The Oster Countertop Oven with Glass-View Top 6071 is efficiently designed to handle all your baking, toasting and broiling needs. This unit gets its name from a unique component -- a glass panel built into the top of the oven, which provides a bird's eye view of the contents of the oven. The viewing window also serves a second purpose by allowing light to filter through the top and into the oven, thereby illuminating the entire interior.

This unit is actually better equipped and more geared toward the oven function than the toaster function. It is also larger than a standard toaster oven, measuring 16.5 inches wide by 14 inches deep by 12.25 inches tall. What we found particularly nice about this model was its roomy interior, which is capable of handling a 12-inch frozen pizza or casserole dishes up to 11 inches wide.

Because there are two rack positions, you can configure the rack, and thereby the food, in the optimum location, depending on which function you are using. For broiling and toasting, the rack should be set in its highest position. For baking and general cooking, the rack should be set in the lower positions.

There are three dial controls located on the bottom front of the oven. One dial lets you set the function (Toast, Warm, Bake or Broil). Another lets you set the oven temperature (150-450 degrees Fahrenheit). The third is a countdown oven timer and toast shade selector. It also functions as the oven's power switch. By turning the dial to the desired time (between 10-60 minutes), you are, in effect, activating the heating elements for that duration. There is also a "Stay On" setting, which bypasses the timer option altogether.

We found the timer to be extremely handy when baking, since it kept track of the bake time for us. For toasting, however, it was a bit problematic since it was difficult to tell exactly how long the timer was set. In addition, when toasting, you have to turn the timer past the 20-minute mark to engage the timer switch, and then back to within the designated toast area. Friction built into the timer makes it difficult to turn the dial in reverse so it felt like we were fighting against the dial each time we made toast.

That being said, the Oster Countertop Oven did a fine job toasting two, four or even six slices of bread, bagels or English muffins, delivering even browning on both sides. Use the timer dial to determine the level of browning; longer times result in darker shades. With a little trial and error, you'll find the right setting to match your individual preferences. For the first few batches of toast, you may wish to monitor the browning so you don't end up with a shade darker than you intended.

As an oven, this model really shines. Its roomy interior can accommodate family-size casseroles and is deep enough to roast a whole 5-pound chicken or a couple of Cornish game hens.


Pros: Top viewing window, large interior, automatic timer
Cons: Toast function is awkward using timer

Warranty
1 year