bit-tech Shopping: Krups FBC512 6-Slice Toaster Oven

• Automatic Shut Off
• Bake Pan
• Broil Rack
• Defrost
• Timer

• Baking
• Broiling
• Toasting

Rating: 8

Time with product: 25 Days

Strengths: Excellent styling. Toasts nicely.

Weaknesses: Non-stick pan that comes with the toaster is not flat. This makes baking cookies difficult.

Summary: After using the toaster oven for nearly a month, I am very happy with it. I have used it as a toaster and also for baking and reheating previously baked items. When I baked a nine inch cake in the oven I found that the top browned too quickly and needed to be covered. The instructions for rack placement are very good and need to be followed for optimal results. I bought the oven thinking that I could often use it instead of heating my regular oven. While I have been able to do that to some extent, ie. baking potatoes, baking 5-6 cookies, it cannot replace a full size oven for many things.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2

Strengths: 6 ceramic bars which heat quickly & evenly. Digital lighting adds exciting look to kitchen. Works flawlessly, silently & faster than others.

Weaknesses: Price and lack of color selection.

Summary: We inspected every available brand and actually tried 3 before settling on Kr ups. Kitchen Aide is well made but has noisy timer which won't bake potatoes! (Only goes to 30 minutes.) We returned it. Williams-Sonoma's DeLonghi has sharp lower edges to tear your skin and it lacks a crumb tray. It has rectangular heating bars which do not heat as evenly as the 6 Krups ceramic bars. Broiling trays are non-stick. Instructions are great, although a baking/broiling chart would be helpful just to get you started. We love it and are excited over our purchase. Great design and beautiful to look at, too.