Focus on Toasters continued...
What to look for
Previously, toasters had one function only – just the simple toasting of a piece of bread and, of course, this was generally achieved with varying degrees of success. With the new generation of multifunction kitchen appliances available, however, we now demand a lot more from our ‘loyal retainer’. It should not only toast, but also offer a myriad of functions, as well as look smart and be easy to clean. It's all about choosing a toaster to suit your lifestyle and your look.
STYLE is one of the first things you have to consider. A stainless-steel finish perhaps? Traditional white or perhaps another colour? The shape can be old-time with curved edges or very contemporary with straight, sleek lines. What would best suit your kitchen decor?
HOW much bread do you want to toast at once? If you have a large family or live in a group house, you probably need a four-slice toaster.
EASE of use is also food for thought. Do you like multiple dials and controls or would you rather keep it simple? Consider an LCD display to take the guesswork out of when your toast is ready. Extra-wide slots are great for crumpets and muffins while removable crumb trays are a brilliant invention for cleaning.
WHAT else can your toaster do for you? Given the many functions offered by the latest designs, toasters can now defrost frozen bread, reheat toast cooked previously, keep buns and croissants warm with special attachments – the choices are endless. Work out exactly what you need before you go shopping – but be prepared to make more decisions ‘on your feet’.
SAFETY must also to be considered. Consider toasters with high-lift levers or the new angled designs that let you get the toast out easily – no more turning the power off and stabbing at the bread with a knife! If you’re looking for a metal finish, ensure it is a 'cool to touch' design.
6 Top Tips
- Make it a perfect match! Ensure your toaster, kettle and coffee machine look good together by choosing the same finish for them all.
- Always unplug your toaster when it’s not in use and keep it out of reach of children.
- If building or renovating, consider installing a special cupboard or nook in the cabinetry above the benchtop for storing the toaster, kettle, tea and coffee out of sight – but easily accessible – when not in use.
- Clean the crumbs out of your toaster regularly otherwise it may pose a fire risk – a task that’s easy with the many models now equipped with removable crumb trays.
- If you live in a household where everyone has their own individual toast preferences – for instance, Dad likes his dark while Daughter prefers it lightly tanned – select a model with individual controls for each slot. Then everyone can toast harmoniously at once.
- Spend time getting to know your toaster as no two models are alike! What needs a high setting in one toaster may only take a medium setting in another. Befriend your toaster for years of good service to come.
Did you know?
Toast is bread that has been heated on both sides to about 310 degrees Fahrenheit. This caramelises the starches and sugars on the surface of the bread and is technically known as the Maillard reaction.
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