After nearly half a century of injuring children and occasionally baking things, things are about to change for the Easy-Bake Oven as its traditional heat source is set to go the way of the dodo.

Starting next year, a federal law will effectively forbid the production of 100-watt incandescent light bulbs, which are so energy inefficient that they are better used as heating elements in Easy-Bake Ovens than as light sources.

But Hasbro, makers of the hot toy, say they have been planning for the end of the 100-watt bulb:

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.

So while the Easy-Bake Oven brand lives on, anyone who wants to continue to use the device after this year should be stocking up on 100-watt bulbs before they go bye-bye.

Politicians kill the traditional Easy-Bake Oven [Chicago Breaking News]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.