There’s a unique kind of kitchen frustration that hits when a simple, everyday appliance gives up the ghost. That was me a while back, staring at a dead toaster that had handled my morning bagels for years. Suddenly, a simple task became a hassle. I needed a replacement that was not only reliable but could also handle more than just toast without cluttering my already limited counter space. The thought of heating up my large oven just for a slice of pizza was simply out of the question.
- Four Cooking Functions: Choose from convection bake, broil, toast, and keep warm.
- Compact Size: Easily fit a 9” pizza, four slices of bread, or a variety of other snacks and meals.
Navigating the World of Toaster Ovens
Before you invest in a new countertop appliance, it’s worth thinking about what you really need. A toaster oven is a fantastic solution for reheating leftovers more effectively than a microwave, baking small batches of cookies without turning your kitchen into a sauna, and, of course, making toast. It’s a workhorse for quick meals and snacks, saving both time and energy.
The ideal customer for this category is someone living in a small space like an apartment or dorm, a small family needing a secondary oven for appetizers, or anyone who values simplicity and efficiency over complex features. If you frequently cook large, elaborate meals for a big family or require precise temperature control for gourmet baking, a basic toaster oven might not be for you. In that case, you’d be better served by a high-end, multi-function countertop oven or simply sticking with your conventional oven. Key things to consider before buying are the appliance’s footprint on your counter, the specific functions you’ll use most (baking, broiling, toasting), capacity (can it fit your favorite frozen pizza?), and ease of use.
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Unboxing the BLACK+DECKER TO1705SB
This brings me to the BLACK+DECKER TO1705SB 4-Slice Toaster Oven, a machine that promises straightforward functionality in a compact, stainless steel package. It doesn’t try to be a fancy, all-in-one air fryer or dehydrator; it focuses on doing the basics and doing them reliably. When you purchase it, you get the oven itself, a wire rack, a small baking pan, and a removable crumb tray for easy cleanup. It’s designed for the user who wants to turn a knob and have their food cooked, plain and simple. It’s a perfect fit for students, seniors, or anyone who finds modern digital interfaces to be a bit overwhelming. If you’re a tech enthusiast who loves programming cooking cycles from your phone, this is definitely not the appliance for you.
Pros:
* Extremely simple two-knob controls
* Compact size is ideal for small kitchens
* Heats up very quickly for fast meal prep
* Very affordable price point
Cons:
* The mechanical timer ticks loudly during operation
* Toasting can be uneven, requiring you to flip items
* The exterior surfaces get quite hot to the touch
* Features only one position for the wire rack
A Closer Look at Performance and Functionality
After using this toaster oven for a long time, I’ve gotten to know its every quirk and strength. It’s become a dependable part of my daily routine, and its performance in key areas is what truly defines its value.
Four Essential Cooking Functions
The beauty of this appliance lies in its four core functions: Bake, Broil, Toast, and Keep Warm.
Bake: The baking function is surprisingly capable for such a small unit. It’s perfect for a 9” pizza, a couple of baked potatoes, or a small batch of cookies. The main benefit here is efficiency. On a hot summer day, the last thing I want to do is preheat my entire conventional oven for a small meal. This reliable appliance heats up in minutes and contains the heat, keeping my kitchen cool and my energy bill down. It’s my go-to for frozen snacks, chicken nuggets for the kids, or roasting a small portion of vegetables.
Broil: The broil function is a game-changer for finishing touches. It’s excellent for melting cheese over an open-faced sandwich, browning the top of a small casserole, or giving some color to a piece of fish. While it lacks the power of a full-sized oven’s broiler, it’s more than adequate for small-scale tasks and adds a layer of culinary versatility that a standard pop-up toaster could never offer.
Toast: BLACK+DECKER promotes its “EvenToast Technology,” which is designed to toast bread up to 30% more evenly than previous models. In practice, the results can be mixed. I’ve found that for perfect toast, a little user intervention is required. It tends to brown the side facing the back heating element a bit more intensely. My solution is simple: I rotate the bread halfway through the toasting cycle. While not perfectly “even,” it still produces good toast for up to four slices at once and handles thicker items like bagels and English muffins with ease.
Keep Warm: This is a simple but incredibly useful setting. It provides a low, gentle heat perfect for keeping a plate of food warm without overcooking it. It’s ideal for those times when you’re trying to coordinate multiple parts of a meal, ensuring everything is hot and ready to serve at the same time.
Design and Usability
What you see is what you get with the TO1705SB, and that’s its greatest strength. The stainless steel finish gives it a clean, modern look that fits into most kitchen decors. Its compact footprint (16.9″W x 11.6″D) makes it a true space-saver.
The control system consists of just two mechanical knobs. The top knob selects the function (Bake, Toast, Broil) and temperature. The bottom knob is a 30-minute timer. There are no digital screens, menus, or confusing presets. This simplicity makes it incredibly accessible for everyone in the household. The timer does tick quite loudly, which can be annoying in a quiet home, and it ends with a distinct “ding!” It’s a small drawback, but one to be aware of. For baking tasks longer than 30 minutes, the timer also has a “Stay On” function, which is a crucial feature for flexibility.
Included Accessories and Maintenance
The included bake pan and wire rack are sized perfectly for the oven’s interior. While not the most heavy-duty accessories, they get the job done for everyday use. The real star of the show for maintenance is the removable crumb tray. It slides out effortlessly from the bottom front of the toaster oven, allowing you to quickly dump out crumbs and keep the inside clean. This simple feature prevents the buildup of old food particles that can smoke and cause unpleasant odors, making cleanup a breeze.
A Note on Safety and Quirks
Like many budget-friendly toaster ovens, the exterior casing can get very hot during operation, especially on the top and sides. It’s important to ensure there is plenty of clearance around the unit and to avoid placing anything on top of it while it’s in use. Another important tip for new owners: run the oven empty at 450°F for about 10-15 minutes before you cook any food in it for the first time. This will burn off any residual manufacturing oils and eliminate a strong initial smell. Lastly, the single rack position is a limitation. You cannot adjust the rack height, which can be a minor inconvenience when you want to get food closer to or further from the broiling element.
What Other Users Are Saying
I spent some time browsing the internet to see if my experiences aligned with other long-term users. The feedback is largely positive, with many people praising the BLACK+DECKER TO1705SB 4-Slice Toaster Oven, Stainless Steel for its simplicity and reliability. Users frequently mention that it’s the perfect size for their small kitchen and that it heats up incredibly fast. However, I’m not alone in my critiques. The loud ticking timer is a common complaint, as is the tendency for uneven toasting.
The Final Verdict on This Kitchen Workhorse
In a world of overly complicated gadgets, the need for a simple, effective tool for daily tasks is more important than ever. The BLACK+DECKER TO1705SB is a fantastic solution for anyone looking to quickly bake, broil, or toast without the hassle of a large oven. Its value is found in its straightforward, no-frills design and its reliable performance on the basics. For its affordable price, it delivers exceptional convenience. If you’re ready to simplify your kitchen routine with a compact and dependable appliance, this is the one for you. Click here to check the price and see more details.
Last update on 2025-10-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API