Comparison Tefal Ultracompact SM157236 vs Tefal Ultracompact SM155212

The maximum number of individual products that can be cooked in the appliance at the same time.

For toasters, this parameter corresponds to the number of standard rectangular pieces of bread that fit into the device. Accordingly, if the size of the blanks used differs from the standard, then the capacity may be more or less than the claimed one.

If we are talking about a waffle iron, cake-pans or other device of a similar design (see "Type"), then the number of products is usually indicated by the number of notches on the working surface. In this case, note that the larger the capacity, the smaller the size of each product (especially since the working surface area for different models does not differ so much).

— Auto-centering. Function found in toasters (see "Type"). Thanks to auto-centering, each slice of bread is placed in the centre of the compartment during cooking, at the same distance from the heating elements, and toasted on both sides equally.

— Heating. Operating mode of the toaster (see "Type"), in which the product is not fried, but only slightly warmed up. This function can be useful, for example, to reheat previously cooked toast.

— Defrosting. Toasters often include a specialized function, found in their features (see Type), for toasting frozen bread. Frozen bread cannot be directly fried, as it requires defrosting first. The toaster's defrost mode provides a convenient way to defrost frozen bread quickly and efficiently.

— High lift. Possibility of lifting cooked toast above the standard height. This feature is useful when toasting small slices of bread that would otherwise be difficult to remove from a hot toaster.

— One-sided frying. Possibility to toast on one side only. This function can be useful, for example, when making toast from a piece of bread — on the one hand, it no longer needs to be fried.

— Readiness indicator. An external indicator, typically in the form of a light, is used to signal the completion of cooking in certain toasters...(see Type). It's worth noting that in traditional toasters, this function is relatively uncommon. Instead, the completion of toasting is indicated by the toast popping up from the compartments accompanied by a noticeable click and sometimes an additional sound.

— Overheat protection. Safety system that automatically turns off the device when the heating element or body reaches a critical temperature. This allows user to avoid unpleasant consequences, ranging from a breakdown of the device and ending with a fire.

— Grid for heating buns. Device for warming baked goods that cannot fit inside the toaster's main compartment, like rolls or croissants. It is installed on top of the toaster and uses hot air generated by the heating elements to heat the food.

— Sandwich grill. The toaster is equipped with a unique grill-like grate that enables the frying of sandwiches. This miniature grill securely holds the sandwich on both sides, preventing any ingredients from falling out. By placing the sandwich on this grate, it can be cooked in the toaster until it reaches the desired consistency.

— Sandwich mold. Sandwich makers are equipped with distinctive triangular notches on their plates, specifically designed for making classic closed sandwiches. However, these versatile notches can also be used for baking and other purposes. These types of nozzles are commonly found in sandwich makers and can also come included with waffle makers and similar devices.

— Waffle maker. A device for making waffles has the form of two plates with a characteristic relief surface (for example, “in a square”). Such a device can be equipped not only with the actual devices for cooking waffles (see "Type"), but also with other types of kitchen appliances — in particular, sandwich makers.

— A waffle maker designed specifically for making Vienne...se waffles has a distinct heating element design. The resulting baked goods from the waffle maker resemble large, thick, and fluffy wafers. Unlike traditional waffles, Viennese waffles have a softer texture. They are commonly used as a base for making pies or served with additional creams, powdered sugar, and other toppings.

— A waffle maker designed for making thin waffles features a unique heating element that produces thin cakes with small waffle patterns. These thin wafers are commonly used to create tubes filled with boiled condensed milk (toffee) or other types of cream. Thin waffles serve as a base for making multi-layer waffles, pies, cakes, and various other dishes.

— Grill. A device consisting of plates, or a single plate, with a ribbed surface. It is designed to leave distinctive grilled stripes on the food when heated. Grills are commonly found in sandwich makers and occasionally in other devices with similar designs (see "Type"). This feature is primarily used for light frying and heating purposes, such as making hot sandwiches or stuffed pita bread. While it is theoretically possible to use the grill for more substantial tasks like cooking steaks, not all models offer this capability.

— For nuts. A specialized attachment for making nut-shaped cakes is equipped with recesses for half of the nuts on one side, while the other side acts as a press to form the "shells." This type of nozzle is commonly found in hazelnut makers, but it can also be present in other kitchen appliances for creating various nut-shaped treats.

— For cupcakes. Cupcakes in this case usually mean muffins — products of a relatively small size, with a rounded top and a slightly tapering base. In addition to cake makers, nozzles of this type are found among sandwich makers (see "Type").

— For donuts. Nozzles of this kind typically feature ring-shaped notches, specifically designed for baking distinctive donuts or "bagels." However, there are alternative options available, and certain devices can be equipped with multiple attachments to create donuts in various shapes. These types of nozzles are utilized not only in donut makers but also in certain cupcake makers and sandwich makers.

— For an omelette. The traditional shape of omelettes is typically semicircular, and the recesses in this type of nozzle also have a similar shape. It's worth noting that with some clever techniques using such a nozzle, you can prepare other dishes as well, such as calzone or pasties. The versatility of the nozzle allows for experimenting with different fillings and ingredients to create a variety of delicious meals.

— For cookies. Replaceable plates or attachments for baking a variety of shaped cookies. Sandwich makers, some muffin makers and waffle irons can be equipped with similar shapes.

In addition to those listed above, modern kitchen devices can be equipped with other types of nozzles.

A separate compartment for the power cord allows you to hide this cord in the body of the device, which greatly simplifies storage and transportation. At the same time, such a compartment can also be supplemented with a device for uniform winding — it does not only provide additional convenience, but also protects the wire from bending and fractures.