The DeLonghi Convection Oven with Broiler EO-1258 is similar in design to DeLonghi's EO-1238, but with a few important differences. This model has a built-in convection fan and comes with two oven racks, instead of just one; these features allow for multi-level cooking.

The unit has a brushed stainless steel top, with stay-cool plastic side panels. Chrome and black trim complement the bright silver styling for a clean, sophisticated appearance.

The EO-1258 measures approximately 18 inches wide by 15 inches deep by 9 inches tall and has an internal cavity that is about 12 inches wide by 12 inches deep (thanks to a rounded extension) by 5 inches tall. It can handle most small casserole dishes (up to 11 inches wide by 10 inches deep), a full-size meat loaf pan or a 12-inch frozen pizza. The supplied baking/broiling pan is sturdier than most and has a beautiful non-stick finish to simplify cleanup.

Like the EO-1238, there are three control dials, styled in gleaming chrome. The dials have black markings to signify their operation; however, the mirror finish can make it difficult to read the writing, except at a close-up angle. Once you familiarize yourself with the various settings, the dials are fairly simple to use. The top dial controls the temperature, offering settings from 250-430 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as "Keep Warm" and "Toast/Broil". The middle dial turns the oven "On" and/or starts the toasting operation, with shade selections from light to dark. The bottom dial lets you choose your function: "Slow Bake", "Broil", "Bake/Toast", "Fan Bake" or "Defrost".

We like the assortment of functions this unit offers. The "Defrost" option provides a handy way to safely defrost small cuts of meat in about an hour and a half. This setting uses no heat; it simply activates the convection fan to circulate air around the interior of the oven.

The "Toast" function of this model was adequate. We like the fact that we can toast up to six slices of bread at once, and that the toast dial counts down and shuts itself off automatically. The unit makes a rather loud ticking sound as the timer counts down. We found it a bit distracting at first, but it becomes less noticeable after several uses. To toast four slices of bread took about six minutes; a second batch, however, took only half that time. The evenness of toasting depends on where the rack is positioned within the oven.

The "Fan Bake" option is our favorite. This enables faster, more even cooking of basic meal items, such as roasted potatoes, lasagna, pizza, casserole dishes and small cuts of meat, fish or chicken. The "Fan Bake" setting is also ideal for baking two racks of cookies simultaneously or cooking a ham steak on one level and roasted potatoes on the other. The only limitation is the height of the foods, since the positioning of the second rack precludes insertion of items any taller than an inch-and-a-half. Even so, the multi-tier cooking option works well for items that can sit flat on the baking pan, such as hors d'oeuvre, mini pizzas, garlic bread and more.

Other features we liked on the EO-1258 include the self-advancing oven racks; the bright interior light, which lets you easily monitor the cooking progress; and the front-access, slide-out crumb tray. The unit also comes with one flat cookie sheet.


Pros: Convection feature, toast timer with auto-shutoff, roomy interior (accommodates six slices of bread or a 12-inch frozen pizza), front-access crumb tray, interior light, multi-tier cooking with self-advancing wire racks
Cons: Loud ticking sound during toasting, dial settings are difficult to read

Warranty
1 year, limited