Viante True Blue Convection Toaster Oven,
CUC-04E : All the power of a full-size oven yet a
compact space saver on your countertop, the Viante True
Blue Convection Toaster Oven works as both a standard
and convection oven. Cooking functions on the compact
toaster oven include toast, bake, convection, broil and
defrost. The dual convection and toaster oven
conveniently toasts 4 slices of bread at once or bakes
up to a 9" diameter pizza. Preprogrammed cooking
cycles deliver fuss-free meals in minutes. Digital
temperature settings ensure accurate cooking and
easy-to-use electronic controls include a clock,
programmable timer and light to dark options. The Viante
True Blue Compact toaster oven efficiently bakes and
broils up to 450 F. A sleek stainless-steel design with
a cobalt blue enamel interior is simple to clean and
complements any kitchen. Removable crumb tray, chromed
metal rack and enameled broil and baking pans are all
dishwasher-safe. Viante kitchen and home products offer
an innovative balance of style and high performance
valued by home chefs everywhere. Viante appliances are
exceptional by design and outstanding in performance.
With engineering expertise, eye for functionality and
intuitive insight, Viant incorporates state-of-the-art
design with advanced technologies to create
unprecedented, leading-edge appliances for the home
gourmet and professional chef Product Features
Compact Viante True Blue toaster oven is a countertop
space saver Cooking functions include toast, bake,
convection, broil and defrost Preprogrammed cooking
cycles ensure fuss-free operation Sleek
stainless-steel construction for reliable durability
Digital temperature settings ensure accurate cooking
Easy-to-use electronic controls include clock,
programmable timer and light to dark options Interior
light remains on during cooking process Roomy enough
to toast 4 slices of bread at once or a 9" diameter
pizza Two rack levels conveniently fit different sized
pans. Racks measure 10 1/2" wide by 9" deep
Four skid-proof legs keep compact oven stable
Efficiently bakes and broils up to 450 F Removable
crumb tray Cobalt blue enamel interior wipes clean
Dishwasher-safe crumb tray, rack and broil and baking
pans Limited 1-year warranty Includes 1 chromed
metal rack 1 broil tray, baked enamel on steel 1
bake pan, baked enamel on steel
I bought this toaster oven after my last one died. My previous ovens were of the cheapy Wal-Mart plastic type, which tend to discolor and get gross looking over time. Since it sits on our kitchen counter all the time, I really wanted an attractive, stainless steel replacement. I also really wanted convection cooking - a cafe where I frequently have lunch recently switched from panini presses to convection ovens for cooking their sandwiches, and they really taste a lot better with convection. I also wanted a smaller model that didn't take up too much counter space.
The Viante fit the bill on all three counts. I was very impressed when I first inspected it - it definitely has a high-quality feel to it. It's very attractive and easy to operate. The enamel interior and the easily-removed crumb tray make it simple to clean. It has a light inside, which I like as well. Although it isn't big enough to cook a 12" pizza or multiple trays of cookies, at only 10" deep it leaves plenty of room on the counter in front of it. And I LOVE the convection cooking! I've been using it for everything from broiling nachos to toasting garlic bread to cooking some french bread pizzas, and I've found that the convection mode cooks things more evenly than any other toaster oven I've used - it's as good as my regular oven. If you want something that's simple, attractive, and doesn't hog your counter space, the Viante will do the job quite well.
One quibble - due to the size of the handle, the door doesn't open completely flat, so watch your knuckles on the hot oven door. If the oven's legs were a little taller it wouldn't be an issue. I've gotten used to it, so I won't take any stars off for that.
On the positive side, I've contacted their customer service a few times with questions, and have received immediate responses to my e-mails - Viante has been extremely helpful, and I have no doubt they'll stand behind their appliance. I'm looking forward to trying other Viante appliances, like their pasta maker.