Black+Decker Extra Wide Crisp N' Bake Review

Toasting Performance

The unit produced toast with decent browning, though we noticed some inconsistency across the surface of each slice. The center portions achieved a pleasant golden-brown color, while the edges tended to be slightly lighter. This unevenness became more pronounced when we loaded multiple slices, with those positioned toward the back of the oven browning more quickly than those near the door.

What impressed us was the unit's ability to handle multiple slices without significantly extending cooking time. When we loaded six slices for a family breakfast scenario, the toasting time increased by only about 30 seconds compared to a single slice.

However, the temperature inconsistency we observed throughout our testing manifested here. We often needed to add an extra cycle to achieve our desired level of browning, especially when starting with refrigerated bread. The toast function's simplicity works in its favor for casual users, though those accustomed to more precise control might find themselves experimenting with settings to achieve their preferred results.

Baking and Roasting Performance

The frozen pizza emerged with a properly melted cheese top and a reasonably crispy crust, though we noticed the bottom could have benefited from more direct heat. The unit's tendency to run cool meant we needed to add approximately three to four minutes to the package directions to achieve optimal hot, melty results.

Cookie dough presented similar challenges. While the cookies eventually baked through completely, they required additional time beyond what the recipe suggested. We found that rotating the baking sheet halfway through cooking helped compensate for some hot spots we identified during testing. The cookies achieved a nice golden color on top, though the bottoms remained lighter than we'd prefer. Frozen tater tots were better, developing a satisfying crunch after we extended the cooking time by about five minutes. The convection setting helped achieve more even browning, though we still needed to shake the basket once during cooking.

The chicken thighs proved to be the most successful of our baking tests. Despite the lower operating temperature, the extended cooking time actually worked in the meat's favor, allowing it to cook through gently while the skin eventually crisped up nicely. We achieved juicy, tender meat with reasonably crispy skin, though it took about 10 minutes longer than anticipated. The extra-wide capacity really shone here, as we could easily fit six thighs with room for vegetables alongside.

Ease of Use

Navigating the Black+Decker Extra Wide Crisp N' Bake's controls proved straightforward during our testing, though the interface feels somewhat dated compared to newer models we've evaluated. The manual dial system for selecting cooking functions works reliably, with clear markings for each mode, including bake, broil, toast, and air fry. The temperature dial offers a reasonable range from 200 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, though we were frustrated by the inability to adjust the temperature when using the air fryer setting. It's locked at 400 degrees, which limits its versatility for different recipes.

The timer dial allows settings up to 60 minutes, which we found sufficient for most cooking tasks. However, the timer's alarm deserves special mention for all the wrong reasons. The beeping is startlingly loud and harsh. It's the kind of sound that might wake sleeping family members or startle pets, and there's no volume adjustment available. The lack of a digital display means you're estimating time remaining based on the dial position, which feels imprecise in an age where most of us are accustomed to digital countdown timers.

We appreciated the inclusion of indicator lights that show when the unit is powered on and when it has reached temperature, though the preheat alert is subtle enough that we occasionally missed it while multitasking in the kitchen. The crumb tray slides out easily for cleaning, and the interior's non-stick coating simplified maintenance during our testing. The oven rack and baking pan are dishwasher safe, though their size means they might not fit in smaller dishwashers.

Temperature Accuracy

The data revealed that the unit consistently runs cool, maintaining an average temperature of just 320 degrees Fahrenheit when set to 350—a substantial 30-degree deficit that significantly impacts cooking performance. This 91.4% accuracy rating placed it among the lower performers in our test group. We observed that the unit would initially approach the set temperature during the preheat phase, but once it began cycling to maintain temperature, it consistently dropped well below the target. During extended cooking sessions, we noticed the temperature hovering around 300 degrees for significant periods.

This temperature inconsistency explains many of the performance issues we encountered during our cooking tests. The need to extend cooking times becomes understandable when the actual operating temperature sits 30 degrees below what's displayed on the dial. We found ourselves constantly adjusting recipes and adding time, which could frustrate cooks who rely on precise timing for their recipes. For comparison, many competing models in our test maintained temperatures within 5-10 degrees of their settings, with some premium models achieving near-perfect accuracy.

The temperature swings during cycling were also more pronounced than we'd like, with variations of up to 40 degrees between the heating element's on and off cycles. This creates an environment where food cooks unevenly, requiring more attention and intervention than should be necessary. We recommend users invest in an oven thermometer if they purchase this model, allowing them to understand the actual cooking temperature and adjust accordingly.

Should You Buy the Extra Wide Crisp N' Bake?

Passionate bakers or those who follow precise recipes should consider investing in a model with better temperature control, as the constant need for adjustment and extended cooking times may prove frustrating. While this isn't the worst oven we've tested, there are far better options at a lower price point.

What Other Toaster Ovens Should You Consider?

If temperature accuracy and consistent performance matter more than the lowest possible price, we strongly recommend considering the Ninja Foodi Digital Oven. During our testing, it delivered exceptional temperature accuracy with only a 7-degree variance from the set temperature, reaching 357 degrees when set to 350. It also preheated faster than the Black+Decker, reaching temperature in just 1.8 minutes compared to 2.6 minutes. The Ninja Foodi's consistent performance across all our cooking tests—from perfect toast to crispy-skinned chicken—justifies its higher price point for serious home cooks.