Toaster combines modern and classic styling--and that's it

Toast for toast's sake.

(Credit: Crate & Barrel)

There are a lot of toasters out there. For every personal aesthetic, there seems to be a corresponding toaster. Toasters range from the bright and shiny to gimmicky multitaskers made out of plastic. Machines are available for those that prefer design, and there are toasters out there that tout convenience. Combination appliances are great fun, and at times actually do save time and money (consider the toaster oven, for example). But sometimes you just want a toaster that toasts.

That is, toasts and looks cool too. The Bodum Bistro Toaster combines classic and modern design into one impressive design. All the features one would expect out of any toaster are present and accounted for. You can change the heat setting, browning level, and a cancel button and defrost option is also incorporated. A nice touch is the inclusion of a footed base that allows for convenient cord storage.

This is a toaster for toast purists. It is not a combination appliance beyond the fact that it uses retro-modern design, but that's the charm in this particular appliance. In the end, it proves that you don't have to combine things to be successful. After all, sometimes when you want toast, all you really want is toast.