Conveyor and slot toasters for busy Canadian kitchens
Keep breakfast, brunch and sandwich programs moving with commercial toasters built for foodservice. This
collection includes conveyor toasters and slot toasters from brands like APW Wyott, Hatco, Prince Castle,
Proctor Silex, Star Holman, Vollrath and Waring, with models sized for Canadian restaurants, hotels, cafés,
bakeries and self-serve stations.
Whether you’re toasting sliced bread and bagels for all-day breakfast, buns for burgers, or specialty loaves
for a café menu, matching toaster style and capacity to your peak periods helps avoid bottlenecks on the line.
Use this page to compare conveyor and slot toasters, then choose the right mix for back-of-house or
front-of-house use.
Conveyor vs. slot toasters
Commercial toasters generally fall into two main styles, each suited to different volumes and setups:
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Conveyor toasters: High-volume toasters that move products through on a belt, ideal for hotels, QSRs, cafeterias and busy restaurants that toast continuously during service.
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Slot toasters: Two- and four-slot designs similar to a heavy-duty pop-up toaster, best for lower-volume cafés, bars and small restaurants that toast to order.
Conveyor units shine when you need a steady stream of toast, bagels or buns at breakfast or lunch, while
slot toasters are a flexible, compact option for smaller stations or backup use on the line.
Key specs when choosing a commercial toaster
Start with what you toast most often and how many pieces you need during your busiest 30–60 minutes. Then
look at:
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Throughput: Conveyor toasters are often rated in slices per hour; choose a model that comfortably covers your peak demand with some extra capacity.
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Product type: If you toast bagels, artisan loaves or thick buns, look for wider openings, adjustable conveyors and settings designed for those products.
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Controls & heat adjustment: Variable speed, top/bottom heat control and dedicated bagel or bun modes give you more control over colour and texture.
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Footprint & plug type: Confirm counter space, hood coverage if needed and electrical requirements, including NEMA plug style, before selecting a unit.
For many Canadian operations, a single conveyor toaster in the main prep area plus one or more slot toasters
on smaller stations or at the bar provides good coverage without overloading a single unit.
Frequently Asked Questions about Commercial Toasters
How do I choose between a conveyor toaster and a slot toaster?
If you toast continuously during breakfast, brunch or lunch—especially in hotels, cafeterias or QSRs—a
conveyor toaster is usually the best choice because it offers higher throughput and more consistent results.
If your menu involves occasional toast or buns made to order, a two- or four-slot commercial toaster can be
enough and takes up less counter space. Some Canadian restaurants use both, with a conveyor for peak periods
and a slot toaster as backup or for a smaller station.
How much capacity do I need from a commercial toaster?
Estimate how many slices, bagel halves or buns you serve during your busiest hour and then choose a toaster
with a throughput rating above that number. For conveyor models, look at the slices-per-hour rating; for slot
toasters, consider how many cycles per hour you realistically run. Building in a bit of extra capacity helps
prevent bottlenecks when your Canadian operation hits peak traffic.
Can I toast bagels, artisan bread and buns in the same toaster?
Many commercial toasters can handle multiple product types, but you’ll get better results by matching the
toaster to what you serve most. If bagels and thicker breads are common, look for wider slots or conveyor
openings and dedicated bagel or bun settings. For standard sliced bread, a lighter-duty slot toaster may be
sufficient. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for product types and maximum thickness.
What electrical requirements should I consider for a commercial toaster?
Commercial toasters draw more power than typical household units, so it’s important to confirm voltage,
amperage and plug type before purchasing. Many conveyor models use 208–240V power and NEMA 6-series plugs,
while some smaller slot toasters use 120V with NEMA 5-15 plugs. Review your panel capacity and available
circuits in your Canadian kitchen so you can place the toaster where it’s needed without overloading a
circuit.
How should I clean and maintain a commercial toaster?
Regular cleaning usually includes unplugging the unit, allowing it to cool, then emptying crumb trays,
wiping accessible surfaces and following the manufacturer’s instructions for deeper cleaning. Avoid harsh
chemicals and abrasive tools on painted or stainless surfaces. Keeping crumb trays clear and vents unobstructed
supports consistent performance and can extend the life of the unit in busy Canadian foodservice environments.
Can commercial toasters be used in self-serve areas?
Many conveyor toasters and select slot toasters are used in self-serve hotel breakfast areas or cafeterias.
When doing so, choose models that are appropriate for guest use, position them on stable, heat-resistant
surfaces and provide clear signage or instructions. Always follow local safety guidelines and the
manufacturer’s recommendations for ventilation, clearances and supervision in self-serve applications.
What if I don’t see the brand or configuration I need?
This collection highlights core conveyor and slot toasters from APW Wyott, Hatco, Prince Castle,
Proctor Silex, Star Holman, Vollrath and Waring. If you don’t see the exact capacity, opening size or
electrical configuration you’re looking for, a Russell Hendrix representative can help you review additional
options, lead times and alternatives that match your menu and service style in Canada.
