The Easy-Bake Oven is an iconic miniature toy oven that allows children to bake small treats such as cookies, brownies, cakes, and other snacks without using a real oven or stove. The Easy-Bake Oven was initially released in 1963 and became an instant hit amongst young children. The "oven" uses a simple incandescent light bulb as a heat source, allowing kids to "bake" their treats. The Easy-Bake Oven has undergone several redesigns since its initial release, but its popularity and quality have remained the same throughout the decades. There are multiple versions, and we've compiled a list of the best Easy-Bake Ovens out there! Our top pick goes to the Hasbro Easy Bake Ultimate Oven because of its unique design, fun colors, minimal assembly, and variety of Easy-Bake treats.
Should You Buy an Easy Bake Oven?
A toy oven, also known as an easy bake oven, is an effective way to ignite the passion for baking amongst your kids. It introduces food science without exposing them to the dangers of using a real oven. The best part? These ovens are super easy to use.
There are prepared mixes, pans, and mini whisks included in the package that comes with the oven. So all one must do is shake, add some water, and pop it in the oven. Your kid can learn to bake edible bite-sized desserts by themselves!
Plus, the compact device takes little space in your kitchen. You can place it on a counter and set up an individual baking station for your little one. This particular gadget gives children a sense of independence too.
And, there’s certainly nothing comparable to the fun kids have. They will spend months giggling and laughing at their baking adventures. You can even gift this toy oven to them for birthdays, Christmas, and other occasions. If you’re a grandparent, buy this for your grandchildren with your eyes closed!
How Does an Easy Bake Oven Work?
The previous easy-bake ovens resembled a miniature cooking range. However, today, they look more like a microwave oven. The ovens we’ve reviewed have a low, compact profile with a narrow slit-like opening on the side.
This particular opening has a conveyor belt that runs through the oven and opens onto the other side. There is an electric heating source inside that bakes the food. Once baked, the treats come out of the oven.
To use, you have to switch on the oven and let it preheat to the desired temperature. Meanwhile, prepare the dessert mixes included in the package and place them on the tray. Pop it in the heated oven and wait while it bakes. The goods will take around 15 to 20-minutes to bake.
Is an Easy Bake Oven Safe?
Safety has always remained the biggest concern for both; the manufacturers and consumers of easy bake ovens. It’s a tricky job to make it a fully-functional oven for kids, whilst keeping it absolutely safe!
In 1963, Kenner designed the product using two incandescent 100-watts bulbs for heating. The company even considered advertising it as a safety-bake oven. But, since people believed the bulbs to be quite safe devices, the oven made it through the year with sales rocketing up half a million.
Kenner upgraded the design so that it now used one bulb. And, the sales reached thrice the amount sold in the first year. However, in 2006, the company (purchased by Hasbro) redesigned the product to meet the Energy Independence and Security Act 2007.
It used a ceramic heating system that exposed kids' hands to the heat. Complaints rose with many children burnt and injured. Hasbro recalled all models and redesigned them in 2011.
The new model used a dedicated electric heating source that remained away from the kid's hands. All current easy-bake ovens use the same design - it’s safe as it can be but it’s always a good idea to supervise children.
Factors To Consider When Buying an Easy Bake Oven
The Easy-Bake ovens have been in the market for more than 50-years. There are several versions introduced on different occasions. All these editions can make choosing the perfect one for your child challenging. We’ll break down everything you need to consider to make a decent choice.
Type
Earlier, Easy Bake used to feature light bulbs as the heating source. While these ovens have long become outdated, you might still find some of them rotating around. If you wish to relive childhood memories and help your young one experience the same, it is the perfect pick.
This particular type of Easy-Bake oven is more economical, fun, and easy to use. It features a door to allow you a sneak peek of the goods baking inside. However, it may not be the safest choice for kids. Plus, it requires you to replace bulbs frequently.
The newer and now the widely sold type uses a dedicated electric heating element. It offers safe and energy-efficient baking. Plus, it is also larger than the previous one. However, you lose the sneak peek feature in the newer ones and instead, you have a conveyor belt that takes care of the baking process.
Design
Apart from the two fundamental types discussed above, you will come across several special editions of easy bake ovens. All these editions differ either in terms of aesthetics or come with separate mixes that need refilling later on.
For example, the Baking Star Edition features a simple girly exterior. It has a white base with a shiny fancy print. Meanwhile, the Ultimate Black Silver Edition features a black exterior with a stylish blue circle pattern.
You may want to choose one as per your child’s preferences. There are also neutrally-designed Easy-Bake ovens available. The latest Creative Play Edition has a blue exterior with baked goods printed all over it.
Package contents
Easy Bake ovens do not come as standalone units. The product package includes a mini baking tray and a spatula-like tool. But, if you look a little more, you may find different easy bake oven bundles.
These baking kits usually include pans, trays, spatulas, and several other tools. They also feature different baking mixes, such as whoopie pies and cookie bites. You can select the ones your child will like the most.
How Do I Clean an Easy Bake Oven?
Similar to a regular oven, the Easy-Bake oven will become dirty over time too. You will find crusted food particles on the inside and dust outside. However, cleaning these ones is a relatively simpler process.
- Switch off the oven and let it cool.
- Place it on the cleaning towel to avoid any mess.
- Soak the rags in a diluted solution of soap and water. Squeeze and use the damp rag to wipe/scrub the exterior. Water must not enter the electrical components.
- Use a thin tool to scrape off any food particles inside. Shake them out and wipe everything using a clean and dry rag.
- Wash all the baking trays, pans, and tools. Use simple soap and water.
- Make sure the oven and everything else is dry before the next baking session.
