since this is our second one, i noticed some differences. first the unit is stronger in regards to the down handle. it seems more firm. i also noticed one side of the toaster doesn't toast as much as the other, which gives you time to butter one slice while waiting for the other to toast more, by depressing the handle again. i ignore the setting for a bit more. the only thing i would do to improve the toaster is put a handle at the top so you don't have to put the toaster away by grabbing it by the elements.