Ever wondered what those digits on your toaster’s dial actually mean? Believe it or not, they don’t always represent the number of minutes it’ll take to toast your bread.

In this article, we’ll spread the truth behind those numbers by looking at the different types of toasters out there and how they really work. Plus, we’ll help you find the perfect toaster setting for crispy, golden results every time.

Do toaster numbers mean minutes?

Many people think that the numbers on a toaster dial indicate minutes. However, this is largely untrue. After all, some dials go up to 6 or even more. Can you imagine leaving a slice of bread in for that long? You’d set off your smoke alarm!

While some toasters do use a timer-based system, most modern toasters work differently. With those digits more likely to refer to the intensity of the toasting, rather than a specific length of time.

How do toaster numbers work?

To understand what the numbers on your toaster mean, let’s explain the different kinds of tech used in the most common models:

Timer-based toasters

Some toasters use a simple countdown timer. With these types, the numbers on the dial do indicate the number of minutes that the bread will be toasted for. So, setting the knob to ‘2’ will mean that your toast will spring up in two minutes.

They’re very simple, but this isn’t the most common type of toaster mechanism out there…

Capacitor-based toasters

Most of us will have a capacitor toaster sitting on our kitchen countertop. These appliances feature a circuit that switches off once its capacitor (a little energy-storing device) charges up to a certain voltage. With the numbers on the dial representing the resistance rate, or how long it takes for the capacitor to charge.

This means that the knob still controls how long your toast stays in the toaster. It just that the digits don’t exactly correspond with the number of minutes before your toast is ready.

Bimetallic strip toasters

These older types of toasters have a circuit system that’s connected by a bent strip of metal. As the toaster heats up, this strip will bend to a point where it essentially breaks the circuit. And voilà — your toast pops right out!

The numbered dials on these toasters control the electric current. So, a lower number will create a stronger current that’ll heat up the bimetallic strip faster and toast your bread for a shorter time.

How to find the perfect toast setting

Getting the perfect toast setting can require a bit of trial and error. You might have to eat some underdone slices or throw away a few burnt bits before you find that sweet spot. But we’ve got some tips to help you dial in the best setting sooner:

• Start with the middle setting: If you’re unsure what’s best, turn your toaster’s dial half the way up. This will give you a good baseline to adjust from.

• Experiment with different breads: There are loads of loaves to choose from at the supermarket, and different types of bread require different settings. For example, thick slices or artisan breads need a higher setting to achieve the right crispness. While thin slices of white bread might only need toasting a little.

• Consider moisture content: Fresh bread with more moisture might need a longer toasting time to get the same level of crunchiness as older bread. But if you’ve got a couple of dry slices, a lower setting would be best so you don’t burn them.

Common toaster symbols and settings

The numbered dial isn’t the only control on most toasters. Many have a have a few extra functions that help you do more. Here’s what they mean:

• Defrost: This button lets you toast frozen slices of bread. No thawing needed! It’ll extend the toasting time a little to defrost the bread and then toast it, making sure it’s evenly heated and crispy.

• Bagel mode: If you love bagels, this setting will soon become your fave. It toasts the cut side of a bagel more than the rounded side, so the soft inside gets nice and crunchy without burning the outside.

• Reheat: Ever put toast on in the morning, got distracted, and come back to cold slices? We’ve all done it. And it doesn’t mean you have to eat them cold. Just fire up the reheat mode, and it’ll quickly warm up your toast again without burning it.

Some toasters do even more!

Not all toasters are limited to those settings we just talked about. Some small kitchen appliances give you way more options, like the Ninja Foodi 3-in-1. It's a toaster, grill, and panini press that lets you whip up all kinds of delicious breakfast and lunchtime snacks. And with one these, less space is taken up in your kitchen for multiple gadgets.

Need more advice?

Now that you know what those numbers mean, how about keeping your toaster in top shape? Our how to clean an air fryer, toaster and other dirty kitchen appliances guide will get all your countertop gadgets looking good as new. And we’ve got plenty more appliance reviews in our kitchen & home section here on TechTalk.