An expert has finally settled the debate on whether the numbers on the dial of your toaster correspond to the number of minutes you are toasting your bread for, or the level of ‘toastiness’ they provide
It’s something many people use every morning – but they never stop to question what the numbers on its dial actually mean. In search of answers, one toaster user has taken to social media to ask whether the digits represent the number of minutes it’ll take to toast your bread or whether there’s another explanation entirely.
The confused Reddit user asked: “What does the dial on the toaster mean? Number of minutes to toast or the power it toasts?” In response, some suggested possible explanations for the digits, while others complained about burnt toast if you turn the dial above 50 per cent. One user said: “It depends on the brand of your toaster. Generally, it’s just more time but some marks do go to minutes per number, while others just go higher = longer.”
Another user added: “It’s definitely not minutes on mine. I use a number 5 double pop for my crumpets and I have not waited 10 minutes for that.”
A third user said: “On any toaster I’ve had, I have no idea what any settings above 50 per cent of the dial are for. Just incinerates everything.”
One more user added: “More importantly I want to know why it goes up to 8 or 10 when 5 turns it into a slab of carbon.”
Setting the record straight, tech experts have explained the “truth behind those numbers” to help you achieve crispy, golden results every time.
On the Currys’ website, an expert said: “Many people think that the numbers on a toaster dial indicate minutes. However, this is largely untrue.
“After all, some dials go up to 6 or even more. Can you imagine leaving a slice of bread in for that long? You’d set off your smoke alarm!
“While some toasters do use a timer-based system, most modern toasters work differently. With those digits more likely to refer to the intensity of the toasting, rather than a specific length of time.”
For those with a capacitor-based toaster, the most commonly used toaster type, a capacitor will switch off once it charges up to a certain voltage, with the numbers on the dial representing the resistance rate.
The statement adds: “This means that the knob still controls how long your toast stays in the toaster. It’s just that the digits don’t exactly correspond with the number of minutes before your toast is ready.”
However, timer-based toasters – typically the cheapest toasters on the market – do use a simple countdown timer, meaning setting two represents two minutes.
Finally, bimetallic strip toasters use an older circuit system connected by a bent strip of metal.
The statement reads: “As the toaster heats up, this strip will bend to a point where it essentially breaks the circuit. And voilà — your toast pops right out!
“The numbered dials on these toasters control the electric current. So, a lower number will create a stronger current that’ll heat up the bimetallic strip faster and toast your bread for a shorter time.”
