Introduction of Hamilton Beach

Digital Countertop Oven 31240 is a high-performance appliance designed to make cooking quicker and more efficient. With seven versatile settings, including convection, bake, and broil, it accommodates a wide range of dishes, from pizzas to roasts. The integrated temperature probe ensures the meat is cooked perfectly, while its spacious interior can fit larger items typically reserved for full-size ovens. Priced at approximately $155.55, it offers an excellent combination of functionality and convenience for any kitchen.

Parts and Features

BEFORE FIRST USE: Most heating appliances produce an odor and/or smoke when used for the first time. Plug into an outlet. Turn the function dial to BAKE. Press the TEMP button and use the + button to set the temperature to 450°F (232°C). Press the TIME button and use the + button to set TIMER for 5 minutes. The odor should not be present after this initial preheating. Wash the baking pan, broil rack, and oven rack in hot, soapy water before using.

CAUTION: HOT SURFACE. The temperature of accessible surfaces may be high when the appliance is operating.

Getting to Know Your Display

• LCD Display 
  The easy-to-read digital LCD screen illuminates after any control is pressed. It will go into sleep mode after 30 seconds if the START button is not pressed. In REHEAT, KEEP WARM, BAKE, and CONV modes, temperature and cooking time are displayed. In BROIL, “HI” and time are displayed. On TOAST and BAGEL, the shade setting and number of slices are displayed.
  When the probe is in use, a probe icon will be displayed on the bottom left of the screen. On the bottom right, the temperature setting will be displayed.
• Function Dial 
  Use the dial to select cooking mode.
• TEMP/SHADE Button 
  Press when adjusting temperature or shade for TOAST or BAGEL. Temperature display can be switched between Fahrenheit and Celsius by pressing and holding for 5 seconds.
• TIME/SLICES Button 
  Press when adjusting cook time or number of slices. Press the +/– buttons to decrease or increase the setting.
• Decrease (–)/Increase (+) Buttons
• START/STOP Button 
  With Red Power Indicator Light – Press to illuminate the display and to start or end cooking mode.

Specifications

The Hamilton Beach Oven 31240 comes with several key features that set it apart from other countertop ovens. Here are some of its detailed specifications:

• Compact Design: Measures 18.3 x 15.6 x 9.5 inches, perfect for small kitchens.
• Digital Display: Easy-to-read LCD for precise temperature and time settings.
• Multifunctional: Capable of baking, broiling, toasting, and reheating.
• Temperature Range: From 150°F to 450°F, giving you a wide range of cooking options.
• Timer: Up to 2 hours of cooking time with automatic shut-off for safety.
• Accessories: Includes a baking pan and oven rack.

Special Features

• Probe 
  Integrated temperature probe with auto shutoff cooks to desired internal temperature for precise results. The display will show Lo until the temperature of the food reaches 100°F (38°C), then will toggle between the actual temperature and the set temperature.
• Display 
  Toggles between actual oven temperature and set temperature during preheat, and chimes once preheated. Arrow up will show until the set temperature is reached.
  NOTE: The oven can hold a 5-lb (2.3-kg) chicken or 12-in. (30.5-cm) pizza and fits a 13- x 9-in. (33- x 22.9-cm) baking pan without handles. 
• Flexible Oven Rack Positions
  Three positions allow for optimal cooking. Slots on both sides of the oven make it easy to slide the tray in and out of position. 
  • The top rack position is perfect for broiling fish or hamburgers.
  • Use the middle rack for toasting or baking pizza.
  • The bottom rack is great for baking a large chicken.
• Timer with Auto Shutoff
   The oven turns off automatically when the timer reaches 00:00 and chimes 3 times. 
• Stay On Function
  The oven can be set to stay on by pressing the minus button just past 1. It can be used in any cooking mode except BROIL. The oven will turn off automatically after 4 hours of cooking. 

Description

Countertop Oven 31240 is built with durability and efficiency in mind. Its stainless steel exterior and non-stick interior ensure easy cleaning and long-lasting performance. The oven's interior is spacious enough to accommodate a 9x13-inch baking dish or up to four slices of bread. The digital controls are user-friendly, allowing you to quickly select the desired function and temperature. This oven also includes a convenient auto-shutoff feature, which turns off the oven after the set cooking time is completed, ensuring your dishes are cooked to perfection without overheating.

How to Use

Place oven rack in desired position with crumb tray in place.   Plug into an outlet. If the display is blank, press any button to illuminate the display. The rack can be in the middle or bottom position for convection or baking mode, depending on the size of the food.

Convection Mode

Circulates force hot air to speed baking/roasting process for faster, more even cooking. When using convection baking, reduce cooking time or reduce recipe temperature by 25°F.

1. Turn the function dial to CONV. Convection icon displays. Select a temperature between 200°F (93°C) and 450°F (232°C) by pressing the TEMP/SHADE button and increasing or decreasing temperature using the + or – buttons. If using a probe, set the probe temperature between 100°F (38°C) and 200°F (93°C).
2. Set time for up to 2 hours by pressing the TIME/SLICES button, using the + or – buttons to adjust. The default temperature is 350°F.

Bake Mode

Use as a normal kitchen oven for foods such as roasts, potatoes, or cakes.

1. Turn the function dial to BAKE. Select a temperature between 200°F (93°C) and 450°F (232°C) by pressing the TEMP/SHADE button and increasing or decreasing temperature using the + or – buttons. If using a probe, set the probe temperature between 100°F (38°C) and 200°F (93°C). The default temperature is 350°F.
2. Set time for up to 2 hours by pressing TIME/SLICES button, using + or – buttons to adjust.

Stay On Function
The oven can be set to stay on by pressing the minus button just past 1, and ON will be displayed in Convection or Bake modes. 

Broil Mode

Use to brown foods such as beef, chicken, fish, pork, and casseroles. Broil food on broil rack in baking pan in top or middle rack position. Food must be a minimum of 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the heating elements.

1. Turn function dial to BROIL. “HI” shows in the display and time default is 30 minutes. Oven broils on HIGH temperature and may not be adjusted.
2. Adjust cooking time by pressing TIME/SLICES button, using + or – buttons to adjust. Broiling time can be set from 1 minute to 30 minutes.
3. Special feature allows door to hold open slightly during broiling without shutting off.

Reheat Mode

Use to quickly warm cooked foods. Reheat food with rack in middle or bottom position.

1. Turn function dial to REHEAT.
2. Temperature will default to 325°F (163°C) with 15 minutes of cooking time.
3. Temperature can be set from 300°F (149°C) to 400°F (205°C) and can be changed by pressing TEMP/SHADE button and using + or – button to adjust.
4. Time can be set from 1 minute to 2 hours and can be changed at any time during cycle by using TIME/SLICES button, using +    or – button to adjust.

Stay On Function
The oven can be set to stay on by pressing the minus button just past 1, and ON will be displayed in Reheat mode.

Keep Warm Mode

Use to hold cooked foods at temperature for up to 2 hours. Place rack in bottom.

1. Turn function dial to KEEP WARM. Temperature will default to 175°F (80°C) for 30 minutes but can be changed by pressing TEMP/SHADE button and using + or – button to adjust. Temperature range is 150°F (65°C) to 200°F (93°C).
2. Time can be set from 1 minute to 2 hours and can be changed at any time during cycle by pressing TIME/SLICES button, using +    or – button to adjust.

Stay On Function
The oven can be set to stay on by pressing the minus button just past 1, and ON will be displayed in Keep Warm mode.

Toast Mode

Use for browning and toasting breads. Rack should be in middle position.

1. Turn function dial to TOAST.
2. Select one of 7 shades of browning by pressing TEMP/SHADE button and adjust setting using + or – buttons. Default shade setting is 4.
3. Select the number of slices by pressing the TIME/SLICES button and adjust setting using + or – buttons. Default number of slices is 4. Adjust to 1 through 6 slices.

Bagel Mode

Use for browning and toasting bagels. Bagel mode toasts the top cut side and warms the round bottom of bagels. Bagels should be placed on middle rack with cut side facing up.

1. Turn function dial to BAGEL.
2. Select one of 7 shades of browning by pressing TEMP/SHADE button and adjust setting using + or – buttons. Default shade setting is 4.
3. Select the number of slices by pressing the TIME/SLICES button and adjust setting using + or – buttons. Default number of slices is 4. Adjust to 1 through 6 slices.

Probe Mode

To use probe, slide out removable probe storage tray located on the bottom-right side of oven and remove probe.

1. Set function dial to BAKE or CONV. Probe does not work in other cooking modes.
2. Plug probe into probe jack located on the control panel under LCD. The probe icon will illuminate on display.
3. Blinking temperature lights indicate probe temperature is ready to be set. If the probe light is solid, press the TEMP/SHADE button once to activate the cavity temperature setting; then press it again to activate the probe temperature setting.
4. The oven will chime 3 times once the probe temperature reaches the desired setting, and the oven turns off.

Setup Guide

Setting up the Hamilton Beach Digital Countertop Oven 31240 is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Here’s how to get started:

1. Unbox the oven and remove all packaging materials.
2. Place the oven on a stable, flat surface away from any flammable materials.
3. Plug in the oven and ensure it is placed on a heat-resistant surface.
4. Preheat the oven according to the instructions provided in the user manual.
5. Use the digital controls to select your desired function (bake, broil, toast) and set the temperature and time.
6. Insert your food into the oven using the provided baking pan and oven rack if necessary.
7. Press start and let the oven do the rest.

Cleaning Your Oven

WARNING Electrical Shock Hazard: Do not clean with metal scouring pads. Pieces can break off the pad and touch electrical parts, causing a risk of electric shock.

1. Unplug the oven and let cool completely.
2. Wipe the control panel display with a slightly damp sponge and dry it it. Protect display when cleaning any other surfaces.
3. Use a nonabrasive stainless steel cleaner to clean the exterior stainless steel areas. Apply cleaner with a soft, lint-free cloth. To bring out the natural luster, lightly wipe the surface with a water-dampened, lint-free cloth followed by a dry polishing cloth. Always follow the grain of stainless steel. Signature Polish can be ordered via their website at https://www.signaturepolishonline.om. 
4. Wipe oven walls and bottom of the oven with a damp, soapy cloth. Repeat with a damp, clean cloth. For stubborn stains, use a plastic scouring pad.
5. Carefully use a razor blade to gently lift baked-on foods from the glass window. Spray glass cleaner on a cloth to clean. Wipe with a damp sponge to rinse and dry.
6. Clean oven racks with a mild abrasive cleaner and rinse. Dry with a clean cloth.
7. Slide out crumb/drip tray. Hand wash crumb/drip tray and baking pan with broil rack in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry.
8. Wipe control knobs with a damp, soapy cloth. Repeat with a damp, clean cloth and dry.
9. Clean both ends of the probe with soapy water. Rinse and dry.
10. When the window is cool, use a razor blade to gently lift baked-on foods. Spray glass cleaner on a cloth to clean. Wipe with a damp sponge to rinse. Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.

Troubleshooting

In case of power interruption:

• If power is out for less than 15 seconds, the oven will go back to the previous setting. If more than 15 seconds, the oven switches to standby mode once power returns.

How large a bake pan will the oven hold?

• The oven will hold most 13" x 9" (33 cm x 23 cm) bake pans without handles.

How big a chicken will the oven handle?

• The oven will hold a 5-pound (2.3-kg) chicken.

When should I choose BAKE or BROIL?

• Choose BAKE for foods such as roasts, potatoes, or cakes.
• Choose BROIL to brown foods such as beef, chicken, fish, pork, and casseroles.

If I want to toast bread, what setting is best?

• The TOAST mode is best for toasting both sides of sliced bread, or use the BROIL mode for open-faced sandwiches, baguettes, and crostini. The BROIL mode activates the top heating element and is great when toasting is required on one side only, or the bread can be "flipped" when the desired level of browning is reached.

Where is the slide-out crumb/drip tray?

• The slide-out crumb/drip tray is located in the front of the unit under the oven door.

Error Messages

• “Err 1” and a flashing probe icon. The temperature probe is broken. Call a Customer Service Representative.
• “Err 2” and a flashing probe icon. Clean both ends of the temperature probe.
• “Err 3” and a flashing probe icon. The wrong mode was selected. Probe only works with Convection and Bake modes.
• “Err 4” and a flashing probe icon.

The oven temperature sensor is broken. Do not use the oven. Call a Customer Service Representative.

Hamilton Beach Digital Countertop Oven 31240 Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact Design: Perfect for small kitchens and apartments.
• Easy to Use: Digital controls make operation simple and intuitive.
• Multifunctional: Can perform various cooking tasks such as baking, broiling, toasting, and reheating.
• Energy Efficient: Uses less energy compared to full-sized ovens.
• Easy Cleaning: Non-stick interior and stainless steel exterior ensure easy maintenance.

Cons

• Limited Space: Smaller interior capacity compared to full-sized ovens.
• No Convection Cooking Option: Does not include a convection cooking feature which can affect cooking times and results.
• Noisy Operation: Some users have reported that the oven can be noisy during operation.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews for the Hamilton Beach Digital Countertop Oven 31240 are generally positive, with many users praising its ease of use, compact design, and energy efficiency. However, some users have noted that it can be noisy during operation and lacks a convection cooking option.

Common complaint 

Is that it may not heat as evenly as expected in some cases. Despite these minor drawbacks, the oven remains a popular choice due to its affordability and multifunctional capabilities.

Warranty

This product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the date of original purchase in Canada and three (3) years from the date of original purchase in the U.S. During this period, your exclusive remedy is repair or replacement of this product or any component found to be defective, at our option; however, you are responsible for all costs associated with returning the product to us and our returning a product or component under this warranty to you. If the product or component is no longer available, we will replace it with a similar one of equal or greater value.

 Every implied warranty, including any statutory warranty or condition of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, is disclaimed except to the extent prohibited by law, in which case such warranty or condition is limited to the duration of this written warranty.