Hamilton Beach Classic Chrome 4-Slice Toaster (24790) review

Hamilton Beach’s 24790 is an earlier four-slice toaster with a chrome finish and two visible control-and-lifter groups. The model page labels it “NO LONGER AVAILABLE,” so this is an assessment of a documented design, not an availability claim or a report of personal use. Its most useful distinction from nearby four-slot models is that the exact page and linked booklet name a Reheat function as well as Bagel and Defrost.

Four openings divided into two working sides

The exact 24790 page calls this a four-slice toaster and describes extra-wide openings. Its page-linked photograph shows four conventional openings, two lifters, and a separate shade dial and group of push buttons on each side. That makes the physical arrangement relevant for a household that may want to run two sides separately. It does not establish four independent shade controls: the two visible control groups correspond to pairs, not to each opening individually. Hamilton Beach gives no numerical opening width, depth, or maximum slice length, so “extra-wide” is a description rather than a bread-fit measurement.

The listed body size is 7.63 inches high, 11.3 inches wide, and 11.06 inches deep. Those are outside dimensions. They do not include the space needed above the toaster, room to reach the lifters, outlet access, or the path needed to remove its crumb trays. Measure the installed spot rather than using the product’s proportions in the photograph.

Reheat is not the same as adding toast time

The exact product description names four functions: Reheat, Defrost, Bagel, and Cancel. The linked 840205203 Use & Care guide says Reheat runs for roughly 30 to 50 seconds after the lifter is lowered. That is a short reheating action, not proof that the toaster remembers a previous shade, extends an active cycle on demand, or will produce a specified result. Defrost is a separate user-selected mode for frozen bread; the guide does not describe automatic frozen-food sensing. Bagel is selected by loading the cut side toward the interior and using the Bagel control. The controls are modes, not a guarantee that every bagel or frozen item fits.

The same guide identifies model 24790 as Type T85 and prints 120 V, 60 Hz, and 1,500 W. The toaster uses manual lifters and a shade selector, not motorized lowering or a color-sensing stop. It also has automatic end-of-cycle shutoff and a slide-out crumb tray. No numeric shade range, usable slot aperture, or maximum food dimension is published in the sources reviewed.

How it differs from the smaller 24791

The nearby 24791 is also an earlier four-opening Hamilton Beach design, but its exact page describes three toasting functions and its linked guide does not list Reheat. Its body is listed as 7.28 by 10.43 by 11.02 inches, smaller in width and height than the 24790 figures. The 24790 is therefore the more specific match if a Reheat button and its documented short cycle matter; the 24791 is a separate model assessment, not a guessed color variant. A second comparison point is current-reference 24796, whose exact page describes a digital display and a One Slice control rather than the 24790’s analog shade dial and Reheat function.

Counter, care, and old-unit checks

Hamilton Beach marks the 24790 no longer available. That does not prove that no seller has an old-stock or used unit, and it says nothing about condition. Before considering a specific offer, match its physical label to model 24790, compare the actual lifter and button layout with the exact page, and verify the 840205203 guide, crumb trays, cord, and return terms. The guide contains conditional warranty wording; it does not establish coverage for a particular old or secondhand unit. Check the rating plate and the exact model/series label, and consult current official safety notices for the individual appliance.

The 24790 makes the most sense as a historical reference for a four-slice, pair-controlled routine where Defrost, Bagel, and especially a short Reheat function are meaningful. Its broad “extra-wide” language still leaves real bread fit unknown, and its 11.3-inch body width plus tray and clearance needs may be more important than its chrome appearance. No hands-on performance, durability, temperature, or browning comparison is represented here.