Oster® 2-Slice Toaster, Grey

I shopped around pretty hard for this toaster because I was really reluctant to buy one. I’m the only person in our household of three who really doesn’t eat bagels, toast, bread, etc….and on top of that I LOVED my Grandmother’s toaster that was from the 1950’s that I had been using both for sentimental reasons as well as because it was the old, shiny steel (shaped almost like this one) and even had a fabric cord. It was probably a heinous fire-hazard….but I loved it and it lasted until recently when we heard a “POP” and my beloved toaster was done.I didn’t want anything modern-looking or bulky (especially since I don’t use it and we have very limited counter space) and I’d have really preferred one of those stylized, retro models that are outrageously priced and have no real qualifications for the high price other than perhaps the awesome colors and design.When I came upon this Oster and realized I could have Purple and still get the fairly retro stylizing AND for a great price I was suspicious. How could it be pretty, retro, cost-efficient, and still perform well?But it really does perform. My boyfriend loves to stuff giant “everything” bagels into the toaster and he uses it most. He even suggested I get a “bagel” specific toaster (*shudder*) and I wanted to avoid one of those huge eyesores with every fiber of my being. He’s really satisfied with the sizing of this for bagels and no more digging them out with knives!! The extra “spring” advertised when the toast/bagel pops up actually works really well and pushes up even the fattest Deli Bagels. No messes or fussing. The crumb tray is excellent because I’m VERY obsessive about finding crumbs on counters and this one leaves no trace (we put it away when we’re done and I have to say….I wish it could be left out because it’s so pretty). The heat distribution is really even and this actually tends to toast a bit darker than needed rather than lighter. This simply means you should set this lighter than how you want your toast/bagels to turn out. The built in buttons work great, but we don’t use them often. My 13 year old son tends to use them more than anyone since he spaces out/forgets he’s toasting something/forgets to check the darkness setting.This is fast, quiet, even-heated, and compact enough for any kitchen. The photos are actually terrible because this is a very high-luster purple and the toaster itself does NOT look like cheap plastic like this advertising photo makes it appear. It’s shiny and attractive just like “other” models and the slots are wide and have quality and durable caging. If you were to need to get inside of the slots, you’d be able to do so easily and see what you’re doing (unlike older styles or cheaper models). I still can’t believe what a steal this was and considering I didn’t want a toaster at all….I don’t feel like I wasted money OR put something ugly in my kitchen. We’re all fussy about different things in this family and this toaster suits the penny-pincher, the design-enthusiast, and the forgetful teen. I would buy this toaster again and again! We love it!