Sunbeam Vintage Toaster T20A

The T-20A uses the same body style as the original T-20: a “clam shell” or curved-sided housing with two vertical toast slots at the top. The exterior chrome-plated metal, polished for a reflective finish, with decorative Art Deco–style lines scribed or etched on its front and back faces. The handles, base, and adjustment parts are made of heat-resistant Bakelite (a phenolic plastic common in appliances of that era). Under one of the handles (or just beneath it) is a small knob that lets you set how light or dark you want your toast. That is the “lightness/darkness” adjustment. The “Radiant Control” mechanism is the star of the design. Unlike modern toasters that use timers, this toaster senses the radiant heat (infrared) emitted by the bread itself to decide when to stop toasting. The cloth cord on a Sunbeam T-20A vintage toaster is a signature feature of mid-century electric appliances—both functional and decorative.

This vintage toaster is in working condition.