Q: I live in a house that has been divided into efficiency apartments, which means I have a kitchen so tiny I can't spare the room to put a toaster. I remembered seeing spatula-like stove top toasters in old movies. When I searched for what I thought that would be called, I came up with articles describing an $8 stove-top toaster that used to be available from MoMA, and it's exactly what I was thinking of! But they no longer seem to sell it. Any ideas on where I could find something similar? It really seems like the perfect solution to my toast problem.
Sent by Morgan
Editor: Morgan, search for "non-electric toaster" or "stovetop toasters." You should find what you're looking for. Here is one from Toaster Central:
• Square Non-Electric Toaster from Italy, $28 at Toaster Central
If you have an oven in your tiny kitchen, one other option is to use your broiler. This isn't terribly efficient (heating up the whole oven to make toast) but it does make extremely good toast. Put the toast near the broiler coils and flip once. (I do this when making a big batch of toast for family brunch that I want to have hot and ready all at the same time.)
Readers, any suggestions or ideas for Morgan?
Related: 10 Best Uses for Your Toaster Oven
(Image: Morgan via email)
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When I didn't have a toaster oven I used to grill bread in a frying pan. Butter optional.
A sporting goods store that sells camping equipment would probably have one.
I used a broiler when I didn't have a toaster too. I even had room for a toaster - I just don't mind using the broiler.
You may also want to search for a fish grilling basket. Similar basic set up as what you've pictured.
I've also used a frying pan to toast bread! It's actually even better, I've found, because it doesn't leave crumbs all over the counter. But watch out--it can get a little smokey at times. It's particularly delicious if you drop a bit of butter in the pan. No need for additional gadgets!
Ditto on the broiler and frying-pan methods. In even lazier moments, I have also been know to just hold a larger piece of bread directly over the flame of my gas stove. No gadgets needed at all.
Sandwich your bread between two cooling racks and grab with tongs.
Or just place your bread on the grates, if you have a gas stove
I would look for one in the camping section of any sporting goods/department store.
Definitely a camping item. There is one that will fold flat but holds four pieces of bread when in use.
They might even turn in in the campin section of Walmart or Kmart. If no luck check REI online.
Or you can hold the toast over the burner using a long fork.
Japanese groceries stores
I second the Japanese grocery stores. I bought one from there with a ceramic insert. Gets super hot. I use it to grill veggies and fish but I'm sure it would work for toast.