Toast More. Stress Less. Most toasters were designed for standard sandwich bread. The Elite Gourmet 4-slice long slot toaster was designed for the way people actually eat — thick sourdough, everything bagels, Texas Toast, frozen waffles, artisan rolls, and more. Two long slots (10" × 1.5") fit four full slices simultaneously without squishing, balancing, or jamming. For best results: This toaster uses all four heating elements simultaneously across both slots, which is what gives it such even, efficient heat. Load one slice into each slot with slices directly opposing each other for the most balanced browning. When toasting fewer slices, dial your browning setting down by 1–2 levels — the toaster will still run all elements, so it heats faster with less bread. Before your very first use: Run one empty toast cycle at your preferred browning setting. You may notice a faint odor — this is normal manufacturing residue burning off safely, and it will not return. After this one step, you're set for consistent, even results every time. Six browning settings go from Level 1 (barely warm, soft) to Level 6 (deep golden dark). Thicker breads like bagels naturally need a higher setting or a second cycle — their moisture content requires more time, which is completely normal. The built-in warming rack is the feature customers rave about most. Push down the lever, lay croissants or buns on top, and everything comes out warm at the same moment your toast pops up. (Note: use the rack only for dry items — not buttered, iced, or filled buns.) Cleanup takes about 30 seconds. Two slide-out crumb trays pull out, empty into the trash, and click back in. The brushed stainless steel exterior wipes down with a damp cloth. The 36" cord stores in a built-in compartment under the base. Backed by a 1-Year Limited Warranty and Elite Gourmet's US-based customer service team at shopelitegourmet.com.