I am sorry I gave up my 4 slice toaster as I now have to go through 2 seven minute toasting cycles to get 2 long pieces of toast done at the same time. However, it does toast pretty evenly. My bread is usually frozen so it takes longer for the center of the bread to toast while sometimes making the edges a little crispy. I like the heating element. Works better than the little wires inside other toasters. I have had one piece of toast fly out of the top when it popped up. Overall good buy for the money. Would love a 4 slice toaster with theses heating elements.