Bread and butter seem to be the best combination when we feel hungry. At times, toasted bread might be tastier than anything else. Toasters that are available in the market are used for this purpose. Toasters come in variety of colours, sizes and styles.

Types of Toasters

The two basic types of toasters are pop-up and conveyor type of toasters. Some of its basic features are discussed below to give you a better idea before you buy the same.

Pop-up toasters

Pop-up toasters are compact in size and are similar to the ones that are used in homes. Commercial toasters are designed to hold more capacity of bread and to last long. They are less expensive than the conveyer toaster. Pop-up toasters are mainly used when 200 to 300 slices of bread needs to be toasted per hour. Less expensive and lighter duty toasters do not support this volume of slices. Pop-up toasters are the best when you do not need more than 300 slices of bread at a time. These types of toasters cannot toast buns, bagels, sub rolls and croissants that are bigger in size than the slice of bread.

Conveyer Toasters

These toasters are used for large scale production. Here, the bread is placed in the front of the unit on the conveyor. The toasted bread slice, slides down to the collection tray that is fitted at the front. Conveyor toasters comes in different capacity range such as 350, 450, 600, 800 and 950 slices an hour. You can toast any type of food products ranging from bagels to buns.

Factors to be looked in to:

Number of slices

Choose the toaster that fits your requirement. Toasters that can toast 2 slices of bread at a time are also available. 4 slice model toasters can support a large family. You must also see to if a wider slot is necessary to feed in thick slices of bread.

Frozen bread setting

This feature is very useful when you need to toast bread that is frozen completely. It defrosts the bread and then toasts it.

Removable tray

Removable crumb tray is convenient to dispose off the crumbs without having to clean it separately.

Slots

Toasters come with narrow as well as wider slots that allow thick breads, buns and bagels to be toasted. Some toasters come with wire cage that can toast the whole sandwich.

Cancel function

This feature helps you to cancel the operation while the toasting process is on.

Cleaning feature

Some toasters are available that are self cleaners. While some come with bread lift so that there is no need for you to reach inside the toaster. Trays must be removable so that it can be cleaned after the process is complete.

Settings

The toaster you are about to buy must come with electronic touch pads while some come with either programmed buttons or controls. Electronic touch pads are easier to use. This will help you to make settings according to the type of toasting you will need. Some toasters have lights outside that indicate if the toaster is on or in very hot condition.

Additional settings

Some toasters come with additional settings like reheat, defrost, keep-warm settings. If you require these settings, then these features have to be considered. Some toasters toast, broil, roast, bake or convectional cook. Toaster ovens can help you to cook as well. Convention heating toasts the bread on both the sides without having to flip the food over manually.

Stay cool toasters

Toasters those are available in chrome and stainless steel stay cool than the plastic ones. Some toasters keep tops and sides cool. This avoids burning of hands.

Toaster accessories

Accessories such as a rack, knife or a dish serves well if it is available.

Warranty

This is one of the most important factors to be considered while buying a toaster. Due to continuous usage of the toaster, some of the component may breakdown and needs to be replaced.

Other points to be considered while buying a toaster are:

1. Will it fit well in the space available?

2. How may number of slices will I toast at the maximum?

3. How about the electrical requirement of the product?

4. How many hours will I be using the toaster?

Buying the best toaster according to our requirement is more important than being satisfied with the available toaster in the market. Making correct decision is utmost important in every aspect of life.