Who Invented the Toaster: A Brief History 17

We’d like to extend a special thanks to those of you who pointed out questions regarding the reliability of our original source. We have since verified the facts and updated the article with the most accurate and credible information available.

This experience serves as an important reminder of the necessity of verifying the authenticity of online content. We now present to you the true story of the toaster, and we hope you find it just as fascinating and informative as before.

Before diving into the updated history of the toaster, we’d also like to recommend another fascinating read: our article about the hoax surrounding Alan MacMasters and the first toaster. It’s an intriguing look at how myths can shape our understanding of history. Be sure to check it out!

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It sounds like a simple question, but the answer is more nuanced than you might think. When I recently asked this question from my readers, more than 90 percent of them said Charles Strite.

And while that answer is partly correct (since he invented the pop-up toaster), he wasn’t the first person to create an electric toaster. The early innovations in electric toasting came from various inventors, with major contributions from engineers like Frank Shailor of General Electric, who patented one of the first commercially successful models in 1909.

With that in mind, let’s dive into the fascinating history of the toaster and explore its evolution.

As expected, the history of toasters begins with bread. According to archeological evidence, the earliest presence of flour can be dated back to around 30,000 years ago. It’s likely that individuals back then made flatbreads as well.

Bread wasn’t just food; it held cultural and ritual significance. For example, in Ancient Greece, bread was often offered to the gods during rituals.

However, loaves of bread as we know them today were likely first developed in Ancient Egypt. The Egyptians discovered that if dough was left sitting out, it would rise due to naturally occurring yeast in the air.

When baked over a fire, these loaves retained their risen shapes. This discovery was revolutionary and marked the beginning of bread-making as a staple practice in many civilizations.

Interestingly, bread was so important in Ancient Egypt that it became a form of payment. The workers who built the Pyramids of Giza were partly compensated with bread and beer. Contrary to popular belief, the pyramids weren’t built by slaves but by organized labor forces comprising full families, as archeological evidence suggests.

At this time in Egypt, leavened bread was considered far superior to flatbread. However, there was a common issue: when left in the sun for extended periods, bread would harden significantly, making it difficult to consume.

The solution? Toasting. Toasting likely emerged as a practical means of preserving bread rather than enhancing its flavor.

The Romans later adopted and refined the practice of toasting bread, spreading its popularity across their empire. The term “toast” derives from the Latin word “tostum,” which means “to scorch” or “to burn lightly.”

In its earliest forms, bread was toasted by placing it on a hot stone or holding it near an open flame. Over time, the Romans invented a variety of tools to make the process more efficient. These included simple sticks, similar to those used for roasting marshmallows today, and metal wireframes designed to hold the bread for even toasting.

The first electric toaster marked a significant milestone in the history of kitchen appliances, but its development was not without challenges. While many myths circulate about who invented the first toaster, the reality is that it was a collaborative effort of engineers and inventors, building on one another’s work.

In 1909, Frank Shailor of General Electric patented one of the first commercially successful electric toasters. This model, known as the D-12, utilized nickel-chromium heating elements, which were capable of withstanding the high heat required for toasting bread. The D-12 was a simple device that required the user to manually flip the bread slices to toast both sides, but it laid the groundwork for future innovations.

One major challenge for early electric toasters was the development of reliable, heat-resistant materials. In 1905, two Chicago-based engineers created a fire-resistant alloy, known as Nichrome (nickel-chromium), which could handle the intense heat without degrading. This invention opened the door for safer and more effective toaster designs.

By the 1910s, toasting technology had seen several improvements. For instance, in 1913, an automatic bread turner was developed, eliminating the need for users to manually flip their toast. This innovation paved the way for semi-automatic toasters that could turn off the heating elements once the bread was adequately toasted.

It was during this period that Charles Strite, often mistakenly credited as the sole inventor of the toaster, made his contribution. In 1921, he patented the first pop-up toaster, which became a game-changer. Strite’s design was created with the commercial kitchen in mind but quickly found its way into households, where it revolutionized breakfast preparation.

As with any innovation, the early toasters had their quirks. For instance, many early models struggled with consistent toasting and had to balance between adequate heat and user safety. However, with each iteration, inventors and engineers refined the design to create a safer and more efficient appliance.

The story of Charles Strite’s invention of the pop-up toaster is one of practicality and innovation. Strite was working in a factory based in Stillwater, Minnesota, when he began to think about improving the toasting devices commonly used in cafes and restaurants across the United States.

Legend has it that Strite was fed up with being served burnt toast at the factory’s cafeteria, inspiring him to create a solution. Another story suggests that while visiting a store with his wife, Strite observed an inefficient toaster design and began brainstorming ways to improve it. Regardless of which tale is accurate, the end result is the same: the creation of the first pop-up toaster.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:United_States_patent_1,394,450,_%22Bread-Toaster%22,_1921.pdf

In 1919, when Strite started working on his invention, toasters were far from reliable. Users had to monitor the device constantly to ensure the bread didn’t burn. Strite’s pop-up design addressed this issue by incorporating a mechanism that automatically ejected the toast when it was done.

His invention revolutionized toasting, making it quicker, safer, and more consistent. Initially designed for commercial kitchens, Strite’s pop-up toaster soon found its way into households, where it became a staple of modern breakfast culture.

Before Charles Strite’s model was invented, electric toasters had significant limitations. Most early models could only toast one side of the bread at a time, and while some featured automatic turning mechanisms, they still required constant supervision to prevent the bread from burning. Strite’s breakthrough came with his United States patent for a toaster that could toast both sides of the bread simultaneously and included a pop-up system to prevent burning.

Strite’s toaster incorporated a timer mechanism that ejected the bread slices once they were perfectly toasted. This pop-up design ensured consistent results without requiring constant attention, revolutionizing the toasting process. Remarkably, the fundamental mechanism Strite developed is still used in most pop-up toasters today.

To commercialize his invention, Strite secured financial backing and founded the Waters-Genter Company. Initially, his pop-up toasters were sold exclusively to cafés and restaurants across the United States, where they quickly gained popularity. By 1926, growing public demand led to the release of the first home-use pop-up toaster.

The new home model introduced another significant innovation: a lever that allowed users to control the level of toasting to suit their preferences. This feature provided unprecedented convenience and customization, solidifying the toaster’s place as a staple appliance in households around the world.

As Charles Strite was inventing a product that would later take the world by storm, another innovator from Davenport, Iowa, was working on a groundbreaking invention that would further revolutionize breakfast preparation. This gentleman was Otto Frederick Rohwedder.

Rohwedder began developing a prototype for a bread slicer as early as 1912. Unfortunately, in 1917, a fire destroyed his machine and the blueprints, setting him back significantly. Undeterred, Rohwedder sought funding to rebuild his invention. However, his efforts were met with skepticism from bakers, who feared that pre-sliced bread would go stale more quickly and be less appealing to customers.

Despite these challenges, Rohwedder persevered. By 1927, he had successfully rebuilt his machine and created a functional model for use in bakeries. Around the same time, Strite’s pop-up toaster for home use was also gaining traction, setting the stage for a perfect pairing.

The introduction of sliced bread made it easier than ever to prepare toast quickly and efficiently. Initially met with resistance, it soon became a staple of households, giving rise to the famous phrase, “The greatest thing since sliced bread.”

Rohwedder’s invention, coupled with Strite’s toaster, marked a pivotal moment in kitchen history, transforming how people prepared and enjoyed breakfast. Together, they laid the foundation for a modern breakfast revolution.

The humble toaster has come a long way since its early days as a basic bread-browning device. Modern toasters have evolved into sophisticated kitchen appliances that offer a wide range of features to suit various tastes and preferences.

Today, toasters come equipped with advanced technologies like digital timers, touch screens, and even smartphone connectivity. These features allow users to customize their toast to perfection, from light golden brown to a deep, crispy texture. Some toasters even offer presets for different types of bread, including bagels, waffles, and artisan loaves, ensuring consistent results every time.

Additionally, toasters have embraced aesthetics, with sleek, retro-inspired designs and vibrant color options that can complement any kitchen decor. From minimalist stainless steel models to bold, eye-catching designs, there’s a toaster for every style.

Environmental considerations have also played a role in modern toaster design. Energy-efficient models with eco-friendly materials are becoming increasingly popular, catering to consumers who value sustainability.

In some households, the toaster has been replaced or supplemented by toaster ovens, which offer greater versatility for cooking and reheating. However, the classic pop-up toaster remains a beloved staple for its simplicity, speed, and reliability.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the toaster will continue to innovate, blending cutting-edge technology with timeless functionality. Whether you’re a fan of classic white toast or experimental gourmet creations, the toaster remains a testament to human ingenuity and our enduring love for the perfect slice of toast.

If you’ve enjoyed this content and are eager to learn more about toasters or invest in a great model, I have several posts that I think you’ll love. Feel free to check them out:

• Best regular toasters
• Best 2-slice toasters
• Best four-slice toasters
• Toasters vs toaster ovens
• Best modern toasters
• Best aesthetic toasters

To conclude, Charles Strite revolutionized breakfast preparation with his pop-up toaster, but his success was built on the collective advancements of previous inventors and innovators. The collaboration between inventions like the toaster and sliced bread truly changed the way we enjoy one of the simplest yet most beloved meals of the day.