Showing posts with label under counter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label under counter. Show all posts

Black & Decker SpaceMaker Traditional Toaster Ovens Review

Black & Decker SpaceMaker Traditional Toaster OvensI purchased our toaster earlier this week before having read any reviews about it here. I reviewed many, many other toasters/ovens on Amazon, then went to Target with a couple in mind that were in stock. In general, I'm extremely disappointed in the quality of all toasters/toaster ovens out there right now. They felt like cheap aluminum boxes mass produced in China. Our Krups toaster oven has been with us for 10 or 15 years and was wonderful. In any case, while getting disgusted at what Target did have available, around the corner in the aisle with all the Black and Decker SpaceMaker items I found this toaster and with a good sale price.

I get it home, quickly come here and see horror story after horror story. I'm wondering if I should even open the box or just take it back to Target immediately. Well, luckily I ignored the reviews here. Our SpaceMaker can opener has been wonderful and I was going to give this toaster a shot.

Having been forewarned about all the problems and headaches others have had with installation, I read all the instructions, took my time, laid everything out, checked, double checked and even triple checked before drilling any holes. Everything installed fine - no problems whatsoever. I didn't need 4 hands, extra spacers, longer screws, and didn't have any issues which others bring up. The instructions are fairly clear, and for anything which wasn't, anyone with some spacial acumen can figure out how things need to fit together. The instruction booklet was also very clear that if you needed additional spacers, to simply call them and they'd send them free of charge.

So, the toaster was installed a few days ago and looks beautiful in the location of our old toaster oven, but we now find ourselves with more counter space - just wonderful. A couple days go by and finally someone wants a toasted bagel for breakfast. Instead of blindly setting the knob for how long to toast and walking away, we did the unthinkable - we watched it toast to get an idea of how long it takes. The reason people are saying it burns their toast is because the heating elements are powerful and it toasts quickly. What's the big deal with that? Our Krups toaster oven had two heating elements on the top and two on the bottom. I was slightly concerned because this one has only one on the top and one on the bottom - however, these are thicker, they heat up extremely quickly, and they are more powerful. So, we made a guess how long we should set the timer, watched, and turned it off when done - just a tad shorter than we estimated. It also toasted evenly - no complaints.

Long story short - ignore the reviews here that do nothing but complain.

1. Read all the instructions when installing
2. Double and triple check location of holes and hood before drilling
3. First few times cooking with it, watch how long things take before being bold enough to set the timer and walk away. It's powerful - that's a good thing.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Black & Decker SpaceMaker Traditional Toaster Ovens

Product Description:
No need to give up valuable counter space for the convenience of a toaster oven thanks to this thoughtfully designed appliance. The oven easily installs under a cabinet, keeping work surfaces clear for food prep and other everyday tasks. More than just a space saver, the appliance works great for making toast, side dishes, grilled-cheese sandwiches, chocolate cake, and more. Choose from bake, toast, and keep-warm cooking options. The unit features simple turn-dial controls, and it provides a spacious interior that can accommodate up to four slices of bread at a time or a 9-inch pizza. Other highlights include a 30-minute timer, a power indicator light, cord storage for keeping the cord tidy even when plugged in, and a drop-down crumb tray for quick cleanup. Furthermore, its Save-a-Plug outlet makes it possible to connect a SpaceMaker Mini Food Processor/Grinder or Can Opener directly into the toaster oven, saving the wall outlet for other uses. The toaster oven measures approximately 19-4/5 by 12-8/9 by 15-1/5 inches.

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Black & Decker TROS1000 Spacemaker Oven Review

Black & Decker TROS1000 Spacemaker OvenThis item has been nicely updated. It now has a black and stainless steel look which just happens to match my updated kitchen. Also, capacity is larger than previously. On the down side, a tray is not provided; previous models included the proper size tray. Secondly, I am concerned about the door. It opens on one hinge to a "springy", unstable position; previous models had a hinge on both sides of the door which opened to a solid, firm position. The Spacemaker Oven no longer enters "Pause" mode when you open the door to check on your food; oblivious to the open door, it just keeps on cooking. Although the word "broil" appears nowhere on this unit, "Bake" mode can be set to broiling temperature, 450 degrees.

As you may have read elsewhere, installation of this unit can be quite a challenge. You can follow B&D's directions to a point, but after you place a washer over each of the four holes as directed I would suggest you follow these alternate directions (for Standard Installation): (1) Drop a screw through each washer, covering each of the 4 holes. There should be ample amount of screw protruding beneath your cabinet to allow for proper threading into the nut. Choose screws accordingly from the hardware bag provided. No need to search in the bag for the nuts. They are already implanted into the mounting hood. See them? (2) On the floor--or on a table that you can circumnavigate--attach the hood to the oven, NOT to the cabinet as the folks at B&D would have you do. (3) The half inch or so space between the top of the oven and the bottom of the hood must be maintained temporarily or else the hood might disengage in the rear. Therefore, insert a wash cloth into this space on each side of the unit. You may first want to fold them neatly in order to create a more snug, even fit. Leave part of each wash cloth hanging out of the space for ease of removal when the time comes. (4) At this point, if you are strong enough to lift the oven and screw it onto the bottom of your cabinet, go ahead and do so. Then skip down to step #6. If you aren't that strong--or, very wisely, just want to be cautious--we will need to put something on top of the counter, something that will prop up the oven to a few inches below the four hanging screws. For example, I used two pillows. I put the pillows on top of the counter and the oven, facing me, atop the pillows. Assuming that you arrange something similar, using pillows or whatever, the top of the hood should now be only a few inches below the four hanging screws. (5) Okay, this is it! You have your Phillips screwdriver, right? And may I assume that your cabinet doors are open? With one arm under the oven, probably your left if you're right-handed, you are going to raise the oven in order for the hood to make contact with the bottom of the screws. Meanwhile, your right hand, holding the screwdriver down in the screw of your choice, is eagerly waiting to screw. When you get one screw done it's like you've got a helping hand. Don't screw it all the way, though. Go to the next, then the next, then the last. Now screw them in more, evenly. Finally, tighten them up. (6) Now pull out the wash cloths. Under no circumstances are you to leave anything in that space. (7) I find that the unit looks better without the four little feet. If you agree, use your Phillips to unscrew them.

I hope I've helped you.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Black & Decker TROS1000 Spacemaker Oven

Product Description:
The return of a classic. The new Spacemaker Toaster oven responds to thousand of requests for this versatile favorite. Designed to satisfy the needs of the Spacemaker user, it provides sturdiness, performance and more counter space.

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