Features
- 7 toast shade selector
- Self-adjusting guides
- Extra-wide slots
- Extra lift lever
- Drop-down crumb tray
- Bagel, Frozen, and Cancel controls
Specifications
Color | Black |
Slices | 2 |
Volts | 120V |
Wattage | 850W |
Warranty | 2 Year Limited |
This is a two-slice toaster designed for basic toasting needs. It includes a selector for different toast shades and controls for bagels, frozen items, and canceling the toasting process.
Model Number: TR1278B
Black & Decker 2-Slice Toaster Review
In the world of kitchen appliances, toasters are often overlooked, yet they hold a vital role in our daily routines. The Black & Decker 2-Slice Toaster (model TR1278B) promises to deliver on fundamental toasting needs without breaking the bank. After spending some time with this toaster, I’ve gathered my thoughts on its performance, design, and overall value.
Design and Build Quality
The Black & Decker 2-Slice Toaster sports a classic black design with a plastic exterior and steel internals. It’s lightweight and compact, which is a plus if you have limited counter space. The extra-wide slots are a standout feature, accommodating everything from thick bagels to toaster pastries with ease. However, the lightweight build does raise some concerns about its durability. The toaster doesn’t have the heft of pricier models, and the handle to push the toast down feels somewhat flimsy. It’s functional but doesn’t inspire confidence in its longevity.
User Interface and Controls
The control panel is straightforward, featuring a 7-toast shade selector and buttons for bagels, frozen items, and canceling the toasting process. While these options are excellent in theory, their execution leaves much to be desired. There’s no light or indicator to confirm whether the bagel or frozen functions are activated, making it a bit of a guessing game. The darkness gauge is also challenging to read in low light, as it lacks clear markings. It’s a simple design, but the lack of feedback can be frustrating.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the toaster is a mixed bag. On the positive side, it does toast bread, bagels, and frozen items reasonably well. The extra lift lever is a nice touch, making it easier to retrieve smaller items without burning your fingers. However, the toasting is far from even. In my experience, the bottom of the bread tends to toast more quickly than the top, resulting in uneven browning. This inconsistency means you’ll need to keep a close eye on your toast to avoid burning.
The bagel function, which is supposed to toast only the cut side, seems to toast both sides equally. This defeats the purpose of having a dedicated bagel button. Similarly, the frozen function doesn’t seem to add any extra time or heat to ensure the item is fully toasted. It’s a basic toaster that gets the job done but requires more manual intervention than one might expect.
Initial Use and Maintenance
Upon first use, the toaster emits a strong plastic smell, which can be off-putting. This odor does dissipate after a few uses, but it’s worth noting. The drop-down crumb tray makes cleaning relatively easy, although the lightweight build means you need to be careful not to tip the toaster when removing the tray.
Heat Distribution and Safety
Heat distribution is another area where this toaster falls short. The uneven toasting is a clear indicator that the heating elements are not distributing heat uniformly. This issue is compounded if you’re making multiple batches of toast, as the toaster seems to get hotter with each use, speeding up the toasting process unpredictably.
On the safety front, the toaster’s sides remain relatively cool to the touch, even during use, which is a plus. However, the short cord and its front placement can make positioning the toaster awkward, especially if your outlets are not conveniently located.
Value for Money
Priced at around $20, the Black & Decker 2-Slice Toaster is undeniably affordable. For the price, it offers basic toasting functions and a compact design that’s suitable for small kitchens or occasional use. However, the inconsistent performance and lack of durability mean that you might end up spending more in the long run if you need to replace it sooner than expected.
Final Thoughts
The Black & Decker 2-Slice Toaster is a budget-friendly option that delivers on basic toasting needs but falls short in several key areas. Its lightweight build and lack of feedback on the control panel can be frustrating, and the uneven toasting requires more manual intervention than one would hope for.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive toaster to handle occasional toasting tasks and don’t mind keeping a close eye on your toast, this model could work for you. However, if you value consistency, durability, and a more intuitive user experience, you might want to invest in a higher-end model.
In conclusion, I wouldn’t recommend the Black & Decker 2-Slice Toaster for those who use a toaster regularly and expect consistent results. While it’s functional and affordable, the trade-offs in performance and build quality make it a less appealing option in the long run. For occasional use or as a temporary solution, it’s passable, but there are better options out there that offer more reliability and ease of use.
Project Ideas
Business
Gourmet Toast Cafe
Open a small cafe that specializes in gourmet toast options. Use the toaster to create a variety of high-quality, delicious toast toppings and combinations, from avocado toast to sweet dessert toasts.
Toasted Catering Service
Start a catering business that offers a unique twist by serving a variety of toasted snacks and hors d'oeuvres. This could include toasted sandwiches, bruschetta, and other creatively topped toasts.
Custom Toast Art
Offer a service where customers can order custom-designed toast for special occasions. This could include logos, messages, or images toasted onto the bread, perfect for events or gifts.
Toaster-Based Cooking Classes
Host cooking classes that focus on creative and gourmet uses of a toaster. Teach participants how to make a variety of meals and snacks using just a toaster, appealing to college students or small apartment dwellers.
Toaster Subscription Box
Create a subscription box service that delivers unique bread types, spreads, and toppings to customers' doors each month. Include recipes and tips on how to use their toaster to create delicious new dishes.
Creative
Toasted Art
Create fun and intricate designs on slices of bread using a stencil and the toaster. Cut out shapes or patterns in a piece of cardboard or heat-resistant material, place it over the bread, and toast it to create unique, edible artworks.
Toaster Science Experiments
Use the toaster to demonstrate various science principles such as heat conduction, browning reactions, and the Maillard reaction. Create a series of educational videos for kids and students showing these experiments.
Toaster Recipes
Develop a collection of unique recipes that can be made entirely with a toaster, such as toaster pastries, mini pizzas, and toasted sandwich variations. Publish these recipes in a blog or a small recipe book.
Toaster Time Capsules
Create a fun craft project where you toast a piece of bread and write a memory or a wish on it with edible ink. Seal it in a vacuum bag and store it as a quirky time capsule to revisit in the future.
Toaster Jewelry
Use the toaster to create small, heat-formed pieces of plastic or shrink film that can be turned into unique jewelry items like earrings or pendants. The toaster’s heat can be used to shape and harden the materials.