Why is my toaster not working?

Quick Answers

There are a few common reasons why a toaster may stop working properly:

• The toaster is unplugged – Make sure the toaster is plugged into a working outlet.
• You need to reset the toaster – Many toasters have a reset button on the bottom that needs to be pushed to restart the toasting mechanism.
• The toaster is overloaded – Don’t put too much bread in the slots or the toaster can jam.
• There are crumbs blocking the slots – Unplug the toaster and use a long plastic utensil to remove any breadcrumbs that may be obstructing the slots.
• The heating elements have failed – Over time, the heating coils can burn out and stop generating heat. You’ll need a new toaster.

These are some of the most common reasons a toaster will stop working properly. Read on for more details on troubleshooting each potential issue.

Is the Toaster Plugged In and Switched On?

Before doing anything else, check to make sure your toaster is plugged in and switched on. Make sure the toaster is plugged directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip or extension cord.

If the toaster is plugged in but still not working, check the wall outlet with another appliance like a lamp to ensure there is power to the outlet. If other appliances work in the outlet, the issue is likely with the toaster itself.

Also check that any buttons or levers on the toaster are in the correct position. Most toasters have a switch that pops up when toast is done. Make sure this hasn’t been pushed down accidentally. The switch needs to be up in order for the toaster to operate.

Try Resetting the Toaster

If your toaster is plugged in correctly but still not working, the next step is to do a reset. Many toasters have a reset button on the bottom that needs to be pushed to restart the toasting mechanism.

Here are the steps to reset a toaster:

1. Unplug the toaster from the electrical outlet.
2. Let the toaster cool completely, about 10 minutes.
3. Once cool, locate the reset button on the bottom of the toaster. It is often red and labeled “Reset.”
4. Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to press the reset button. You may need to hold it down for 5-10 seconds.
5. Plug the toaster back in and test it by toasting on a low setting.

Resetting the toaster will often fix issues with the toast not lowering, uneven toasting, or the toaster not turning on at all. The reset button essentially reboots the toasting mechanisms inside.

However, if you find you have to keep resetting the toaster frequently, that likely indicates a larger problem. The toasting components may be wearing out.

Could the Toaster Be Overloaded?

Another common reason for toaster malfunction is overloading the slots with too much bread. If you try to cram oversized or extra-thick slices of bread into the slots, it can overload the toasting mechanisms and cause jamming.

Most standard toasters are designed for normal sliced sandwich bread. Trying to toast artisan loaves, bagels, or extra thick slices can be problematic.

Here are some tips to avoid overloading your toaster:

• Use fresh sliced bread that isn’t overly large or thick for each slot.
• Adjust the browning level to a lower setting when toasting thicker items like bagels.
• Only put one item in each slot at a time.
• Opt for a wider toaster with more slots if you regularly toast a lot of bread at once.
• Allow the toaster to completely cool down between uses if toasting multiple batches.

Overloading places excessive strain on the toaster’s internal components and can lead to failure over time. Make sure you are using the appliance within its capabilities to prevent issues.

Inspect the Toaster for Crumbs and Debris

One of the most common reasons for a toaster not working properly is a buildup of crumbs and debris inside the slots and mechanism. This can cause obstruction that blocks the bread from lowering or heating evenly.

It’s important to regularly clean your toaster to remove any food particles or crumbs that accumulate over time. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Unplug the toaster and allow it to fully cool.
2. Turn the toaster upside down over the sink and gently shake out any loose crumbs.
3. Use a plastic utensil or toothpick to gently scrape debris off the interior surfaces and corners of the slot openings.
4. Use a can of compressed air to blow away any remaining dust and crumbs.
5. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.
6. Let the toaster dry completely before plugging back in.

Be very careful not to touch any interior metal parts while cleaning a toaster. It’s also best to avoid using water or liquid cleaners directly in the slots, as this can damage the electrical components.

Regularly cleaning out your toaster every few weeks helps prevent blockages and keeps it toasting like new. If you clean out debris but find the toaster is still not working, the internal mechanics may need professional service.

Are the Heating Elements Working?

The heating elements inside a toaster can wear out over time after prolonged use. If your toaster fails to toast even after troubleshooting everything else, it’s likely the heating coils have burnt out.

You can test the heating element functionality fairly easily:

1. Unplug the toaster and remove any crumbs or debris from the slots.
2. Turn the color/darkness adjustment to the lightest setting.
3. Insert a piece of bread and press down the lever to lower it into the slot.
4. After 30 seconds, the bread should begin warming up. If not, the heating elements are likely faulty.

If the coils are not generating any heat at all, then the toaster needs professional repair to replace the heating elements. In some cheaper toaster models, it’s often more cost effective to purchase a new one.

High-end toasters with stainless steel commercial-grade heating elements can last many years. But the coils in inexpensive consumer models typically burn out more quickly, usually after 2-5 years of frequent use.

When to Replace Your Toaster

If you’ve tried troubleshooting all potential issues and your toaster still fails to operate correctly, it may simply be time to replace it with a new model.

Here are some signs that indicate your toaster should be replaced:

• The toaster is 5+ years old.
• You frequently have to turn the darkness knob to the highest setting just to lightly toast bread.
• The exterior plastic housing shows excessive wear, stains, or cracks.
• The cord is damaged or frayed.
• The toaster frequently requires resetting.
• It repeatedly burns or under toasts no matter what setting is used.
• The interior heating elements are no longer working.

While you can attempt to repair an older failing toaster, often it makes more sense economically to simply purchase a new one. Newer toaster models also offer useful features like wider slots, removable crumb trays, LED indicators, and defrost modes for bagels and frozen items.

Upgrading to a modern stainless steel or brushed metal toaster can provide even and consistent toasting results for many years to come. Look for models with at least 1-year warranties and avoid cheap plastic toasters that seem likely to break.

Toaster Buying Guide

When shopping for a new replacement toaster, keep these key features in mind:

Number of Slots

Common options include 2, 4, or 6 slot toasters. Choose based on the amount of bread you typically toast at once. More slots provide flexibility for larger households or batch toasting.

Wide Slots

Wider slots (at least 1.5 inches) more easily accommodate artisan breads, bagels, and thicker slices. Look for self-centering cradles to hold uneven slices in place.

Toasting Modes

Many modern toasters include preset modes for bagels, waffles, pastries, frozen items, and more. These provide optimized heating for different foods.

Shade Settings

Variable browning controls allow you to fine tune the desired level of shading. Higher end models may have an LED display showing the browning level.

Extra Features

Some optional nice-to-have features include removable crumb trays, cord storage, warming racks, touchscreen controls, and LED indicators.

Materials

Stainless steel or brushed metal exteriors look great and can match any kitchen. Durable steel heating elements also tend to outlast cheaper chrome or wire coils.

Our Top Toaster Picks

Based on the criteria above, here are our recommendations for reliable modern toasters:

Brand	Model	Key Features
Cuisinart	CPT-440	4 wide slots, motorized lift, bagel mode
Kitchenaid	KMT4115	7 shade settings, high lift lever, removable crumb tray
Breville	BIT220TEC	Stainless steel, 6 presets, LED progress indicator
Dualit	26015	Commercial-grade, replaceable elements, 1-year warranty

These reliable toaster models receive high marks for performance, durability, and ease of use. Investing in a quality toaster from a reputable brand is the best option for consistently delicious toast every morning.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting common toaster problems like being unplugged, overloaded, or filled with crumbs can often get your appliance toasting properly again. But if the toaster still fails to operate correctly after trying these solutions, the internal elements likely need professional repair. For inexpensive consumer models, replacement is often a better option than repair.

When shopping for a new toaster, look for quality construction, durable steel heating elements, wide slots, and useful features like defrost modes and removable crumb trays. Taking the time to select a well-designed toaster made by a reputable brand will provide many years of optimal toasting with minimal issues. Investing in the right toaster upfront is the best way to avoid ongoing problems down the line.

With some basic troubleshooting and maintenance, your morning toaster should consistently produce perfect golden brown toast every day. So enjoy that crispy toasted bread without any frustrating toaster malfunctions!