A toaster is a small kitchen appliance that uses electric heating elements to brown slices of bread, turning them into toast. When you put bread in a toaster and push down the lever, metal wires inside glow red-hot, radiating heat that crisps and browns the bread's surface. Most toasters have a dial to control how dark you want your toast, and they pop the bread up automatically when it's done.

The toaster was invented in the early 1900s after electricity became common in homes. Before that, people made toast by holding bread over a fire or stove with a long fork, which took more time and attention. Modern toasters made breakfast faster and safer.

While bread is the most common thing to toast, you can also use a toaster for bagels, English muffins, or frozen waffles. Some toasters have special settings for these different foods. A toaster oven is a larger version that can toast bread but also bake or reheat other foods, like pizza or cookies.