Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Toasters

Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, 6 Browning Settings, vs Proctor Silex 4 Slice Toaster with Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, Cool-Touch Walls

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 clear margin (4.1 vs 3.5). 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
Proctor Silex 4 Slice Toaster with Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, Cool-Touch Walls
Ranked #6 in Best Toasters
Proctor Silex 4 Slice Toaster with Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, Cool-Touch Walls
$33.7as of Jul 8

The Proctor Silex 4-Slice Toaster features extra-wide slots designed for thick breads like bagels and Texas toast, along with a Toast Boost function for smaller items. It offers seven shade settings and an integrated cancel button for precise toasting control. The unit includes a pullout crumb tray for easy cleanup and an automatic shutoff feature for safety. Reviewers highlighted its ease of use and effective performance for various bread types, though detailed user feedback was limited.

Strengths
  • Extra-wide slots easily fit Texas toast and bagels
  • Toast Boost feature helps retrieve smaller breads like English muffins
  • 7 toast shade selector with integrated cancel button for customization
Watch-outs
  • No specific cons mentioned in the provided sources
  • Limited information on build quality or durability

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.

Proctor Silex 4 Slice Toaster with Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, Cool-Touch Walls

The Proctor Silex 4-slice toaster offers more slots and a Toast Boost feature, but lacks the precision and performance of the Breville 'A Bit More' or Elite Gourmet models. While it's a solid mid-range option, it doesn't offer the same level of consistent browning or specialized settings that make the Breville models stand out.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAmazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, 6 Browning Settings,Proctor Silex 4 Slice Toaster with Extra Wide Slots for Bagels, Cool-Touch Walls
Price$28
Slices24
Settings67
FunctionsBagelCool-Touch Walls, Toast Boost, Auto Shutoff, Slide-out Crumb Tray
Dimensions11"D x 6.5"W x 7.6"H10.5 D x 11.0 W x 7.5 H
Wattage900 watts700
MaterialPlastic
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