Okay, let’s be real – breakfast is kind of a big deal for me. And a truly great breakfast hinges on perfectly toasted bread. I’ve suffered through enough unevenly toasted slices to last a lifetime, so when the Proctor Silex 2-Slice Toaster landed on my counter, I was cautiously optimistic. Could this little guy finally put an end to my toast-related frustrations?
First Look:
The Proctor Silex isn’t going to win any design awards, but it’s not an eyesore either. The silver and black color scheme is pretty standard, and it’ll likely blend in with any kitchen setup. It feels reasonably well-built, although the plastic parts do remind you that this isn’t a top-of-the-line model. But hey, I’m more interested in how it toasts than how it looks, right?
The Real Test: Toasting Time!
The “Sure-Toast” technology is the main draw here – promising even toasting, even if you’re just making one slice. Color me skeptical, but I had to try it. I grabbed a slice of my favorite sourdough (yes, I’m a sourdough snob) and popped it in, hitting the “One Slice” button. And you know what? I was genuinely impressed! The toast came out beautifully golden brown, evenly colored from edge to edge. Something my old toaster never managed.
Next up: bagels! Saturday mornings practically demand a bagel with cream cheese, but toasting them can be a real pain. Too often, you end up with a burnt top and a barely warm bottom. Thankfully, the Proctor Silex has a dedicated bagel setting that actually works. It toasts the cut side to crispy perfection while gently warming the other side. Seriously, it was bagel bliss.
And speaking of versatility, I love that the slots are extra-wide. They easily handle thick slices of Texas toast, bagels, and even the occasional hunk of homemade bread. Plus, the “Toast Boost” feature is a lifesaver – it lifts smaller items like English muffins high enough so you don’t have to fish them out with a fork (we’ve all been there, right?).
A Few Minor Quibbles:
Okay, so it’s not totally perfect. The browning can be a little inconsistent if you’re toasting batch after batch. And the outside of the toaster does get a bit warm when it’s running, so you’ll want to keep little hands away.
Final Thoughts:
All in all, the Proctor Silex 2-Slice Toaster is a fantastic little toaster, especially for the price. The “Sure-Toast” technology lives up to the hype, and the extra-wide slots and bagel setting are definite pluses. It might not be the fanciest toaster on the market, but it’s reliable, affordable, and it makes darn good toast. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly toaster that gets the job done, you can’t go wrong with this one.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.