Hamilton Beach Modern Stainless Steel 4-Slice Toaster (24798) review

The Hamilton Beach 24798 is a current-reference four-opening toaster with two explicitly independent control sets and an analog shade selector. Its exact U.S. page calls the slots extra-wide and describes a One Slice Sure-Toast setting. The matching guide, however, documents only Cancel, Bagel, and One Slice programming buttons and a 1-to-7 shade selector. Those exact-source details distinguish it from other four-slot models with a Defrost control or digital shade display.

Two independently controlled pairs

The manufacturer’s product description says each side can use its own settings and that the toaster can stagger start times, making the two control groups a substantive use feature rather than a visual guess from the photograph. The page-linked image shows four conventional openings, two lifters, separate shade dials, and paired button groups. It is a four-slice capacity, not four individually programmable slots. The claimed extra-wide fit is not accompanied by an aperture measurement or a maximum slice-size specification.

Hamilton Beach lists an outside body size of 7.7 inches high, 11.1 inches wide, and 11 inches deep. Those measurements are starting points for a counter layout, not safety clearances. Allow room for the cord, ventilation, lifters, loading, and both crumb trays. The product page also lists a cord wrap, two slide-out trays, Toast Boost, and automatic shutoff.

One Slice, Bagel, and the missing Defrost control

The One Slice function uses the manufacturer’s Sure-Toast description for toasting both sides when only one slice is loaded. The booklet says to press One Slice after starting the cycle; it does not establish a promised color across different breads. The exact manual identifies model 24798 as Type T120 at 120 V, 60 Hz, and 1,560 W, and describes the shade selector as 1 through 7. Unlike the 24796, the 24798 page and guide reviewed here do not document a Defrost button. A shopper requiring a named frozen-food function should not treat a generic toast setting as equivalent.

Bagel operation is less clear. The exact product page says the cut side is crisp while the other side stays warm, whereas the linked 840353001 booklet describes Bagel as adding toasting time to both sides of a bagel or thick bread. The safest conclusion is that a dedicated Bagel control exists; the sources do not align on its exact heating action. If that detail matters, check the control behavior against the exact unit and booklet rather than transferring instructions from a neighboring model.

Choosing between 24798 and 24796

Both models offer four conventional openings and a One Slice feature, but the 24796 is the digital-display comparison with a page-listed nine shade levels and a Defrost button. The 24798’s exact page and manual point to an analog 1-to-7 selector, separate pair controls, Bagel, Cancel, and One Slice. The 24796’s linked manual contains general 1-to-7 selector wording that conflicts with its own digital nine-shade product page; that discrepancy is specific to the 24796 and should not be imported into the 24798 review.

The 24798 may better suit a household that wants independently set left/right sides and can forgo a documented frozen-food program. It may be less suitable when a dedicated Defrost control is essential. Neither product page supports a precise claim about the bread thickness or width that fits each opening.

Confirm the exact configuration

For a particular offer, check that the rating label identifies 24798, verify that both shade controls and lifters are present, and confirm the two crumb trays and Use & Care booklet. Compare the rating plate with the Type T120 entry. Measure body width and depth in the intended counter position, then check the manual’s clearance advice and access to trays. Verify current seller identity, included parts, return terms, and warranty eligibility on the offer itself; the conditional manual warranty does not guarantee coverage for every purchase.

The 24798 is best understood as a four-slice, two-pair toaster whose strongest documented differentiators are staggered side-level control and a One Slice option. The main tradeoffs are unknown bread aperture, no documented Defrost control, and the conflicting descriptions of Bagel operation. This is a documentary assessment only; no hands-on test, measured toast performance, current price, or user-review claim is made.