Let’s be real, nobody gets excited about toasters, right? It’s one of those kitchen staples you just need. So, when my old toaster finally bit the dust (RIP), I wasn’t exactly thrilled about the prospect of shelling out big bucks for a new one. That’s when I stumbled upon the Amazon Basics 2-Slice Toaster. The price was right, and hey, sometimes basic is all you need. But does it actually toast? Let’s find out.
First Glance:
Unboxing this thing, I wasn’t blown away, but I wasn’t disappointed either. It’s got that standard brushed silver look that fits in with pretty much any kitchen decor. The slots seemed wide enough to handle my weekend bagels (a crucial test, in my book), and the controls looked simple enough – no rocket science here. Seven browning settings? Okay, I’m intrigued. Plus, the bagel, defrost, and cancel buttons were clearly marked, which is always a win.
Toast Time: Adventures in Browning:
Alright, time to put this thing to the test! I popped in a couple of slices of my go-to sourdough, eager to see what this budget toaster could do. After a few tries, I landed on setting “4” as my magic number. But here’s the thing: the browning wasn’t always even. Sometimes I’d get a perfectly golden slice, other times one side would be a tad pale. Once, I even managed to create a piece of toast that was practically charcoal on one corner – oops! Maybe I got a little distracted.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. While the regular toast was a bit hit-or-miss, this toaster absolutely nails bagels and frozen waffles. Seriously! The bagel setting crisped up the cut side perfectly, giving it that ideal texture. And those frozen waffles? Forget about it. They came out golden brown and ready for syrup every single time. It’s like this toaster has a secret passion for breakfast treats.
The Nitty-Gritty Details:
Cleanup is a breeze, thanks to the handy crumb tray. Just slide it out, give it a quick shake, and you’re done. The cancel button has saved me from many a burnt offering, and the extra-lift lever is perfect for rescuing those smaller pieces of bread without scorching your fingers.
A Few Minor Annoyances:
Gotta be honest, it does take up a fair bit of counter real estate. If you’re working with limited space, that might be something to consider. Also, that “pop” when the toast is done? It’s a little on the loud side. Not a deal-breaker, but definitely noticeable.
Final Thoughts:
So, is the Amazon Basics 2-Slice Toaster the best toaster on the market? Nah. But for the price, it’s a solid little workhorse. If you’re after a no-frills toaster that’s particularly good at bagels and waffles, this is definitely worth a look. Just be prepared to experiment with the browning settings and keep a watchful eye to avoid any crispy surprises.
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Would I tell my friends to buy it? Yeah, I would, with a few words of warning. It’s a fantastic value, especially if you’re not a total toast snob. It does the job, and it does it well enough for the price.