How to Easily Operate a Toaster

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Learn how to get bread crispy and warm in a toaster

Reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward

Last Updated: November 18, 2024

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Using the Toaster

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Toasting Settings

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Troubleshooting

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

The toaster is a simple and user-friendly kitchen appliance. Use it to lightly cook slices of bread so that they are darker, crispier, and tastier. First, you'll need to adjust the knob to choose how dark you want your toast. Then, slide your toast into the toasting slots and depress the lever on the front of the appliance. Wait for the toast to cook, and keep your nose open to make sure that it isn't burning. When the lever pops back up, the toast is done.

Things You Should Know

Place 1 slice of bread into each slot of the toaster.
Use the knob or dial on your toaster to adjust how dark you want your bread. Start with a medium setting between 2-3 at first.
Pull down the lever and wait for the toast to pop up. Remove the toast with your fingers or wooden tongs.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using the Toaster

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1
Slide one slice of bread into each toaster slot. You can also toast just one slice of bread. In this case, choose a slot, and slide it in. The direction you orient the slice in the toaster doesn't matter, but most people like to insert it bottom-first.^{[1]
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- You can toast many things other than bread but stick to toasting bread slices until you are more comfortable using the appliance.
2
Set the toasting level. Use the adjustment knob on the front of the appliance to choose how dark you want the toast to be. On most toasters, the dial runs from 1 to 5, with 1 being the lightest, and 5 being the darkest.^{[2]
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- Consider setting the dial somewhere in the middle: 2 or 3. This way, if the toast is not dark enough, you can always toast it again.
- Some toasters have other settings, such as light, medium, or dark.
- Other toasts have options for waffles, toast, and bagels. In this case, choose the setting that best matches whatever it is that you're toasting.
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3
Lower the lever to start the toasting cycle. Wait for the food to toast. Keep your nose peeled to smell for burning! The toasting process should not take longer than a minute or two, depending on how dark you want the toast.^{[3]
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- Even though the toaster is timed and will pop the bread out on its own, you should never leave it unattended. If the bread starts to burn, you'll have to pop it manually.
- To pop the toaster manually, hold the top corner of the toaster down while you lift the lever up. You should only do this if things start to burn, however.
4
Remove the food. When the lever pops back up, it means that the toasting cycle is done. The toaster may "ding." Take the toast out using your fingers or a set of wooden tongs. Then, put your favorite spread onto your toast before consuming!
- Never use anything metal to take the toast out, or you may electrocute yourself.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing a Toasting Level

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Err on the side of caution. If you aren't familiar with the toaster, set the dial to a lower number rather than a higher number. You can always put the slice back in for a bit more heat—but you cannot un-burn a piece of toast!^{[4]
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- For example, if you start with a medium setting, and the toast comes out too light, you can toast it again using a low setting.
2
Adjust the toast level to the toast eater. If you are making toast for someone else, ask them whether they prefer their toast darker or lighter. If they prefer their toast lighter, then set the dial to the low end: 1 or 2. If they prefer their toast dark, then set it to the high end: 3 to 5.
- If you can't ask the person what they like, choose a medium setting. This way, the toast will be neither too light or too dark.
3
Be careful not to burn the toast! If you set the dial to the highest setting, then you are playing with fire. Thick slices may press directly up against the electric heat filaments, which can apply dangerous heat to the food item.
- If you accidentally burn your toast, hold it over a sink, then use a knife to scrape the burnt parts off. Be aware that there will be lots of crumbs!
- Watch your toast carefully as it heats. If you see it starting to burn, don't wait for it to pop. Push the level up manually!

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting a Toaster

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1
Make sure that the toaster is plugged in. Most toasters require access to an electric wall outlet. If the toaster is plugged in but isn't working, check the cable for damage first, then plug the toaster into a different outlet.
- If plugging the toasted into a different outlet doesn't help, then the toaster might be broken.
- Don't use the toaster if the cable appears damaged in some way. Check for damage, such as rips, tears, or scorch marks.
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Practice toaster safety. Do not, under any circumstances, put a metal implement into the toaster while it is plugged in. Likewise, do not reach your hand into the toasting slots while the appliance is hot. The toaster works by firing metal filaments up to high heat using dangerous electrical currents. If you use your hand, you may burn yourself. If you put a fork into the slots, then you run the risk of electrocuting yourself.^{[5]
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- If the toast gets stuck in the slots: try depressing the lever for a moment, then popping it up manually—quickly, with force—to fling the toast out the top of the toaster.
- Unplug the toaster before you try to remove food that is stuck. Then, use wooden tongs to remove the item. Wooden tongs will not conduct electricity!
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Clean a toaster when it's not plugged in. Most toasters feature a flat, removable tray that slides in and out of the bottom of the appliance. This tray catches crumbs and burnt bits. Remove the tray and dump out the contents to clear space for more crumbs.
- If your toaster doesn't have a tray, unplug it first, then carry it over to a sink or trashcan. Turn it upside down and shake the crumbs out.
- You need to remove these crumbs; otherwise, they become a fire hazard.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I get stuck bread or bagels out of the toaster?

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Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Turn the toaster off at the wall and remove the plug. Using a pair of wooden tongs, pull the food that is stuck out of the toaster. Check to see if any small pieces are left and remove those as well. Remove the crumb tray and tip the crumbs into the trash. Never use metal implements to stick into the toaster, as you risk being electrocuted; only use wooden ones that have no metal pieces at all.

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Question

Can meat be cooked within this appliance?

Community Answer

No, because most toasters don't generate enough heat to cook the meat though. The design of a toaster also makes cooking meat inconvenient.

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Can toasters be washed in soap and water?

Community Answer

Toasters and other appliances should not be washed in soap and water. Submerging an electrical appliance in water can potentially electrocute you and/or damage the product. The outside of a toaster should be cleaned with a damp cloth, as outlined in How to Clean a Toaster.

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Tips

Practice toaster safety. Try not to set off any smoke alarms.

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Don't just eat your toast plain! Add some jam, honey, butter, nut butter, cream cheese – whatever suits your fancy.

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The toast may be a little hot when it comes out of the toaster. Consider using a towel or an oven mitt to carry the toast to your plate.

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Warnings

Never insert metal objects or body parts into a toaster that's plugged in. You could get zapped by electricity or burnt severely.

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Never use any metal item to remove items from the toaster. Remember to unplug the toaster if food gets stuck inside before using wooden tongs to remove the item.

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Be very careful when plugging in the toaster.

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