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Here’s my new toaster, I’ll get to it in a minute. First, is your own toaster more than a few years old? You should check the cord. I’d unplug it first, but you know that already. Go on, I’ll wait. Hum de dum…
Here’s what happened to me: for the last couple weeks, I’d been noticing a faint ‘ozone smell’ whenever I made toast in the morning. Where was that coming from?
I looked into the toaster with a penlight, turned it upside down and shook it out… nothing.
And then, in all my infinite wisdom, decided to see if the cord was overheating when my toaster was on.
I uncoiled the cord from beneath, pushed down the lever and was running the cord thru my hand when it suddenly felt like I was holding onto a lightning bolt.
No joke, my hand erupted in pain and my forearm felt like it was trying to detach itself from my elbow. I’ve been shocked a few times in my life, but not like this; my heart was pounding like I just got defibrillated.
Midway down the cord was a large rupture, exposing a thick bunch of metal. I have no idea how or when that happened. I bought this Kitchen-Aid toaster 20 years ago, but always kept the extra cord wrapped in its base and the toaster in one spot.
Anyway, after the shock of what happened wore off (cough), I went to the hardware store and got a roll of electrical tape. But while wrapping that rupture in the cord, I noticed a series of smaller cracks & fissures in other places.
Dammit, I’d better buy a new toaster before I burn my apartment building to the ground.
Have you shopped for a simple 2-slice toaster recently? When I visited Amazon, there was 40 vendors selling the same Chinese toaster (a black plastic box with a square of brushed steel on the front) for $29.99.
The retro-themed toasters were cool looking, but oversized, overpriced and had the worst reviews. I have a compact kitchen and exactly 7” x 12” available space on my counter for a compact 2-slice toaster.
After reading 250 reviews for every compact 2-slice toaster with the same features (extra wide slots, defrost/bagel/reheat buttons, 7 shades of toast) here’s what I bought: the Redmond Toaster 2 Slice for $29.99.
I liked its matte black exterior, European look and controls on the front. (The buttons glow red when it’s in use.) But here’s the weird thing:
Have you ever picked up something expecting it to be heavy, but it’s so light instead you almost fling it across the room? My 20 year old Kitchen-Aid toaster weighs a good 5 lbs; this Redmond toaster weighs next to nothing. Seriously, it’s like 8 ounces.
What I want to know is, is it just a cheap product? Or has toaster technology impoved so much in 20 years that they’re all lightweight appliances now?
Well, I doubt this one will last 20 years—but for now it makes great toast!
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I am so glad you didn't electrocute yourself! And also think that new toaster is great. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you DJan--you would think we do less dumb things as we age, but that isn't always the case :^)
DeleteI've never had a cord go like that, but also, I've never had a toaster that long. The bright red toaster that I have now, my husband bought me for Christmas some years back. Thinking on it, probably 12 years old. In fact he got me a red crock pot too. (My bright yellow kitchen has red accents - very '50s.) The toaster only toasts on one side these days. The crockpot died some time back. Appliances just aren't made to last, it seems.
ReplyDeleteDebby I'm sorry to read that about your red appliances, I would've liked a red toaster. (Maybe my next one...) As for the cord, you're right--it's the same thick tube as my (very old) iron. Hmm!
DeleteMe too glad you didn't electrocute yourself, Careful there my friend, we want to keep you around. Like the new one but at my age I'd be tempted to keep the old one around also as a DIY defibrillator:)
ReplyDeleteOops, congrats big time on the defeat of Qz.
DeleteHahaha! Patti, I'm glad I set my coffee cup down before reading this! Thank you for the kind wishes & morning chuckle--and the "No Oz" comment too :^)
DeleteI tell you, the kitchen is a dangerous place . . . be careful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tom and you're right--it is! I check my oven every night before I go to bed!
DeleteOh my gosh Doug! Glad you are ok. My toaster is about 20 years old, but the cord is intact. We have a newer toaster oven and I’ve thought about getting rid of the old toaster, but I like it. Joyce
ReplyDeleteThanks Joyce! Well, I envy you.. I loved my Kitchen Aid toaster, never gave me a problem in all these years. The only issue was that cord. I suppose in the old days, you'd take it to a small appliance repair shop. I haven't seen one of those in 30 years probably. :^(
DeleteWe have a small appliance repair shop here in Fresno. My husband has taken things, and for larger items, like the element in our old oven, he just took the old broken one and bought the replacement that he could install himself. Our new oven has no such element, and should it ever quit working, I foresee a huge repair bill.
DeleteWow, very interesting dkzody... I know in my last apartment, the heating element in my stove burnt out (it was a VERY old stove from 1969) and the elements were still manufactured. You just never know.
DeleteI am always very cognizant of "bad" smells, especially electrical ones. My toaster is quite new but won't toast my bagel adequately so I'm thinking I need a new one. Appliances sure don't last very long like our old ones did. Glad you discovered the issue with the cord before something dire happened!
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret and good for you about those 'smells'. I'm sorry your new toaster isn't doing the job with your bagels, mine has a bagel button but I haven't tested it. And yes I was going to title this "They don't make these things like they used to"!
DeleteA cord with exposed wires is so dangerous. You dodged a potential kitchen fire and even more serious shock. I was told appliance life span is no more than 8 years. Manufacturers are under no obligation to provide parts after 8 years. The system is geared to buying new.
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan--wow, I didn't know that about the shortened life-span of these appliances. I guess 8 years is plenty long these days, I suppose I was lucky to get 20.
DeleteCould use a new (and much plumper) butt however just checked my toaster cord and it's as good as new. Sorry about your electrical shock, Doug. Glad the 'electric chair' has been eliminated. Enough suffering already!! Glad also that Dr. Oz was defeated although it should have been by a much larger margin. Now what yummy spread went on that lovely toast?
ReplyDeleteFlorence you're like that toaster cord, a real live wire! ;^) You should eat more peanut butter & jelly sandwiches like me, if you want a plumper bottom. I never had one myself until my late 50s! And yes about Oz and YES I agree big-time it should've been a much wider margin. People keep talking about his embarrassing defeat--it wasn't embarrassing! It was too close for comfort! As for the spread on that toast, it was butter and apricot preserves. I can't get enough of the latter. :^)
DeleteBut, folks, did you see Fetterman in the debate? It's very clear he needs to recover. Couldn't consider voting for him after seeing that and am not a college student looking for free money so he didn't get my vote. Come to think of it I feel the same about Biden's functioning. Where's the Forward party when I need it! Ha. Kim in PA
DeleteKim, I'd vote for a corpse over Oz as long as it was Democrat! Please have faith in Fetterman, he's not some Trumper with a nefarious agenda 🙂👍
DeleteI got a shock like that once at work from a coffee pot I was told to clean (I don't even drink coffee!) and that is scary! So glad you're okay! We had to buy a new toaster a few years ago, Cuisinart 4-slice so we can both eat toasted sandwiches at the same time. Anyway, it's fairly heavy, but I don't expect it to last long. After just 3 years, the toasting has become uneven. They don't make things like they used to (sorry for the cliche but it's so true.)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Bobi (and don't apologize for the cliche, I believe it 100%). Um, that would bug me if I got zapped by a coffeepot and I didn't even drink it! Anyway, I was thisclose to buying a Cuisinhart toaster as I respect the name, but I didn't like some of the reviews. I sure hope yours lasts a little longer.
DeleteDug, NOTHING lasts 20 years anymore (appliances that is). We don't own a toaster. Our toast is made on the Aga hob or in the toaster/air fryer oven. But I do remember years ago having an old toaster catch fire - as I will never forget carrying it (on fire) from the kitchen to the back yard. And yes, you were very lucky that you weren't electrocuted! (thank goodness)
ReplyDeleteThank you Rian and my gosh!! I'm going to unplug that new toaster and only plug it in when I use it! Anyway, I can't imagine living without one, maybe if I had a toaster oven (or the room for one). But I would easily give mine up for your Aga. I'm glad to hear it's back on it's feet, by the way.
DeleteWe have a very old Oster toaster, probably like years, 20+ years, old. It is a single slot but a very LOOOOOONG slot for different sizes of breads and other stuff we toast. The handle that lowers the product into the toaster broke a few years back, but the toast continued to work. Like you, I thought perhaps it was time to replace it, BUT I cannot find single slice toasters any more. They were once very popular and easy to find. Times change. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteHow cool! I don't blame you for wanting to hold onto that dkzody, I would too. Keeping my fingers crossed for you that it lasts for a long long time. 🙂👍
DeleteHi Doug, no fun getting zapped by an appliance! Glad you are o.k.
ReplyDeleteI went through the same thing a few years ago. Try to find a simple plain toaster! I had been using a toaster from the 1930’s. Do you remember the flip toasters? You have to turn the toast yourself when it reaches your desired crispness. It was hands down the best toaster. But I thought I should finally have a regular toaster especially when friends or family were visiting. I still do have my old toaster but it’s cord is no good now, must get a replacement one. Yum, great choice for your toast topping!
Take care Doug.❤️
Robin my lovely friend, why did your 1930s flip toaster NOT SURPRISE ME. Seriously cool--in fact, I had to google that to get reacquainted with them. Well, thank you for the kind wishes and I'm glad (even thought the cord isn't good) you're holding onto that keepsake. Good to hear from you and I hope Chuck is all better. :^)
DeleteIt has been a long two weeks with both of us sick! Chuck is finally going back to work on Monday.
DeleteYou got covid too? Oh dear, I am so sorry! 😕
DeleteOh my goodness, I'm glad you paid attention to the smell. I replaced my two slice toaster a few years ago with a toaster oven. My son hates it and won't use it so I'm the only one who uses it. I like that I can broil cheese buns as well.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, they are so much lighter these days. I don't think my toaster oven weighs as much as your old toaster did.
Stay safe!
Very interesting, thanks for sharing Maebeme! I appreciate the weight info too. I think I'd prefer a toaster oven, but I simply don't have the room--I wonder why your son hates it? Thanks again. :^)
DeleteWow! Good thing you have an excellent sense of smell unlike me. But sheesh! That was really, really scary. I've gotten shocked, but it was decades ago from an outlet. Yours sounded much, much worse. I'm glad you were OK. I have a toaster oven but it's pretty heavy. We like to warm pizza in it. And of course, Art likes to toast his muffin tops in it. :-D
ReplyDeleteThanks Kay! It was quite a zap, I've gotten shocks from an outlet and a lamp socket, but this was entirely new (and I don't want to go thru it ever again). Anyway, I had a chuckle here from Art's toasted muffin tops--I'll take his extra berries please! :^)
DeleteMy toaster is twenty years old I'm sure, but has a two part electrical wire (for what it's worth!). I bought it because it was a Black and Decker, a name I trust. It's toasts away for me every morning, but I find I am turning it lower and lower to get the same gold blush on my toast. Speaking of which, thank you for not toasting yourself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Joanne, I wasn't even aware Black & Decker made toasters! I prefer big names like that as well. And thank you for not wanting to see me toasted. 🙂♥️
DeleteIs that a Tupperware Butter Keeper?
ReplyDeleteYou had me curious enough to go and weigh my own toaster, it's 3 pounds two ounces. it sits on top of my microwave because there is no other space available. That's the corner where the power outlet is, the only other outlet is behind the fridge. Anyway, I'm sorry you got zapped, but at least you didn't learn the cord was damaged by burning down your kitchen. my toaster has settings up to number 7, which seems ridiculous to me, 3 does the bread nicely, 4 means scraping off the burnt layer, I can only assume 7 means burn down the house.
River, you've got me lying in bed at 5:30 chuckling at your commentary, you are so honest & funny. Thank you and yes that is a Tupperware butter keeper. 🙂
DeleteWell, you can tell your doc at your next appointment that you won't need a routine EKG. Jeepers! Ok, don't store your toaster cord wrapped around it. The radiant heat can help deteriorate the cord. Yep, my current toaster is light weight. Lots of current appliances aren't heavy anymore. I still have several things from 1974 when I first married: electric can opener, electric skillet, make-up mirror; electric hand-held mixer. Never expected anything to last 48 years! But every time I married, my toaster quit. (Future omen, eh?) Puuuleeze be careful! No need to taser yourself when you don't need to be arrested! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda, and I'm in love with all your 1974 appliances! My gosh, I haven't seen one of those makeup mirrors since the one my mom had 50 years ago how cool. I do have a hand mixer and laundry basket both from 1982, but only ones electric. 😉
DeleteToo good to be true, but if it makes great toast, then consider it a great buy. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gigi
DeleteHi : -) I think I discovered your blog over at Elephant's Child. I love reading about the daily lives of others in various parts of the world. Sheees, I read with horror this post about the electrical shock. I've been shocked a couple of times. I've just never thought that this could happen with a toaster. I'm sharing it with my friends and family...I hope you don't mind.
ReplyDeleteThank you Neena, I'm sorry to read you've been shocked before too--we have to watch those older electrical cords, that's for sure :^)
DeleteNo, I haven’t shopped for a new toaster recently (or ever).
ReplyDeleteI use the griller on my stove. Okay, the toast doesn’t pop up when it’s finished, but I’m used to keeping an eye on it.
Besides, I can grill cheese and other things this way.
Peter why must you always be so difficult? Just kidding my friend, good for you. But you know, I've seen enough Greg's Kitchen videos to know that Aussies and Americans share very similar kitchens! 😉
DeleteWe had a really posh Dualit toaster but I was never a big fan of it, then one of the elements went inside and I to replace that, and then I decided I'll like a toaster that has wider slots for bagels etc. Now we have a much cheaper one that's green and matches the kitchen and so far it's okay. Glad you are okay after your electric shock.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joey and hey--I just looked up a Dualit toaster, they sell for $300!! Well, I guess that someone like yourself who owns homes both here and "across the pond", I shouldn't be surprised! I think my next toaster will be a Dualit :^)
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