Toaster with input control

A method for operating a conveyor toaster comprising a cabinet, an opening extending through the cabinet and configured to receive a food product, a conveyor assembly positioned within the toaster housing and associated with the feed opening, the conveyor assembly comprising a conveyor belt configured to be operated by a drive motor to transport the food product past a heating element, an input sensor configured to detect the food product, and a processor operably coupled to the sensing unit and the conveyor assembly, wherein the processor is configured to change between an operating condition with a first belt speed and an idle condition with a second belt speed based upon a signal from the input sensor, wherein the first belt speed is greater than the second belt speed, the method comprising:

• operating a conveyor belt in the idle condition at the second belt speed;
• detecting a food product proximate the opening based upon a signal from the input sensor;
• operating the conveyor belt in the operation condition at the first belt speed;
• starting a timer to run for a configurable demand period;
• evaluating the signal from the input sensor for a change in a status of the signal;
• determining that an additional food product is not detected proximate the opening;
• detecting an expiration of the configurable demand period;
• and
• operating the conveyor belt in the idle condition at the second belt speed.