How to Use a Black & Decker Toaster Oven

Whether you are starting over with brand new equipment, or are trying to rationalize your storage space, there is a lot to be gained by making your kitchen appliances as flexible as possible.

The Black & Decker Toaster oven is one of the most efficient options available: it can replace your toaster, convection oven, and even a microwave – plus, it doesn’t create that soggy texture whenever you are reheating starchy foods.

The key to harnessing your toaster oven’s full potential is to learn how to use it properly. Sometimes, having too many options and dial controls can make things confusing at first.

In this guide, we will show you everything you can cook with your toaster oven, and how to do it.

How to Use a Black & Decker Toaster Oven

There are a handful of different toaster ovens produced by Black & Decker, but they all follow the same basic logic. The model you have may be missing a specific option in its heating elements – but the sequence of steps will be the same.

Check that your toaster oven is plugged

As obvious as it may seem, this should always be the first step before you use any appliance! There’s a reason why even IT experts continue to ask this.

If you have bundled your cords into an extension or a mini-hub, you may need to trace the plugs back into the main wall plug.

Select the right function

Your toaster oven has three dials and a small pilot light.

• The top dial is a temperature selector
• The middle dial is a function selector. This allows you to choose between bake, broil, toast and “keep warm” modes.
• The bottom one is the timer

Each one of these modes works slightly differently and will require you to adjust the dial controls

Toast Mode

Just like its name indicates, this is used for making toast or toasted sandwiches:

1. Leave the temperature dial alone
2. Move the function dial to the “toast” position (at the start of the dial)
3. Place your toast inside the oven
4. Then, look closely at the timer. When in toast mode, you won’t be selecting a cooking time, just a shade for your toast. Across the starting section of your timer (between minutes 1 and 10), you will find three “shade types” marked across the dial. Twist the dial into your desired toast shade (light, medium, or dark)
5. Close back the oven

Broil Mode

Broiling is a cooking technique that uses a stronger heating source from the top of the oven. It is used to create crunchy crusts or for grating foods that are covered in cheese (such as pre-cooked lasagnas). It can also be used to cook meats from scratch.

1. Move the function dial to the “Broil” position
2. Move the temperature dial to the “Broil” position
3. Move the rack to the uppermost slot
4. Preheat the oven by setting the timer to 10 minutes
5. After the bell rings, place your food on top of the rack
6. Move the timer again to select the desired cooking time.
7. Close back the oven

Convection oven mode

The convection oven offers more thorough and potent heat, as it uses both the top and bottom heating wires on your oven. It also activates a small convection fan. This will complement the heating elements by creating a small current of hot air around your food.

1. Move the function dial to the “Bake” position
2. Move the temperature dial to the desired temperature. This should appear on the recipe.
3. Move the rack to the middle or bottom slot.
4. Preheat the oven by setting the timer to 10 minutes.
5. While the oven is preheating, place your food on a baking pan
6. As soon as the bell rings, slide the baking pan on top of the rack.
7. Select the right cooking time using the timer dial. Usually, this appears on the recipe.

If you would rather control the time yourself, set it to “stay on”.

The average baking time will depend on the type of food you are cooking:

• Fish steaks and fish burgers may require between 8 and 12 minutes
• Hamburgers may require between 10 and 15 minutes
• Bone-in cuts of meat may require up to 30 minutes

8. Close back the oven

Keep warm mode

When in reheat mode, the oven will use a constant, low temperature. This is great for ensuring any leftovers remain warm and ready to eat throughout the day, but not for cooking something for the first time.

1. Move the temperature dial to “keep warm” (at the very start)
2. Move the function dial to “warm”
3. Place the food inside the oven
4. Close back the oven

Wait for the bell

After you close the door, the timer will begin running forward. You may hear a very faint clicking sound as it does. Once the timer reaches zero, the bell will sound again.

OPTIONAL: Check if the meat is ready

If you are baking or broiling meats, it is good practice to check the meat’s internal temperature to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat. This is not necessary when you are grilling vegetables or reheating starchy foods.

To do this, grab a pair of oven mittens. Then, just open the slide the baking pan out halfway through. Insert a meat thermometer inside the meat and check if the internal temperature is above 165° F (73° C) for poultry, pork, and ground beef, or 145° F (63 C°) for fresh beef or veal

If the meat is ready, then you can move onto the next step! If not, place it back inside the oven and cook it for a few more minutes

Take out the food and crumb tray

After you have finished cooking, it’s tempting to just run away with your food and your warm meal. Don’t forget to clean the oven first!

Your Black & Decker toaster oven has a small crumb and drip tray right below the bottom slot.

This is meant to collect any pieces or juices that may have fallen off while cooking, without harming the heating elements inside.

Make sure you are wearing oven mittens before touching the tray! Then, just slide it out and let it cool off. Once it’s safe to touch, you can rinse it by hand or place it inside your dishwasher

The Most Important Step: Enjoying a Warm Meal

The best part about a homecooked meal is that you are in complete control of every step – whether you like your burgers extra juicy or are unusually fond of dark toast. Enjoy them while they’re warm!