A toaster is a kitchen device that roasts thin slices of bread. Among a wide variety of household appliances, it is not very in demand. Not all Russians like to eat dried bread in the morning, but in some countries this is a tradition. What is a toaster for? Its functions and terms of use are described in the article.
Reasons for the purchase
Do I need a toaster in the kitchen? According to reviews, for lovers of fried toasts, such a device will be a great helper. Whether a toaster is needed can be determined by analyzing the following points:
- Reduced cooking time. This is the main reason why you need a toaster. No need to wait for the pan or oven to glow. Heating occurs after pressing the "Start" button.
- Lack of oil. This fact also determines why a toaster is needed. The device dries bread and forms a golden crust, and also acquires a mouth-watering aroma.
- What is another toaster for? No need to wash the greasy pan, just pour the crumbs from the pan.
- Taste and crunch increase appetite and ensure proper digestion. This is an equally common advantage that explains why you need a toaster.
Therefore, it will not be necessary to be at the stove, turn over the croutons, you can perform other things in parallel. These reasons are enough to make sure you need a toaster. Customer reviews indicate the convenience of the device.
Only dry bread should be placed in the hole. It is not worth adding different fillings, as they will disable the device.
An electrical device was invented in 1893. For decades, the design and functions have been improved. Compared to its predecessors, the 21st century toaster has an attractive appearance and many features. But the purpose of the devices is the same - the creation of toasts.
Design
When considering whether a toaster is needed at home, you should familiarize yourself with its device. This is a small unit, in the body of which slots are located. The holes have nichrome heating elements in the form of spirals. The device diagram assumes the presence of an electrical circuit and auxiliary elements for holding bread.
Inside it consists of:
- lever for lowering the basket;
- heating plates with nichrome wires;
- circuit breaker - on the case is indicated by the Stop button;
- a lock to hold the basket in the lower position;
- a burning spiral that roasts slices;
- bread baskets;
- locking strips;
- an electromagnet, thanks to which the basket is kept in working condition at the bottom;
- contact closure plate.
By pressing the lever handle, the basket opens, the electric circuit closes and the timer starts. The bread is heated by infrared radiation, and after a certain time the timer is activated, and the power from the electromagnet is removed. The basket is released by the action of the spring up. The contacts open, the control circuit turns off.
Specifications
Manufacturers create toasters with various capabilities. They may differ depending on the purpose - for domestic or commercial use. There are several criteria that will allow you to choose the best toaster:
- The number of departments depends on the desired number of pieces. Sometimes 1 long slot is provided, where 2 slices can be placed. According to reviews, devices with 4 compartments are considered the most convenient.
- Power usage. Cooking speed is determined by power. It can be in the range of 600-1600 watts.
- The presence of a thermostat that allows you to choose the time and temperature of frying.
- Manual shutdown button. With it, heating stops at the necessary moment, no matter what cycle of work is chosen.
Functions
The main purpose of the toaster is the drying and frying of plates of flour products using hot air. But modern devices perform various additional functions. Many toasters:
- heated without drying;
- thawing;
- fry one side;
- stamp on bread;
- buns are heated on a special grill;
- have a grill function;
- make sandwiches;
- at the same time toast and scrambled eggs or cutlet.
According to reviews, in addition to basic and similar functions, there are additional useful little things that make the device more functional. So, in it there can be a sliding tray for crumbs, electronic control, automatic centering. Some devices have a high lift of small pieces, a compartment in the housing for compact cable storage.
Modes
Electric toasters are:
- Mechanical - a simple option without a timer. Cooking is done manually.
- Semi-automatic. In this case, there is a thermostat, a shutdown occurs at a certain temperature.
- Automatic. The device has a timer and thermostat. This is a convenient configuration of the device, but the price of this model is higher.
Terms of use
According to reviews, the operation of the toaster is not complicated. To create toasts, you need a suitable bread: slices must be made of the same thickness and size. Large strata will touch the heaters and burn, and too thin will dry out to crackers. It is advisable to purchase bread slices.
First you need to lower the slices into the slots, then set the mode, press the lever - and the procedure will start. You need to wait for the automatic disconnection and raising of the finished toasts. It is possible to use the manual control button to monitor the degree of frying and complete the work as you like.
The device must be loaded as much as possible so that the heating parts are not exposed to overheating at idle. Cooked bread must be removed without using metal objects, since there is a risk of electric shock. It is best to unplug the cord before removing the pieces.
When the food has cooled, remove the crumbs remaining inside. If you have a pallet, it will be very simple to do this: shake off the dry residues and wipe the sliding plate, return it to its place. When the toaster does not have such a detail, you need to turn it over and shake it until the crumbs are removed. Then, the heating wires are cleaned with a small brush or brush to prevent the appearance of soot.
Precaution
The toaster is considered a fire hazardous appliance, so you must place it in the kitchen in free space, far from the edge of the countertop. It is also necessary to control that there are no curtains nearby. Water should not fall onto a working device, otherwise hot heating parts burst with sparks.
It is advisable to connect the equipment to the electrical network only for the period of toast preparation, and upon completion, disconnect the power cord. Do not cover the case. Before use, it is important to read the instructions for use.
So that there is no soot on the heating wires, regular cleaning is necessary inside the case. Cleaning the area of the placement of the spirals is permissible only in a dry way, with a brush or brush. Only the outside of the cabinet may be washed with a damp cloth and a cleaning agent.
How to replace?
In a standard toaster, you can’t create hot sandwiches. There is such a type of electrical engineering as a sandwich maker. In appearance, it is similar to a waffle iron. The device has frying plates under a non-stick coating. Place sandwiches on the ribbed surface and close the lid, set the cooking mode and, at the end of the process, remove the stuffed bread.
Thus, you must choose a toaster responsibly. You should not save on it, it is better to purchase a high-quality device. Subject to the rules of operation, the device is able to work for a long time.