A toaster is a small kitchen appliance designed to brown slices of bread by exposing them to radiant heat. It typically has slots where bread is inserted, and a heating element that toasts the bread until it reaches the desired level of crispiness. Most toasters have adjustable settings to control the browning time. Toasters can vary in design and features, with some models offering additional functions like bagel toasting or defrosting frozen bread. They are commonly made from materials like stainless steel or plastic and are a staple in many households, often used for breakfast or snacks.