Ge 169100 Toaster Finally, A Good Toaster By Joan Young on - Updated Oct 15, 2011
Looking for a good toaster that won't break the bank- we think this one might be it!
We've been through two toasters over the course of the years. The first one got so you had to stand by and push the toast up so it wouldn't burn. The next one got so you had to stand by and hold the button down so that it would toast.
Determined to find something better than the $6.99 junk toasters at the various drugstores, we found this GE Toaster at Wal-Mart. We've had it three weeks and so far I like everything except the shape.
There is the standard dial type knob for browning settings from 1 to 7. But there are some new features as well:
The toaster has a setting for defrost. You can put frozen bread or toaster pastries in a slot, depress the toasting lever, and then push the defrost button. This will apply enough heat to defrost the item and then turn off. The dial knob also works on this setting.
There is also a setting for bagels and English muffins. Use it the same way as defrost, but it applies heat to only one side of the item (face the cut side toward the elements that heat). The dial knob also works on this setting.
There is a setting to reheat which lights the element for about 20 seconds, so the dial knob does not work on this setting.
Each of these buttons has a blue light to show you when that function is in use.
One more button is the cancel button. Instead of forcing the toasting lever up if you want to pop the item, you push this button. We are sure hoping that this prevents this feature from wearing out, since this was the first thing to go on our two previous toasters.
The crumb tray slides out the long way on the end opposite from the buttons.
The only thing that I don't like about the toaster is the shape. It is chunky and rounded, and takes up more counter space than its function requires. There is also a decoratively shaped seam where the side panel fits on the toaster that seems like it is just made for capturing sticky globs of jelly and other messy foods which will then be difficult to clean up.
This is a two-slot toaster, so it might not be adequate for large families.
There is a limited 2-year warranty. GE will replace the toaster for any defect in material or workmanship.
We are very sad to report that this toaster has developed a problem. The button that you push down to lower the bread will no longer stay depressed. Hubby is hoping that the company will make good on it, but it seems to have lasted just one month beyond the 2-year warranty, so the probably won't. We REALLY liked this toaster while it lasted. Does anyone make a good toaster any more?
About The Author:
GE 169100 Purchased at: Wal-Mart Price: 24.83
Sounds like a pretty cool toaster! I like that it has all those settings. Our's hasn't worked right since the day we got it.
What a great sounding toaster! And it has defrost which is something I have never seen on a toaster personally. We are in desperate need of buying a new one right now and I may look in to this one. Even though you didn't prefer the shape I actually like it quite a bit.
This sounds like a great toaster! I didn't know toasters had a defroster on them...or that you could heat bagels on only one side. I would like to try this one myself.
What's wrong with the shape? I kind of like it! : )
I think that you have been purchasing your toasters at the same place that we have! The one that we have now is starting to get really temperamental. Turn it down and it pops up right away... turn it up and it burns... Go figure!
I like it cos it is fat and toasterish. Like the famous Brit one I fell in love with. It just sort of shrieks toast me butter me, fill my nooks and crannies with jam and honey:)
Hey i NEED to get this, We haave been thru 3 toasters in the last few years, of course they were cheap ones so if saved the only on the 2 we spent to find out they were junk could have bought a nice one worth that few extra bucks. but this toaster sounds like it is perfect
Sounds like you didn't have much luck with toasters until this one. I'm glad it's working for you. I think the shapes of some of the new kitchen small appliances are way too big for counter space. I guess they think we don't put anything on the counter anymore!
Sounds like a great toaster, I like the defrost setting, thats new to me, thanks for sharing we need a new toaster.
This sounds like it will outlast your previous toasters. I have a toaster with the same settings and they are great. I hope you continue to enjoy your new toaster.