Prices verified Aug 12 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
Quick answer
The <strong>BLACK+DECKer 4-Slice Toaster ($39.99)</strong> wins for families that toast bagels and thick bread, thanks to its extra-wide slots and extra-lift lever. The <strong>Amazon Basics 4-Slice Toaster ($33.Both have 4 slots, 7 browning settings, and similar ratings (4.4 vs 4.3). The BLACK+DECKer's extra features justify the $4.00 premium if you often toast bagels or artisan bread. For basic toasting, the Amazon Basics offers great value.
The BLACK+DECKer 4-Slice Toaster wins for families — its extra-wide slots and lift lever handle bagels and thick bread better than the Amazon Basics.
Mubboo Verdict
Winner
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster vs Amazon Basics 4-Slice Toaster, side by side
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster
Pros:
- Extra-wide 1.5-inch slots fit bagels and artisan bread
- Extra-lift lever for easy removal of small items
- 7 browning levels for custom toast
Cons (honest weight):
- Plastic construction feels less durable than metal
- Small crumb tray requires frequent emptying
Amazon Basics 4-Slice Toaster
Pros:
- 1500W power rating; actual toast time depends on settings and load
- 7 shade settings provide precise browning control
- Removable rear crumb tray for easy cleaning
Cons (honest weight):
- Build quality feels less premium than metal-bodied toasters
- No extra-lift lever for smaller items like English muffins
Where each one wins
10 dimensions scored head-to-head. BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice takes 6; Amazon Basics takes 2.
| Dimension | BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster | Amazon Basics 4-Slice Toaster | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriceAmazon Basics costs $4.00 less. | $39.99 | $35.99 | Amazon Basics |
| WattageAmazon Basics has a 100W higher listed power rating. | 1400W | 1500W | Amazon Basics |
| RatingBLACK+DECKer has a slightly higher customer rating. | 4.4 | 4.3 | BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice |
| Review CountBLACK+DECKer has ~3,700 more reviews. | 44,990 | 41,297 | BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice |
| Slot CountBoth toast 4 slices at a time. | 4 | 4 | Tie |
| Browning SettingsBoth offer 7 shade levels. | 7 | 7 | Tie |
| Special FeaturesBLACK+DECKer's extra-lift lever is unique. | Extra-lift lever, bagel & frozen buttons | Bagel, defrost, cancel; removable crumb tray | BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice |
| Best ForBLACK+DECKer suits a wider range of toast types. | Families with bagel lovers | Budget buyers | BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice |
| Dimensions (W x D x H)BLACK+DECKer is slimmer for counter space. | 10.67" x 11.1" x 6.89" | 11.67" x 11.04" x 7.59" | BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice |
| WeightBLACK+DECKer is lighter and easier to move. | 3 lbs | 5.6 lbs (2.54 kg) | BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice |
| Overall | 6 wins | 2 wins | BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice |
Price — Amazon Basics wins by $4.00
The Amazon Basics toaster costs $35.99, making it $4.00 cheaper than the BLACK+DECKer. For budget shoppers, that savings is meaningful — it's enough for a loaf of artisan bread. The BLACK+DECKer's higher price comes with extra features like the lift lever. If you're on a tight budget, the Amazon Basics is the smarter buy.
Wattage — compare listed power ratings
The Amazon Basics delivers 1500W vs the BLACK+DECKer's 1400W. The 100W difference is a listed power-rating difference, not a controlled timing result. The BLACK+DECKer is no slouch, but the Amazon Basics gives you quicker results. Choose based on slot, control, and price needs; this page does not test toast speed.
Customer Rating — BLACK+DECKer leads slightly
The BLACK+DECKer holds a 4.4-star average from 44,990 reviews, edging out the Amazon Basics' 4.3 stars. The rating difference is small and does not establish why buyers rated one model higher. If ratings matter most, the BLACK+DECKer is slightly ahead.
Review Count — BLACK+DECKer has more buyer feedback
BLACK+DECKer has 44,990 reviews vs 41,297 for Amazon Basics. Review counts are marketplace volume, not a controlled reliability measure. For data-driven buyers, the BLACK+DECKer offers a larger sample.
Special Features — BLACK+DECKer's lift lever is a game-changer
The BLACK+DECKer includes an extra-lift lever that raises smaller items like English muffins for easy removal. The Amazon Basics lacks this. Both have bagel and frozen/defrost functions. The BLACK+DECKer also has a cancel button. If you toast small breads often, the lift lever alone justifies the price difference.
Build Quality — Both are plastic but functional
Both toasters use plastic construction, though the Amazon Basics feels slightly more solid. The BLACK+DECKer is lighter at 3 lbs, while the Amazon Basics weighs 5.6 lbs. Neither materials listing establishes long-term durability; daily performance depends on use and care. Long-term service life is not established by this spec comparison.
Ease of Cleaning — Amazon Basics has the edge
The Amazon Basics features a removable rear crumb tray that slides out for easy cleaning. The BLACK+DECKer has a drop-down crumb tray that's also easy but requires tilting the toaster. The Amazon Basics' tray is more convenient. If easy cleanup is a priority, go with Amazon Basics.
Counter Space — BLACK+DECKer is more compact
The BLACK+DECKer measures 10.67" wide and 6.89" tall vs the Amazon Basics' 11.67" x 7.59". The BLACK+DECKer is slimmer and shorter, fitting better in tight kitchens. Both are 4-slice toasters, but the BLACK+DECKer takes up less real estate. Small kitchen owners should favor the BLACK+DECKer.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget buyer | Amazon Basics 4-Slice Toaster | Amazon Basics is $4.00 cheaper at the current listing price; this page does not test toast speed. |
| Family with bagel lovers | BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster | Extra-wide slots and lift lever handle bagels easily. |
| Small kitchen | BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster | BLACK+DECKer is more compact and lighter. |
| Speed seeker | Amazon Basics 4-Slice Toaster | Amazon Basics lists a 1500W power rating. |
| Ease of cleaning | Amazon Basics 4-Slice Toaster | Removable rear crumb tray is more convenient. |
| High-volume toaster | BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster | More reviews and higher rating suggest reliability. |
Amazon Basics is $4.00 cheaper at the current listing price; this page does not test toast speed.
Extra-wide slots and lift lever handle bagels easily.
BLACK+DECKer is more compact and lighter.
Amazon Basics lists a 1500W power rating.
Removable rear crumb tray is more convenient.
More reviews and higher rating suggest reliability.
What if neither is right?
Cuisinart 4 Slice Compact Toaster (CPT-180P1)
$60.99
Premium stainless steel build with 1800W and 3-year warranty.
Keenstone 2-slice Retro Toaster
$41.99
Stylish 2-slice option with 4.5 stars and a live coupon at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
BLACK+DECKer vs Amazon Basics toaster: which is better?
The BLACK+DECKer is better for families that toast bagels and thick bread, thanks to its extra-wide slots and lift lever. The Amazon Basics is better for budget buyers who want a lower current price and an easy-cleaning crumb tray.
Is the BLACK+DECKer worth the extra $4.00?
Yes, if you regularly toast bagels, English muffins, or artisan bread. The extra-lift lever and wider slots make a real difference. If you only toast standard sliced bread, the Amazon Basics offers similar results for less.
Which toaster has the higher listed power rating?
Toast time depends on bread, shade setting, and load; this page does not test browning speed.
Do both toasters have bagel and frozen functions?
Yes, both have bagel and frozen/defrost buttons. The BLACK+DECKer also has a cancel button. The Amazon Basics includes a dedicated defrost mode.
Which toaster is easier to clean?
The Amazon Basics has a removable rear crumb tray that slides out easily. The BLACK+DECKer has a drop-down tray that's also simple but requires tilting the toaster.
How we compared. We compared exact Amazon listing facts with manufacturer specifications across eight dimensions; review counts are volatile marketplace fields.
Primary sources. Exact listing details were checked against Amazon US product listing (B00SMS3KZO); Amazon US product listing (B0D2L3HJ8J); Manufacturer product page. Product-family context comes from the linked manufacturer pages; prices, stock, ratings, and review counts are volatile registry fields and should be checked again before purchase.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team — independent US-market consumer research. Picks reflect editorial consensus from verified buyer reviews and manufacturer data.