Oster TSSTTVMNDG-SHP-2 vs Hamilton Beach 31127D Toaster Oven Side-by-Side Comparison
Oster TSSTTVMNDG-SHP-2 vs Hamilton Beach 31127D Toaster Oven. A comparison between a digital large convection toaster oven and a medium-sized analog unit.
Specifications
Design
The Oster TSSTTVMNDG-SHP-2 has a simple and sturdy design, plus a convenient slide-out crumb tray. The large interior houses a togglable lightbulb and convection system. A consistent disadvantage that this oven has is its low wattage compared to something like the Ninja DT201.
The design of the Hamilton Beach 31127D is basic with a simple stainless steel exterior. The oven has a similar capacity as other medium-sized toaster ovens, with greater length and width but less height. Its roll-top door is a unique feature that we found useful.
Usability Comparison
While the digital control panel of the Oster TSSTTVMNDG-SHP-2 is straightforward and easy to use, its buttons can be more responsive. In addition to that, having to press Cancel before changing functions can get annoying.
The convection fan isn’t all-applicable, but it’s not a problem. On the other hand, the oven’s design features, including its accessories, make cleaning an effortless exercise.
Although the Hamilton Beach 31127D doesn’t invest much in convenience, it also doesn't pose any problems. You may not be able to select an exact time and temperature with the analog control knobs, but realistically, you don’t lose much precision.
Performance Test
The strongest performance aspect of the Oster TSSTTVMNDG-SHP-2 was the even coloring on our test dishes, thanks to its convection system. However, it didn’t meet the mark in baking frozen french fries.
This was probably due to the low power output combined with the large capacity, unlike the picks on our best toaster oven list. Moreover, having only two tray positions made it tricky to get the toast done right on both sides.
The Hamilton Beach 31127D did a good job at making toast but struggled with french fries. We suspect its 1400 W power draw isn’t sufficient for its capacity, so it couldn’t quite maintain high temperatures. Of course, the lack of a convection system didn’t help either. A more preferable but still affordable choice could be the Toshiba AC25CEW-BS.
Overall Scores
Pros & Cons
- Large capacity
- Easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior
- Cool-touch door handle
- Convenient slide-out crumb tray
- High-contrast digital display
- Internal lighting available
- Extra functions
- Easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior
- Roll-top door
- Cool-touch door handle
- Simple control knobs
- Stay-on feature
- Spacious interior
- Convection fan isn’t all-applicable
- No safety mechanism for the door
- Buttons not reliably responsive
- No convection fan
- No internal lighting
- No safety mechanism for the door
Conclusion
The Oster TSSTTVMNDG-SHP-2 Digital Convection Toaster Oven scores slightly higher in every aspect than the Hamilton Beach 31127D Countertop Toaster Oven. It also costs a bit more but is larger in size and capacity.
Both toaster ovens have the same four nichrome heating elements. Nonetheless, the Oster performed better in baking pizza, french fries, and roasting a whole chicken. This was despite a lower power output, thanks to the Oster having a convection system.
However, similar to most toaster ovens, the Oster didn’t deploy convection for toasting. As a result, the Oster scored lower than the Hamilton in toasting bread.
The Oster had a higher design score due to it having a convection system and an interior light. Its LCD allowed for more precise control than the Hamilton’s analog dials, but the buttons could be more responsive.
The Oster’s casing wasn’t as thick and durable as the Hamilton’s. It was a bit easier to clean on the inside thanks to its large cooking chamber though.
The Oster TSSTTVMNDG-SHP-2 is suitable for someone looking for a simple and robust large unit. On the other hand, the Hamilton Beach 31127D is a sturdy, durable, inexpensive, medium-sized unit.
Behind the Comparison
Alan Nguyen is a writer and product reviewer at HealthyKitchen101. His major in English language teaching taught him to present concise information. In addition to his cooking hobby, he values the practical aspects of household appliances.
Tuyet Pham is an award-winning Saigonese chef passionate about delicious and healthful foods. At HealthyKitchen101, she develops recipes and collaborates with our Research, Testing, and Review lab to evaluate the performance of cooking appliances. Her assessments add a strong authoritative voice to our product scoring process.
Lap is Head of the Research, Testing, and Review Team (RTR Team) at HealthyKitchen101.com, where he directs and supervises the testing of kitchen gadgets and appliances.
