The Coolest Bonus Features on Retro Toasters
Nothing says more about you than your toaster, and the coolest among us innately understand that you can’t just buy a toaster—retro toasters are what they have. Retro means “old-fashioned” or “vintage.” These toasters look like they came from the 1950s or 60s, but many of them have awesome bonus features that make breakfast way more fun.
If you’ve never seen a retro toaster, picture something shiny and colorful, like bright red, turquoise, or yellow. They sometimes have chrome parts that look like mirrors. Even though they look old, they can do way more than just toast bread. Their bonus features are worthy of a good conversation.
1. Extra-Wide Slots for Bigger Bread
One of the coolest things is extra-wide slots. That means you can fit thick slices of bread or big bagels inside. Some toasters even have slots wide enough for homemade bread. Everyone’s grandma had a retro toaster with giant slots. When I used to stay over at mine, I got to toast bagels with lots of cream cheese. It felt fancy, like I was eating at a café.
2. Bagel Mode
Lots of retro toasters have a button called Bagel Mode. When you press it, the toaster heats only one side of the bagel. The inside gets warm and toasty, and the outside stays softer. The purpose is to keep the bagel from getting too crunchy. I just think it’s neat that there’s a special button just for bagels.
3. Defrost Button
Do you ever forget to take your bread out of the freezer? Many of us do. That’s why the Defrost button is awesome. It lets you put frozen bread straight into the toaster. The toaster warms it up a little before it starts toasting. That way, your bread doesn’t come out burnt on the outside and still cold on the inside. It saves time when you’re in a hurry to get to work or school.
4. Reheat Function
Sometimes you make toast, but then you get busy and it gets cold. Retro toasters can have a Reheat button. This button warms your toast without making it any browner or crispier. So if you forget your toast because you’re watching Netflix, you can still enjoy it hot.
5. Browning Dials
Another fun feature is the browning dial. This is a little knob or slider that lets you pick how dark you want your toast. You can choose from light golden to almost burnt (but not really burnt). Some toasters even have numbers, like 1 to 6. My spouse likes number 2 because it’s barely toasted. I pick number 4 because I like crunchy edges.
6. Pop-Up Sound
Some retro toasters make a little ding or a bell sound when your toast is ready. It’s kind of like an old-timey oven timer. I think it’s cute, and it makes me excited to grab my toast. My aunt has one that goes ding-ding! and it makes her cat jump every time (yes, my whole family is into these.)
7. High-Lift Lever
Have you ever tried to get a short piece of toast out and burned your fingers? Retro toasters sometimes have a high-lift lever. When you pull it up, it raises the toast higher so you don’t have to dig inside. It’s way safer and easier for kids.
8. Removable Crumb Tray
Retro toasters can have a removable crumb tray underneath. This little tray catches all the crumbs that fall while toasting. When it gets full, you can slide it out and dump the crumbs in the trash. It helps keep your kitchen clean. My spouse says it also keeps the toaster from smelling burnt.
9. Cool-Touch Sides
Some retro toasters have cool-touch exteriors. That means the outside doesn’t get hot, even when the inside is toasting. So if you accidentally bump it, you won’t burn yourself. This is great if you have little ones running around who like to touch everything.
10. Lighted Buttons
I love the lighted buttons on retro toasters, I am a self proclaimed big kid. When you press Bagel or Defrost, a little light glows to show it’s working. It looks so futuristic, even though the toaster is retro. It makes me feel like I’m using a spaceship.
11. Cord Storage
Retro toasters sometimes have cord storage underneath. You can wrap the cord around it so it doesn’t hang all over the counter. It keeps everything tidy. It also makes it easier to put the toaster away if you don’t use it every day.
12. See-Through Windows
A few retro toasters have a see-through glass window on the side. You can watch your bread turn golden brown. It’s like a little toaster TV. It’s fun to guess when the toast will pop up.
13. Matching Retro Accessories
Even though this isn’t part of the toaster itself, some retro toaster brands have matching stuff, like kettles, blenders, and coffee makers. You can get everything in the same color, like shiny red or pastel blue. It makes your kitchen look super cool, like a diner from the 1950s.
14. Automatic Shut-Off
Some retro toasters have automatic shut-off. This means if your toast gets stuck, the toaster turns itself off so nothing catches fire. It’s a good safety feature and makes many moms feel better about me using it.
15. Warming Rack
A few retro models come with a warming rack on top. You can put buns, rolls, or croissants on it to warm them without toasting. My grandma used to like to warm her scones that way.
Retro Toasters are just plain Fun
They mix old styles with new features. They look like something from an old movie, but they work better than lots of modern toasters. Also, they make breakfast feel special, nostalgic even. Instead of boring toast, you get perfect bagels, warm croissants, and crunchy slices exactly the way you want them.
If you ever get to pick a toaster for your kitchen, you should look at retro ones. They come in tons of colors, and you can find one with all the bonus features you like best. Some of my favorites are the see-through window, the bell sound, and the extra-wide slots. My spouse once again likes the removable crumb tray because it keeps the counter clean. I really just likes the buttons that light up.
So next time you make toast, think about all the cool things a retro toaster can do. It’s not just about warming bread. It’s about having fun while you eat breakfast!
If you are thinking about buying one, see our buying page here.
To find out more, check out our awesome Retro Toasters Buying Guide.
