The presence of a setting that burns the toast in many toasters is not necessarily by design but rather a consequence of offering a wide range of toasting options to accommodate individual preferences. Toasters typically come with adjustable browning settings that allow users to customize the level of toasting according to their taste preferences.
The reason for including a darker setting that can potentially burn the toast is that different people have different preferences when it comes to toast. Some individuals prefer their toast lightly toasted or barely browned, while others prefer it darker and crunchier. By providing a wide range of browning settings, toaster manufacturers aim to cater to the diverse tastes of their customers.
Additionally, some baked goods like bagels or thicker bread slices might require a slightly higher toasting setting to achieve the desired level of crispness. So, the higher settings are not meant for regular sliced bread but for accommodating various types of bread and preferences.
It's essential to understand your toaster's settings and the optimal level of toasting for your favorite type of bread to avoid burning it. Experimenting with different settings will help you find the perfect balance for achieving your ideal toast. If a toaster consistently burns toast even on the lowest setting, it might indicate an issue with the toaster's thermostat, and you may want to consider getting it checked or replaced.