This toaster is great, I can finally toast the bread I like, in one go, with out having to flip the bread upside down, like I would have to do in a toaster made for plastic bread slices ( like the majority of the bread manufactured by big name bakeries in North America). You will have to get use to the darkness settings, like with any new toaster. One thing though, when toasting bagels, the side you want toasted should face out and the top and bottom face in. It is sturdy and well made as well.