Easy bake ovens have been around since the 1960s, providing generations of kids with an easy way to bake miniature treats at home. While the core concept is the same across most models – a small oven with a lightbulb heating element that can bake small cakes and cookies – there are some key differences between the various easy bake ovens on the market.
The History of Easy Bake Ovens
The original Easy Bake Oven was introduced in 1963 by Kenner Products, with the slogan “Bake your cake and eat it too!”. It was an immediate hit, with over 500,000 units sold in the first year. The original Easy Bake Oven used an ordinary incandescent light bulb to provide the heat needed to bake. This made it much safer for children to use compared to a conventional oven.
There have been several different Easy Bake Oven models produced over the decades:
- 1963 – Original Easy Bake Oven with light bulb heating element
- 1969 – Redesigned Easy Bake Oven with front-loading door
- 1977 – “New Wave” Easy Bake Oven with more rounded styling
- 1993 – Easy Bake Oven revival after being discontinued in 1978
- 2003 – Easy Bake Micro Bake Oven with smaller and lighter design
- 2011 – Easy Bake Ultimate Oven with modern convection heating
While the brand has changed hands over the years between Kenner, Tonka, Hasbro and others, the core concept has remained the same – providing an easy way for kids to experience the fun of baking without the hazards of a real oven.
Heating Elements
One of the biggest differences between Easy Bake Oven models over the years has been in the heating element used inside the oven.
The original 1960s and 1970s models relied on ordinary incandescent light bulbs to generate heat. The oven came with two specialty 100W bulbs that shined light and heat downward in the oven chamber. This provided enough heat to bake the miniature cakes and cookies.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Easy Bake Ovens switched to more modern quartz heating elements. Rather than using light bulbs, these ovens use a spiral quartz heating coil inside the oven to evenly distribute heat. Most modern Easy Bake Ovens now use this type of heating element for more consistent baking.
The newest generation of Easy Bake Ovens, including the Easy Bake Ultimate Oven, use a more advanced heat source – an electric heating coil much like in full-sized conventional ovens. This provides more even heating than the older light bulb or quartz models.
Oven Features and Functions
Along with changes in heating elements, Easy Bake Ovens have also varied over the years in their specific features and functions.
Some key differences include:
- Oven opening – Earlier models had a door that swung open to insert pans, while newer ovens use a slide-out tray.
- Oven capacity – The number of pans and volume the oven can accommodate at once. Newer ovens tend to have larger capacity.
- Included accessories – The number of pans, trays, utensils, and mixes included in the oven set.
- Functions – Some newer Easy Bake Ovens have extra functions like a warming setting or speed baking.
- Design – Features like retro or modern styling, color schemes, lighting accents and more.
So while the basic concept is the same, the specific design and features can vary considerably between Easy Bake Oven models from different eras.
Cooking Capabilities
The foods an Easy Bake Oven can successfully cook is another area where models can differ. Some key factors impacting cooking ability include:
- Heat output – Ovens with less powerful bulbs or heating elements can’t get as hot and may not bake as effectively.
- Oven size – Larger capacity ovens can accommodate more pans and larger items.
- Even heating – More sophisticated heating coils distribute heat more evenly than earlier light bulbs.
- Insulation – Better insulated walls retain heat for more consistent baking.
As a general rule, newer Easy Bake Ovens with stronger, more advanced heating elements and better insulation tend to be able to bake a wider variety of recipes more effectively. For example, modern ovens can usually bake pizza, french fries and cookies, while earlier models may have struggled with anything beyond basic cakes.
Safety Features
Easy Bake Ovens are designed specifically with children in mind, so safety is an essential consideration in their design. Again, there are some differences between models when it comes to safety features.
Some key safety features include:
- Low voltage – No model uses the hazardous 120V/220V AC voltage of full size ovens.
- Enclosed heating element – Heating coil is fully contained in a protective case.
- Cool touch exterior – Oven exterior does not get dangerously hot.
- Auto shut-off – Some models automatically shut off after the internal temperature maxes out.
While all Easy Bake Ovens are designed with safety in mind, newer models tend to have additional protective features compared to earlier generations. However, even the original 1960s models were designed to be much safer than conventional ovens.
Comparison Table of Key Features
| Model | Heating Element | Oven Opening | Capacity | Functions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1960s Original | Light bulbs | Swing open door | Small | Bake only |
| 1990s Revival | Quartz heating coils | Tray | Medium | Bake only |
| Modern Ultimate Oven | Electric heating coil | Tray | Large | Bake, warm, speed bake |
Are Easy Bake Ovens Worth it?
While Easy Bake Ovens may seem simple compared to full-sized ovens, they provide an immense amount of fun and learning for kids. Making those miniature cakes and cookies from scratch sparks creativity, improves dexterity, and can inspire a lifelong love of baking.
Beyond just having fun, Easy Bake Ovens can also help kids learn valuable skills, like:
- Following step-by-step instructions.
- Basic kitchen safety.
- The science behind baking.
- Cleaning up after themselves.
For parents, Easy Bake Ovens are a safe alternative compared to letting kids use the grown-up oven. With their low heat and focus on foolproof baking, the ovens minimize the risk of burns or other injuries.
While Easy Bake Ovens may seem like a simple toy, they enable kids to explore the wonders of baking while also learning life-long kitchen skills. Few toys inspire as much active, hands-on fun as an Easy Bake Oven can provide for kids. So while all models are not exactly the same, their core benefits make Easy Bake Ovens a toy worth having!
Conclusion
While all Easy Bake Ovens share the same basic concept, there can be considerable differences between models across generations. Key factors that vary include the heating element, oven capacity and features, cooking ability, and safety features. However, despite these differences, all Easy Bake Ovens provide hours of delicious fun and learning for kids in a safe environment. So whether you opt for retro charm or modern tech, an Easy Bake Oven is sure to inspire a love of baking!