It was not intended, but when the federal government announced it would be phasing out the incandescnet light bulb, it looked like it was curtains for one of the classic toys of all time, the Easy Bake Oven. Hasbro, the manufacturer decided to use the opportunity for a makeover to give the toy a brand new look. Actually the latest design is the 11th re-design for the Easy Bake which made it's debut in 1963. The new look is all curves and purple with cool looking graphics, which is much different than the original with it's carrying handle and fake stove top. The new Easy Bake has one new instruction: No light bulb necessary. The new compact fluorescent bulbs are so energy efficient that they're useless in baking brownies or any other miniature treat the toy has been cooking for almost 50 years.

Hasbro took advantage of the opportunity to create what looked more like a real appliance, not a plastic toy. The new heating element is much like that of a traditional oven. The cooking chamber temperature of the new model can reach as much as 375 degrees, while the outside of the oven remains only warm to the touch. Along with the new design, comes a new price tag of about $49.99 which is almost double the last model's price tag of just $29.99. The new design meets all safety regulations and according to Patricia Hogan, curator at The Strong, which includes the National Museum of Play and the National Toy Hall of Fame in Rochester New York, "it looks sort of like an ArtDeco toaster with wings - a purple one; it's just so cool." We'll see.

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