The Simple $23 Toaster That Has Almost 10,000 Five-Star Reviews
Considering the fact that toasters just have one job (toast bread!), it’s shocking how many of them, um, aren’t great. Some don’t toast evenly. Some toast too much if you use them consecutively. Some toast just fine, but cost way too much money. You get the point. But then there’s this $23 toaster from AmazonBasics, Amazon’s private-label brand that makes all sorts of things — small appliances included! It’s inexpensive and does its job. Rather well, in fact.
It’s a bestseller on Amazon and has almost 10,000 five-star reviews from happy shoppers. It has two extra-wide slots (1 1/4 inches) and six shade settings. It’s fairly basic (hence the name) but it still has a bagel setting (for toasting just the cut side), a frozen setting (for defrosting bread), and a cancel button. And the buttons light up, which is handy if you find yourself making very early morning breakfasts.
We actually tested this toaster earlier in the year and found that it did a good job toasting white bread, seeded bread, thick bagels, and even sugary cinnamon bread. “The toasting levels were accurate, and the toast was ready several minutes faster than with my toaster oven,” said our tester. This post isn’t about our test, though: It’s about what Amazon shoppers have to say, so let’s take a look.
Buy: AmazonBasics 2 Slice, Extra-Wide Slot Toaster with 6 Shade Settings, $22.99
“I read a lot of reviews for toasters before I decided on this one due to the positive reviews and the price. This toaster works perfectly! I’ve toasted bagels, Toaster Strudels, and Eggo waffles, and they’ve all been perfect! I like things crunchy and this does it wonderfully. The frozen and bagel options are great also.”
“Decided to pick this one because of the positive reviews, to replace the expensive toaster I returned that didn’t toast worth a darn. This AmazonBasics toaster is awesome!!! Toasts both sides well, and does not seem to take too long. It has a lift handle for smaller slices of bread, so you don’t burn your fingers. Great bargain and construction seems solid. At the price, I don’t mind if it last a couple of years and then needs to be replaced.”
“Works well for us! I wanted something basic, affordable, and reliable. We’ve been using this for a few months with no issues. It’s very easy to clean, takes up hardly any room on the counter, and works well for our frozen waffles and English muffins. If you don’t care for fancy, heavyweight or top-of-the-line toasters, this is for you. I would buy it again.”
Do you have a toaster you love? Tell us in the comments below!