Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster – In-Depth Review

Key Features That Stand Out

• 2-slice toaster designed for toasting 1 or 2 slices of bread at a time, perfect for individuals or small households.
• 6 shade settings provide a wide range of browning options to accommodate diverse preferences, from lightly toasted to well-done.
• Extra-wide slots measuring 5-1/4 inches long by 1-1/4 inches wide are specifically designed to accommodate bagels, thicker bread slices, and specialty breads.
• Convenient Bagel setting toasts only the cut side of the bagel, ensuring a perfectly toasted interior and a soft outer edge.
• Frozen setting allows for defrosting bread directly in the toaster before toasting, saving you time.
• Cancel function provides immediate control to end the toasting session at any point.
• Illuminated buttons clearly indicate which settings (Cancel, Defrost, Bagel) are currently selected for easy operation.
• Extra-lift lever makes it safer and easier to retrieve smaller bread pieces without burning your fingers.

Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, With 6 Browning Settings, Extra Wide Slots For Bagels and Special Breads, Removable Easy-to-Clean Crumb Tray, Cancel/Defrost/Bagel Buttons, 900W, Black & Silver

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What We Like

• The generous slot width is a standout feature, making it incredibly convenient for toasting thick bagels, artisan bread, or even frozen waffles without any hassle.
• Having six distinct browning levels offers a great deal of flexibility, ensuring that everyone in the household can achieve their preferred toast shade, from barely warmed to deeply golden.
• The inclusion of dedicated Cancel, Defrost, and Bagel buttons adds significant functionality, allowing for precise control over the toasting process and catering to specific food items.
• The extra-lift lever is a thoughtful touch that enhances safety, especially for those smaller slices that can be tricky to retrieve.
• The removable crumb tray simplifies the cleanup process considerably, making it easy to maintain the toaster’s appearance and hygiene.

Performance Analysis

The Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, with its 900W power output, is engineered for efficient and consistent toasting. The 6 browning settings are thoughtfully calibrated, offering a spectrum from a light warming to a robust crisp. The extra-wide slots, measuring 5-1/4 inches in length and 1-1/4 inches in width, are a significant advantage, easily accommodating a variety of bread types, including thick bagels and artisanal loaves, ensuring even browning across the entire slice. The dedicated Bagel setting works by reducing power to one side, perfectly toasting the cut surface while leaving the rounded exterior soft. The Frozen setting effectively defrosts items before toasting, offering convenience for busy mornings. The illuminated buttons provide clear visual feedback on selected functions, and the Cancel button allows for immediate stopping. The high-lift lever is a practical addition for safely removing smaller items.

• Consistent toasting results across different bread types due to the 900W heating element.
• Versatile browning control with 6 distinct settings to meet individual preferences.
• The extra-wide slots prove highly effective for bagels and thicker bread varieties.
• Dedicated Bagel and Defrost functions enhance usability and cater to specific needs.
• The Cancel button offers immediate control and prevents over-toasting.
• Safe and easy retrieval of toast thanks to the extra-lift lever.
• The removable crumb tray simplifies maintenance and keeps the kitchen clean.

Best For

• Everyday Toasting Needs: Ideal for individuals and families who enjoy toast as part of their daily breakfast routine.
• Bagel Lovers: The extra-wide slots and dedicated Bagel setting make it a perfect choice for anyone who frequently toasts bagels.
• Fans of Specialty Breads: Accommodates thicker slices of artisan bread, sourdough, and other unique bakery items.
• Busy Mornings: The Defrost function is a lifesaver for toasting bread straight from the freezer.
• Those Seeking Simplicity: With its straightforward controls and illuminated buttons, it’s easy for anyone to use.
• Compact Kitchens: A 2-slice toaster is a space-saving option for smaller countertops.

Buying Guide

Key Features to Look For

When selecting a toaster, consider the browning settings available; the 6 shade settings on the Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster offer excellent control. Extra-wide slots are crucial for accommodating various bread types, and this model excels with its 5-1/4 inch by 1-1/4 inch dimensions. Dedicated functions like Bagel and Defrost can significantly enhance usability. A removable crumb tray is essential for easy cleaning. Safety features, such as an extra-lift lever, are also important.

Important Materials

While specific material compositions are not detailed in the provided features, toasters typically utilize brushed stainless steel, plastic exteriors, and internal heating elements made of nichrome wire. These materials are chosen for durability, heat resistance, and efficient toasting.

Essential Factors to Consider

• Capacity: For this model, it’s a 2-slice toaster, suitable for individuals or small families.
• Slot Size: Ensure the slots are wide enough for your preferred bread types; the extra-wide slots of this toaster are a major plus.
• Browning Control: A good range of browning settings, like the 6 provided here, allows for personalized results.
• Specialty Functions: Consider if you need features like Bagel, Defrost, or Reheat.
• Ease of Cleaning: A removable crumb tray is a must-have for convenient maintenance.
• Safety Features: Look for features like a high-lift lever to prevent burns.

Budget Planning

Toasters in this category, offering multiple browning settings and specialized functions, typically range from $20 to $50. The Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, With 6 Browning Settings, Extra Wide Slots For Bagels and Special Breads, Removable Easy-to-Clean Crumb Tray, Cancel/Defrost/Bagel Buttons, 900W, Black & Silver falls within a very accessible price point, offering excellent value for its feature set.

When to Buy

Toasters can be purchased year-round, but keeping an eye out for sales during major holiday shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Amazon’s Prime Day can often lead to significant discounts. However, if you need a reliable toaster immediately, there’s no reason to wait, as this model offers consistent performance at a good price.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Bagel setting work?

The Bagel setting is designed to toast only the cut side of the bagel. It typically reduces the heat or element activation on one side, ensuring the exterior remains soft while the inner surface becomes perfectly toasted.

Can I toast frozen bread directly?

Yes, this toaster features a dedicated Frozen setting that allows you to defrost and toast bread straight from the freezer, providing convenience for busy mornings.

How often should I clean the crumb tray?

It’s recommended to clean the crumb tray regularly, ideally after each use or at least once a week, to prevent the buildup of crumbs and potential fire hazards.

What are the dimensions of the toaster slots?

Each slot measures approximately 5-1/4 inches long by 1-1/4 inches wide, making them suitable for bagels and thicker slices of bread.

Is the cancel button illuminated?

Yes, the buttons, including the Cancel, Defrost, and Bagel functions, are illuminated to indicate when they are selected and active.

What is the wattage of this toaster?

This toaster operates at 900W, which is a standard wattage for a 2-slice toaster, ensuring efficient and timely toasting.

Final Thoughts

The Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, With 6 Browning Settings, Extra Wide Slots For Bagels and Special Breads, Removable Easy-to-Clean Crumb Tray, Cancel/Defrost/Bagel Buttons, 900W, Black & Silver is a solid, no-frills appliance that delivers on its promises. Its extra-wide slots are a major advantage for anyone who loves bagels or thicker bread slices, and the 6 browning settings offer a good degree of customization. The inclusion of specific functions like Bagel and Defrost, along with practical features like the extra-lift lever and easy-to-clean crumb tray, make it a very user-friendly and functional addition to any kitchen. For its price point, this Amazon Basics toaster provides excellent value and reliable performance for everyday toasting needs.