In order to achieve consistent toasting every time, the Long Slot Lite Toaster must be fully loaded in both slots. If you do not need to fully load the toaster, the bread will not be consistently toasted. This is not a fault with the toaster, but due to parts of the element being exposed.
The science behind it
For our Long Slot Lite Toaster, its elements heat the whole area in each slot. With standard square bread, this ensures even heat distribution across the whole slice. But due to the irregular shape of artisan breads, this means parts of the element are exposed. With no bread to absorb the heat produced by the exposed element, it gets absorbed by the nearest exposed edge of the bread and scorches the crust.
Artisan breads (such as Sourdough, Cob Loaves, Pane Di Casa, Turkish Bread and Baguettes) also present unique toasting challenges, due to the structure and composition of the breads. Being handmade, or produced in smaller batches, means they lack the consistency of mass-produced square loaves. Therefore, their density, crust thickness, moisture and sugar content can vary loaf to loaf and even within one loaf itself. This produces challenges when try to achieve consistent toasting, no matter what toaster or method of toasting you are using. The consistency of these artisan loaves are different to standard supermarket loaves, the crust is denser, darker, and drier, while the centre is lighter and moister.
All of what is no fault of the toaster. Follow all or a combination of these tips below to allow you to achieve the better results.
Experiment, as you may find you only need to do some of these tips, and some may work better than others for the type of bread you are toasting.
Tip 1: Leave to dry
Due to the high moisture in sourdough bread, leaving it out for at least 6-hours can help with the consistency when you are toasting.![]()
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Tip 2: The slice
The thickness of the slice of bread can have an impact on the consistency of the toasting, if the slice is too thin it will crisp up quickly and burn. However, if the slice is too thick it won’t toast evenly. Aim for 10mm thick slices, this is usually the size of pre-sliced bread. Slices also need to be consistent if you are slicing at home, be aware that putting different size slices in the slot will lead to uneven browning. We recommend purchasing pre-sliced artisan loaves to help ensure consistency in slice size.
Tip 3: Spritz of water
This is to help replace some of the lost moisture in the edges of the bread. Try dipping your fingers into a cup of tap water and wiping around the perimeter of the bread, on the cut face. Dipping your fingers approximately three times applying to the edges of the crust on the cut face both sides of the slice, should be enough. WARNING: dry your hand before operating toaster. Risk of electric shock.
Tip 4: Loading the toaster
The way you load the toaster can help improve the outcome of the toast. We recommend fully loading up the toaster, so it is full yet not over packed, as this allows for the heat to dissipate correctly. When the toaster is evenly loaded the heat can circulate more predictably, helping it to create more uniformed toast. Depending on the size and shape of your slices, there are different ways to load the slots. Longer slices will stack better on top of each other; smaller slices would be better next to each other. Try to always have the crust facing towards the ends of the slot, as the centre is the hottest part and therefore the crust will burn there the quickest.
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The only way to ensure consistent toasting is by fully loading your toaster. However, when you don’t need as many slices the recommended loading to create the least consistency issues are:
· For one slice – in the centre of the slot
· For two slices - in the centre for each slot
· For three slices - two slices in one side and one in the centre of the other, or if they fit three slices in one slot
Tip 5: Intermittent toasting
Conducting intermittent toasting helps even out the moisture content of the slice, improving the toast consistency. We suggest using setting one. Once it pops up, allow to sit in the toaster for 30 seconds, before pushing the ejector lever down to start a second cycle. Repeat until you reach your desired browning level. Using the Patented Peek & Pop® function, lift the bread with the ejector lever to check how toasted it is, and then drop it back down. When toasted to your desired level, press the cancel button. WARNING: keep an eye on the toaster to ensure you don't burn the bread before the final cycle has fished. Risk of fire.
With just a little prep and the right technique, you can enjoy consistently golden, delicious toast and avoid those burnt edges or pale centres.
