dandydanny / test-a-toaster

A repository of ideas on how to test a common household electric bread toaster

test-a-toaster

A repository of ideas on how to test a common household electric bread toaster.

Sanity Check / Smoke Test

Function	Test Config	Expected Behavior	Acceptable Value
Sanity Check	Toaster powered and switched on	Bread compartment of the toaster gets warm, no dangerous effects (flame, sparks) observed	True

Main Functions

Function	Test Case	Acceptable Value
Toasting bread	Does toaster able to warm up and brown (toast) bread slices?	True
Prevent burning of bread	Does toaster stop toasting automatically before bread is charred and ignited?	True
Ability to adjust degree of toast	Does toaster lightly brown the bread when set to low? Does it toast more when set to high?	True
(Top load slice toasters) Toast ejection	Does the toaster elevate the bread for easy retrival after toasting is complete	True

Fancy Features

Function	Test Case	Acceptable Value
Darkness adjustment reflects shade of toasted bread slices	Using the same darkness settings, toasting a thin slice of bread and thick slice of bread should yield similar darkness on toast	True
Ability to work with both frozen and non-frozen pastries	Toast a frozen and thawed version of the same pastry; toasting result should be similar between the two	True

Safety Considerations

Function	Test Case	Acceptable Value
No leakage of electrical current via cabinet and controls	Measured voltage potential from toaster body to ground should be 0V. No current flow allowed (0μA): can voltage and/or current be detected?	False
Over-temp shutoff	Artificially create over-temp condition using combustable or very hot material. Does toaster shut off when temperature reaches an unsafe level?	True
Over-current shutoff	Artificially create over-current condition by short circuiting current flow after protection circuitry: does overcurrent protection disconnect toaster from power?	True
Exterior casing should not reach scalding temperatures	During normal toasting operation, external casing temperature should not exceed 44 °C (111 °F)	True
(Attached cord models) cord should not be easily damaged and separate from the unit, exposing user to hazards	Yank on cord with force; does the insulation become damaged and/or cord become detached?	False

Usability

Function	Test Case	Acceptable Value
Accomodates common bread slice thickness	Bread slot should accept thick and thin bread slices	True
Able to hold thin slices of bread at center	Mechanism to center thin slices of bread at equidistant between heater element on both sides	True
Large crumbs (that are capable of burning and scorching) should be easily removable	Insert crumbs of various sizes and attempt to remove (via shaking upside down, or crumb tray removal). Can most crumbs be removed?	True
Even toasting of bread	Toast a bread. Browned portion should be even with no patches of burns nor untoasted areas	True

Durability and Reliability

Function	Test Case	Acceptable Value
Case should withstand typical cleaning methods without damage	Wash exterior casing with dish detergent and Scotch Brite pads. Any visible damage?	False
Case should keep its original appearance as unit ages	Perform accelerate age test (usage repetition, high temp conditions). Does the case discolor or warp?	False

About

Daniel is a web developer seeking opportunities, beverage socials, and late-night taco runs. https://dandydanny.github.io