The Dash Clear View DVTS501RD toaster uses a different heating element than other toasters. Rather than thin wires stretched alongside the wall, this toaster has two large elements on the bottom of each side. This design allows the bread to toast evenly and with minimal bar marks.
The Dash Clear View performed well in our performance tests on evenness and consistency and on toasting frozen bread and bagels. Like the Breville Smart Toaster, the Dash Clear View did well on all tests, making it one of the best toasters we reviewed.
Dash Clear View DVTS501RD: Performance
This toaster has the most innovative design among the toasters we reviewed. While a solid case encloses most toasters, this one has a large glass panel on the front. You can see your bread getting darker by the second. However, before you buy this toaster solely for the glass, consider that the novelty may wear off. Once the toaster becomes familiar, you won't need to check the toast. You’ll eventually determine the ideal toasting setting for your bread and won’t need to check the toast as it cooks anymore.
Although intriguing, the design does come with a few disadvantages. This toaster takes substantial counter space with its long width. One and a half feet, to be exact. Another disadvantage is its awkward crumb tray. It’s long instead of wide and accessed from the left side. If the toaster is next to a wall or other objects, you must move the unit to pull out the long tray. The tray also does not pull out as smoothly as the trays on other toasters we tested.
This toaster only has one slot. However, the slot is long enough to fit two slices of standard white bread. If you plan on toasting two long slices simultaneously, such as sourdough, then a 2-slice or 4-slice toaster will be quicker.
Should you buy the Dash Clear View DVTS501RD?
The Dash Clear is an unusual and eye-catching toaster due to its front-viewing glass design. Although this design has a few disadvantages, it proved to have a better-than-average toasting performance in our testing. Consider this toaster an interesting conversation piece in your kitchen, as it lets you watch your bread toast as you drink your morning cup of coffee.
