Toasters aren't just for toasting bread anymore. They also toast bagels, frozen waffles, breakfast strudel, and other breakfast and snack items. No wonder they break down! Fortunately, toasters are relatively easy to fix. If it's unfixable and you decide to toss it instead, you'll know what to look for in your next toaster.

How Does It Work?

Remove the carriage lever and unfasten the cover panel.

A toaster is an electric heating appliance with a timer, carriage, and latch. Most pop-up toasters work in the same manner. A slice of bread or other appropriate food item is placed through a slot in the top of the toaster and into the carriage. A lever lowers the carriage to the bottom of the chassis where it latches in position, an internal switch turns on the heating elements, and a timer starts. Once the timer finishes its cycle, it turns off the elements and a solenoid releases the spring-loaded carriage that pops up the toast. A toaster oven works differently to do the same thing on a wider variety of foods.

What Can Go Wrong?

Toasters malfunction frequently for two major reasons. First, most toasters are built to be throwaway appliances. Second, malfunctions are frequently caused by particles of food that interfere with the operation of the toaster. Other problems with toasters include cords that malfunction, latch assemblies that are damaged or obstructed, or faulty elements and thermostats. Modern toasters use circuit boards within the controls that, if damaged, should be taken to an appliance repair center or tossed.

Fix-It Tip

Bread drops particles as it toasts, collecting on the bottom of the toaster appliance. Depending on how often you use your toaster, it's a good idea to clean out the crumb tray at least once a week. Some units slide out from the front while others require that you unlatch a cover underneath the unit--preferably over the trash can. Also take a moment to look inside for loose food trapped behind element wires where it can short out an element.