I really tried to like this toaster, but it's never worked out well.  Shade level 1 produces what you would expect from shade 3 or 4.  I've dealt with it for over a year by constantly monitoring toast and finally just decided to buy a new cheaper basic toaster.  Other than its inability to toast correctly, it looks great and does seem well built.  It is much heavier and larger than the cheap basic toaster I replaced it with. [This review was collected as part of a promotion.]