A toasting or heating appliance, particularly an electric toaster comprising a housing with a toasting slot (7) defined by two movable squeezing grilles (13), a bread rack (15) axially movable within the toasting slot (7), a carriage (40) which controls the movement of the movable bread rack (15) and is combined with a control handle (16), and a resilient return member (46) for returning the bread rack (15) to its raised receiving position, wherein the control carriage (40) is axially and resiliently movable relative to the movable bread rack (15) and provided with a member (19) that actuates a drive element (45) for moving at least one squeezing grille (13). The appliance is suitable for use as a toaster.