Toasting bread can be done in several ways. Perhaps the easiest method is to use a special household appliance called the toaster. In any case, it is a quick way that requires little preparation and in which one or two slices of bread are toasted in a matter of seconds. Alternatives take a little more work and preparation. Preference is then a matter of taste or, of course, not having a toaster at hand. Toasted bread is also called toast which word is derived from the English toast which also means toasted bread.
First toasters
The first toasters date from the early twentieth century. It is disputed between General Electric and Hotpoint who was the first. Hotpoint would have developed a type of toaster as early as 1905, but General Electric claims to have marketed the first toaster in 1908. In any case, around that time, Albert Marsh invented nichrome wires that are used in a toaster. These wires consist of a nickel-chrome alloy and provide heat development. In 1919, Charles Strite patented a toaster in which the slices of bread were thrown out of the appliance after sufficient toasting.
Operation of a toaster
The operation of a toaster is as follows. The necessary energy is provided by electric current. The nichrome wires inside the device give off infrared heat rays, causing the wires to glow red. This heat reduces the moisture in the bread (which is about 35 percent of the total weight). After some time, the bread particles that are on the surface will caramelize due to the heat. The caramelised surface of the bread slices gives a pleasant taste that can be enhanced by, for example, smearing cream butter or herb butter on the toasted bread.
Models with more options for roasting
Toasters usually have the option of toasting two slices at the same time. But there are also models for four slices and for bread with unusual shapes such as a ball or pita bread. In that case, the grid has a flexible opening that is provided with small irons that can adapt to the size of the bread. A special type of toaster is a device with a removable holder in which two slices of bread with, for example, ham and cheese can be clamped in between. After roasting, a so-called sandwich is created.
Considerations When Buying a Toaster
Purchase prices
The purchase prices of toasters vary widely and range from a few tens to a few hundred euros.
Automatic stop
Toasters have an automatic stop so that after setting a certain temperature or time, the toasting stops, which prevents burning. Jumping up: With most racks the bread then jumps upwards, making it easy to remove from the appliance.
Defrost
Some racks can also be used in a certain position to defrost bread.
To clean
Cleaning toasters may require different operations for each appliance. For example, there are appliances that are equipped with a crumb tray at the bottom of the grid with which the crumbs can be easily removed. Removing it in time prevents crumbs from roasting and burning, which can cause unpleasant smells.
Roast one side
There are also grids where you can set to toast only on one side and the other side of the bread remains soft.
accessories
These types of options and accessories can differ per device, which can be taken into account when purchasing.
Cool wall
It should also be ensured that the grate has cool walls to prevent small children from burning their fingers when unsupervised.
Specifications
Information that can be taken into account when purchasing:
- Number of cuts
- Automatic bread centering
- Automatic stop
- Toss bread
- Toasting on one side
- Flexible bread opening
- Color
- Cool wall
- Crumb tray
- Defrost function
- Warm-up function
- Set-up holder for sandwiches
- Temperature regulation
- Sandwich clip
- Power