The toaster is a simple and easy to use kitchen appliance. It is used to lightly cook the slices of bread so that they become more golden, crisp and tasty. First, you need to adjust the temperature knob to decide how dark you want the bread to be. After that, you can insert the slices into the appropriate slots and lower the lever located on the front of the device. Wait for the bread to cook and keep your olfactory cells alert to catch any smell of burning. When the bread is pushed up, it is ready to taste.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Using the Toaster
Step 1. Insert a slice of bread into the slot of the appliance
If you want to toast two slices, use both openings on the top of the device. You can heat many foods in the toaster, but until you are able to master the tool, stick to simple slices of bread.
Step 2. Set the temperature
Use the special knob located on the front of the appliance and which allows you to adjust the level of toasting. Typically, the wheel can be rotated in five positions from one to five, with one being lightly toasted (lighter) and five being heavily toasted (darker). On first use, choose an intermediate grade, such as second or third position.
Step 3. Lower the lever to start the appliance
Wait for the bread to be toasted, but be on the lookout for any burning smell! The process should not take more than a minute or two, depending on the roasting level you have set.
Step 4. Remove the food
When the lever clicks up again, it means that cooking is finished. Some models emit a sound similar to a "ding". Remove the slices of bread from the appliance using your fingers or a pair of wooden cutlery. Afterwards, you can coat them with the spreadable ingredient of your choice before eating them!
Whatever you do, do not insert any metal objects into the slots of the toaster, because the device bakes the bread with the heat emitted by electric resistances and the metal object can transfer electricity to the hand. Think about your safety
Part 2 of 3: Choose the Toast Level
Step 1. Wrong by default
If you are not very familiar with this type of appliance, set the temperature lower instead of higher. You can always put the bread back in the slots to bake it a little longer - just be careful not to burn it!
Step 2. Adjust the degree of toasting according to the preferences of the person who has to eat the bread
If you're making toast for someone else, ask them if they prefer dark or light bread. If you do not like intense cooking, set the appliance to the minimum, between 1 and 2. If, on the other hand, you prefer well toasted and dark bread, select a level 3 or 5.
Step 3. Be careful not to burn the bread
If you overdo it with the temperature, you risk ruining everything. Thicker slices can come into direct contact with electrical resistances which transfer a dangerous level of heat.
Part 3 of 3: Troubleshooting
Step 1. Make sure the toaster is connected to the power supply
Most models need an electrical outlet; however, if your device does not work even though the plug is firmly inserted, there may be a more important malfunction.
Step 2. Use the appliance safely
Do not for any reason insert a metal tool into the slots while the device is connected to the electrical system. Likewise, do not insert your hand when the resistances are still hot. The toaster works by heating the metal filaments with electricity. If you put your hand inside it, you can get burned; if you put a fork in the cracks, you risk electrocution.
- If the bread gets stuck in the openings, try lowering the lever for a second and then snap it up manually with a quick gesture and applying some force. By doing this, you should be able to get the toast out.
- Disconnect the device from the power supply before attempting to remove any stuck food. Then use wooden pliers, as this material does not conduct electricity.
Step 3. Clean the toaster when it is not plugged in
Try turning it upside down and shaking it to drop any bread crumbs that are left at the bottom of the cracks. Most models are equipped with a flat tray that can be pulled out of the base. Remove and discard the contents to get rid of more residue.
Advice
- The toast that has just been removed from the appliance is quite hot. Use a napkin or oven mitt to transfer it to the plate.
- Use the toaster safely; try not to activate the smoke detectors!
- Don't just eat toast! Add jam, honey, butter, dried fruit or cream cheese; you can enrich the snack with what you like best.
Warnings
- Never insert metal objects or parts of the body into a toaster connected to the electrical system. You could get an electric shock or get severe burns.
- Never use a metal object to take something out of the appliance. Remember to unplug from the socket before removing food stuck in the toaster using wooden tongs.
- Be very careful when connecting the toaster to electricity.
