Use a damp cloth; for stainless steel, a bit of white vinegar can remove fingerprints.

Reduce the browning control dial. Thin or white bread toasts faster than thick sourdough or dense farmhouse bread.

Buttered bread or pastry fillings (like jelly) should never be put in a pop-up toaster as they pool at the bottom and burn. 2. The "Burnt Toast Theory"

Built-up crumbs near heating elements can ignite, causing smoke and extra heat that burns the next slice.

A "burnt toaster" can refer to a technical appliance issue, a lifestyle philosophy, or a specific culinary result. 1. Troubleshooting a Burnt Toaster

If your toaster is burning bread or producing a burning smell, it is often due to maintenance issues or incorrect settings:

The internal temperature rises with each cycle. Lower the setting for subsequent batches if the toaster has not cooled down.