If you put bread in a toaster and press down on it before pushing the lever down, you are essentially compressing the bread slices. This action can have several effects on the toasting process:
Compression: Pressing down on the bread compresses it, making it denser. This can lead to a slightly denser texture in the toasted bread.
Evenness of toasting: By pressing down on the bread, you ensure better contact between the bread slices and the heating elements inside the toaster. This can result in more even toasting across the entire surface of the bread.
Toasting time: Pressing down on the bread before toasting might result in a slightly shorter toasting time. The increased contact with the heating elements can accelerate the toasting process.
Browning and Crisping: Depending on the type of bread and the duration of compression, the bread might develop a more pronounced browning and crisper texture.
However, it's worth noting that the differences caused by pressing down on the bread before toasting are likely to be subtle and might not be significant enough for most people to notice or care about. To get the desired level of toasting, it's best to adjust the toasting time and temperature settings on the toaster according to personal preferences.
Keep in mind that if the bread is pressed down too forcefully or for an extended period, it could potentially become overly compacted, leading to an undesirable texture. It's generally recommended to be gentle when pressing down on the bread before toasting to avoid this issue.