Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Toasters

Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, 6 Browning Settings, vs Breville Die Cast Smart Toaster BTA820XL 2-Slice

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, 6 Browning Settings, comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.1 vs 3.8). The gap is mostly about budget-conscious buyers who mainly toast bagels — read the strengths below before deciding.

Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, 6 Browning Settings,
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Toasters
Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, 6 Browning Settings,
$22.46as of Jul 8

The Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster delivers mixed results according to TechGearLab's review, excelling primarily in bagel and frozen waffle preparation but falling short on consistent bread toasting. While it offers six browning settings and extra-wide slots ideal for bagels, reviewers noted significant unevenness in bread toasting, with light settings barely warming bread and medium settings creating patchy results. The bagel function performs well, producing consistently good results, but the overall unevenness makes it unsuitable for those seeking reliable, evenly toasted bread. This toaster is best for households that primarily toast bagels or frozen items.

Strengths
  • Makes great bagels with even browning and ideal texture contrast
  • Effective for frozen waffles, producing crispy results
  • Affordable price point at $28
Watch-outs
  • Uneven toasting performance with light and medium settings
  • Inconsistent results across slices, especially with regular bread
Breville Die Cast Smart Toaster BTA820XL 2-Slice
Ranked #5 in Best Toasters
Breville Die Cast Smart Toaster BTA820XL 2-Slice
$110as of Jul 8

The Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster has garnered widespread acclaim for its sleek fingerprint-resistant design and four functional settings like 'lift and look' and 'a bit more.' Food & Wine's Liv Dansky praised its performance, particularly the frozen bread feature, and noted its popularity among users who've purchased multiple units. However, some reviewers have complained about uneven toasting and inconsistent heating. This appliance is ideal for those seeking a premium, aesthetically pleasing toaster with smart features, but those prioritizing perfect toasting consistency may want to consider alternatives.

Strengths
  • Sleek design that doesn't show fingerprints
  • Four convenient functions including 'lift and look' and 'a bit more'
  • Effective heating mechanism for consistent toasting
Watch-outs
  • Some users report uneven toasting with one side darker than the other
  • One reviewer noted that it dries bread more than toasting it

How they stack up

Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, 6 Browning Settings,

The Amazon Basics toaster excels in bagel toasting and is affordable, but its uneven performance on bread makes it less reliable than the Breville 'A Bit More' or Elite Gourmet models. While it's a budget-friendly option, the inconsistent results across slices make it a poor choice for those seeking even toasting on regular bread types.

Breville Die Cast Smart Toaster BTA820XL 2-Slice

The Die Cast Smart Toaster competes with the Breville 'A Bit More' in terms of smart features but lacks the consistent performance on medium settings. While both offer 'lift and look' functionality, the 'A Bit More' delivers better browning results and is more reliable overall, making it a better choice for those seeking dependable toasting.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAmazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, 6 Browning Settings,Breville Die Cast Smart Toaster BTA820XL 2-Slice
Price$28$150
Slices22
Settings66 settings
FunctionsBagel4
Dimensions11"D x 6.5"W x 7.6"H11.6"D x 8.6"W x 7.5"H
Wattage900 watts
MaterialMetal
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