How to Make Perfectly Toasted Bread

Learn how to toast bread to your favorite shade of golden brown using a toaster or a toaster oven. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Check the settings. Look at the dial on your toaster. Most have numbers from 1 to 5 or 6. If you want light toast, set it to 1 or 2. For dark, crispy toast, set it to 4 or 5. If this is your first time, start with 2.
2. Load the bread. Gently place one slice of bread into each slot. Make sure the bread is not crumpled or folded so it fits easily without getting stuck.
3. Start the toast. Push the lever down until it clicks and stays in place. The heating elements inside will start to glow orange as the bread toasts.
4. Retrieve your toast. Wait for the toaster to 'pop' your bread up automatically. If the toast is too hot to touch, wait a few seconds or use a clean pair of wooden tongs to lift it out.