Oster's 4-slice Toaster Oven 6235 is an affordable "no-frills" machine that does a good job with most baking, broiling and toasting tasks. This unit consists of a wedge-shaped white or chrome housing (16 inches wide, 11 inches deep and 10 inches tall at its widest points), with three control dials to select the oven temperature, toast color and timer. Oven temperatures range from 150 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, plus broil. The settings are comparable to a standard oven, except when preparing baked goods, such as cakes and breads, which may require lower settings, due to the close proximity of the heating elements.

The timer on this unit is a nice option. Once you select an oven temp, you can set the timer for up to 60 minutes. You'll hear a soft ticking sound while the timer counts down. The unit shuts off when the time has elapsed. You can also set the timer dial to "Stay On" for continuous cooking. For toasting, there is a separate toast lever that activates a quick toasting cycle and shuts off after the toasting is done.

We were actually very impressed at the way this unit handled toasting, which is typically difficult for toaster ovens. The maximum capacity of this unit is 4 slices, which we toasted to medium brown in about 4 minutes. The upper and lower elements heated quickly and delivered an even brownness to both sides of the bread.

Another handy feature is the "auto-advance" oven rack. A clever design links the full-view glass door to the wire rack so the rack moves forward an inch or so as the door is opened. The Oster 6235 also comes with a standard chrome-plated bake/broil pan, which can be used for baking cookies, broiling two hamburgers or fish fillets, preparing mini hors d'oeuvres and more.

We like the look of the unit, which is taller than other models, with a slightly domed top and rounded corners. Other features include a power indicator light, removable front-access crumb tray, nonstick interior and signal bell to indicate the completion of cooking.

If you are looking for an affordable toaster oven that performs well, Oster's 4-slice Toaster Oven 6235 fits the bill.


Pros: 60-minute oven timer, front-access crumb tray, self-advancing wire rack
Cons: None

Warranty
1 year