I agree with Eddie about the Sunbeam Radiant Control toasters that automatically lower and raise the bread.  I've never owned a toaster that rendered more perfect results, first time, every time.

A couple of things to consider about these Sunbeams is that they are best when given plain white bread to toast, and things like bagels may be too thick to fit.

Prices can be all over the map.  I got one of mine at an estate sale many years ago, and more recently picked one up at at thrift store.  One is a T-30 model (pictured) and the other a later type with sliding lever mounted on the front to adjust shading.  I paid less than $10 for each one.

I'm not sure if Sunbeam still produces these.  If so, they are likely made in China and quality may not be what it was 20 or more years ago.

I've no idea how many toasters I have, maybe a couple of dozen in the collection. Some are duds and some winners.  However thee best hands down which we use daily is the Panasonic FlashXpress toaster oven. It's very simple to use, fairly fast, instant heat because it's infra red heating elements. And best of all it's not very big but holds 4 slices.. doesn't really take up much more room than a regular toaster.  It'll cook a tray of frozen fries from frozen in about 12 minutes.  I bought it for my mom (a true non gadget freak) about 6 or so years ago...I took it when she moved and have had not probems with it.. She really liked it as well and that's saying something coming from her. 

www.amazon.com/Panasonic-NB-G110P...

I just want a Toasting Level knob that doesn't easily turn...  Real, solid turning... And staying at one Heating Level...

Sometimes wish I had a four-slicer & I even entertain a toaster OVEN--which I'd returned upon receiving & prior to opening our wedding set--thinking it would take up too much counter-space and that I could use the conventional oven for "toaster oven toasting"... So, then, stuck w/ our two-slice pop-up & happy to have extra room on my even-smaller kitchen counter, compared to the earlier one in our apartment which was a bit more spacious...

-- Dave

KA makes a two or four slice toaster with auto bread lowering and raising.

I have the four slice version, albeit with manual action. It's OK, although I rarely use more than two slots, and I've noticed the spring for the side that gets the most use is a bit anemic... failing to raise the finished bread (usually burger buns) to full height. I have thought of replacing the spring with a more powerful version, but then I had to return the first unit to Costco because the darn toast lever wouldn't engage when pressed down.

I also have one of the ill-fated "Arize" glass wall toasters. These are fun to watch but only work with standard bread slices - burger buns would be right out.

Have looked at the Panasonic flash toaster ovens but the Cuisinart toaster oven works so well with everything but bread I have hesitated to get yet another kitchen gadget.

I suspect the problem with four slice toasters is that there are only so many amps available with with a 120 volt single phase outlet. Two slice toasters can deliver more heat to the process. A four slice toaster may have to reduce heat for each slice in order not to trip the typical 15 am residential circuit breaker when all four slots are active.

However I have not undertaken to investigate and record the amp/wattage ratings for two slice vs four slice toasters. Perhaps someone can do this?