When I was younger, cereal was my go-to breakfast. It was easy to prepare: grab the box, grab a bowl, pour, add milk, get a spoon, eat.
Now that I'm older (and maybe I just mean "old"), I've started to enjoy toast. And not just simply toasting bread, I mean experimenting with levels of toastiness and toppings to put on it.
I started researching some of the trending kitchen gadgets and appliances and found the Oster 4-Slice Touch Screen Toaster. Yes, a toaster with a touchscreen! It sounded like something straight out of a sci-fi movie so I had to give it a try. And, naturally, part of me laughs at the ridiculousness of something so simple -- toasting a piece of bread -- needing advanced technology to do the job. But that's the world we live in!
The first thing that struck me was the sleek design. The stainless steel finish is modern and sophisticated, fitting seamlessly into the kitchen decor. The touchscreen interface is a definite eye-catcher, replacing traditional knobs and levers with a clean, minimalist aesthetic. (Think sorta microwave vibes.)
But a pretty face isn't everything. (Just ask Collin.) The real test is in the toast. Thankfully, the Oster toaster delivers. The smart touchscreen offers several preset programs for bagels, waffles, pastries and, of course, toast. Simply select your desired setting and darkness level with a touch and the toaster gets to work.
I found the preset programs surprisingly accurate. The bagel setting perfectly toasted the cut side of my bagel while gently warming the rounded side. The waffle setting produced consistently golden-brown waffles with a satisfyingly crispy exterior. And the traditional toast setting allowed me to customize the browning level to my exact preference – from a light golden hue to a deep, dark crunch.
Beyond the presets, the toaster boasts a "frozen" setting, which automatically adjusts the toasting time to perfectly defrost and toast frozen bread. This has been a lifesaver on busy mornings when I'm craving toast but haven't planned ahead.
One of the features I appreciate most is the "A Bit More" button. If your toast isn't quite as brown as you'd like, simply press this button for a quick burst of extra toasting time. It’s a simple feature that prevents the frustration of having to re-toast your bread for too long and risk burning it.
Cleaning is also a breeze. The removable crumb tray makes it easy to dispose of crumbs and keep the toaster looking spick and span. The stainless steel exterior wipes clean with a damp cloth, resisting fingerprints and smudges.
Despite its many positives, there are a few minor drawbacks. The touchscreen can be a bit sensitive and it takes a little getting used to finding the right pressure to register a touch. Also, the price point is higher than many other toasters on the market.
Overall, the Oster 4-Slice Touch Screen Toaster is a solid investment for anyone looking to upgrade their breakfast game. Its sleek design, intuitive touchscreen controls and consistent toasting performance make it a standout appliance.