Repro Toasters

[LocktownDog]

I am looking for a toaster for my new place. If I gotta buy one, I might as well buy one I like. So are there any recommendations for repro toasters or even originals that are considered safe for use without major rewiring?

Richard

 

[skyvue]

I don't have any specific recommendations, but vintage toasters are pretty readily available and at reasonable prices (at least that's been my experience). I've never had one rewired, and I've experienced no problems.

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

 

[Brian Sheridan]

I got a sharp red toaster oven at Target. It is made by Hamilton Beach and has a retro look. Its not lame.

 

[KilroyCD]

Dualit toasters...

They might be a bit pricey, but they have a retro style to them.
http://www.hugthecook.com/detail.as...-Classic-2-Slice-Toaster-Chrome&code=EC-20293

 

[KilroyCD]

After posting that link I found a number of retro styled toasters in the housewares section of Circuit City's website: http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Kitc...cat/EPSILON/link/ref/rpem/ccd/categorylist.do

 

[skyvue]

I got a sharp red toaster oven at Target. It is made by Hamilton Beach and has a retro look. Its not lame.

I intended no offense, Brian, but I find that most product designs that aim for a retro look come up short. They're retro-esque but generally not very convincing. Some folks like that blend of modern and retro sensibilities, and that's fine, of course. Different strokes, and all that.

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.

 

[skyvue]

F'rinstance, there's a pretty sharp 1950s model on Ebay (we're not supposed to link to live Ebay auctions, right?) that is six hours away from being sold and the current price is 99 cents.

That price will go up at the last minute, of course, but I bet it'll still be affordable.

 

[LocktownDog]

My only concern with original models was a possible safety concern. I'd rather not burn the house down. If that isn't a valid point for the older toasters, than I'd be far less picky and have many more options. I honestly don't know anything about their safety issues ... if any.

Thanks for the suggestions so far, gents.

Richard

 

[Miss Neecerie]

i have a vintage one and I just am sure to be there while toasting, and unplug it afterwards.

 

[Brian Sheridan]

I intended no offense, Brian, but I find that most product designs that aim for a retro look come up short. They're retro-esque but generally not very convincing. Some folks like that blend of modern and retro sensibilities, and that's fine, of course. Different strokes, and all that.

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.

Oh, I took offense at all. I mostly agree with you but there are times when its easier (and safer) to find something that has a retro style instead of something authentic. If you are handy with checking and/or replacing wires and sockets, vintage is great. Or want to spend money getting them checked. I don't mind burnt toast - burnt house is another matter.

I do agree that some things repros are very lame. I just didn't think the toaster over was lame. I, for instance, just picked up a vintage desk lamp because none of the retro ones looked right to me.

 

[dhermann1]

I bought a Russell Hobbes recently. It has a nice semi retro look, and it's really good toaster.

 

[Decodence]

You don't have to be a rocket surgeon or a brain scientist to rewire a toaster. They are about as simple a device as you can imagine. Get vintage, buy a new cord of appropriate style (you can get wire to match the original), and check internal connections for damaged insulation, and replace as necessary.

 

[skyvue]

The thing about a toaster is, you'll be right there when it's in use. I've never felt there was any particular risk.

 

[retrogirl1941]

I own a 1939/1940 toastmaster. Its cord needs replacing but I know a guy here in FL that does it farily cheap(under 20 dollars). Mine makes the worst toast though!lol IT knows how to make really dark toast, which I hate dark toast. So the next step after the cord replacement is fixing the heating element(something I cannot do!). I will post a picture later.Even wiith the cord replacement the toatser is costing me less than a new one! Sad......

Samantha

 

[David Conwill]

I would endorse the Toastmaster 1B14. It's the iconic toaster of the 20th Century. It's dead simple and works great. They were produced between 1947 and 1961, were THE fifties wedding gift, and by and large they outlive their original owners and can be picked up cheaply on eBay.

-Dave

 

[skyvue]

I'm pretty sure that's what I have, David.

I'll have to double-check when I get home this evening.

 

[Joie DeVive]

I also have a Hamilton Beach repro. It actually looks a lot like that Toastmaster. And I love it.
I too was worried about the safety issue, so that's why I went modern. Personally, I have a bad habit of forgetting to unplug things, so this works better for me.

 

[Brian Sheridan]

I also have a Hamilton Beach repro. It actually looks a lot like that Toastmaster. And I love it.
I too was worried about the safety issue, so that's why I went modern. Personally, I have a bad habit of forgetting to unplug things, so this works better for me.

I'm glad someone else on here isn't a rocket scientist who knows how to replace a cord.

As for fire:
http://reports-by-consumers.blogcarnival.com/archives/2005/03/toaster_recalle.html

http://media.wildcat.arizona.edu/me...d.In.Early.Morning.Toaster.Fire-1608059.shtml

But I digress...

 

[retrogirl1941]

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

Samantha

 

[Joie DeVive]

I'm glad someone else on here isn't a rocket scientist who knows how to replace a cord.

As for fire:
http://reports-by-consumers.blogcarnival.com/archives/2005/03/toaster_recalle.html
http://media.wildcat.arizona.edu/me...d.In.Early.Morning.Toaster.Fire-1608059.shtml

But I digress...

Thanks for the warning!
Mine isn't of that variety, but I'll try to be more careful about unplugging it anyway. However, considering I've had to drive halfway home from church to unplug my hot rollers and/or curling iron more than once, I'm not sure how good I'll be. :eusa_doh: lol