OTHER MODELS: Model 3200-08, two-slot wide mouth, and model 3210-67 in red. NAME AND MODEL: Oster, Model 3210-08 single wide slot PRICE: $43.95 * SIZE: 13 1/2 by 4 by 6 1/2 inches TOASTING TEST: Excellent WHERE SOLD: Abraham & Straus, Zabar's COMMENTS: Self-adjusting toasting rack accommodates everything from thin toast to muffins relatively cool exterior extra-wide toasting rack is built in and adjusts for rolls and French-style bread. OTHER MODELS: Self-adjusting grate accommodates everything from thin toast to muffins relatively cool exterior.Įxtra-wide toasting rack for rolls, French bread. NAME AND MODEL: Maxim, Model ET-8, Single wide slot PRICE: $50 * SIZE: 13 3/4 by 4 by 6 1/2 inches TOASTING TEST: Excellent WHERE SOLD: Bloomingdale's, Macy's (Herald Square and New Jersey) COMMENTS: Same size, dimensions and features as Oster. OTHER MODELS: Five other models, from two-slice to four-slice. TEST OF 9 TOASTER MODELS SHOWS THAT THE LITTLE EXTRAS COUNT WHERE SOLD: Black & Decker, Model T230 two wide slots PRICE: $33.98 * SIZE: 10 by 6 by 7 1/2 inches TOASTING TEST: Excellent WHERE SOLD: Macy's, Fortunoff, Caldor, Stern's COMMENTS: Lightweight metal construction with simulated wood panel exterior special warming setting allows you to hold toast without drying it out eterior stays relatively cool, a consideration for those with young children. Suggested retail prices are listed, al though many stores offer discounts. Prices vary widely, from $31.95 to nearly $80, depending on features and size. Since all are covered by warranties, usually a year or two, you can return a damaged toaster for repair or replacement. We learned one inescapable lesson: whatever the brand, you must experiment with the adjustment knobs to find the best setting. We touched the toasters' exteriors after 30 seconds and again after 60 seconds to see how hot they were. The levers that control doneness were varied to determine if they delivered what they promised. We tested these appliances by reading the manufacturer's instructions and making several batches of toast in each. Some had settings for warming, which are useful if the toast is ready but the family is not. Rowenta has an added safety feature: the ''on'' lever requires a little extra push at the bottom to operate, which helps prevent children from accidentally turning on the toaster.Īll models were easy to clean, since they have flip-down crumb trays. While the best constucted, Sunbeam gets quite hot after extended use its wide plastic handles, however, allow you to pick it up without burning yourself. The models that stay relatively cool are the Maxim, Oster and Rowenta Cool-Touch, which has a patented surface called Thermoplast. This can be a hazard, especially if small children are around. Most toasters are made of thin, light metals, and thus their exteriors get very hot during use. Other toasters -including Rowenta, Black & Decker, Maxim, Oster and Tefal - have extra-wide slots for toasting bagels and muffins. For years, I have placed croissants and rolls directly on top of the toaster this device prevents scorching and drying out. The warmer consists of a metal grate that holds bread above the toasting slots, where it is warmed by air. Others are quite useful, like the nonstick sandwich-grilling insert ($15) and the bun and roll warmer ($10) that can be purchased for the Rowenta Cool-Touch Toaster. Some of the extras are mere frills - the pastry setting on the Black & Decker, for example. It was in the special-features department that the toasters distinguished themselves. The exception was the Sunbeam Fully Automatic Model 20030, which toasted bread darker on one side than the other. In a test of nine models of toasters, described in a chart on page C6, I found that virtually all performed their primary function, making toast, very well. Of course, that hasn't stopped American manufacturers from fiddling with size, shape, color and special features to create diversity, real or imaginary, among brands - just as shoppers are led to believe that there is a difference among the half-dozen brands of canned peas on the market. THE technology of home toasters has not changed fundamentally in 40 years.
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