Toast as a unit of power

Odd units of measurement: Back in 1975, Allan Clemow of Tufts University figured out how to translate power consumption into pieces of toast. By his estimate, one kilowatt hour was equivalent to toasting 60 slices of bread. Therefore:

Ironing for an hour = 68 slices of toast
Watching TV for 4 hours = 100 slices of toast
Blow-drying your hair for 10 minutes = 4 slices of toast
Drying a large load of clothes = 270 slices of toast

These estimates may all now have changed thanks to more energy-efficient appliances.

Casper Star Tribune - Nov 20, 1975

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Posted By: Alex - Fri Feb 22, 2019
Category: Food | 1970s | Power Generation

Comments

I'm not sure how accurate these calculations are in 2019, but this did remind me of The Toast Song, which was played occasionally on the Bob and Tom Show.

http://www.bobandtom.com/2016/04/05/toast-live-by-heywood-banks/?apt_credirect=1

Posted by Fritz on 02/23/19 at 06:35 AM

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