Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This was purchased at a local department store, and as I was comparing this toaster to others in similar price ranges: Oster, Black and Decker, I needed to find a specific aspect of the Waring Pro WT400 that justified the most expensive price tag there. There needed to be something that could be picked out on the display models that said to me: "this is the better one at least because...". I would not have bought it otherwise.
So as I am writing you this review, I guess it is obvious that there was something that I picked out because I did indeed buy it. As I was feeling around these couple of toasters, they all had the same weight, and aside from the stainless steel covering of the Waring, looked pretty alike in their basic functions. However, there were a few things that were noticeably of a higher quality on the Waring, and thus justified the higher price tag for me. They were the metal housing on the inside of the toaster and the metal holsters that clamp against the bread you insert in. The difference was that on the other toasters, any pressure on these two things by my fingers would cause them to bend in, whereas on the Waring, there was no bending on either of them, even from fairly hard pressing. For me, where there is going to be prolonged heat numerous times during the life of the toaster, I felt that a thicker metal would be more conducive to a longer lasting toaster. Usually if you are paying more money for something you expect: "More Money = Better Parts", and in this case that seemed to be where the extra money was going.
As you can see by the picture, it is fully stainless steel, with a Bagel and a Defrost button. If it did not already look like it was leaning towards a modern looking appliance, the blue LEDs should more than satisfy in that regard (when the Bagel or Defrost button is used).
The toasting needs the least amount said for it, because one word describes it: evenly. I usually toast bread that is anything but even, but yet what I get from this toaster is evenly toasted toast. Is it magic? I do not know, but I know I am getting evenly toasted bread everytime I use it, on every setting.
I knocked off one star because of the defrost setting. I usually buy my bread in bulk, so the majority of it stays in the freezer. I was excited to see how this toaster defrosted bread after it had thawed just a little from being frozen but it did not perform how I was hoping. For example, I let some bread thaw out just enough so I could split them, and then stuck some pieces in the toaster and turned the defrost on. After a while (the instructions say that defrosting warms the bread then proceeds to toast), it finished and I was left with bread that was burnt on the outside and cold in the middle. Sounds like some kind of horror that would only come from a microwave. I then had to put the toast back in and re-defrost it. The result came back with an even blacker toast and the middle part being palatable. Was not impressed with the Defrost, needless to say.
So, if you find yourself in a department store with this being the top-shelf toaster, I would say that the price is justified because it seems like the Waring is a better quality product, that does work very well. However, be weary if you are eating your bread in the Arctic, or pulling it out of the Arctic.
****Update as of 11/22/10****
After using this product for over 3 months now, I am retracting what I said about the defrost setting. After having defrosted many pieces of bread after the initial one I reviewed about, the microwave like event has not happened again. Maybe when I first used it I stuck a piece of bread in there that was a little too frozen. However, I have been defrosting many times since the first incident (frozen bread mind you), and it works fantastic.
I have also received e-mails about the heating elements seemingly not all lighting up. After contacting Waring Pro have been told this is normal. Comparing to other toasters from friends and family, I can confirm that not a one had all of their heating elements lighting up with the same intensity (or color). What I was told was that each of the heating elements light up, but some are more orange than others but all should still be working, which was the case in my situation.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Waring Pro WT400 Professional 4 Slice Toaster, Brushed Stainless Steel
Now you can enjoy English muffins, toast, breakfast toaster pastries- even bagels- toasted to perfection, thanks to the self-centering toast slots, adjustable shade control and the special Bagel control that toasts on just one side. Designed with 1.3"- wide toasting slots, this toaster is ideal for thick slices of artisanal breads. Watch frozen items like waffles or bread heat up in a flash with the Defrost function. The high-lift carriage feature means you never have to struggle to remove your toast, and the removable Crumb Tray makes cleaning a breeze. Commercial-style brushed stainless steel housing fits into even the most sophisticated kitchen!
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