Types of Toasters
Contact • Heat is transferred by directly touching the toasting bread to a hot element, such as a platen » Often used to toast buns, saving space on the flat-top » Dual-sided platens provide toasting on both sides of the
product, increasing total volume capabilities » Vertical toaster that saves counter space » Easy to clean
Extra Toaster Considerations
• If toasting one type of bread, a simple toaster with very few adjustments is recommended • If toasting a variety of different products, a toaster with greater adjustability is ideal » Example - raisin bread will toast faster and require less heat intensity than sourdough
• Artisan style breads may do better in the toaster with greater adjustability • Moist products can stick to a very hot conveyor and potentially cause malfunctions. Being able to lower the heat intensity will mitigate this risk, although it may add a few seconds to the through- put time • Generally, heat intensity affects toast color – while conveyor time affects the internal temperature of the finished product • Keep the fan opening clean » The majority of equipment failures can be avoided with regular maintenance, especially cleaning. Toasters emit a lot of heat and inhibited air circulation can cause fried heating elements • Space considerations » Failure to provide the right amount of clearance
bread and having a toaster with more adjustments for each is a worthwhile investment
• Is the opening height suitable for all bread types? • Very fresh bread can be moist. The best toast comes from dry bread • Toasting is a three-step process – drying, heating and carmelizing » Will your customer be willing to allow their breads to air out before toasting? • If so – a simple toaster is recommended • If not – a toaster with the ability to adjust heat levels is ideal
for your toaster can drastically reduce its lifespan. Be sure to provide adequate space around the unit to ensure optimal air flow
How to Safely Clean and Remove Crumbs from a Toaster
• Use small brushes to clean hard-to-reach spaces • Remove the crumb tray, empty loose crumbs and then wipe the tray clean and dry before replacing • Do not turn toasters upside down or shake them to remove crumbs. This can damage the internal components and further lodge crumbs inside of the toaster
Keeping the toaster clean is important for the overall performance and safety of the unit. The below best practices will help maximize your toaster’s performance and lifespan: • Switch off the unit, unplug it and make sure it’s cool prior to cleaning • Wipe down the outside of the toaster daily with a damp cloth
Common Toaster Failures
• Connection to the terminal block » Regular intermittent connections are prevalent in toasters, which can increase the risk of electrical component failure
• Damage to electrical wires » Toasters work by reaching high temperatures very quickly. Over time, that extreme temperature variance can affect the electrical wires in your machine, causing them to short or crack
EQUIPMENT GUIDE
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