Comparing Black & Decker Toaster Oven model TRO390W to the Farberware FTO320SS model the Farberware toaster oven far outshines the Black & Decker. What started out as a great bargain purchase through a Linens ‘N Things super sale turned out to be a real problem and a potential fire hazard.Linens N Things was giving a $25.00 gift certificate if you purchased this item. That was a hard to beat offer. Unfortunately, we hit a major snag and ended up with a head ache instead of a bargain.
We were redoing our kitchen and purchased the Black & Decker toaster. The first time you toast the instructions recommend that you set the toast shade selector on medium and adjust it once you can tell how it toasts. Then the suggest you adjust your cycle. The “on” indicator light will come on and stay on until the toast cycle is done, a bell will sound and the oven will automatically shut off according to the information they provide. One this didn’t get my toast done, it took forever to darken and two they didn’t mention setting the bake /broil button to toast. Nowhere in the directions does it say this. On the first /top button it says “toast on/bake off”. So, it’s a real procedure to get toast done, certainly not simple. The directions are useless.
It took several tries on Medium and finally I went to trying dark and it came out too dark. Here’s where the another big, far more dangerous issue came up. When you toast and set the dial at medium it shuts off at the word light instead of going to the off position and the heating elements just stay on. A potential fire in the making. It’s really a dangerous fire hazard in the making. We called the 800 customer service number and explained what a hazard this item was. They agreed to a return, sent us a letter asking that we remove the plug and send it to them with an explanation and they Fed Exed us another toaster (same model). Because I already disliked the toaster because it was too slow to toast and too convoluted to operate I returned it and purchased the Farberware FTO 320SS toaster oven. I had no desire to give that model a second chance.
The Farberware Toaster oven came in stainless steel with black trim, perfect for my kitchen. The Black and Decker only came in white. This was $39.99 less my 20% Linens ‘N Things coupon. It was a smaller scale which I preferred. 9″ x 15″. Or at least it appeared smaller. It has two buttons. One for broil/toast and one that is a timer. That was nice and simple. It broils, bakes and toasts. There were no special instructions or procedure necessary to get the correct shade of toast. It wasn’t necessary. The broill, bake, toast selections were all I needed and I probably won’t even use the broil feature The timer gives you 30 minutes with a stay on feature. There is a power light so you know the toaster is on or off or you can listen for the audible signal that goes off when your cooking is compete. The crumb tray drops down for easy cleaning. Your toaster comes with a bake pan, a broil insert and a wire rack. The rack and inserts came with the Black & Decker as well. These are typical items that come with toasters. This was so much simpler to use than the Black & Decker, it was a pleasure.
Be sure to read the direction and information pamphlet that this comes with there are numerous warnings and safeguards you need to know about . Always unplug your toaster oven when it’s not in use.
Now that I’ve had both toasters I am supremely happy with the Farberware and would definately suggest you steer clear of the dangerous Black & Decker model.
You can see my AC Media Black & Decker review by going to http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/523149/product_review_black_decker_toaster.html?page=2
