Krups is a German company with a long history; they have been around since 1846. What has helped this company thrive for over 160 years while so many others have failed? I believe the answer lies in Krups’ dedication to producing excellent, market-relevant products. They have never been still; they are always adding to the growing field of housewares. Is the Krups toaster oven worthy of a company with such a longstanding reputation for innovation and quality?
To see how it fared, I tested the Krups 6-Slice Digital Convection Toaster Oven for two months and used it for just about everything I cook. My regular toaster oven was banished to the garage during the review period, to make sure I got the best idea of how this model performs with frequent use.
Upon first receiving the Krups Toaster Oven and taking it out of the box, I was struck by how solid and sturdy it feels. It is certainly very well built; no cheap parts on this one. The design is nice, falling somewhere between modern and comfortable. It has the look of an expensive appliance without going over the top and making the rest of my kitchen look bad. The interior is spacious, but because of the rectangular shape it doesn’t take up too much space on my counter. I’m definitely impressed so far.
My first meal consisted of two chicken breasts drizzled with olive oil and covered in herbs. I like how easy the controls are to use; there really wasn’t even a need to consult the owner’s manual. I found it a little strange that the settings are only done in 5 degree increments, but I don’t recall ever having to bake anything at 382 degrees so I don’t think that’s a problem. The quartz convection heating elements heated up quickly and cooked the chicken very evenly. There was a nice browning effect and overall I was very pleased with the initial performance.
For the next two months I used the Krups toaster oven for almost all of my meals. There was one exception: I hosted a dinner party for four and there just wasn’t enough room to fit everything I needed to cook that night. But on a daily basis, the Krups toaster oven was all he needed. I was pleased to see how spacious the kitchenette is. Some of the larger items I cooked included a twelve inch pizza, a round roast beef eye, and a whole chicken (the chicken was on the small side). Everything fit together beautifully and was cooked perfectly.
During the testing period I did not find any problems with the Krups toaster oven. It always heats up quickly and cooks things quickly and evenly. It is well insulated and holds the heat well; something I appreciate on hot days. The only disappointment I found lies in the included baking tray. I followed the manufacturer’s instructions and only washed it by hand, but the nonstick coating peeled off after only a month. I have other baking pans that I may use, so this did not have an adverse effect on me. However, I don’t think it’s right for Krups to include such an inferior product in the package when they charge almost $300 for this toaster oven. All in all, I love this toaster oven and am planning on leaving the old one in the garage.
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