Unintended Consequences: Easy Bake Oven Killed By Energy Bill

Thursday, 24 February 2011 | by Pat's Picks

Politicians have killed the Easy Bake Oven says the Chicago Tribune. The incandescent bulb that powers the toy range is so “energy-inefficient” that it’s main output is heat, not light. Not great if you’re trying to trim down your electricity bill but awesome if you’re, say, six and trying to get a batch of brownies to come out perfectly.

In 2012, a new law banning the manufacture of incandescent bulb goes into effect, which means that Hasbro, who’s made the Easy Bake Oven since it acquired the brand in 1991, has been scrambling to find an alternative heat source. And according to a recent press release they’ve found it—they’re just not letting anyone know what exactly it is . See if you can decipher what will be heating up all those mixes from now on from this press release:

“We are aware that the 100-watt incandescent light bulb will no longer be available beginning in 2012. In Fall 2011, Hasbro will launch the Easy Bake Ultimate Oven, introducing a new way to bake for the next generation of chefs. This new oven features a heating element that does not use a light bulb and offers an extensive assortment of mixes reflective of the hottest baking trends for today.”

Speaking of Easy Bake Ovens, the food editor for the Tampa Bay Tribune tried to make an entire Thanksgiving meal in one a few years back. Scroll down to see how he fared: