Similar to other reviews I am not very satisfied with this toaster oven- The toast settings are completely unusable- even at the lowest level they will char any toast. So now instead of just pressing one (or 2) buttons to get toast, I have to "bake" my toast- which I have figured out how to do- baking for 3 minutes at 350, but takes a few more buttons then I would prefer in the morning.

I would also repeat the design flaw- the tray does not automatically extend out when the door is opened, so you have to be careful, but will inevitably either burn your hands or have a little difficulty removing your food- A small nuissance, but should have been redesigned.

It does not toast evenly, the rack is difficult to insert and remove and cleaning out crumbs is cumbersome. I purchased it to replace a much cheaper toaster oven that I had for years, thinking it would be better.

I've been looking around for a smallish black toaster oven to fit in with my other black kitchen electrics for some time now. This one looked great in the pictures and the price wasn't half bad. Little did I know that while this toaster is very slick looking and doesn't take up a lot of space, it has some pretty serious flaws.

First and foremost, don't ever try to toast fewer than four slices of bread without watching it like a hawk. Even on the lowest toaster setting (T1), two slices of toast come out deep brown, with some charring on the edges. I can't imagine what one would use T4 for, unless they're looking to simulate charcoal.

Another major concern is the beeping sounds this thing emits. Every time I press a button, it emits a very annoying beep, loud enough to wake the dead anywhere on the first floor of my home. I appreciate the feedback, but sheesh, could we tone it down a notch or two... or better yet, make it adjustable? I could see if we needed audio confirmation of a change to the settings of an orbiting space shuttle, but all I want to do is make toast - this thing does not need to be this loud!

In addition, a few minor gripes: The door should really have a catch that pulls the oven tray out a few inches. Also (and as others have rightfully pointed out), the sides, top and bottom of this thing get really warm. I would not recommend that any other item you care about be in the vicinity of this toaster while it's in operation. Now, we all expect toasters to get warm, but there should be just a little bit of insulation around the outer casing to both keep the heat inside of the oven, and to protect the countertop and surroundings.

With all that said, compared to the other toaster ovens I've shopped for around this price point, it's not a bad deal. And if form is more important to you than function, this thing is an absolute steal.

THIS OVEN IS FEATURE LADEN, UNFORTUNATELY I USE IT PRIMARILY AS A TOASTER FOR BREAD, WAFFELS, ETC. AND AT ITS LOWEST SETTING IT CHARS TOAST. I FIND IT VERY UNSATISFACTORY TO HAVE TO STAND RIGHT AT THE TOASTER AND STARE AT THE ITEM BEING TOASTED TO PREVENT BURNING. ADDITIONALLY, I CONTACTED DELONGHI ON THEIR WEB-SITE FOR QUESTIONS AND HAVE RECEIVED NO RESPONSE OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT WHAT-SO-EVER.

I read your reviews before I purchased this item. I happen to like bread, bagels, etc. well done. Many of the reviews said that even on the lowest setting, the bread, etc. was too dark. I guess these people don't like toast because I like my bread dark and used the lowest setting and it is too light for me. So far I have been enjoying my new toaster oven. I especially like the compact design so it doesn't take up the whole counter. The only thing that I don't like is when we have a power outage, I have another clock to reset!!!!