Toasters with multiple settings, including settings that go beyond what might be considered ideal for most people, are designed to accommodate a wide range of individual preferences and different types of bread.
The numbering on toasters (usually from 1 to 7 or 1 to 9) corresponds to the duration of time the heating elements stay on during the toasting process. Higher settings mean the heating elements will stay on for a longer period, resulting in darker and more toasted bread.
Here's why toasters have higher settings even if some lower settings already burn the bread for certain individuals:
Bread types: Different types of bread have varying moisture levels and densities. For example, white bread might toast more quickly than denser whole-grain bread. By having higher settings, users can adjust the toasting time based on the type of bread they are using.
Personal preferences: People have different tastes and preferences when it comes to toast. Some like it very lightly toasted (lower settings), while others prefer a darker and crunchier toast (higher settings). Providing a wide range of settings ensures that individuals can achieve their desired level of toasting.
Other food items: Toaster ovens are versatile and can be used for more than just bread. Some people use toasters for bagels, frozen waffles, English muffins, or even reheating pizza slices. These different items might require adjustments to the toasting settings to achieve the desired results.
Inconsistent power sources: Electrical power supply can vary from place to place, which might affect the toasting performance. Having higher settings can account for such fluctuations and ensure consistent toasting results across different locations.
While some users might find that a setting of '4' burns their bread, others might find it perfect. Toaster manufacturers aim to provide options to suit the preferences of a broad range of customers and adapt to various bread types and toasting needs. As always, it's essential for users to test and adjust the settings to find the best toasting level that suits their preferences and the type of bread they are using.