Cuisinart
Cuisinart Compact 2-Slice Toaster
$40
Toaster · RANK 01
BLACK+DECKER
BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster
top pickAt $29, full-batch color evenness and toasting speed both rated excellent by Consumer Reports, results many $70-plus toasters miss. Brushed-steel front and two-year warranty outlast typical budget plastic.
$29 typical
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EDITION 01RESEARCHED 2026-07-143 SOURCESREFRESH DUE 2027-01
SUBSTANCE SCORES
substance8.0/ 10
design6.5/ 10
value7.5/ 10
WHY THE PRICE IS JUSTIFIED
Its substance is measured: Consumer Reports scored both full-batch color evenness and toasting time excellent, with very good one-slice performance. The stainless exterior, high-lift carriage, seven shades, and two-year warranty are meaningful upgrades at a sub-$40 price.
MATERIALS
ExteriorBrushed stainless steel with polymer end panels
Provides a durable, wipeable face and restrained appearance without the cost or heat of an all-metal shell.
Heating elementsResistance-wire elements
Proven low-cost technology; element spacing produced excellent batch results in CR testing.
CRITERIA
9/10
Even BrowningCR rated full-batch color evenness excellent and one-slice performance very good.
8/10
Shade ControlSeven settings plus dedicated frozen, bagel, and reheat programs; medium batch result was excellent.
9/10
Toast SpeedCR rated toasting time excellent.
8/10
Bread FitCR measured 1.3-inch slots; self-centering guides support thick bread and bagels.
8/10
Controls & FeedbackHigh lift, illuminated buttons, cancel, a large dial, and reheat; CR rated ease of use good.
7/10
Heat SafetyHigh lift and stable body help, but stainless areas can become hot.
6/10
Longevity RepairTwo-year warranty beats many peers; sealed elements and latch remain non-serviceable.
IDEAL FOR
- ·Fast weekday toast
- ·Budget-conscious design buyers
- ·Bagels
- ·Small kitchens
NOT FOR
- ·Cool-touch requirement
- ·Repair enthusiasts
DESIGN & ERGONOMICS
Compact brushed-steel face, black end panels, illuminated function buttons, a large readable shade knob, high lift, and swing-down crumb tray. Functional and visually calmer than most budget rivals.
LONGEVITY
Two-year warranty is good for this tier. Simple controls help, but elements, timer, and latch are integrated rather than offered as replacement modules.
PRODUCT PHOTOS
EVIDENCE (3)
www.consumerreports.org
blackanddeckerappliances.ca
www.walmart.com