BLACK+DECKER
BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Toaster
$29
Toaster · RANK 02
Cuisinart
Cuisinart Compact 2-Slice Toaster
A $40 two-slotter that still posts excellent CR scores for color range and speed, backed by a three-year warranty rare at this price. Bagel handling lags newer rivals, so stick to sandwich bread.
$40 typical
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EDITION 01RESEARCHED 2026-07-144 SOURCESREFRESH DUE 2027-01
SUBSTANCE SCORES
substance7.6/ 10
design5.0/ 10
value6.7/ 10
WHY THE PRICE IS JUSTIFIED
CR gave it excellent scores for shade range, batch evenness, one-slice performance, and speed. Wirecutter still recommends it, and the three-year warranty is excellent for roughly $40. The value is honest, but newer TechGearLab and Bon Appétit testing exposes mediocre bagel behavior, so choose it primarily for sandwich bread.
MATERIALS
Exterior housingHeat-resistant plastic
Keeps price, weight, and touch heat low, but provides little repairability or premium feel.
Slot trimStainless-steel accents
Protects the high-heat opening and makes the inexpensive shell easier to keep presentable.
CRITERIA
8/10
Even BrowningCR rated batch and one-slice performance excellent; newer reviews are less enthusiastic on bagels and low shades.
8/10
Shade ControlCR rated color range excellent, but Bon Appétit found low settings pale.
9/10
Toast SpeedCR rated speed excellent; Wirecutter also praises speed.
7/10
Bread FitCurrent retail spec says 1.5-inch slots, but independent testing found bagel fit/function inconsistent.
8/10
Controls & FeedbackSeven-step dial, reheat, defrost, bagel, cancel, high lift, and removable tray; CR rated usability very good.
8/10
Heat SafetyPlastic housing and high lift help; light 3.7-lb body is less planted than metal rivals.
6/10
Longevity RepairThree-year warranty is strong; sealed heating and latch assemblies are not serviceable.
IDEAL FOR
- ·Standard sandwich bread
- ·Small apartments
- ·Budget buyers wanting a long warranty
- ·Fast weekday use
NOT FOR
- ·Frequent bagels
- ·Premium-material shoppers
- ·Repair-first buyers
DESIGN & ERGONOMICS
Small, visually simple, easy to wipe, with a large dial, labeled buttons, high lift, and slide-out crumb tray. Its lightweight white plastic is pleasant and compact rather than beautiful or substantial.
LONGEVITY
Three-year limited warranty materially improves value. Expect the roughly five-year modern-toaster norm; internal elements and latch are not intended for repair.
PRODUCT PHOTOS
EVIDENCE (4)
www.consumerreports.org
www.techgearlab.com
www.nytimes.com
www.idealtruevalue.com