Okay, let’s be real – mornings in my kitchen are basically a three-ring circus. As a food blogger and a mom? Getting breakfast sorted fast is non-negotiable. That’s why a good toaster is worth its weight in gold. So, when I saw the Brentwood TS-265 Cool Touch 4 Slice Toaster, I was definitely curious. “Family-sized” and “cool touch” for a price that didn’t make my eyes water? Sign me up!
First Impressions:
Right out of the box, the Brentwood TS-265 is…well, it’s a toaster. Nothing fancy, but it’s got a clean, simple look. The white and stainless steel? Totally inoffensive. It’ll fit in anywhere, you know? It is pretty light, which made me wonder about how long it would last, but so far, so good.
Does It Actually Toast?
With 1300 watts, this thing heats up pretty quick. No complaints there! And yeah, the four-slice thing is awesome when you’re feeding a small army (or just really, really want two bagels). The browning settings? Surprisingly accurate. You can actually get toast that’s exactly how you like it, from barely kissed with warmth to practically charcoal. Seriously, I was impressed. Plus, those auto-centering guides? They actually seem to work! Mostly even toasting, which is a win in my book.
But here’s the thing I really love: the individual cancel buttons. Total lifesaver. You know how it is – one kid wants their toast practically cremated, the other wants it barely golden. Being able to stop one without messing up the other? Genius. And the crumb trays on both sides? Thank you, Brentwood! Cleaning up is actually…dare I say…easy?
A Few Little Things:
Okay, so the “cool touch” thing isn’t perfect. The top edges can get a little toasty if you’re doing a lot of toasting. Not burn-your-fingers hot, but something to keep in mind, especially if you’ve got little ones running around. And, every once in a while, a slice will come out a little uneven. But hey, nobody’s perfect, right?
The Bottom Line:
Honestly? The Brentwood TS-265 Cool Touch 4 Slice Toaster is a great little toaster for the price. It’s not the fanciest thing on the market, but it does what it’s supposed to do, and it does it well. Got a family to feed? Need a toaster that won’t set you back a fortune? This is definitely one to consider. Just watch those top edges, and don’t expect perfection every single time. But hey, for the price, it’s a steal!