Ask HN: Should I try to manufacture toasters?

I have been looking at starting a business and am a Software Engineer with lots of experience.

I also love learning about mechanical engineering and manufacturing, but have never actually tried making anything.

Lately I have been interested in buying things that are made in the USA. One household item that I would like to buy is a toaster; I did a lot of searching online and this seems to be something that has a decent amount of demand.

Here is an example: https://www.usalovelist.com/toasters-made-in-the-usa/

>The made in USA item that we hear readers are looking for the most is the toaster. In fact, ‘Toasters made in the USA” is such a frequently used search term that there are many articles out on the internet filled with false in information, just to capture this search traffic.

There does seem to be a market opportunity for a nice quality toaster made in the USA.

My question is: as a software engineer with 0 experience building physical things, should I try building this? I have plenty of space to set up a small operation and a little capital to get started building. What are the pitfalls? Has anyone with a software background moved into manufacturing physical items like this?

Also: is anyone interested in building this with me?

Good idea here is a catchy brand name which you’ll need . . Call it ‘Your Toast!’

In my experience and not that I have tried every model but enough to say I am guessing they all suck as badly as the ones I have had.

Space to improve exist, heating elements need fresh designs and more consistant heat distribution, should also be simple, I dont want options I want toast quick and easy.

No, you shouldnt learn how to build toasters. You should learn how to find people that build toasters, and have them build an MVP, take it to market see how it sells.

I wonder if there is a way to engineer a 'smart' toaster (no WiFi or major chip mind you) that could improve the detection of burning. Maybe the use of improved PID controller / ability to brown to your desired 'shade' of toastiness. Would be interesting to see!