Customer Reviews

VillaWare V5555-14 Pooh n' Pals Toaster 2-Slice

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

We received this toaster as a gift, and thought it was a really great one. But the first time we tried to use it, a lot of smoke and a plastic-burning smell came out. There was no plastic or any object visible inside the toaster. The retailer was contacted, and assured us that a "small amount of smoke" and a smell were normal for the first use or two.

Well, we tried it a couple more times, and the smoke just got worse. So we sent it back.

We recieved the replacement, and I'm happy to say, just a little smoke. But it still had an extremely strong reeky plastic burning smell. We actually had to plug it in outside and run it several times to get rid of some of it, but it is still lingering after maybe 20 cycles. I am reluctant to feed my kids the toast cooked in that toxic stink.

As for the performance, the music chime stopped working after a few cycles, and never started up again. I was actually happy about that, because it was extremely annoying. The toast practically has to be burned for the faces to appear on them, and then they're hardly recognizable (pooh's face has a lamentable habit of falling off into the toaster). This toaster also gets EXTREMELY hot to the touch; I burned myself on the stainless steel exterior. I know I shouldn't be running around touching hot toasters, but it was just a brush-up against it by accident, and it was certainly a lot hotter than any other toaster I've ever owned. This toaster could be hazardous for anyone, but I would say it poses a definite danger for small children, especially as they may be enticed to touch it by the pictures on the side (yes, all children should be kept away from electrical appliances, but kids can be wily).

I will be returning this product. And I am shocked at what this item retails for, considering its shoddy performance, which would make sense if it was cheap. It's really too bad, because it is a cute product/idea (if I gave it any stars, it would be for that), but doesn't work well and is not worth the health risk.

The bumble bee "handle" used to push the toasting lever down is very poor quality. In retrospect, it's hard to believe anyone designing a product would think this cheap plastic decoration would serve for actual use as a lever. Can't believe I didn't notice it and return the product immediately. Sooner or later you end up pushing down on a bare metal shaft that's about 1/4" top to bottom.
The music stopped playing after the 3rd or 4th use. The dial for choosing your browning level is imprecise at best. You end up with a lot of toast that isn't what you want.
Even though I didn't experience any smoking/smell issues and haven't noticed it being overly hot to the touch, this product is very expensive for what you get. If you want a toaster, go for the discount store $5 sale toasters if you want quality. Otherwise you pay $30-40 for the cute factor. It will look very cute on your counter and if you don't use it you won't be upset about it's poor quality.
My choice would be zero stars, but the review agent requires at least one.

I highly recommend that you do not buy this or any other Villaware Disney Toasters. They all get very hot, you and your little loved one will get burned; in more ways than one. You have to practically burn the toast to see images and the music works Loud and well for a short time then, Nothing! The heating elements burn up and smoke!!! Also the browning select, or should I say the burning select, control is backwards it turns counterclockwise. It is just a Gimmick Toaster, Not Safe or Reliable at All.
Respectfully Submitted, John W. Adam

I love this toaster it's my second one. I'd love even more if it came in a 4 slice/bagel model!

I think this toaster is soo cute and a must have for the pooh lover.. Its great...

I can't even tell you how GREAT this toaster is! I've bought 4 in total so far now, after my friends and family saw it & heard it, they HAD to have one too. It toasts winnie & tiggers face on the bread, has a 'bee' knob and plays the winnie the pooh song when it's done. BUT!! do NOT buy this if you are on a diet...we toasted a whole loaf of bread the first day!! it's too cute. the grand kids LOVE it!! we love it.

I am very unsatisfied with this toaster. It is poor quality and it is virtually impossible to produce an edible piece of toast with the pooh or tigger image on it. I'm trying to return mine right now.

+ mine had a large dent in the top when I opened it.

I've had my Pooh n' Pals toaster for well over a year, and it still looks and works as well as the day I bought it. I love how big and shiny it is. We use it daily and my husband even crams giant bagels down into it- the music still plays, the bee handle is still there, and it toasts great. When I bought it, I wondered if the Pooh graphics on the side would start to fade or peel off, but to my surprise they're still good as new. There was some "brand new appliance heating up for the first time" smell the very first time we used it, but that happens with just about everything. I absolutely adore this toaster and will be pretty depressed the day it bites the dust! :)

I've had my toaster for over a year now and I love it. It still plays the music and I've never had any problems with it. It did stink a little the first couple of times, but I think all toasters do that. If you like pooh this a good toaster!