Prices verified May 28 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
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.
The Verdict
Winner
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster vs Amazon Basics 4-Slice Toaster, side by side
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
Pros:
- 1500W delivers faster toasting than most
- 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 $6.41 less. | $39.99 | $33.58 | Amazon Basics |
| WattageAmazon Basics has 100W more power for faster toasting. | 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 $6.41
The Amazon Basics toaster costs $33.58, making it $6.41 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 — Amazon Basics toasts faster
The Amazon Basics delivers 1500W vs the BLACK+DECKer's 1400W. That extra 100W means faster toasting — a difference you'll notice on busy mornings. The BLACK+DECKer is no slouch, but the Amazon Basics gives you quicker results. Speed seekers should lean toward Amazon Basics.
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. That's a marginal difference. Both are well-loved. The BLACK+DECKer's edge likely comes from its extra-lift lever and wider slots. 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. More reviews mean a more reliable signal. Both numbers are large enough to trust. 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 feels premium, but both are durable for daily use. Neither will win design awards, but both will last years.
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 $6.41 cheaper with faster toasting. |
| 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' 1500W toasts faster. |
| 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 $6.41 cheaper with faster toasting.
Extra-wide slots and lift lever handle bagels easily.
BLACK+DECKer is more compact and lighter.
Amazon Basics' 1500W toasts faster.
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 faster toasting and easy cleaning.
Is the BLACK+DECKer worth the extra $6.41?
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 faster toasting?
Expect quicker browning, especially on darker settings.
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 analyzed 86,000+ verified Amazon reviews and manufacturer specifications across 8 dimensions. Prices and availability are checked weekly from Amazon.
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.