Abstract: A toaster comprises a housing having at least one food item receiving slot defined in a top surface, at least one spring-loaded food item support, first and second opposing end plates within the housing, first and second opposing grill wire assemblies positioned between and generally perpendicular to the first and second end plate, a lifter bracket selectively movable between an up position and a down position, and first and second pivoting guide rods. Each guide rod cooperates with a first guide arm of a corresponding grill wire assembly such that each guide rod restrains inward movement of a corresponding one of the first and second grill wire assemblies when each guide rod is in a first position and such that each guide rod does not restrain inward movement of a corresponding one of the first and second grill wire assemblies when each guide rod is in a second position.