Repro Toasters

[LizzieMaine]

The problem with vintage automatic toasters is that the thermostats sometimes give out -- resulting in incinerated toast, and possibly other things being incinerated as well. One option is to go with a manual toaster -- the kind where you flip over the bread to toast each side. You *have to* be in the room, paying close attention to use one of these, and if you don't you'll soon find out why.

I've been using one of these for over twenty-five years -- paid a dollar for it at a flea market, and it's never given me a bit of trouble.

 

[Sweet Leilani]

But when a fully functional vintage edition of a product is available and affordable, I will always go that way. And when it comes to vintage toasters, boy, are they readily available.

I agree. I've been using a vintage GE toaster for years. My dad got it when he opened a new bank account back in 1962, and my parents used it while I was growing up. When I moved out, I took it with me. They've gone through about 4 or 5 new toasters since then.

Anyway, my point is, that just because something is new doesn't mean it's safer. Thermostats can fail just as easily (if not more easily) when made with today's cheaper materials. Don't forget that these newer things are supposed to break in a few years- so you have to buy a new one.

I've never had any trouble with mine, but I do unplug it after use- mainly because I keep it on top of the fridge when not in use.

 

[Forgotten Man]

I'd definitely recommend going with vintage over repro, but then I'm of the opinion that almost all repro products are ... well, lame.

:eusa_clap

My words exactly!

I use vintage toasters all the time... well, every time I need toast... lol

Picked up a nice 1939 Toastmaster at an antique mall, good cord and plug, works like a charm! Cost only about $25. bucks! I do have a friend who had an original '39 toastmaster cord to put on it, so, I had that done... nothing much to these toasters! If they work, that means there's a good connection. If the cord is cool wile it works; that means it's safe to use. All it is a power cord connected to two connectors that supply the power to the heat elements. Simple stuff really, besides, I see good vintage toasters on ebay all the time that go for very cheap!

I have two that I use, I have a double door early 30's table toaster, and a counter top '39 Toastmaster that is a two slice top loader... and I wouldn't dream of using anything else! They work the best, honest! Especially the early 30’s double door model… you plug that thing in, and one side of your toast is ready to flip in 20 seconds! You have to be watching it to ensure you wont burn your toast… but, it does a swell job! Just a little labor intensive… having to turn each side over… hahaha.

That’s what I go through to get a good piece of toast! My folks have a new toaster… doesn’t toast as well as my 70+ year old toasters! And theirs is all high tech and all… what do ya need a computer to toast your bread for? It’s TOAST FOR GOODNESS SAKES!

Buy an old toaster, one that looks good and has a good clean cord… chances are, it will out last YOU!

 

[Forgotten Man]

My toastmaster is the 1B8 model and here it is.....

Samantha

HEY, SHE'SA MY TOASTER TOO! HAHAHA!

Never had any probs with it, one of the finest automatic toasters you can find from the 30's!

And look at that streamlining! Ooooooooooh! :cheers1: Toast to the Toaster of the masters... that's why it's a Toastmaster! lol I know, I'm weird.

 

[lyburnum]

Russell Hobbs 'classic' toaster isn't far off from the vintage ones, just no risk of fire/burnt toast...

 

[skyvue]

Only a very old toaster, the kind with the two doors, is likely to burn one's toast, and that only if you don't pay attention.

My vintage top-slot never burns my toast.

Whatever works for you, but thousands of people across the country are using vintage toasters, ones they've bought recently and ones they've owned since they were new.

If you like a design on its own terms, cool -- but faux vintage rarely flies for me.

 

[Forgotten Man]

A head of it's time...

The Toastmaster I mentioned earlier has a light to darkness knob on it... I believe that Sunbeam and Toastmaster came out with that around 1936... you could select the darkens of your toast by turning a small knob on one end of the toaster.

I like my toast on the dark side, so, I have the knob all the way over to dark... the timer ticks very slow at first after pushing the handle all the way down till it clicks... as it toasts, the timer ticks a little faster... then, the toast pops up on it's own... rises slowly. Never burns!!!

I've been using this toaster for 3 years or more now, never even thought of a fire being caused by a toaster... an electric heater left by it's self is one thing, but a toaster is rather harmless.

Now, this is the "Holy Grail" of toasters, a 1933-34 Hotpoint "Gazelle"!

That toaster will fetch over $300. and it's one of those pieces of true toaster art!

My two bits:

If one wants a unique working piece of art to toast with, buy a vintage toaster that has been tested and that has a good rubber/cloth insulated cord and you'll be in fine shape for more years then you can think!

Now, on the other hand, if one just wants something chrome and shiny that has a slight appeal to the toasters of the late 40's through the 50's, then a repro will fit the bill.

My self, like some, I see old toasters all the time and most of them are rather clean, and they don't sell... they need good homes where people will use them and enjoy them! They have plenty of life left, get a little more enjoyment out of your toast, buy a vintage toaster, you'll just get that much more out of your toasting experience!

PS: Just for fun, here's a post-war dandy... the Toast-O-Lator:

Bread would go in one side, and come out the other as toast! It would move along on a small little belt slowly... and there's a little window you could see the toast through!

 

[The Wingnut]

I rely on my Son-Chief.

Works fine, takes up almost no counter space, toasts FAST. Just need to keep an eye on it. It's got a darkness setting...it's called taking 'em out or flipping 'em when they look about right!

 

[Forgotten Man]

Very nice! I've seen that model around... quite a unique and deco toaster... yep, just have to keep your eye on that little guy... I recall Clark Gable refering to those as "Incinerators" lol

 

[jamespowers]

The Toastmaster I mentioned earlier has a light to darkness knob on it... I believe that Sunbeam and Toastmaster came out with that around 1936... you could select the darkens of your toast by turning a small knob on one end of the toaster.

I like my toast on the dark side, so, I have the knob all the way over to dark... the timer ticks very slow at first after pushing the handle all the way down till it clicks... as it toasts, the timer ticks a little faster... then, the toast pops up on it's own... rises slowly. Never burns!!!

I've been using this toaster for 3 years or more now, never even thought of a fire being caused by a toaster... an electric heater left by it's self is one thing, but a toaster is rather harmless.

Now, this is the "Holy Grail" of toasters, a 1933-34 Hotpoint "Gazelle"!

That toaster will fetch over $300. and it's one of those pieces of true toaster art!

My two bits:

If one wants a unique working piece of art to toast with, buy a vintage toaster that has been tested and that has a good rubber/cloth insulated cord and you'll be in fine shape for more years then you can think!

Now, on the other hand, if one just wants something chrome and shiny that has a slight appeal to the toasters of the late 40's through the 50's, then a repro will fit the bill.

My self, like some, I see old toasters all the time and most of them are rather clean, and they don't sell... they need good homes where people will use them and enjoy them! They have plenty of life left, get a little more enjoyment out of your toast, buy a vintage toaster, you'll just get that much more out of your toasting experience!

PS: Just for fun, here's a post-war dandy... the Toast-O-Lator:

Bread would go in one side, and come out the other as toast! It would move along on a small little belt slowly... and there's a little window you could see the toast through!

Can I refer to these as bricks too?

 

[Weston]

Still using my grandmothers, looks like the ad posted earlier. Was a wedding present – and a darn good one, since it makes all our toast even today, 50 years later.

 

[retrogirl1941]

HEY, SHE'SA MY TOASTER TOO! HAHAHA!

Never had any probs with it, one of the finest automatic toasters you can find from the 30's!

And look at that streamlining! Ooooooooooh! :cheers1: Toast to the Toaster of the masters... that's why it's a Toastmaster! lol I know, I'm weird.

Forgotten Man,

The toastermaster that I posted was being produced between 1939-1940. I looked up the serial number. I would post the site but the link has been lost on our other computer that died two weeks ago.


Samantha

 

[Jay]

I have a Toastmaster Powermatic (the bread goes down automatically. no strenuous lever pushing for me.) that I bought at a yardsale for a dollar. It's probably about the best investment I've ever made because it works like a charm and makes perfectly perfect toast, every time.

 

[Forgotten Man]

Forgotten Man,

The toastermaster that I posted was being produced between 1939-1940. I looked up the serial number. I would post the site but the link has been lost on our other computer that died two weeks ago.


Samantha

Oh yes, the Toastmaster model 1B6 was produced the years of the '39 World's Fair ('39-40)
Did you know also that it came with two different designs on the sides? There's the very streamlined style that we both have then, there's another design with a flower pattern like so:

I said that it's one of the best toasters of the 30's because it was first made in '39... I should have said the best "Transitional" toaster.lol

 

[Forgotten Man]

Can I refer to these as bricks too?

Nope, they're table top or counter toasters... no bricks in the kitchen! lol

 

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

Please allow me to quickly solve your problem.

http://www.cooking.com/products/shprodde.asp?SKU=145536&CCAID=FROOGLE145536

We have one at home and it works just fine.

 

[Forgotten Man]

In all honesty, modern toasters do work fine, but, I’m going to tell you here and now, they will not last as long as an original. Also, you’ll pay more for a new one with fancy features. Walk into any antique store, flea market, swap meet or even go on ebay and you’ll find some wonderful toasters in perfect working condition that are safe to use for the rest of your life for a fraction of the cost of a contemporary “RETRO” model.

My major complaint about most of the “Retro” models is the lack of detail, and also the dull finish they have… my self, I love chrome! It stands out on a counter top. Also, the fine deco details, the curves and intricate styling sets the vintage ones apart from anything made today.

My parents have a “RETERO” styled toaster… brushed stainless case and all… it works but, it’s starting to look a bit shabby. Wile my ’39-’40 Toastmaster looks nearly new. There’s no worry of Asbestos in these old toasters or led content. They are perfectly safe to use as long as the power cord is in good condition. And if it’s not, it’s easily replaced.

I see so many wonderful, working vintage toasters out there that aren’t be bought… it makes me sad. Especially when there are plenty of people who like this style but, choose a contemporary piece over an original because of a misplaced fear of electrical complications happening. Toasters pretty much have the same technology as they did early on… a cord is attached to two connections (positive and negative) and the power then goes to the small metal elements, they heat up and do the job. Modern toasters work the same way, they aren’t styled as well in my opinion.

 

[Miss Neecerie]

Considering the original poster was asking about repros, it is not out of place to suggest that perhaps we should stop saying 'oh but vintage is better' and instead let folks who have Repro suggestions and experience, give those suggestions without being followed up with 'but vintage is better' every time one of them dares to speak up.

There is a whole thread on vintage toasters for those who want to admire and compare model numbers etc.

 

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

I see so many wonderful, working vintage toasters out there that aren’t be bought… it makes me sad. Especially when there are plenty of people who like this style but, choose a contemporary piece over an original because of a misplaced fear of electrical complications happening. Toasters pretty much have the same technology as they did early on… a cord is attached to two connections (positive and negative) and the power then goes to the small metal elements, they heat up and do the job. Modern toasters work the same way, they aren’t styled as well in my opinion.

You know, if you see a cheap vintage toaster at a thrift shop, you could buy it and sell it to one of us on the FL...just sayin.' Then, you wouldn't have to be sad.

 

[Forgotten Man]

I’m into old, so, I buy old… and it works, just helping others see that it’s practical to use vintage appliances so long as they are in good shape… they are also fixable or restorable compared to the modern items bought today… not saying others are wrong for buying modern toasters, just saying they don’t have to buy them since old ones are so available and work just as well if not better… and for longer.

Compare:

1939 Sunbeam T9

A contemporary "retro" model as pictured here:

Both are safe to use, both get the job done... however, one is a real piece of working history, the other seems to be lacking such grace and style... am I wrong?

I’m not saying someone isn’t cool if they use a modern toaster, I recall the original question was if he should by an old one or a new one… and I say buy an old one enjoy toasting your toast in a deco masterpiece!... you’ll enjoy your morning toast that much more!