As promised, I am going to discuss gluten free appliances. Today, I'm going to discuss toasters. For any bagel and English muffin fan, there is no other way to eat these items, except when they're toasted. As for myself, I haven't had a bagel or English muffin in almost 3 years. They were my go-to breakfast items, when I was in a rush to get to work or school.
After I was diagnosed with Celiac disease, I wasn't exactly schooled in the non-food aspect of living gluten free. I know that I had to eat gluten free, but, to have to use separate appliances and cookware? That was a whole different ball game for me.
Recently, I bought myself a toaster. For the first time, in over 2 years, I was able to have bagels and English muffins...gluten free of course. Since I live with my boyfriend, I had to make sure that he knew not to use my toaster. I will be investing in some gluten free labels for items that need to stay away from his gluteny food.
It is important to have separate toasters, if you are a bagel or English muffin fan. I recommend purchasing a 2-slice toaster. I wouldn't recommend sharing a 4-slice toaster with the non-Celiacs in your household. Remember, even a speck of gluten can make you sick. If you have symptoms similar to mine (i.e. chronic diarrhea), you will steer clear of the 4-slice toasters, and purchase your own 2-slice toaster.
Any toaster brand will do. I bought myself a $10 toaster. The only thing you have to decide, is how much you want to invest in your toaster. Remember, keep your toaster for gluten free breads ONLY. After you purchase your toaster, LABEL IT.
(photo courtesy of: http://www.glutafin.co.uk/Image/image/toaster.jpg)
