Charles Strite: The Innovator Behind the Pop-Up Toaster

Charles Perkins Strite, born on February 27, 1878, in Cardiff, forever changed breakfast routines with his invention of the modern pop-up toaster.

During his tenure at a manufacturing plant in Stillwater, Minnesota, Strite grew frustrated with the cafeteria's tendency to serve burnt toast.

At that time, existing toasters required constant supervision and toasted only one side of the bread at a time.

Determined to find a solution, Strite began developing a more efficient design in 1919.

His innovative toaster featured heating elements on both sides of the bread, a timer that automatically shut off the heat, and a spring mechanism that ejected the toast when done, eliminating the risk of burning.

On October 18, 1921, Strite was granted U.S. patent #1,394,450 for his groundbreaking device.

He subsequently founded the Waters-Genter Company and introduced the appliance under the brand name Toastmaster, initially targeting restaurants.

By 1926, a consumer version hit the market, allowing households to enjoy perfectly toasted bread with ease.

By the 1930s, the popularity of the Toastmaster and similar pop-up toasters soared, becoming common fixtures in American kitchens.

This innovation coincided with the advent of pre-sliced bread, first sold in the late 1920s, further enhancing the convenience of breakfast preparation.

In recent years, toaster technology has continued to evolve.

For instance, in 2025, Breville introduced the Eye Q Auto, a smart toaster equipped with optical sensors that monitor bread color ten times per second, ensuring consistent toasting without the need for manual adjustments.

While currently available only in Australia, this high-tech appliance represents a significant leap forward in toaster design.

Additionally, in September 2025, Cuisinart unveiled an eco-friendly toaster line made from sustainable materials, reflecting a growing commitment to environmental responsibility in kitchen appliances.

These advancements underscore the enduring impact of Strite's original invention and the ongoing quest for innovation in the realm of toasting technology.