New York, NY, February 21, 2006 — Hammacher Schlemmer announces the selection of The Best Four Slice Wide Mouth Toaster, chosen over other models in tests by The Hammacher Schlemmer Institute for the superior quality of toast it produces, its ease of use, easy cleaning, and a wide variety of convenient features.

“For 23 years, The Hammacher Schlemmer Institute has been testing products to determine which items are outstanding in a given category,” explained Tara-Ann Dugan, Supervisor of Product Research at the Hammacher Schlemmer Institute. “In tests of four slice wide mouth toasters, five different models (from a considered field of seven) underwent rigorous examination for consistency, toasting ability, and ease-of-use, and features to find The Best. This toaster outperformed all others tested.”

The 1,500-watt toaster can prepare everything from thin slices of rye to thick slices of pumpernickel, as well as bagels, frozen strudels, and frozen waffles. Two independent rotary controls allow simultaneous preparation of different breads or different user settings, and eight browning levels ensure perfect, consistent toasting every time. A warming tray is included to quickly heat rolls, muffins, and other items too large to fit in the generous chambers.

“The toaster even has a special setting just for bagels,” adds Dugan. “You can toast the cut side of the bagel, while the uncut side is gently warmed, for a crisp spreading surface without drying the soft exterior. The Best Toaster ensures pastries and baked goods are toasted to preference, every time.”

The toaster is sturdy brushed stainless steel that wipes clean quickly, and the warming tray is dishwasher safe for easy maintenance. The Best Four Slice Wide Mouth Toaster is available from Hammacher Schlemmer for $99.95. For more information, please visit www.hammacher.com or call 1-800-543-3366.

Hammacher Schlemmer is America's longest running catalog, offering the Best, the Only, and the Unexpected since 1848. The company provides unique products that solve problems or represent the only one of their kind, and backs its products with a rather famous Lifetime Guarantee of Complete Satisfaction. Hammacher Schlemmer's innovative offerings are available through its catalog, online at www.hammacher.com, and at its famed flagship store on East 57th Street in New York City.