Toaster-oven repairs – How to save money!

All about the toaster and toaster-oven

There is more to the simple toaster than meets the eye. Being the mainstay of the British kitchen it is not surprising that it was invented there by well known electrical company Crompton and Co. way back in 1893.

The first US toaster was not manufactured until 1910 by Westinghouse. The toaster and toaster-oven is or looks like a relatively simple device however it is really rather clever and I simply can’t live without mine.

What happens is that the toaster and toaster-oven heating elements radiate the heat directly onto the surface of the bread slice. The surface temperature then rises to around 310 degrees Farenheit, where a chemical change that is known as the Maillard reaction starts.

This causes the sugars, starches and grain fibers in the bread to start to caramelize, then turn brown as they carbonise, and that is why simple toast tastes so great!

The simple 2 slice toaster that many of us have is effectively a set of three heating elements. The elements are made from high resistance alloys such as nickel-chromium, also known as Nichrome, in the form of a ribbon wound onto high grade natural mica board (this is both an insulator and heat resistant). As electrical current passes through the high resistance element this generates heat and glows bright red. The early model electric toasters were manual types with no moving parts.

Essentially each side of the toaster had a hinged door on which the bread was placed. The doors where closed to bring the bread slice close to the single center mounted element. Using your best guess you simply waited a period and then opened each door, the slice slid down and automatically reversed the bread slice side and closed again to do toaster the other side.

Handy hints for the toaster and toaster-oven

I started my electrical career at an early age, while trying to be helpful and remove some bread jammed and burning in the toaster I used one of Mom’s best bone handled knives to do so, shorted out the element, wrecked the toaster and if not for the insulating bone handle, would have been done to a crisp myself and been electrocuted at breakfast, saving my parents the costs of my later electrical education.

RULE No.1. Do not insert any metal or pointed objects into a toaster or toaster-oven for either cleaning, or removing debris, or insert close to the heating element, especially when it is on.

What are the parts of a toaster and a toaster-oven?

The basic automatic pop-up type toaster consists of the heating elements, either a timer or bimetallic switch, a carriage, and latching mechanism. When you drop in and lower a slice of bread in the carriage you push down the lever until the spring-loaded carriage latches in the bottom position. Once the carriage latches, a switch activates the heating elements to start toasting the bread slice. This also activates a timer, and when the timer reaches the setting, the element power is cut off, and the spring-loaded bread carriage releases and up pops the toast. The earliest semi-automatic toasters incorporated a bimetallic thermostatic switch that operated based on the bread surface temperature in place of a timing mechanism and the setting could be adjusted using a dial, in fact I still have one. Some toasters also had a bell that rang when toast was released.

What about the automatic toaster?

For many the best thing since sliced bread was the automatic toaster. There are many types available all with varying levels of sophistication. The most significant difference between each type or model is the element control system that strives to give you perfect toast. The majority are still pop-up types that essentially have a timing mechanism or thermostatic or bimetallic strip device to control the toasting level. Like the earlier description, when the bread carriage is lowered and latched this activates the heating process. Timing mechanisms vary from spring loaded clocks that on completion of the set timing cycle it will release the carriage to pop up. Some automatic toasters have a light to indicate that power is on. Some toasters have Bagel buttons that adjust time settings to allow for thicker slices, also these smart toasters have higher heat output on the outside elements and lower on the inside. Some toasters also have a Frozen button that also adjust times, great when you take bread slices straight from the freezer like I do. The warm button where installed is used to keep things warm once toasted. In the USA all toasters that are manufactured after November 2001 are equipped with the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) required Anti-Jam protection feature. This operates when some material is jammed, and the toaster is shut off automatically.

How do you clean a toaster and toaster-oven safely?

If you want your toaster to last a long time and to avoid potential fire hazards, as soon as the toaster or toaster-oven cools down after each use, unplug the power cable from the power outlet.

Hold over the kitchen sink and open the crumb tray, or if a removable tray take it out and clean. Tap the toaster lightly to dislodge any material jammed in the toaster. Wipe clean with a damp rag. Also wipe the outside of the toaster to remove any stains or burn marks, but use caution using abrasive cleaners as they will affect the shiny finish. Take note of the earlier warning regarding use of pointed objects to remove material. It is good practice to empty and clean the tray regularly as it is a common cause of fires.

If you are toasting English muffins, crumpets (my favorite!) or have toast slices jammed in preventing the carriage from popping up properly always unplug the toaster before attempting any extraction

What is wrong with my toaster?

Why is my new toaster emitting a burnt smell?

Toasting elements have coatings and minor dust that needs to burn off when first switched on. The best action is to plug in the toaster, and without using any bread lower the carriage and latch it so that toaster operates for a couple of minutes.

Why is my toast only toasting one side?

This is typically due to a failed heating element. Unplug the toaster and visually if possible look for the break. In some cases you can get a replacement element but not all toasters are easily repairable.

Why won’t the bread carriage stay latched down?

The first possible cause is that the toaster isn’t plugged in. The second cause is crumbs and debris jammed in the mechanism, so cleaning is required. Latching mechanisms are often damaged when they are forced up before toasting is complete

Why won’t the bread carriage release when toasting is complete?

The first possible cause is that the timer or the bimetallic strip are faulty and are not properly releasing the carriage. This may simply be due to crumbs or debris jamming the mechanism. In toasters with a solenoid this also might be jamming and out of adjustment.

What is a toaster-oven?

Essentially a toaster-oven is a mini-oven that are great for small meal and snack preparation that include toasting, browning, heating and even baking. These portable ovens have a typical temperature range of 200-500 degrees F along with separate controls to control each function. There are a range of toaster-oven models that include top and bottom elements that allow broiling or grilling, along with baking. Like the toaster the toaster-oven has automatic timer functions, and also some have slow heat warming functions.

Why won’t the toaster-oven temperature control work?

The thermostat is possibly faulty, this may be high temperature or low temperature problem.

Why won’t the toaster-oven toaster function turn off?

If the toasting function will not switch off unless the toaster-oven door is open, the switch and solenoid may be faulty, the thermostat may also be faulty.

Heating element 101

In any heating appliance the heating elements are open ribbon, open coil, or an enclosed coil that is manufactured from a nickel and chrome alloy. The heating element is a resistance, and when electricity is applied this resist the flow and heats up. The rating of an element is calculated for the element length, the diameter of the element wire to get the total resistance required for the voltage used to get the right heat output.

The most common failure mode of an element is to open circuit, that is break or burn out so no current can flow. If you have the ability you can test the element.

1. Turn off power and unplug the appliance

2. Use a multi-meter and set to the resistance scale.

3. Check the meter function by touching the two probes together and you should get zero resistance.

4. Place one probe on the end of the element and the other probe to the other end

5. If you get a high resistance usually in kilo-ohms or thousands of ohms this shows that the heating element is okay. If you get a reading of infinite resistance then this indicates a broken or open circuit element.

Useful Resources

Stop Home Foreclosure - If you are facing foreclosure its essential to get someone in your corner right away who understands the laws of your state. An expert who knows your rights and the assistance programs to save your home

Appliance Repair Charlotte NC - Prompt appliance repair, and offering the fastest, most reliable repair service for all makes and models. We carry large supply of factory replacement parts covering, even HVAC units.

Austin Texas - Find service providers in the local Austin area. If you need work done, read what our experts have to say. Read reviews and chat with other Austin Texas Businesses

Satin Sheets - Lowest prices and satisfaction guaranteed on high quality custom bridal satin sheets and deep pocket sheets. Many other items as well shipped directly from factory to you

Seattle DUI Lawyer - A Washington DUI can be devastating. A DUI is a serious matter and the consequences can be devastating to you, your family and your freedom. I will fight for you. Your case is not hopeless

Austin Apartments - Finding Austin area apartments on our site is easy and pays you up to $500 cash back via rebate. We provide you all apartment information, Instantly, with out signing up. Search our database for FREE.

Hawaii Shark Adventures - Hawaii Shark Encounters gives you the opportunity to experience the beauty and excitement sharks in their native waters. Proud partners in a worldwide effort to improve the understanding of sharks

Horse Tack Reviews - Product reviews are written by readers, not the manufacturer, reviewing the best products. Each day we receive hundreds of reviews along with new product information keeping you well informed

Cigar Humidors - Your one-stop shop for the best in everything that is Cigars. We carry the Xikar Cutter and the Don Salvatore humidor lines, priced right. We stand behind everything we sell. Satisfaction guaranteed

See Photos of Pergolas, Patio Covers, Garden Arbors & Wedding Arbors - High-quality, low-maintenance pergolas add elegance & value to your home. Find standard sizes & custom patio covers to suit your needs, style & budget. Receive a Lifetime Warranty & FREE Shipping.

Portable Generators - Where America shops for portable electric generators and pressure washers. Get the best brands at the best prices. Diesel or gasoline generators and engines, parts and accessories.

NFL Bedding - Where America shops for sports collectibles and sports memorabilia including NFL, NCAA, MLB merchandise. We have a vast selection of 20,000 products.

Wrought Iron Gates, Ornamental Gates - Exceptional entrance design in masonry, timber and steel. Theme metal art gates for discriminating home owners. Wildlife, western, horses, exotics, marine, domestic animals and foliage

Life Coach | Weight Loss Hypnosis - Does Weight Loss Hypnosis Work? Read the facts before you buy. The Definitive Guide to Safe Weight Loss using Hypnosis, CD, Tape, Downloads, MP3s. By leading UK Life Coach for Women - Sayeda Habib