Morning is the one time of the day best served on automatic. From timed coffee makers to toaster-ovens that deliver perfectly browned toast, bagels or pastries, breakfast probably is the last meal that anyone wants to pay any attention to while actually making it. Still, I can’t help being drawn to the MoMA Stovetop Toaster.

Looking somewhat like a rectangular un-popped Jiffy Pop container, the handheld toaster is meant to be used on a gas or electric range. Place a slice of bread on top of the gridded side and set it on the burner. It might not be the most precise of kitchen gadgets, but for only eight bucks, it won’t cost a lot to find out just how asleep you really are in the morning while making breakfast.

Toasters tend to be rather stationary devices: you find a place for one on the counter, and then just let it be. Features that are more often seen in the more mobile of appliances rarely make it to the toaster. Appliances like food processors and blenders are the appliances that generally benefit from space-saving features like retractable power cords; when stored in the cupboard the power cords don’t get in the way. Toasters however, this doesn’t come into play as much. But that doesn’t mean that the retractable cord toaster doesn’t exist.

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It was a particularly cruel day in marketing hell when they decided to convince the masses that ‘mini’ was a desirable quality in products. It was probably the backlash against super-sizing that caused the word ‘mini’ to be applied to all things food-related, so considering those fast-food origins it’s not a total loss. Paying the same price (or sometimes more) for less is not desirable, yet somehow the evil genius horde has convinced us otherwise. As in all marketing coups, there is a (chicken) nugget of truth; a little restraint can be a good thing–not so much when attached to kitchen appliances however.

The Super Mini Toaster Oven may at first look appealing, but judging by the inclusion of a 6.25-inch sq. cooking pan, the kitchen appliance would be annoying more than anything else. It’s more Easy-Bake oven than toaster oven. While it features the “capabilities of a regular toaster oven with a 150°-450°F range in temperature, variable toasting function, 15 minute timer and “stay on” warming function”, I just can’t get over the fact that only one slice of bread at a time will fit in the thing. Even a regular slice of bread measures about 4 or 5 inches, and yes, I checked—and then made a Dagwood sandwich.

As far as kitchen appliances go, the toaster is pretty much the party animal of the bunch. Either that or the class clown. But no matter which way you look at it, there’s no denying that the ubiquitous little countertop appliance sees its share of gimmicks. Gadgets and gizmos routinely get attached to the machine, from egg cooker contraptions to integrated coffee makers. Usually however, the toaster is rather quiet about it.

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A kitchen appliance that plays tricks with your eyes isn’t necessarily the first thing you want to see in the morning. However, stunning design is always appreciated. With these two appliances you get both.

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Bagels need to be toasted. This is a fact. Many toasters do not accommodate bagels and other larger bread items. This too, is a fact. Therefore, there is a need for a tool to accomplish the toasting of bagels and the like. Luckily, Hammacher Schlemmer and Bodum have made available The Slotless Toaster.

The heated flatbed surface provides 700-watts of pure toasting power. Just like a regular toaster, preferred level of doneness can be set via an easy to use knob, and an included crumb tray catches…crumbs.

Bagels, croissants, Texas toast and baguettes have finally found a toasty home with this specialized appliance. Now excuse me, as I have to go get my lunch out of my ultra-convenient, multiple-use, toaster oven. Don’t forget to flip your toast.