I recently tried the Oster TSSTTVMNDG Digital Large Capacity Stainless Steel Toaster Oven for a period of six weeks. I did this so I could provide an in-depth review to consumers considering purchasing this model. I put away my usual countertop oven for the duration of the review period so I would get a good idea of how this unit performs with regular usage. Here is that review.
This is a relatively low-priced model. It will cost you about $75, including the shipping. It is actually the cheapest unit available today with digital controls. It is important to keep this in mind so that expectations remain realistic. I removed my new appliance from the box and inspected it. I found the overall shape to be pleasing; it has curved edges on each side, giving it a modern and unique look. The digital controls add to the modern feel of this appliance. This is listed as a stainless steel model, and although the bulk of the finish is in fact stainless steel, there is a good deal of black in the front as well. I don't have an issue with that but it is something to keep in mind if you have all stainless steel appliances in your kitchen. The overall feel of the materials and construction is in keeping with its price range: not too flimsy yet not exceptionally sturdy or well-made. A baking pan is included with this unit. This is also one of the few toaster oven that comes equipped with an interior light.
I like to start a review period with making toast, since this is one area where many toaster ovens fail to impress. This is listed as a six slice unit, but I found only four slices of bread fit in without crushing or overlapping the bread. This is common with toaster ovens. The unit toasted quickly and fairly well. I won't say it was the best toast I've ever had, but it was good. I noticed two things during this initial use: first, the outside became very hot. This is normal with lower priced toaster ovens. Second, the light came on automatically and stayed on through the entire cooking cycle; this makes it easy to see how things are progressing inside without opening the see-through door. There is also a button to manually operate the light, in case you wish to shut it off and save energy while using the oven.
The first dinner I made in my new toaster oven was a roasted half leg of lamb. Consistent and accurate temperature is crucial with leg of lamb, since it is a huge hunk of meat that is really only good rare or medium rare. It easily fit into this roomy toaster oven. The results were outstanding; the meat was beautifully browned on the outside yet perfectly rare on the inside. I used the convection baking feature and was pleased to see it was quieter on this model than on most toaster ovens. I also used this oven to roast a whole chicken (on a different night, of course!) and was equally pleased with those results.
I found the baking to be even enough to properly bake cookies, cakes and muffins. This unit fits a 9 x 13 inch baking pan or sheet, making it an ideal size for a small batch of baked goods. The large capacity makes this toaster oven quite versatile; I never needed to turn on my full-sized oven during the review period. This model heats up quickly. It only takes about 5 minutes to reach 375 degrees F and 8 minutes to reach 400 degrees F. It also remains fairly true to the set temperature; I checked several times throughout the review period and never found it off by more than 9 degrees F.
Overall, this is a decent toaster oven and a good value considering its relatively low price. Visit Toaster Oven Reviews for more information on this model and many more. You'll find thousands of reviews as well as a handy buying guide to help you along the way.
