Rival TT9272-BC Cool Touch 2-Slice Toaster

Gentle curves, round knobs, and cool-touch metal sides give this Rival toaster an appealing retro feel. Electronic controls with a variable setting dial produce perfectly browned toast, but the uniqueness of this model is the Toast-Excel feature: metal flaps close the top of each slot to contain heat, thereby warming breads and pastries 30 percent faster than regular toasters. The toaster's two slots are wide enough to hold bagels easily, and are long enough for medium-length slices of bread. Small pastries are easily retrieved with the high-rise lifter, and if toast becomes jammed, the toaster automatically shuts off. Other convenient features include a slide-out crumb tray for cleaning and a bottom storage wrap for the 26-inch cord. The toaster measures 12 by 7 by 8 inches. --Ann Bieri