Toasters go well beyond simply browning and heating bread. The newest models can make cooking for your family and making quick snacks for yourself easy.
Getting Started with Toasters
Whether you want something simple that you can use to make toast in the morning or something large enough to bake up a frozen pizza, the newest models of toasters have you covered. You'll find toasters that can make up to six pieces of toast at a time and toaster ovens that have enough space for frozen dinners, cookies and more. The two things you need to keep in mind when selecting a new appliance is the budget you have in mind and what you want to make with that appliance.
The Types of Toasters
Toasters and toaster ovens both rely on a heating element and can make bread taste warm and delicious, but that is where the similarities between the two end. Toasters are generally a little more basic than the larger toaster ovens.
Toasters
- Basic designs and ample designs. While most toasters feature the same basic design that resembles a small box, you can choose from different designs and colors to fit your kitchen.
- Slot sizes. Toasters come with different slot sizes that can fit bagels, muffin tops, sliced bread and more. You'll also find that toasters today can have six to eight slots.
Toaster Ovens
- Counter top vs. mounting design. Counter top toaster ovens fit right on your counter and plug into an existing outlet. Mounting designs come with the hardware needed to attach the oven to a wall or your cabinets.
- Multiple functions and settings. Most toaster ovens today come with multiple functions and settings that let you use it as a broiler or a traditional oven.
- Convection heating. Some designs feature convection heating, which circulates warm air around the items inside to cook your food faster.
Features of Top Toasters
Checking out the different features found on various models can help you decide which toaster best meets your needs. Instead of just browning bread, you might want a toaster that lets you cook hot dogs and buns at the same time or a toaster that offers other functions.
- Browning functions. You generally want a toaster that features settings that lets you decide how brown you want your foods, and you'll want a toaster that delivers the same results time and time again.
- Easy to use controls. The best toasters feature easy to use and clearly labeled controls that let you set the brownness and any other functions.
- Automatic turn off. Toasters will an automatic feature will automatically shut off when a problem occurs, even if it is still plugged in the outlet.
- Food settings. If your family loves bagels, muffins, thicker slices of breads and other foods, you'll want a toaster that offers different settings for those products. Some toasters even have controls that let you cook frozen food to the right temperature.
- Pop up vs. not. Some toasters feature an alarm setting that tells you when your food is done, but you'll need to use a button or level to release that food. Others will automatically ding and release your food at the same time.
- Broiler method vs. traditional method. The broiler method sends your bread into one side of the toaster, moves it through the appliance and releases it on the opposite end. The traditional method keeps your bread in the same spot throughout the cooking process.
- Cleaning methods. Look for a toaster with a tray that slides out to remove bread crumbs or a toaster oven with an easy to clean interior.
The Brands of Toasters Available Today
Some of the biggest brands and names behind toasters and toaster ovens today include:
- KitchenAid
- Black & Decker
- GE
- Hamilton Beach
- T-Fal
- Sunbeam
Many of these manufacturers sell their products through home improvement stores, hardware stores, big box retailers and online. You may find that you can purchase your next toaster or toaster oven from a local store or direct from the manufacturer. As each model varies, you'll want to take the time to use try out the appliance before you buy to ensure that it has all the features that you need and want.
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