Customer Reviews

Krups FEM4B 4-Slice Toaster, Black

5 star:		(66)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

I read previous reviews of this and other toasters that I had considered purchasing. I have always had good experiences with Krups, Kitchen Aid, Braun, and Cuisinart products-- in that order. At home, we really enjoy and have had great experiences and reliability from the first two brands in particular.

Many of today's toasters seem more like small ovens, given the amount of wattage output they can deliver. In the case of the toaster, I chose the Krups 4-slice toaster. (The Kitchen Aid was a bit too long for the small amount of counter space that I have in my apartment's kitchen). Both have very wide slots, seemingly designed for bagels and frozen breakfast treats.

I noted that some reviewers had complained that the Krups does not toast evenly. I have used a number of brand name toasters, and one could say the same for all-- especially those with the wider slots.

What I do like about the Krups is that it does do a great job in positioning and holding bread evenly between the heating elements in each slot, which in turn is helpful in evenly toasted bread. Whether the toasting is even depends, I found, on the freshness and size of the bread; also, you should experiment with the heat settings, to determine which is best for you. Larger loaf sizes will bend slightly to one side or the other in the slots; hence, I do not always obtain even toasting of these bread slices.

I am very satisfied with the results that I obtain from the Krups toaster, and recommend it without reservation.

The best by far. First neat feature: You can raise the toast HIGH out of the toaster, so even small slices are high enough to take out without reaching in to the slot
Second neat feature: Sturdy guides that make certain what ever you are toasting stays centered.
Third neat feature: WIDE slots for even the thickest bagel

Everything about this toaster feels right with smooth action on all levers, buttons and switches. It toasts very very evenly and quickly at that. The bagel toast feature works well, toasting the cut face of the bagel and just warming the rest. I have not tried the defrost feature yet.

This is a substantial toaster, a little wider than any 4 slice toater we have had before and it has some weight to it. Not HEAVY mind you but it feels well made and not like a disposable item.

I think you will like it!

We purchased this toaster after it was highly rated on Consumer Reports and we couldn't be happier. The bagel and defrost functions work well and it looks great on my counter too!

Bottom Line: If you like Oroweat breads or breads that are just a tad bit longer than the store brand's, stay away from this toaster. Otherwise, it works great. Read on for details...

After our last toaster died, I wanted a 4-slice toaster because we have 3 kids and a 2-slice toaster just doesn't cut it. I looked at many toasters and narrowed my selection down to the Krups FEM4B and the Kitchen Aid KMTT400 series. They both had pretty good reviews and I decided to get the Krups because it was less expensive. I initially had an issue with one of the toaster's bagel buttons which would stay on for the right set of controls and it would not turn off. So we couldn't use the right side for a while. Eventually it worked itself out and now works just fine and the bagel button works like it should, not sure what happened and was close to returning it.

Besides that little hick-up, the toaster works great and we've had it for almost a year (purchased end of July '07). It toasts evenly and is easy to operate. The *problem* I have with the toaster is that the openings for the toast just aren't long enough. You don't see specifications on the openening lengths. Toaster companies will talk about how wide they are if they can hold bagels just fine (like this one) but no mention of length. The openings are exactly 5 inches long. If you like deli sized breads or breads like Oroweat, they have a hard time fitting in the toaster and you have to shove them down. It's very annoying. If you stick to the store brand sized breads, then you won't have a problem. Next time I buy a toaster I'm going to go to a store, and measure the openings before purchasing. I wouldn't buy this toaster again because of that issue. If Krups comes out with another 4-slice toaster that has longer openings, then that would be a clear winner. As it is, if you like Oroweat breads or breads that are just a tad bit longer than the store brand's, stay away from this toaster.

After looking at many toasters that are all designed to toast the same way, this Krups 4 slice toaster is far and above the best design I've ever seen.

When the bread is downs the top of the slot closes off to keep the heat on the bread, the top of the toaster can act as a warmer and the bagels are inserted with the slice in the middle not backwards like most of the other toaster.

The #1 reason to buy this toaster over any other on the market is the VERY HIGH lift feature that brings whatever your toasting way up and out of the slot so you can reach it without sticking something down in to dig it out. Very easy to use levers that turns right to toast and left to raise it up to reach. Once you've found your setting, you will trust it for a perfect evenly toasted bread, slightly darker at the top (heat rises) but it's the best thing to perfection you'll find.

I love setting it on bagel and cutting a sub roll and toasting just the inner cut side for the ultimate toasted sandwich with just the right amount of crunch:)

Search for the best prices, retail is about $130.00, but you can find it on sale for $69-$89.00. This toaster is worth every penny to avoid burnt fingers over the other low lift slotted toasters.

I never thought that I would be excited about a toaster. I was very much of the opinion that a toaster was a disposable piece of kitchen equipment - buy a cheap one and throw it away when it breaks. I may just have changed my opinion based upon my experience with this Krups toaster. It is a very well-designed and eye-pleasing part of the kitchen. My wife loves its appearance and I have learned to appreciate its extended functionality. The "Bagel Mode" works as promised and the croissant warming idea works well! The inside spring mechanism has a smoother toast ejector so hopefully it will not suffer the fate of earlier equipment. I have had it for 6 months now so here's hoping....

I found this toaster to be top-notch. I love the cool sides. Just allow yourself a cycle or two to figure out what settings are the best for you and that is very easy. This toaster works in about the same time as any other toaster I have ever used.

I would follow the directions for setting up your toaster exactly! It is not hard, they just want you to run it a few times. This is important.

It doesn't take up much space and works extremely well. If you are looking for a serious toaster, this is it! I have used it for toast, waffles, english muffins, toaster pastries and the like. Does a great job on all. I could not be happier.

After reading about this toaster in the Wall Street Journal, I just had to give it a try. I've had several toasters over the years that never really made that perfect piece of toast. This one is truely the cadillac of toasters and I finally get my perfect toast.

Have had this about 2 months & use it every day.

Love the ability to make simultaneous toast for 2--just the way He (and I) like it--one lightly browned, the other nicely toasted--toast for him, English muffin for me. This has REALLY simplified breakfast for me & my husband's happy because he gets his toast toasted exactly the same predictable color EVERY DAY. Anyone else married to an accountant/engineer/efficiency expert? Then you really,really need one of these toasters.

It has easy-to-use controls, a bagel setting (for toasting just the top of the bagel while warming the bottom), and has a built-in croissant warmer (the top of the toaster is vented, so you can warm a croissant on the top grate). The crumb trays are well designed & quick to clean.

Highly recommended.

Have owned it now for 3 weeks with no problem. My last toaster from a different manufacturer stopped working on one side after 2 weeks. Best part is the lever which raises the hot bread up so you can reach it easier. I like toast dark, and most controls even at the extreme dark setting leave toast only slightly dark. The 10 setting on this really toasts dark.