What makes someone the “toast of the town?' Typically, it's because they’re pretty incredible (or toast-worthy). But funny enough, the saying works for toast itself.
There’s nothing quite like a slice of hot, buttered toast; the comfort-food meter is off the charts (especially if you add a little cinnamon and sugar). Breakfast isn’t complete without a side of crispy toast or a delicious bagel — and a BBQ pork sandwich, BLT or cheeseburger doesn’t measure up without a crisped bun. Toasted products are a staple for almost every operation out there.
Now the question is, what toaster will work best for your establishment? We’ll take a look at the three main types of commercial toasters and examine their benefits, drawbacks and which operations they’re best suited for.
What to know about pop-up toasters
The benefits of a pop-up toaster
A pop-up toaster is one of the most common types of toasters, and it’s also the least expensive on the market. Operation is simple with a standard dial to determine the preferred shade of toast, and a straightforward on-demand, push-down lever to “start” the unit up. These toasters typically use less energy and have a smaller footprint than other models. There are pop-up toasters ranging from light- to heavy-duty; choosing an option often comes down to the volume of toast you’re looking to cook up.
Some drawbacks of a pop-up toaster
A pop-up toaster is perfect in the right setting, but like any piece of equipment, there are some drawbacks that come with it. The heating elements in a pop-up toaster can burn out quicker than other models since they’re smaller and aren’t engineered to take on a high volume of continual toasting. The push-down lever is also prone to breaking if constantly handled. And with only two or four slots typically available, toasting is limited.
Where a pop-up toaster shines
It’s familiar and easy-to-use controls make pop-up toasters perfect for front-of-the-house operations such as continental breakfasts, cafeterias or buffets. These settings (as well as coffee shops, small diners, and other establishments that demand less volume of toasted products) are the perfect candidates for a pop-up toaster. Look for a well-crafted, durable toaster with a removable crumb tray for easy cleanup. And longer, wider slots should be considered for increased versatility to toast items like bagels and hoagie buns. Lastly, if you plan to use a pop-up toaster in a front-of-house capacity, be aware of the aesthetics and choose one that not only functions well but also looks great.
What to know about contact toasters
Benefits of a contact toaster
Contact toasters work by pulling a slice of bread or a bun against a heated sheet; this creates a caramelized, sealed surface that supports added condiments or juices from sandwich ingredients. The caramelized seal increases the flavor of the bun and helps limit unsavory, soggy bread. The size of contact toasters can vary; different models yield different volume demands (some toasters can even pump out up to 1,600 slices an hour).
Some drawbacks of a contact toaster
You can’t go wrong with a delicious buttery bun, but there are some drawbacks to a contact toaster. The average cost and larger footprint can be a hurdle for some operations, especially if your main menu items don’t require a caramelized bun surface. Also, there are many moving parts in a contact toaster (rollers, rods and sheets). The more components rumbling around can increase servicing needs and affect the unit’s downtime and maintenance costs. Lack of flexibility can also be a drawback. Changing out the toasted items isn’t as simple as putting in the next bun. To seal the bun correctly, most models require the operator to adjust a dial or other automatic presets to accommodate the height or thickness of each different item. It can be a time-consuming task if your operation toasts more than one type of bread product.
Where a contact toaster shines
Contact toasters are great for busy burger joints or any establishment that puts out a high volume of sandwiches or buttery bagels. Kitchens that don’t have a contact toaster can utilize it to reclaim precious griddle space (often used to get that beautiful buttery seal). They help automate one more task within the kitchen, decreasing the labor of toasting and buttering every slice. Look for a contact unit that is made of stainless steel material and has a solid construction.
What to know about a conveyor toaster
Benefits of a conveyor toaster
A conveyor toaster is the golden standard for high-volume toasting needs. These robust machines can run hard all day long, with some models producing up to 2,000 slices every hour. The parts in most conveyor toasters are durable and typically require minimal maintenance. Multiple bread products can be placed onto the conveyor loading ramp, and a conveyor slides them into the toasting chamber and then out the other side. A conveyor model allows for variety since you can toast different sizes of multiple products. Most of these toasters will modernize your operation with advanced controls, programmable presets and touchscreen displays.
Some drawbacks of a conveyor toaster
The durability, variety and volume conveyor toasters provide are amazing, but the cost can get up there (although there are plenty of moderately priced models out there). Conveyor units can be a little more complicated to operate since they require programming to control the automated conveyor speed. Some units require a fair share of energy to operate and can take up to 30 minutes to warm up. However, purchasing units that offer a power-saving mode can significantly decrease energy costs.
Where conveyor toasters shine
Automation, reliability and increased output make a conveyor toaster perfect for operations with a high breakfast and sandwich demand. Hotel restaurants, higher education cafeterias, hospitals, and busy breakfast or lunch diners can benefit from the convenient, automated conveyor. Staff can enjoy the added ability to multitask without constantly needing to watch over the toaster. Cleaning is also a breeze, with some models offering a removable air intake filter screen or bottom screen that you can easily remove and wipe down. And at 2,000 slices an hour, your operation won’t run out of toast anytime soon. Choose a conveyor toaster with stainless steel construction and a well-crafted design.
Consistency is king.
Become the “toast of your operation” and choose a unit that creates the best product for your establishment. Features such as Hatco’s patented Color Guard Sensing System is one way to ensure your bread, bagels and buns are exactly on par with a consistent toasted color. Want to learn more about how toast is done best. Here’s how one favorite Midwestern restaurant delivers on thousands of perfectly toasted bread brunch specials.
