Secret toaster compartment blows TikTok users’ minds

There’s something special about realising an old gadget has a feature or a compartment that you never knew about, even if it’s something you’ll never use.

They’re often hiding in place sight, and you’ve likely got one sitting on your countertop.

If you’ve never taken a closer look at your toaster, there’s a good chance you’ll find a hidden compartment that’s never crossed your radar.

All those breakfasts, all those lazy beans on toast dinners, all those times you’ve had to fish out half a hot cross bun that won’t pop out properly, and yet you’ve still probably missed it.

Where could it be? (Johner Images/Getty Images)

It’s been put across our desk by an Australian TikToker, cleaner Kacie, the face of The Big Clean Co.

"There are cleaning hacks going around the internet that are not really hacks at all, they make it harder,” she said in the video.

"This week I was sent one. 'Clean your toaster with a hairdryer'. Just tip it in the bin."

Of course, it’s important to give your toaster a clean now and then. All the flammable crumbs and detritus that build up inside them pose a fire hazard, and they might affect how well your toaster can function.

To demonstrate the ease with which you can clean out a toaster, Kacie revealed the secret compartment: a tray at the bottom that catches crumbs and easily slides out.

Over 2.2 million views later, and it’s proven to be a big revelation for Kacie’s fellow TikTokers.

"Omg I can't believe this. I always stare at it and get annoyed because of all the crumbs," said one mind-blown follower.

"There's a TRAY?!?!?!?" exclaimed another, while a third admitted: "Um I didn’t even know a toaster had a toaster tray?"

Someone had recently, albeit inadvertently, made the discovery for themselves: "I didn't even know it had one until it fell out the bottom the other day."

Those users were on the opposite side of the fence to those who were already well-aware of the tray and couldn’t believe so many people had never discovered it.

A simple pleasure (Cristi Croitoru/Getty Images)

"OK I understand ya'll not understanding about some things but, ya'll didn't know about toaster trays???” asked one bewildered user. “Like your house could catch on fire."

It’s a fair comment. If you’ve got any appliance that’s designed to produce heat, you should absolutely check how to keep it clean and fire-safe.

Air fryers are another common kitchen instrument that needs semi-regular cleaning to ensure they’re safe. Besides preventing fires, regular cleaning also helps your appliances to last longer, so get on it.