Toasters, although they do not allow the preparation of complex sandwiches, are extremely popular. Fried bread, which appeared on our tables thanks to them, became one of the favorite ingredients of breakfast or dinner. Children love toasts for their taste and simplicity of cooking.
Than to be guided when buying a toaster so that it does not break after a few months of use? What should I look for when choosing a toaster for a house?
Power
This value is indicated in watts, and the speed of cooking bread depends on it. The higher the power, the faster the toasted pieces of bread from the toaster. Most often this is associated with a higher price, as well as a greater current consumption.
Traditional solutions for home use are dominated by models whose power ranges from 600 to 1500 watts. If you do not need to cook food "on the run," you can safely buy a device with a capacity of about 600-700 watts.
Number of slots
Each traditional toaster with vertical loading has a certain number of slots, in which you can put slices of bread. On sale, you can find devices with two, four or even six "slots".
Their number should depend on the composition of the family and eating habits. If the toaster will be used by a bachelor, there will be enough two slots. But in a family of four or more people who eat at the same time, it is worth choosing a larger model.
Slots width
Even before making sandwiches and buying the toaster, you should decide what products you will be cooking in it. This device can be used for ordinary bread, slices which are slightly thicker, or special - toast, which is cut to a special standard.
Depending on what type of bread you usually cook for your favorite sandwiches, you need to choose a toaster with the appropriate width of the slots.
Enclosure
Due to the use of heating elements and the occurrence of high temperatures, the toaster is prone to any kind of deformation. Therefore, you should choose a device made of good plastic or metal, which is the best and most lasting option.
Non-slip feet
Feet, covered with additional anti-slip material, will ensure stability during operation. This is especially true for light, plastic models.
Cable length
Before selecting a toaster model, it is worthwhile to think about its location relative to the outlet. This is important information that influences the selection of the correct cable length.
Easy cleaning
In the toaster, during the toasting of bread, crumbs are collected, which make it difficult to clean the machine. Therefore, it is worth choosing a model that has special elements that are very easy to remove and get rid of leftover food.
Safety
Good toasters are equipped with temperature sensors that detect overheating and block the supply of current.
Additional functions and equipment
Above, the main features of the toaster are listed, which should be present in every good model. However, some of the devices have additional functions that make it easier and more convenient to use. They are not mandatory, but facilitate the preparation and use of this device.
- Power adjustment. It allows you to tune the toaster depending on the expected effect.
- Sets the toasting time. Thanks to this function, it is enough to set the cooking time, and the toaster will turn off automatically after the operation is completed.
- Slice lifting. Most toasters are equipped with a special lever, which allows you to extract smaller or simply hot slices of bread. Almost all bread "jumps out" of the slots after the completion of the device.
- Heated bread rolls / bread. Some toasters have a special lid / grill, which allows you to place buns directly above the slots.
Accessories
A toaster is, first and foremost, a device for making simple meals, and it must be kept in perfect cleanliness. If its body is made of stainless steel, it is worth buying special wipes that remove dirt, and the device itself gives shine.