toster

A toster is a small kitchen appliance designed to toast slices of bread. It typically consists of a housing with slots on top where bread can be inserted. Inside the toster, heating elements, usually made of nichrome wire, are positioned to radiate heat onto the bread. When activated, these elements heat up, browning and crisping the surface of the bread.

Most tosters feature a lever on the side that is pressed down to lower the bread into the toasting slots and to activate the heating elements. A timer mechanism controls the toasting duration, which can often be adjusted by the user via a dial or buttons to achieve desired levels of browning, from lightly toasted to dark brown. Once the toasting cycle is complete, the lever typically pops up, raising the toasted bread.

Modern tosters often include additional features such as bagel settings, which toast one side more intensely than the other, defrost settings for frozen bread, and a crumb tray located at the bottom to collect fallen crumbs for easy cleaning. Tosters are a common and convenient appliance in many households, providing a quick and simple way to prepare toasted bread for breakfast or snacks.