The invention of the electric toaster is attributed to George Schneider of the American Electrical Heater Company. In 1905, he patented the first commercially successful electric toaster known as the "Eclipse Toaster." This toaster was a simple device with exposed wires where bread could be placed for toasting. However, it was a significant advancement in toasting technology, and it paved the way for further developments in toaster design over the years.
Since then, numerous improvements and innovations have been made to electric toasters, leading to the variety of toasters we have today, including pop-up toasters, toaster ovens, and more sophisticated models with various settings for toasting bread and other food items.