On most toasters, a simple instruction is embedded in the section between the two bread slots.  This message, "One Slice ^"  surely serves a purpose. I refuse to believe manufacturers would stamp this message on every single toaster for no reason. However, the reason for the etching of this instruction is yet to be revealed.   

I have spent the majority of my toasting career trying to interpret the mystery message.  I’ve asked friends, parents, relatives and co-workers and nobody seems to know (or care) exactly what this message is imprinted on toasters for. I, however, can only forget it until I make toast again. 

This is obviously a reminder for something important. But does anyone know why it’s there? I’ve come up with several possible interpretations of the note.

At first, I thought the message meant that if one were to toast one slice at a time, it would be best to place the bread on the side in which the arrow is directed. This seems like a reasonable solution, but why would it matter what side you put your slice in?  It has been suggested that one side may be hotter than the other.  I have proven this false through toasting two pieces simultaneously.  They come out equally done, so this could not possibly be the solution.  This also eliminated the theory that one side may toast better than the other.  I regularly place my one piece opposite of the suggested side, and it repeatedly comes out as a perfect piece of toast.  There is no risk involved with placing a slice in the opposite slot.  

Another solution to the mystery message is liability. Perhaps the company is protecting themselves against a hefty lawsuit which could occur if consumers were to misunderstand this appliance’s abilities.  Some consumers may not know that only one slice fits into each slot. The "One Slice ^" message may simply be telling users that the product is not made to toast an entire sandwich. For those who try to prepare their grilled cheese toaster-style, the imprinted message should clarify that thrusting a couple slices of bread and a chunk of cheese into one slot is beyond the capabilities of a toaster.

I often wonder if there may be another reason for engraving "One Slice ^" into all toasters, since neither of these explanations seem like a good enough reason.

Shootin’ the Wit is a weekly column about everyday life that should never, ever be taken too seriously.