You never likely knew there was such a thing. But I just bought one...even though it was a 'one-hand toaster' I was shopping for!
I rather like to keep the counters bare...and so I have never had appliances sitting on the counter (other than the all-important coffeemaker!). I have an appliance cupboard with pull-outs...where I store all my small appliances. So there is a space that is designated for the toaster...and though ours has needed replacing for a very long time (according to my kids)...I never quite found a model that would fit into the footprint of the old one. The old four-slice toaster was light weight...and easy to whip out of the cupboard with one hand. We have gone toaster shopping...and unpacked many a toaster...and they all failed the 'one-hand' test. It seems four-slice toasters have become monstrosities over the past two decades! I finally brought one of those monstrosities home yesterday...one that takes two hands to pull out of the cupboard. The incentive was that it was 50% off. I somehow squeezed it into it's designated spot and we used it for the first time this morning. I have to admit that I rather like it! It has many features...including super-wide slots...and it is very quick.
As for the old one-hand toaster...I packed it into the box that the new one came in and am saving it just in case. I may not be able to lift the two-hand model in twenty years...and then I'll have the old reliable one-hand to fall back on.
I think I'll have to invite the kids for toast sometime soon! They will not believe that we actually replaced our vintage model...the one they always complained about when they still lived at home. Our youngest left home ten years ago. Can you tell I'm not much of an impulse shopper?
Your new toaster looks deluxe and probably pops the toast out very qiuckly, Judy! Enjoy it and think of it as a quick upper body workout when you two hand it to the counter every morning :)
ReplyDelete:) You're my kind of shopper! We're still enjoying our wedding-gift electric fondue, the 24 year old Raclette pan and the 28 year old electric frying pan. I really don't like shopping for appliances of any kind, and if one needs replacing I call on The Great Dane to do the comparison shopping and decision-making. Your new two-handed toaster looks like a keeper!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to know that I am not the only one with toaster issues. I have definite toaster requirements.
ReplyDeleteBut, now you have taken the step. I will let you inspire me.
I chuckled as I read this. We received a toaster as a Christmas gift from our son. It seems he thought our current toaster needed to be replaced. It seemed fine to us. I tend to hold on to small appliances until they no longer work. My 30 year old crock pot still does the job as does the pancake griddle that used to be my in-laws. I wouldn't even want to guess how old that one is. :)
ReplyDeleteYour new two-handed model does look very impressive.
Toasters certainly can cause morning frustration. We recently replaced our new/old one when it just didn't toast bread properly. We have a one handed toaster now and so far we're getting along in the wee hours of the morning just fine. I keep mine in a pull out just like yours and every week it gets a vaccuming out since the crumb tray seems to be rather ineffective.
ReplyDeletelove your appliance drawer. great looking toaster!
ReplyDeleteJudy, I can totally relate tho this! Makes so much sense to me...
ReplyDeleteThis remindedme that last night when the family was over, I pulled out the garbage can under the sink becasue it was full and my daughter in law exclaimed... you got a new one!!!! and then another one chimed in - in utter surprise! I did not realize that it was a big deal.. My thirty five year old trash can was good enough for me... and who would have thought that someone would notice?
Oh, and the only reason I have a toaster similar to your new one is because it was a Christmas gift from one of the kids...
ReplyDeleteI can tell that if a thing works at your house it's unlikely to be replaced. Sounds practical to me. I would love an appliance station...oh a gal can dream. It's wall to wall appliances around here except for the crockpot, mixer, and blender. Your new toaster looks better suited to family get-togethers, which is the only reason you and Elmer would need such a beauty.
ReplyDeleteAn appliance free counter has always been my aim, but hobby doesn't share that vision. Expresso make and toaster are his counter top must haves.
ReplyDeleteOur son Jeff used to go around telling people about how his grandmother made the best toast. She thought that was pretty funny as she us a great cook. To receive high praise for toasted store bought bread was quite humbling.
PS: I keep my toaster inside a lasagna pan to corral those pesky crumbs that the crumb catcher totally misses. Like Lovella, I wonder why the crumb catching toaster features are so consistently lame.
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine a clean counter with no appliances. My husband CAN! And he DOES! But, alas, our cupboards AND counters are FULL!!
ReplyDeleteYour toaster looks GREAT!!
When our toaster caused more burns to fingers than it did to toast, we replaced it. I bought every toaster in Kamloops and brought them home for the kids to try. We had a 'toast off'. We made toast in every toaster and decided which one toasted the most evenly, popped out toast the highest so that you didn't have to stick fingers in to retrieve the toast, and which was easiest to work with. At the end of the 'toast off' we chose the clear winner for our families requirements in every category...The 4 slice Farberware...and it was on sale for 40% off at Canadian Tire that week! Woooo Hoooo! That was 5 years ago and it is still going strong! Yes, it was a pain in the butt to return all the rest, but hey...consumer testing works for us! I am way too phlegmatic to put the toaster away...you have sooo much more energy than I do!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's one hot looking toaster . . . no pun or bun intended! LOL!! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteMary
That is a BIG toaster! I am very interested in the Boch mixer, is that your only mixer that you use to mix your wonderful treat in? I have one but find it awkward to use for quick breads, cakes and things. Love it for yeast breads.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blog and love the cook book
I love appliances that never die !! smile
ReplyDeleteYour toaster does look pretty amazing... if you can master the two handed manoeuver, I hope it lasts as long as your other one!
Like me, you hate to give up the old model, "just in case." I'm glad you are happy with the new one. Nancy H
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely model! I do miss the slim-line 4 piece toaster we had for many, many years! It finally died a while ago! They do make them big and bulky nowadays and I don't have much counter or storage space. We replaced ours with a two slice toaster - there's just the two of us now! Love your under counter storage!
ReplyDelete