A toaster having at least one toasting slot includes at least one sensor operative to generate a sensor signal indicating whether or not a food item is loaded in said slot and heating elements for generating heat energy to toast a food item loaded in the toasting slot by use of an electrical current. The toaster also includes at least one switching unit that is responsive to the sensor signal and operative to control the electrical current flowing through the heating elements such that the switching unit cuts off the electrical current when the slot is unloaded.