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

Description

Highlights of the Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster

Testing the Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, KT-3680, gave me a pretty clear idea of what this small kitchen appliance brings to the table. The extra-wide slots instantly caught my attention since I love bagels and artisan breads, which usually don’t fit in my old toaster. Each slot measures 5-1/4 inches long by 1-1/4 inches wide, which means thick slices or bagels slide in with ease. The toaster boasts 6 shade settings, covering everything from lightly toasted to almost burnt, so it’s easy to find your preferred level of browning. The bagel setting, which toasts only the cut side, works surprisingly well, giving the right crisp without overcooking the outside. For anyone who occasionally freezes bread, the defrost button is a neat touch, thawing and toasting in one go.

One of the perks I noticed is the extra-lift lever that lets you safely retrieve smaller pieces without burning your fingers—a simple feature that’s often overlooked but makes a big difference. The removable crumb tray at the back makes cleaning hassle-free, which I appreciated since crumbs can accumulate quickly and cause smoke or burnt smells. The 900-watt power ensures the toasting is quick and efficient without sucking too much electricity. It’s a compact unit measuring about 11 x 6.5 x 7.5 inches, fitting easily on my countertop without hogging space.

Cons That Might Affect Your Experience

There are a few things that didn’t sit well with me during my testing. The buttons for cancel, defrost, and bagel functions illuminate, which is helpful, but their placement feels a bit cramped, especially for people with larger fingers. I also noticed that the toaster can be a bit noisy when operating, louder than some higher-end models. The cord length is 37 inches, which is adequate for my kitchen setup, but might feel short in larger kitchens or if your outlet is farther from the counter.

While the toaster handles bagels and bread well, it doesn’t have settings for specialty items like waffles or English muffins, which some competing models offer. Another limitation is that it only toasts two slices at a time, so if you have a larger family or entertain often, this might slow down your breakfast prep. The metal construction, though quite sturdy, tends to show fingerprints and smudges easily, requiring more frequent wiping to maintain its sleek black and silver look.

Price Worthiness: Is It a Smart Spending?

Considering everything, this toaster offers a solid price to quality ratio. Features like the extra-wide slots, multiple shade settings, and specialized buttons for bagel and frozen items are usually found in pricier models. The combination of 900 watts power and compact size makes it an efficient choice for everyday use without breaking the bank. If you’re after a basic toaster that can handle thicker slices and bagels without fuss, this one delivers good results without unnecessary bells and whistles.

That said, if you’re looking for a toaster loaded with extra functions such as digital timers, countdown displays, or smart connectivity, this won’t be your pick. The simplicity here is both a strength and a limitation. However, for the average household, the balance between functionality and affordability leans in favor of this product.

Product Rivals: How It Stacks Up Against The Competition

I compared this toaster to a few popular models like the Cuisinart CPT-180 and Breville BTA820XL. The extra-wide slots on this Amazon Basics unit are definitely on par with those competitors, making it a strong choice for bagel lovers. However, the Breville model offers more precise electronic controls and a sleek LCD display, which this basic toaster lacks. The Cuisinart, on the other hand, includes a wider range of functions such as a reheat button and a more powerful wattage, but it’s bulkier and pricier.

Safety-wise, the Amazon Basics toaster is solid, with an extra-lift lever and cancel button providing good user control. Energy efficiency is average, matching most toasters in this wattage range. The simplicity of the black and silver design lets it blend into many kitchen styles, but for those wanting a more modern or colorful appliance, other brands might be more appealing.

User Experience: Real-Life Use and Family Feedback

My kids enjoy the toaster because it handles bagels perfectly and browns their bread just right for school lunches. The 6 shade settings mean everyone gets their toast exactly how they want, which has eliminated the usual morning arguments over burnt toast. My partner liked the defrost function, especially since he often grabs frozen bread for his sandwiches. The toaster’s ease of cleaning via the crumb tray was a hit with me, especially after a few messy mornings.

However, my toddler had a hard time using the buttons due to their small size and the illuminated lights didn’t make it easier for him. This is something to consider if you’re buying a toaster for a family with young children who want to be involved.

Design and Build Quality

The metal body with black and silver finish feels durable and looks clean on the counter. It weighs about 2.52 pounds, so it’s light enough to move if needed but sturdy enough not to slide around. The slot size and lever height are well thought out; small bread pieces can be safely lifted without risking burns.

On the flip side, the metal surface attracts fingerprints and smudges quickly, which may be a minor annoyance for those who prefer a spotless kitchen gadget. The cord wrap feature is handy for storage, but the power cord’s length can be restrictive, depending on your kitchen layout.

Controls and Settings: What You Can Do

This toaster comes with 6 shade settings that cover a good range of toasting preferences. The cancel button allows immediate stoppage at any time, which is great if you get distracted or want to check the toast early. The bagel button toasts only the cut side, and the defrost button thaws frozen bread before toasting, preventing undercooked centers.

Unfortunately, it lacks any digital interface or memory presets, meaning you have to manually choose settings each time. The buttons are tactile with a satisfying click, but their small size might not suit all users. Still, the illuminated buttons are easy to see in low light, which is helpful during early mornings.

Key Benefits:

• Extra-wide slots fit bagels and thick bread effortlessly
• Six shade settings cater to a variety of toast preferences
• Bagel and defrost buttons add useful functionality
• Removable crumb tray simplifies cleaning
• Compact and lightweight design fits most kitchen spaces

Areas for Improvement:

• Buttons feel cramped and may be tricky for larger fingers or children
• Power cord length could be longer for some kitchens
• No digital display or memory presets for settings
• Only two slices capacity may be limiting for larger families
• Fingerprint-prone metal finish requires frequent cleaning