We humans are so finicky when it comes to our food habits and preferences. We just can’t eat a raw fish like a bear or may be just boil the vegetables and eat it. But no, we are no cavemen, ’’yaba daba doo’’. We require spices, masala, and exciting gravy, dash of lime. Even when it comes to ice cream, a scoop is not enough. We need honey, fruit and nuts, cream or some such toppings. In fact it is the special dressing of the food served in exotic restaurants that triggers our taste buds and admit it even salivate.
Talk of salivating - when it comes to food we like more dressing, pity it’s not the same with chicks! (sic!) N.E. ways, what I want to say largely has to do with our breakfast habits. I for one, love bread and butter, occasionally with a slight spread of chutney. Sometimes, however, we do slip in few slices of tomatoes, potatoes and cucumber for that filling sandwich. This is the point where our taste buds come in picture. Some of us would not be satisfied with that soft slice of bread. We need it hard, browned and crispy. Nothing beats toast bread or toast sandwich. At this juncture, I believe 80% like their bread the way I have mentioned. For the other 20%, I would ask them to do a little exercise. Simply close your eyes, and visualize a spoonful butter melting on the hot slice of bread or the steam gently rising from a hot cheese filled sandwich and disappearing into air. Ahhh! Bye...I am off to the kitchen! Now in the kitchen I would like to introduce you to an amazing device, the toaster! Ok, for those who are laughing at me for calling a toaster an amazing device, sit back and read. This isn’t just a typical pop-up toaster but is Philips Toaster with Sandwich Maker. What, come again? Hee ya! A pop-up toaster that also makes sandwiches!
«« IT’S SLEEK »» The white body glistens and is very attractive, suits décor especially if you have a luxurious kitchen. The body is rectangular with curved edges - very chubby. It has two slots - extra wide and extra deep. In fact one can fit two small slices in the same slot. A peek within and you can see vertical arrangement of micanite strips with a wire that surrounds it like a climber. This wire gets red hot when the toaster is ON. On one flat side, it has three settings - defrost, reheat and warming. It also comes with an on/off indicator and a stop button. Besides it has a knob to set the timer. On one side, it has a lever - for pop-up of course.
«« THE POP-STAR »» The primary function is the pop-up toaster. The lever comes with extra lift and spring action that pops the slices to a good height. So there is no problem removing the small Wibbs bread slice, anymore. The toasting time can be set by the electronic timer, so no burning of slices. Then again you have the reheating setting, too so no soft cold toasts.
«« THE SANDWICH MAKER »» This is the star feature. It has sandwich holders specially designed to fit in the slots designed for toasting of slice. This also explains the extra wide slots. These come with non-stick coating. Just put the sandwich in it and close the lid and insert the holder in the slots. This arrangement also provides automatic adjustment for thicker and thinner sandwiches. Of course, hamburger sized sandwiches are not possible. But it is extremely easy to use and even cleaning is much easier without the breadcrumbs getting stuck with the heating coils as in conventional electric sandwich makers.
«« THE WARMING RACK »» Again a non-conventional feature. Simply superb, isn’t it? This is a rack that holds some foodstuff like a rolled chapatti, croissant type of round puff breads etc., just above the slots to warm it. Mind you, despite all this warming action and hot popping toast, the main body stays surprisingly cool. So no burning of fingers or spoiling the finish or melting of chord insulation etc.
«« DEFROST? »» And I thought it was only in fridges and microwaves. But this one comes in handy especially if you keep bread in refrigerators. It warms or should I call it thaws the frozen stuff before the toasting cycle.
«« OTHER MARVELLOUS FEATURES »» * It obviously comes with a crumb-collecting tray. * There is a cord storage facility. * It comes with auto-safety shut off feature.
«« PROBLEMS »» Well, the toaster works religiously and reliably every morning, giving nice crispy hard toast wit the right brown colour. Till date, it has not given any problem, though I admit that it is with us only for 3 months now. The cleaning is easy - thanks to the crumb-collecting tray that can slide in and out. The main body is just wiped with a damp cloth. Overall I highly recommend this product, which is so much more than just a pop-up toaster.