Betty Crocker… just the name conjures up warm memories of Mom’s kitchen and that feeling of home, right? So, when my old toaster finally kicked the bucket (it was a sad day, I tell ya!), I figured, why not go with a classic? The Betty Crocker 2-Slice Cool Wall Toaster seemed like a no-brainer for my tiny apartment. I mean, you can’t go wrong with Betty, can you?
First Glance:
Right out of the box, it’s a simple, no-fuss kind of appliance. The black is pretty sleek, and those little stainless steel bits give it a modern edge. Plus, it doesn’t hog counter space, which is a major win in my book. And get this – the “cool wall” thing? Genius! I’ve definitely earned my fair share of burns from rogue kitchen appliances, so this is a seriously welcome feature.
Does It Actually Toast?
Okay, so the wide slots are a definite thumbs-up. Bagels are a breakfast staple in my world, and this thing handles them like a champ. I even threw in some thick-cut sourdough, and it fit like a glove. And that extra-lift lever? Super handy for rescuing those poor, forgotten English muffins from the fiery depths. No more stabbing at them with a fork – hallelujah!
Now, about that toast shade dial… It’s got the usual settings, promising everything from barely-there warmth to crispy-burnt oblivion. But here’s where things got a little dicey. Sometimes my toast came out looking like it barely saw any heat, while other times, it was practically charcoal. It took a few tries to find that perfect, golden-brown zone. A bit annoying, but hey, nobody’s perfect, right?
And one more thing: the toast doesn’t just pop up when it’s done. Nope, you gotta manually shut the thing off. Not a huge deal, but definitely a “huh?” moment.
Uh Oh… The Fine Print:
Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: that California Proposition 65 warning. Seeing that this thing might expose you to chemicals that can cause, well, you know… serious problems… it’s a bit of a downer. I mean, come on, Betty! While I know these warnings are everywhere these days, it still makes you pause, doesn’t it?
The Final Slice:
So, what’s the verdict? The Betty Crocker 2-Slice Cool Wall Toaster is… okay. It’s a cheap and cheerful option if you just need something basic. It handles bagels and chunky bread like a pro, and that cool-touch thing is pretty sweet. But the uneven toasting and the manual shut-off are a bit of a bummer. Oh, and that whole cancer warning? Yeah, not a fan.
Is it for you?
- If you’re broke but need toast, then maybe.
- If you’re a bagel fanatic, definitely worth considering.
- If you’re not too picky about perfectly even browning.
Hard pass if:
- You’re super worried about those chemical warnings.
- You demand perfectly consistent toast, every single time.
- You want a toaster that does, like, a million different things.
My Two Cents:
Three out of five stars. It gets the job done, but honestly, you might be better off spending a few extra bucks on something a little more reliable. Me? I’m still on the fence. Maybe I’ll stick with it for now, but I’m definitely keeping my eye out for something a little… less worrisome.