This toaster is lightweight, compact, and very easy to use. The temperature dial/knob is plastic, so I recommend being careful when turning it. Bread and bagels toasted evenly. The outside casing is plastic, but did not seem to get too hot to the touch. Overall a good, simple toaster. My only complaint is that the mechanism is loud when the toast cycle ends. And when hitting the "cancel" button, it's very loud as well. Made me jump a couple of times. :)