Any homeowner would know that a toaster is crucial for their kitchen. It's responsible for heating your food and making mouthwatering breakfast. However, with the different types available in the market, it's crucial to understand every type's features, sizes, kitchen usability, and installation needs. It's also best to consider their strengths and weaknesses to help you enjoy your well-heated foods better. 

We put together a quick guide to what you can cook in your toaster and the four types of heating units in your kitchen. 

1. Convection Toaster 

We strongly recommend getting a convection toaster to enjoy an evenly-heated breakfast. Although a convection oven has a similar structure to a traditional model, a convection toaster differs by having a convection cooking style. Thanks to the fan inside the toaster, a convection toaster uses forced air to cook your food. 

Unlike traditional toasters that can leave your food unevenly heated, the convection oven's fan blows hot air through the heating system, allowing your food to cook more evenly. Although they cost more than your traditional toaster, these heaters are usually larger and offer better results. 

On the other hand, we recommend choosing a traditional toaster instead if you're on a tight budget.

2. Commercial Toaster 

If you own a cafe or a restaurant, you must find a heating unit that can handle the demands of a busy kitchen. Getting a commercial toaster for your food business is your best option. 

Unlike home toasters, commercial toasters are more extensive industrial-sized heating units that simultaneously handle larger quantities of bread thanks to their multiple slots. Some models may also have additional features, such as timers and automatic shut-offs. 

We strongly recommend selecting a commercial toaster suited to your needs since high-quality units can be expensive. Carefully consider the appliance's size, the quantity of bread your property needs to toast daily, and the types of bread you'll use. 

3. Oven Toaster

Why buy an oven and toaster separately if you can have both in one appliance? If you want the combined functionality of an oven and toaster, we strongly recommend investing in an oven toaster. It's also a small appliance that can help you save space, especially in an apartment. 

Besides toasting your food, an oven toaster can also roast, bake, or grill mouthwatering treats. Its broiling grid and baking pan allows you to cook food that you'd usually cook in an oven. An oven toaster also has slots on the top to let you toast different foods, such as English muffins, bread, and bagels. 

Other models may also have a defrost function that lets you thaw frozen foods without cooking them. This type of toaster is available in gas and electric models. Electric oven toasters work best if you want a more energy-efficient home. 

4. Smart Toaster

No tech-savvy home would be complete without a smart toaster. Smart toasters have additional features, such as allowing their homeowners to connect them to the internet or control them using a mobile app. These innovative features let you activate your toaster remotely and track its progress. They also allow you to set different settings for each type of bread. 

Smart toasters may also have temperature sensors and built-in timers to ensure you'll get the perfect toast. 

Heating the Perfect Breakfast

Different types of toasters are available in the market, and you must always consider your specific needs to maximise this essential heating appliance. 

If you're looking for a Smeg toaster, Beales offers a wide range of homewares and electricals to help you find inspiration for your dream home. Shop now and enjoy free delivery when you spend £50 or more!

November 26, 2022 — Paul Masterson