<p>I would rather not make a career out of buying a new toaster so I’m looking for some help. I just want a plain toaster that works, 2 slice, basic. The goal is to not send it to the landfill in 2 years but not spend more than $30 or $40. Anyone have any luck with the “Cooks” brand that Penney’s has on sale today?</p>
<p>We have gone through numerous toasters! We recently purchased a cuisinart toaster at Costco. It toasts great and fast. We used to have a Kitchenaid that looked nice but was slow and just stopped working.
The only problem with the Cuisinart is that large bread doesn’t fit without cutting in two or having the top stick out.
Don’t remember what we paid at Costco.</p>
<p>I don’t think you need to get a fancy toaster. I bought mine for $12 at a discount house and while it still works - the plastic housing melted slightly because it got too close to the stove and the push down lever plastic piece got broken at some point. It still toasts just fine.</p>
<p>We bought a Cuisinart electronic toaster with one long slot that will accept 2 regular slices or one long artesian slice. We got it 1/2 price via Amazon and it’s worked well for years now - the best toaster we’ve ever had, in fact.</p>
<p>I recommend getting a toaster oven instead. You can toast anything of any size in it, and also make tuna melts! :)</p>
<p>Consolation- we got the toaster oven when the last toaster died. My husband and youngest begged for one. It works great for rewarming pizza and melting cheese but it is so slow for toasting compared to the regular toaster.
When I was in high school I worked at Montgomery Wards and bought a toaster oven to take to college. It was unusual that it also had regular toast slots on the top. I had that for many years. I have not seen such an item since.</p>
<p>Customer feedback on Amazon seems to favor Krups, Cuisinart and T-Fal. Each of these is available (new) on eBay for $35-$39, including shipping.</p>
<p>Bagel Mode</p>
<p>Here’s a link to a small toaster oven that still has the 2 slice slots on top! </p>
<p>[Amazon.com:</a> Hamilton Beach 22708H Toastation Toaster: Kitchen & Dining](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-22708H-Toastation-Toaster/dp/B000A1FFZE]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-22708H-Toastation-Toaster/dp/B000A1FFZE)</p>
<p>I’ve also seen this same toaster oven at Kohls and other department/discount stores…</p>
<p>We have a four slot stainless GE courtesy of walmart. It has two crumb trays, can’t remember what we paid because have had it four about four years. Also has a bagel setting.</p>
<p>Toaster ovens rule !! I have baked a teensy tray of 8 cookies in it, made apple crumb, and baked chicken. It’s great for a small meal or treat.
And ofcourse, bagels, frozen waffles, and toast.</p>
<p>Got a new toaster recently, the cheapest cool touch one. Noticed it is slower than the old one that was discarded, checked the wattage and compared to others I saw at stores- there is a difference, just like with microwave ovens.</p>