Head-to-head · Best Toasters

Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, 6 Browning Settings, vs Elite Gourmet 2-Slice Cool Touch Toaster – 6 Browning Levels, Extra Wide 1.25” S

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 4.0). The gap is mostly about budget-conscious buyers who mainly toast bagels — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Toasters

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

4.1

$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

$22.46 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Toasters

Elite Gourmet 2-Slice Cool Touch Toaster – 6 Browning Levels, Extra Wide 1.25” S

4.0

$15.99as of Jul 8

The Elite Gourmet 2-Slice Cool Touch Toaster offers reliable, even toasting with 6 browning levels and extra-wide 1.25" slots ideal for bagels and thick breads. Reviewers praise its compact design, cool-touch exterior, and convenient cancel function. However, the lightweight polycarbonate build leads some users to perceive it as inexpensive, and a few note issues with very large bagels not fitting properly. Best suited for small spaces and light-to-moderate use, it's not recommended for heavy daily household demand.

Strengths

— 6 adjustable toasting levels for precise browning control
— Extra wide 1.25" slots accommodate thick breads, bagels, and specialty items
— Cool-touch exterior for safe handling

Watch-outs

— Lightweight plastic construction feels cheap compared to metal-bodied toasters
— Self-centering guides may not work well with very large or dense bagels

$15.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

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.

Elite Gourmet 2-Slice Cool Touch Toaster – 6 Browning Levels, Extra Wide 1.25” S

The Elite Gourmet toaster offers precise 6 browning levels and cool-touch exterior, but its lightweight plastic build makes it less durable than the Breville 'A Bit More' or Proctor Silex models. While it's a good option for light use, it lacks the consistent performance and robust construction that the Breville delivers, especially in medium to dark settings.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, 6 Browning Settings,	Elite Gourmet 2-Slice Cool Touch Toaster – 6 Browning Levels, Extra Wide 1.25” S
Price	$28	$15.99
Slices	2	2
Settings	6	6
Functions	Bagel	toasting bread, bagels, English muffins and more
Dimensions	11"D x 6.5"W x 7.6"H	5.75" D x 9.25" W x 6.25" H
Wattage	900 watts	750 W
Material	—	Polycarbonate

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