BELLA 2 Slice Toaster Review Compact Design with Wide Slots and Auto Shut Off

Description

Sleek Design and Compact Build

The BELLA 2 Slice Toaster, Model 17610, came into my kitchen and immediately impressed me with its modern, compact design. The toaster’s sage green finish with stainless steel accents adds a subtle yet chic touch to my counter. I’m a sucker for appliances that look good and don’t hog up space, and this toaster checks both boxes. At just 5.98 inches deep and 10.15 inches wide, it’s easy to fit in even the tightest spaces. Whether you’re in a small apartment or simply hate clutter (like me), this toaster’s sleek profile makes it a winner.

Performance and Toasting Options

I had a field day testing all the features, and let me tell you, the six browning settings are a game-changer. Some mornings, I’m in the mood for lightly toasted bread, while other days call for a deep golden crunch. This toaster delivers on all fronts. The wide slots are a blessing; they fit everything from bagels to thick-cut artisanal bread with no issues. I tried a bagel straight from the freezer, and the defrost function worked like a charm—it was evenly toasted and warm without any soggy spots. The auto-centering guide ensures that whatever you pop in is toasted uniformly, which is something I never realized I needed until now.

Key Benefits

• Six browning levels for total customization.
• Wide slots accommodate bagels, muffins, and thicker bread.
• The anti-jam and auto shut-off features add a layer of safety.
• Removable crumb tray makes cleaning basically effortless.
• Compact and visually appealing, making it a great fit for any kitchen.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Operating the toaster was refreshingly straightforward. With just a few buttons on the front—cancel, defrost, and reheat—it’s nearly impossible to mess up. I also loved the high-lift lever, which made retrieving smaller slices of bread super easy without needing to dig in with my fingers (or risk burning them). Cleaning was even easier. The removable crumb tray slides out smoothly, and I just shook it over the trash to get rid of the crumbs. No mess, no drama. This feature alone makes me want to recommend this toaster to everyone I know.

Favorable Attributes

• Simple button layout keeps things user-friendly.
• Includes a reheat function to warm up previously toasted items.
• High-lift lever is perfect for smaller bread slices.
• Cleaning up is practically stress-free thanks to the crumb tray.

Adverse Aspects

Not everything was perfect, though. For starters, the toaster’s cord length felt a bit short, which limited where I could place it on my counter. Additionally, while the 900-watt power is sufficient for most needs, I noticed it took slightly longer to toast compared to some higher-wattage models. Lastly, the exterior gets warm during extended use—not hot enough to burn, but definitely something to watch out for if you’ve got curious kids around.

• Cord length could have been longer for more placement flexibility.
• Toasting takes slightly longer compared to high-power alternatives.
• The toaster’s exterior warms up after prolonged use.

Competing Products

I’ve tried other toasters in the past, like the Cuisinart CPT-122 and the Hamilton Beach 22623, both of which fall in a similar price range. The Cuisinart has a slightly faster toasting speed, while the Hamilton Beach offers longer slots, which are ideal for larger slices of bread. However, neither of these alternatives matches the BELLA toaster’s stylish design and user-friendly features. The anti-jam and auto shut-off functions also give the BELLA toaster a safety edge over its competitors. If aesthetics and safety matter to you, this toaster is undoubtedly a better choice.

True Value

Considering its compact design, multiple toasting options, and safety features, this toaster offers excellent value for the price. It may not have the fastest toasting time or the longest cord, but its overall performance, ease of use, and elegant appearance make it a solid investment for most kitchens. Whether you’re a parent juggling breakfast for picky eaters or someone like me who just loves a good slice of toast, this toaster delivers without breaking the bank.

Additional information