Why the same toaster doesn't always make the same toast
The moisture content of the bread, its temperature, and the type of bread change how long it takes to toast, even if the toaster is the same.
A slice of toast is a great breakfast option, whether with peanut butter, jam, avocado, or just butter. However, getting it toasted to the same level every time can be frustrating, even with the same toaster settings.
The moisture content of the bread greatly influences how crispy it becomes. Bagels are generally drier than slices of white bread and toast faster, while white bread has slightly more moisture and may need a little extra time to achieve a golden exterior.
The temperature of the bread also matters. If it's been stored in the refrigerator or freezer, it may need more toasting time. Even so, a toaster can be a good way to defrost frozen bread when you need to reheat it quickly.
The toaster's initial temperature also plays a role. It needs to heat up from room temperature to toast the first slice, but it retains that heat for subsequent slices. That's why the last slice is usually a bit darker and crispier than the first.
The type of bread also determines how it should be heated. Light breads, like brioche, require slow heating at a low temperature, while wholemeal breads tolerate heat better. Freshly baked bread benefits from being left to rest overnight because it has less moisture.
If the bread burns, chef Silvia Baldini told Food & Wine that freezing it completely stops the cooking process. If it's only burnt on the outside, she suggests scraping off the charred bits with a cheese grater.
