Oster TSSTTVMNDG-SHP-2 Toaster Oven Review
Overall Verdict
- Performance (50%)7.1/10
- Usability (25%)6.6/10
- Design (25%)6.2/10
The black stainless steel Oster TSSTTVMNDG-SHP-2 Digital Convection Toaster Oven is suitable for someone looking for a simple and robust large unit. It has useful accessories and cooking functions for both seasoned home cooks and newcomers in the kitchen.
Features that we found helpful include the convenient slide-out crumb tray, internal lighting, and convection system. In addition, the overall design of the oven makes cleaning as straightforward as possible.
Throughout all of our test dishes, the oven’s performance is hindered by its low power output of 1300 W in ratio to its large capacity. In terms of ease of use, the buttons’ responsiveness can be improved.
Things We Like
- 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
Things We Don’t Like
- Convection fan isn’t all-applicable
- No safety mechanism for the door
- Buttons not reliably responsive
The black stainless steel Oster TSSTTVMNDG-SHP-2 Digital Convection Toaster Oven is our first choice for a large unit. For $119.99, you’ll get a simple and robust toaster oven with a convenient slide-out crumb tray, internal lighting, useful accessories, and extra functions.
Our goal in this comprehensive review is to provide you with useful information and an honest assessment to help you decide on your next toaster oven. We’ll also give you some tips to get the best out of this oven and to avoid making mistakes while using it.
Oster TSSTTVMNDG-SHP-2 Toaster Oven In-depth Review
Performance
How We Tested- Toast (40%)6.3/10
- Pizza (25%)8.0/10
- Whole Roasted Chicken (25%)7.9/10
- Baked French Fries (10%)6.0/10
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. Moreover, having only two tray positions made it tricky to get the toast done right on both sides.
Toast
- Function: Toast
- Number Of Slices: 4
- Toast Level: 2/6
- Cooking Time: 6m 43s (fixed)
- Second Batch: 4m18 (auto)
- Convection: No
Using the steps of our Toast test, we determined that level 2 was the best option, scoring a 6.4/10. In comparison, the toast at level 1 had a very light color, and the toast at level 3 had a dark brown color, with some dark patches.
Even Surface Color
The Toast Level 2 of the Oster produced four pieces with a golden brown color on the top. However, due to the unideal tray position, the toast was dark brown on the bottom. Even though the color was even, the big difference between the top and bottom resulted in a 6/10.
Taste
Due to the long cooking time, the first batch of toast was crispy outside but a bit dry inside, so it got a 7/10 for taste. Our head chef, Tuyet Pham, determined they would go well with eggs benedict, omelet, and soup, in particular, but not with sandwiches.
Consecutive Usability
Even though this oven can automatically deduct the toast timer when the oven’s already hot, the second batch was still significantly darker and drier. The color was also uneven, ranging from golden brown to dark, so it got a 5.5/10 for consecutive usability.
Pizza
- Function: Bake
- Temperature: 450°F
- Cooking Time: 6m 50s
- Convection: Yes
The Oster did very well in baking a 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza, but the evenness in caramelization could be improved. Thus, it received an 8/10 in total.
Cooking Time
It only took 6m 50s to bake the pizza as opposed to 10 minutes on the label. In comparison to other toaster ovens in our Pizza test, it got a solid 8.2/10.
Crust
The crust had a nice golden brown color and since it was neither too soft nor too dry, it scored an 8/10.
Toppings
The cheese was melty and the toppings’ caramelization was about 80% even, so we gave it another 8/10.
Taste
For its taste, our chef gave the pizza an 8/10.
Whole Roasted Chicken
- Function: Rotisserie
- Temperature Range: 350°F
- Cooking Time: 1h
- Convection: Yes
Thanks to the Oster’s large capacity, we placed a 3 lb chicken on top of its broiling rack which is then set on top of the baking pan before we perform our Whole Roasted Chicken test. The overall score was 7.9/10.
Cooking Time
The oven was able to roast the chicken in 1 hour, which was the standard amount of time needed, and deserved an 8/10.
Skin
Thanks to the broiling rack and the oven’s convection system, the skin got an even golden color throughout. However, even with those advantages, the skin wasn’t able to crisp up much, so it got a 7.5/10.
Doneness
The chicken was fully cooked, but its internal temperature was a tad high at 190-192°F, so we gave it an 8.8/10.
Taste
The meat was soft and juicy throughout, so it earned a 7.5/10 for taste from our chef.
Baked French Fries
- Function: Bake
- Temperature: 400°F
- Cooking Time: 20 m
- Convection: Yes
The Oster left a lot to be desired in baking french fries, thus scoring a 6/10.
Cooking Time
The oven took 20 minutes to bake 12 oz of french fries. In comparison to other toaster ovens in our Baked French Fries test, it scored a 7.3/10.
Color
The fries had an uneven color, ranging from almost none to golden and brown on the ends, so they got a 6.8/10.
Texture
The fries were very soft so they could only get a 6/10 for texture.
Taste
Our chef gave the fries a 5/10 for taste.
Design
How We Rated- Exterior (20%)7.0/10
- Interior (30%)6.0/10
- Build Quality (50%)6.0/10
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.
In the Box
- Model: TSSTTVMNDG-SHP-2
- Warranty: 1-year limited (US and Canada only)
- User Manual
- Baking Rack
- Baking Pan
- Rack Clamp
- Removable Crumb Tray
- Rotisserie Kit and Lifter
- Air Fryer Basket
While the packaging keeps the oven firmly in place, the three accessories are simply wrapped in plastic and duct-taped to the oven. The oven also comes with a user manual.
Exterior
- Weight:12.12 lbs (5.5 kg)
- Length:19.68 inches (50 cm)
- Width:15.19 inches (38.6 cm)
- Height:11.61 inches (29.5 cm)
- Material:Stainless steel
- Color:Black
- Door Handle:cool-touch
- Tray Level Indicators:No
- Removable Bottom Tray:Slide-out
The Oster has air ventilation holes on all sides of the convection system, which is a plus. In addition, having a slide-out tray is always helpful because it makes it easier to clean the oven. Although the back buffers aren’t very sturdy, the bottom stands are and they also act as oven-carrying handles.
Control Panel
- Type:LCD display + 15 buttons
- Temperature Setting:150°F - 450°F
- Timer:1 minute - 90 minutes
- On Indicator Light:Yes
- Cooking Status Bar:No
- Light Toggle:Yes
- Convection Toggle:No
- Rotation Toggle:No
- Automatic Oven Preheat:No
- Audio Reminder To Turn Food:No
The Oster has an LCD digital display and 15 buttons, including 8 functions, 2 to adjust time, 2 to adjust temperature, a light toggle, a clock feature, a stop and a start button. The built-in clock is something you rarely see in a toaster oven, but we’ve seen some comments about it, usually pointing out that the clock is ahead of time by 5 minutes.
Cooking Functions
- Toast
- Bake
- Convection Bake
- Broil
- Warm
- Defrost (150°F)
- Pizza (400°F)
You can only adjust the temperature on the Bake and Convection Bake functions, which should be good enough for experienced cooks. Other functions have their temperature predetermined by the manufacturer, which can be useful for beginners in the kitchen.
For some reason, the user manual doesn’t specify the predetermined temperature for the Warm function. Nonetheless, we were able to measure it to be around 180°F, which was unfortunately quite high for its purpose. Other toaster ovens with the Warm function usually maintain around 80°F-100°F.
Interior
- Number Of Heating Elements:4 nichrome
- Convection Fan:Yes
- Lighting:Yes
- Tray Levels:2
- Rotisserie Socket And Bracket:No
- Safety Hook:No
Capacity: 28 liters - 6 slices of toast - 12-inch pizza
The Oster has four standard nichrome heating elements but only two tray levels. Its spacious interior can accommodate 6 slices of toast, a 12-inch pizza, and more than a 3 lb chicken. In addition to a convection system, it has internal lighting which is always useful, especially when you can choose when to turn it on and off.
Power Cord
- Length:25.98 inches (66 cm)
- Type:2-prong plug
- Power:1300 W
- Rated Output:120 V ~ 60 Hz
Since the power cord is positioned at the bottom of the oven, it is adequate for household use but not enough to wrap around the back buffers.
Accessories: Baking Rack
- Length:14.21 inches (36.1 cm)
- Width:15 inches (30.5 cm)
- Height:0.19 inches (0.5 cm)
- Material:Stainless steel
- Dishwasher Safe:Yes
The rack fits perfectly with the guide rails and helps reduce the chance of an accident when you put food in the oven.
Accessories: Baking Pan
- Length:12.87 inches (32.7 cm)
- Width:10.51 inches (26.7 cm)
- Height:1.18 inches (3 cm)
- Material:Stainless steel with enamel coating
- Dishwasher Safe:Not advisable
The baking pan goes hand-in-hand with the broiling rack to catch the drippings and meat juice. Its enamel coating makes it more resistant to stains and caramelized bits but it is not advisable to put the baking pan in the dishwasher.
However, it’s slightly smaller than the oven’s capacity and therefore, does not make the most of the space. Nonetheless, it still does the job of preventing any hot mess from dirtying the heating elements which can lead to fire danger.
Accessories: Broiling Rack
- Length:10.9 inches (27.7 cm)
- Width:8.54 inches (21.7 cm)
- Height:1.22 inches (3.1 cm)
- Material:Stainless steel
- Dishwasher Safe:Not advisable
The broiling rack has an elevation from the baking pan to allow for heat circulation around the food. However, it’s not firmly attached to the baking pan, so be careful when you move this combo around. In addition, the rack doesn’t have a coating, which may make it prone to caramelized bits, stains, and discoloration.
Build Quality
Though it is made from durable materials and has a sturdy build, the Oster isn’t heavy for its size. The digital display is clear, but the flat buttons can be irresponsive at times.
Throughout the testing procedure, we found that the oven’s power output of 1300 W may have offset its large capacity. Our speculation was that its performance efficiency could increase with 1800 W.
Usability
How We Rated- User Control (30%)6.0/10
- Ease of Use (50%)6.0/10
- Cleanability (20%)9.0/10
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.
User Control
For the Oster, the temperature can be adjusted in increments of 10°F. The timer can be adjusted in increments of 30 seconds when it’s below 10 minutes and in increments of 1 minute after 10 minutes. The convection fan isn’t all-applicable, but you can adjust time and temperature according to your preference on Convection Bake.
Ease of Use
The Oster doesn’t beep with each press of a button which isn’t normally an issue. However, because the buttons weren’t always responsive, we had to check the display with each press and this required us to do so more than once.
One thing to keep in mind is that the oven requires you to press Cancel before changing the cooking function. After the cooking cycle finishes, the digital display will show END and the oven will sound 4 beeps 3 times. You’ll then need to press Cancel before performing further inputs.
The oven’s exterior only gets hot to the touch after a long period of cooking at a high temperature (> 400°F). The door can easily be kept partially open, but it doesn’t stop the cooking process, unlike some other ovens.
The built-in clock will keep ticking as long as the oven’s plugged in, but the power consumption should be minimal. Thus, it’s up to you to keep the oven plugged in or to remove it.
Cleanability
The Oster has an internal and external coating. There are no tricky nooks and crannies. The slide-out crumb tray made cleaning up the crumbs very easy but we still had to tilt the oven to remove all of them.
Although some grease splashed inside the oven during our Whole Roasted Chicken test, we could easily clean it up using the instructions in our toaster oven cleaning guide. The baking pan, even with the enamel coating, sustained some stubborn burnt bits and stains that required brushing with a paste of baking soda and water.
Prior to First Time Use
If you’re using the Oster TSSTTVMNDG-SHP-2 Digital Convection Toaster Oven for the first time, don’t forget to follow these few pieces of advice:
1. Place the oven on a flat surface with at least 5 inches of space above and around all sides.
2. Make sure your outlet is 120 V - 1300 W.
3. To avoid electrical problems, do not operate the Oster on the same circuit with another appliance.
4. Make sure the interior of the oven is dry and clean before use.
5. New ovens have a distinctive smell from their materials and protective layering that you need to burn off. Do this by setting the temperature to max, the convection on, and timer to 15 minutes. It’s normal to see smoke during this process for a new oven and it will not last longer than 15 minutes.