In the morning rush, there is often not enough time to prepare breakfast. A toaster will help you create tasty and healthy food quickly and without effort on the part of a person. The rating of the best models of toasters for the home in 2022 will help in choosing the right option.
What is a toaster
A toaster is a household appliance designed for toasting bread. It is powered by electricity and requires no cooking effort from a person.
Initially, bread was fried on a fire source or in an oven, and it was fixed on metal nets, to which handles were attached.It was time consuming, unsafe, and the pieces didn't cook evenly.
Repeated attempts have been made to manufacture a device powered by electricity. However, the steel heating elements could not withstand and burned out. After the invention of nichrome (chromium-nickel alloy) by A. Marsh, the problem was solved. For the first time, an electric toaster was created by A. McMasters in 1893.
A commercially successful model appeared in 1909 from General Electric. However, all early models lacked the ability to toast each side of the bread. The piece had to be removed by hand and unwrapped. In 1913, Copeman Electric developed a device that allowed bread to be turned over without touching it. In 1925, a toaster appeared, close to the modern version, which included a timer, automatic ejection of bread and double-sided toasting.
Popular models of devices currently work according to the following principle:
- When you press the lever, the basket of bread goes down.
- The tray is attracted by a magnet.
- The heated elements toast the bread.
- After the thermostat signal is given, the circuit opens, the magnet stops holding the basket and the pieces “pop out” up.
The principle of operation of less common horizontal devices, as well as conveyor options, is somewhat different.
How useful is the device
The main task of the device is the two-sided browning of bread, which makes it crispy. It does not use oil, which means the finished product is more dietary. Also, the use of the device minimizes the effort of a person to prepare and wash a greasy frying pan, saves time.
In addition to the main task, the toaster is able to perform additional functionality:
- Heating.The appliance can heat already cooled pieces that have been cooked before, making them look like freshly cooked. Also, some models use a grill for buns, which are heated by air currents from the device.
- Defrosting. It will soften stale slices and also help to cook bread products stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
- One-sided frying. When this function is selected, the hostess will be able to make a crisp on only one side of the slice.
- High rise slices. Actual for the preparation of small crackers for sandwiches, canapes, soups and salads.
- Grill.
- Simultaneous cooking of other dishes (scrambled eggs, etc.). It is carried out with the help of an additional frying surface.
- Cooking hot dogs. In the device, in addition to compartments for buns, there is a central hole for frying sausages.
Some models of toasters are able to create patterns laid down by the user on the surface, bring the crust of the flour product to the desired shade.
Kinds
There are a large number of varieties of these devices for the kitchen. Species are defined based on the criterion that underlies the division:
By type of download:
- Vertical. The most popular option. The slices are loaded and ejected vertically downwards or upwards. The heating parts are arranged parallel to the pieces.
- Horizontal. Often referred to as a toaster oven. The device is larger than the previous version, the pieces are loaded horizontally, while the hostess must open and close the door of the device herself. However, such a toaster is capable of drying large chunks, and is also suitable for making a sandwich with a filling.
By type of use:
- Household. They are used within one family for a small number of people.
- Conveyor.Designed for catering outlets, capable of producing hundreds of toasts per hour.
Considering the type of control:
- Mechanical. All management and settings remain on the person, he also controls the degree of readiness.
- Electronic. The device itself controls the process, taking readings from internal sensors.
According to the degree of process automation:
- Manual. The cook himself must lower and remove the bread, turn off the device, control the degree of roasting.
- Semiautomatic. The device independently controls the temperature, exposure time. It gives a signal of readiness, a person must turn it off.
- Automatic. There is a built-in timer, a thermostat, when the toaster is ready, the toaster throws the slices up.
How to use
The procedure for use may vary slightly depending on the device model. In most cases, the application scheme looks like this:
- Cut the bread into slices of medium thickness. Too thin can dry out or burn, thick ones will not go into the toaster, or remain underdone.
- Connect the device to the network.
- Place pieces in slots.
- Set the desired roasting mode or exposure time.
- Press the lever to lower the bread basket down.
- Turn off the power supply to the toaster after a sound alert, or after the pieces automatically rise from the slots.
- Press the lever to raise the loaves, if this is not provided in the automatic mode.
- Take out the slices.
- Let the device cool down.
- Remove and rinse the crumb tray. If it is not provided, then turn the toaster over and shake them out.
Safety in use
A toaster can last a long time without breaking or causing harm to health, if you adhere to the following rules:
- keep away from objects that can easily ignite (towel, curtains, etc.);
- do not install near water sources, drops can get inside and lead to a short circuit;
- turn off the device from the network if it is not in use;
- clean and store the toaster only after cooling;
- do not use metal tongs to remove the loaves from the slot, because. it may cause electric shock;
- do not cook products in packaging, stuffed or greased with oil, mayonnaise (unless this is separately provided for in the model's instructions);
- do not wash the slots with water inside;
- use only cleaning agents specified in the instructions.
How to choose
When choosing which toaster is better to buy, you should focus on the technical characteristics of the device. In addition, it is necessary to evaluate the popularity of models, for this it is useful to study sites where reviews of devices are presented. An important factor is the manufacturer. It is impossible to say which company's toaster is better, you should focus on the duration of the company's existence and reviews of its products in general. The most popular manufacturing companies:
- Phillips;
- Siemens;
- Bosch;
- Kenwood;
- Brown;
- Moulinex.
Characteristics
Choosing the best toaster for the home, first of all, you should focus on its technical parameters. The main indicators can be considered as follows:
- The number of toasts that can be toasted at the same time. Usually the number is 2 or 4. In the latter case, it is more like a family toaster, cooking 1 slice in such an apparatus will require a lot of electricity.
- Number of compartments for bread. Usually there are 1 or 2.At the same time, in each model, a different number of pieces can be loaded into the slot. For those options where several loaves are placed in 1 compartment, the slot is made narrower, but longer. Accordingly, the device itself will be more overall.
- Power. An indicator that shows how quickly the technician can brown a piece. The range is 600-1,600 watts, 800-1,000 watts will be enough for domestic needs.
- Control type.
- roasting modes. Usually there are 6, but there are models that offer 11 degrees. The more options the appliance offers, the more varied the degree of bread drying.
- Has a stop button. With it, you can interrupt the process, even if the program is not finished.
- Body material. It can be made of stainless steel or plastic of varying degrees of strength. The first type is more durable, the second is cheaper, and also involves many colors for the interior of the kitchen. There is also an expensive glass version, with transparent walls, where you can observe the entire browning process.
- Heating element material. Models with quartz heating elements or made of nichrome are presented.
- Bread centering. Regardless of how the chunk is placed in the compartment, the device will set it precisely, which contributes to an even impact.
- Rise of small crackers. Convenient for frying ingredients for soup, salad, they are convenient to get.
- Removable crumb tray. Not available in all models, its inclusion greatly facilitates the cleaning process.
- Lattice for buns.
- Interchangeable panels for creating different dishes (waffles, toasts, sandwiches).
- Internal compartment for power cord. After use, the device with the cable removed takes up less space on the countertop.
- Additional functionality (defrosting, heating, one-sided frying, picture printing, grill, additional surface).
Rating of quality toasters
The list includes high-quality models of popular firms that have the best reviews from consumers. You can decide whether to buy a model by evaluating its technical parameters, price, pros and cons.
Kitfort KT-2012
Power: 1 300 W.
Number of slots: 2.
Number of pieces: 2.
Loading: vertical.
Roasting modes: 7.
Case material: metal.
Control type: mechanical.
Average price: 3,900 rubles.
Kitfort KT-2012
Advantages:
- durable metal case;
- high power gives fast frying;
- there is an additional surface - a mini-frying pan;
- there is a steamer and an egg cooker;
- the toaster centers the pieces, there is a function of lifting up small crackers;
- functionality includes defrosting and heating;
- Built-in crumb tray
- there is a stop button;
- wide compartments;
- different color options for the case;
- non-stick surfaces.
Flaws:
- big;
- crumbs sometimes get under the body;
- short power cord;
- not the lowest price;
- Cooking eggs takes longer than stated in the instructions.
Philips HD2581
Power: 830W.
Number of slots: 2.
Loading: vertical.
Number of pieces: 2.
Roasting levels: 8.
Case material: plastic.
Control type: mechanical.
Average price: 1,700-2,500 rubles.
Philips HD2581
Advantages:
- compact;
- convenient to manage;
- in a plastic thermally insulated case;
- many roasting modes;
- allows you to defrost and reheat bread;
- equipped with a crumb tray, a bun rack;
- there is a compartment for the cord;
- there is a cancel button, centering and high lift;
- inexpensive models.
Flaws:
- plastic case;
- not very convenient compartment for the cord, poorly fixed;
- in the first few uses, some users noted the smell of plastic.
REDMOND RT-M403
Power: 1,000 W.
Loading method: vertically.
Number of branches: 2.
Number of slices: 2.
What the case is made of: metal.
Control method: electronic.
Roasting modes: 9.
Cost: 2,800-4,100 rubles.
REDMOND RT-M403
Advantages:
- durable case and electronic type of control;
- high power allows you to cook quickly;
- with original design, backlight and display;
- comfortable and lightweight;
- many modes;
- there is a cord storage compartment;
- with automatic raising of toasts;
- there is centering, extra-rise of small toasts, heating and defrosting;
- There is a compartment for collecting crumbs, a lattice for buns.
Flaws:
- for some users, the spring responsible for auto-raising was rather weak;
- in a number of cases, toasts popped up immediately after lowering, and had to be reloaded;
- short cord.
Philips HD2658/20
Power: 950W.
How bread is loaded: vertically.
Sum of branches: 2.
Number of pieces: 2.
Case material: metal.
Control type: mechanical.
Number of programs: 7.
Average cost: 3,000-4,500 rubles.
Philips HD2658/20
Advantages:
- non-heating case, made of durable metal;
- large but comfortable;
- can defrost and reheat, center and provide extra lift;
- there is a cancel button;
- crumb tray included;
- easy to manage.
Flaws:
- no grill for buns;
- prints are visible on the case;
- only 2 legs, not the most stable.
REDMOND RSM-M1407-E
Power: 750W.
Loading method: horizontally.
Number of slots: 4.
Case material: plastic.
Control type: mechanical.
Set modes: 1.
Average price: 1,900-1,950 rubles.
REDMOND RSM-M1407-E
Advantages:
- affordable price;
- safe option, there is protection against overheating;
- with non-stick coating;
- compact and lightweight;
- two in one, you can make toasts and sandwiches with butter, cheese, other fillings;
- heats up quickly;
- With replaceable panels, convenient to clean.
Flaws:
- 1 roasting mode;
- no additional features.
Bosch TAT 3A011
Power: 980W.
Loading: vertically.
Number of compartments: 2.
Number of slices: 2.
What the case is made of: plastic.
Control option: mechanical.
Modes: 6.
Average price: 1,900-2,800 rubles.
Bosch TAT 3A011
Advantages:
- there is a heating option;
- crumb tray, muffin rack included;
- thermally insulated, the walls do not heat up;
- there is a cancel button;
- centers the slices, automatically raises, it is possible to fry small crackers;
- there is a section for the power cord;
- light and compact;
- quality assembly.
Flaws:
- defrosting is not provided;
- short cord;
- in some cases, uneven frying was noted;
- not the fastest to make.
A toaster will help you prepare crispy and tasty bread for breakfast. You can choose a small and compact option for one person or a large one with several slots, designed for the whole family.
Some models are equipped with additional functions that facilitate cooking and maintenance of the appliance. Options have also been developed that will help create a complete breakfast by frying scrambled eggs, making a sandwich or a grilled dish. You can choose your option for the house, based on the technical characteristics of the models.A large assortment makes it possible to purchase both budget toasters and the premium segment.