With the wide range of appliances currently on the market, you may be wondering if owning a toaster is really necessary. This is a valid question, but once you grasp the usefulness of this appliance, any doubts you have will disappear, especially considering how it is now very affordable and can quickly make everyone’s favorite snack: toast.
A toaster is, as you already know and, as the name suggests, a small appliance that is used for toasting bread. Its use is very simple, but knowing this device in-depth, you can reap other advantages. If you want to know more or if you are looking for the best products on the market, do not miss our guide on the toaster.
Here we had listed out the best and latest models of toasters that are presented below.
Buying Guide to Select the Best Toaster
Examining the best toasters on the market has probably helped you to know some important aspects. You have found that some appliances have a capacity of up to four toasts, even if there are larger ones.
You also got to see the different designs. Now is the time to discover all the features of this device always in fashion.
What Is a Toaster and How Does It Work?
A toaster is a small appliance designed for toasting bread. This type of ‘cooking’ takes place thanks to the type of resistance it has. These, by heating, evaporate the water contained in the bread by slightly toasting the outside.
How Do You Use a Toaster?
Indeed, you don’t have to be an engineer to use a toaster, but some aspects can benefit the final result. In the following list, we will examine them so that they are clear to you. Be careful, as it is always advisable to give correct use to all the appliances you have in the house.
- First use: Before using the toaster for the first time, it is a good idea to start it at least three times at maximum power. When you do, you will probably smell some burnt plastic. Don’t worry, it’s normal. But with this operation, you will avoid that, using it with bread, the smell is impregnated in your toast.
- Bread: Check that the slices of bread are the right size for your toaster. You will avoid getting stuck, and you will also get a uniform toasting.
- Metal: Avoid using metal utensils to bring out slices of toast.
- Temperature and time: Pay attention to the toaster’s instructions to calculate the temperature and times to use based on the type of toasting you want to obtain.
Is It Better to Buy a Toaster or Sandwich Maker?
The truth is that it is not possible to answer this question because they are different devices. The first was designed for making toast and the second for making sandwiches.
Usually, with the second, you can also make toast, but the result is not the same (they burn more easily, you consume more current, etc.). Therefore, they can both be useful, depending on your needs.
Better a Toaster with Horizontal or Vertical Entry?
On the market, you will find two models of toasters, one with horizontal insertion and one vertical. In the first case, the bread inserted in a ‘tunnel’ grill, and, as in the Princess model in our ranking, different sizes and foods such as croissants are supported.
Vertical toasters are the best sellers. They have bread inserts on the top. Once toasted, the appliance itself ejects the slices. You don’t have to do anything, and it is less easy to burn yourself.
How Do You Clean a Toaster?
The truth is, cleaning a toaster is a very simple task. You must start by removing the crumb tray, empty it, and clean it. Then, pass a slightly moistened cloth to the outside and replace the crumb tray. The problem could be melted cheese. If it is not removed immediately, it dries up and becomes difficult to remove.
If you put the cheese in your toast, remove the grills and clean them and check that the drops have not soiled the resistances. If so, let it cool down and then use something to remove the dried cheese gently. Once this is done, take out the crumb tray and wash it with soap and water.
How to Use a Toaster Safely?
In addition to the ease of use, the toaster is not too complicated even from a safety point of view. As with any other appliance, you still need to use it safely. You must also be careful not to burn yourself by touching the removable grids.
Also remember, before cleaning, always disconnect the power from the current. Finally, if the bread gets stuck and you can’t get it out, don’t use metal tools and pry without pulling hard. Hold the toaster with a potholder, while pulling out the slices, because the body usually heats up and you may burn yourself.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Toasters?
The toaster is a rather useful appliance once you are at home, especially if you like bread. You can avoid turning on the oven to heat some fresh bread, as well as toasting the slices to enjoy them more. Let’s go a little more specifically and see what its main advantages and disadvantages are:
Advantages
- Inexpensive and easy to use
- Takes up little space
- Cleaning is quick and easy.
- You can heat the bread without turning on the oven.
- It consumes very little.
Disadvantages
- Very large slices of bread cannot be inserted, and sandwiches cannot be heated.
Purchase Criteria
We are approaching the end of this buying guide. But you need to read a little more to understand the criteria to keep in mind before buying your toaster.
We have prepared some essential points that should come in handy to make the final choice and not regret your purchase. Take note of the following criteria:
- Capacity
- Design
- Versatility
- Customizable toasting
- Safety
- Power
Capacity
Most of the models you’ll find on the market have the ability to make two toasts at the same time. However, other options have up to four or six slices. It depends on the number of toast/slices of bread you have to prepare. Toasters that offer more capacity almost always cost more, but not insane amounts.
Design
If so, you will be interested in having a model that has an attractive design. Of course, it should also adapt to the rest of the appliances. An option that generally never clashes are retro-style toasters, although they are much more expensive.
Versatility
As you understand, some models have other features besides toasting bread. If you are looking for a model that can defrost, or that is capable of heating other things such as croissants and sandwiches, look for a more versatile toaster. The extra features usually increase the price of the appliance, so think carefully about what you need.
Customizable Toasting
It is good that your toaster has a toasting level selector. Think that not everyone loves toast the same way, so having the ability to choose the right toasting point can be crucial for you. In some cases, the degree of toasting is selected using a knob, while in others, there will be a display and digital controls.
Safety
We assume that any model of toaster you buy today complies with safety regulations. Either way, make sure it has the CE mark before you buy it. An important aspect is that it has an automatic shutdown. This is to prevent the bread from burning, but it also prevents a possible accident.
Power
We left it last, but this criterion is essential when you need to buy a toaster. Its power will partly determine its efficiency. An insufficiently powerful appliance will take longer to prepare the bread, but it will also do it less homogeneously. We recommend a power greater than 800 W.
Check out this important detail before making your final choice. If you don’t, you are likely to regret your purchase. There are good products even with 600W of power, but check the reviews to make sure it is enough for your needs.
