120v=15a)
It has built in timer and that's part of the "on" switch. The oven doesn't turn on without the timer being in use. The timers lowest time is 10 minutes. I would lime it so much more if it had an "on" setting with an optional timer. My wifes morning bagel requires only 6 minutes (on bake) after the T/B gets up to 425°F. We are accustomed to using loose timers. But I understand that Cuis' is trying to make this T/B usable for folks who don't have the separate items. You know, those folks who would trip over a longer cord. Or those folks who claimed in the reviews that, "It burns everything!". Maybe it does. I haven't gotten there yet but I don't see how.