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So, you've been looking for a new toaster, you've been googling, binging, reading and searching high and low wondering if there are any toasters in North America that can toast a piece of toast super well? The answer is No. So, you've arrive here, at Amazon Japan and are now looking at Balmuda: the toaster. It turns out while North American companies have been content to sell do-it-all toaster ovens, Japan has been quietly innovating the heck out of toasters to produce the best toaster oven possible to make improve toasting bread.
There's just one problem: If you live in North America, the toaster is not recommended for use by Balmuda and becomes very expensive with shipping/taxes/duties and the need for a step-down converter. The reason is due to Japan's electrical system working on a 100v 50/60hz electrical system whereas North America runs on 120v 60hz system. The ONLY way to safely operate this toaster in North America is to purchase a step-down voltage converter which will add another $150 to the price tag of this unit (at least). In addition, I would recommend disconnecting the converter (connected to the toaster) after every use, which is a best practice for all small heating appliances anyway. I would NOT recommend simply plugging this toaster into a North American outlet as other reviewers have said.
Now, onto the toaster itself. It will take some time to figure out the proper cooking setting to get your toast just right. The thicker the slice, the higher on the dial the number should be, to get the kind of toasted level you desire. The unit is small, beautifully designed and is super easy to take apart for cleaning. The toast being produced is fantastic, with the main highlight being when you use nice, high quality thick slices of bread or sourdoughs. There is a wonderful crispness to the bread and a doughy soft interior which is just fantastic. I've been using this unit for about three weeks and it has been great to use so far, though I am still perfecting using the settings (I find a 4/5 level good for wonder bread and a 7 for thick slices of bread). The unit has a simple to use display, the cooking timer sound is a wonderful little tick, tick sound (think metronome) and the chime to let you know the toast is ready is pleasant.
The only negative I would say is that the steam channel under at the bottom of the unit has some rust-coloured water stains after several weeks of use. So, I'd recommend cleaning this channel every week or so to avoid build up (similar to the bottom of a kettle).
You can only do a maximum of two pieces of toast (depending on size, of course) at one time. Which is fine in my opinion as you're buying this machine for quality and not quantity. I have yet to try to the settings beyond toast, and have not operated this machine on the oven heat settings (those require no water). My unit did not come with a balmuda-brand white enamel tray for cooking meals, so I haven't been keen to use it for anything beyond toast and bagels that may spill and leak onto the heating elements.
I bought from Amazon.jp as the price was best even with shipping. The duties and taxes were also calculated up front so there were no surprise extra fees upon delivery.
Hope this has helped you on your quest to perfect toast-LOL!
| メーカー | BALMUDA |
|---|---|
| 型番 | K01E-KG |
| 梱包サイズ | 39 x 36.5 x 26.5 cm |
| 色 | ブラック |
| 容量 | 2枚 |
| リチウム電池パック | 電池内蔵 |
| 梱包重量 | 5.25 キログラム |
| 電池使用 | いいえ |
| 電池付属 | いいえ |
| メーカー保証 | 1年 |
| ブランド名 | BALMUDA |
