(This review was collected as part of a promotion.) I initially felt something was wrong with my unit as the bread would not toast dark, even with the setting at the highest.  I only eat whole grain bread that has a dark "complexion" already.  I bought white bread to test it, and sure enough, it toasted black.  So, if you only use whole grain breads, and you like dark toast, you might not like this unit.  It takes longer to toast, and it doesn't toast dark & crisp.  I could return it, but really like everything else about it.