I never thought I would pay this much for a toaster but since I paid a fortune for my white kitchen renovation, I threw all financial caution to the wind and took the plunge.  (You can look around and find deals - I found Williams Sonoma had the highest price and an Amazon seller who had the lowest price).  This product looks and works great and the all-metal construction gives this toaster some "heft" - which I love.  I am looking forward to a lifetime of use so I'm hoping this baby will do right by me.  Time will tell.