Amazon Basics KT-3680 Review

This toaster has stripped away all of the bells and whistles to deliver an appliance that works well and doesn't take up too much counter space. This could be particularly useful for dorm rooms or tiny kitchens where every inch matters.

Bread Toasting

When we toasted bread with the Amazon Basics (its most fundamental function), the results were disappointingly inconsistent. On the light setting, the toaster barely warmed the bread, producing slices that were more dried than toasted. The surface remained predominantly white with only the faintest hints of golden coloring appearing sporadically across the bread's surface. Even after two complete cycles at this setting, we struggled to achieve what most people would consider toasted bread. The texture remained soft and pliable rather than developing a gentle crispness.

On the medium setting, we discovered the Amazon Basics's most glaring weakness: uneven toasting. Each slice emerges with distinct patterns of light and dark patches, creating what looks more like abstract art than breakfast food. The center of each slice often remains undertoned while the edges approach burnt, making it nearly impossible to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish across the entire surface. We noticed this inconsistency during multiple toasting cycles, suggesting it's an inherent design issue rather than a one-off problem.

The dark setting produced more thoroughly toasted results, though the unevenness remained an issue. While the overall darkness increased, certain spots still cooked faster than others, creating an unappetizing patchwork effect. We discovered that using the level 2 heat setting instead of level 1 helps achieve better results for those seeking gently toasted bread with light gold coloring and a crispy texture — a workaround that shouldn't be necessary with a properly functioning toaster.

Bagel Toasting

The Amazon Basics redeems itself considerably when toasting bagels, transforming from disappointing to impressive. Using the medium heat setting with the bagel function engaged, we consistently achieved beautifully toasted bagel halves that would make any breakfast enthusiast happy.

The bagel setting properly toasts only the cut side while gently warming the outer crust, creating the ideal contrast of textures. The cut surface develops an even, golden-brown finish with delightful crispness, while the bottom remains soft and warm. Unlike the issues we encountered with regular bread, bagels emerge with remarkably even coloring across their surface. The consistency between toasting cycles also improves dramatically when using this function, suggesting the toaster is optimized for this task.

Frozen Waffle Toasting

The Amazon Basics continues its strong performance with frozen waffles, delivering results that exceed our expectations given its struggles with regular bread. Using the frozen setting, we tested multiple brands and styles of frozen waffles, and every one emerged properly heated with pleasantly crispy exteriors and warm, fluffy interiors.

The toaster manages to achieve a balance of thorough heating without drying out the waffles — something that many toasters struggle with when dealing with frozen items. The waffles develop an appetizing golden color without any burnt edges or cold spots, making them genuinely enjoyable to eat. This performance matches, and sometimes exceeds, what we've seen from toasters costing significantly more.

Ease of Use

Daily interaction with the Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster is straightforward, though not without minor frustrations. The control interface features a simple browning dial with seven shade settings and separate buttons for bagel and frozen functions. While basic, this arrangement covers most toasting needs without unnecessary complexity.

Cleaning presents no major challenges. The removable crumb tray slides out smoothly from the back of the unit, and the tray itself is large enough to catch most crumbs, though we noticed some debris occasionally accumulates in the corners of the toasting chamber. The stainless steel exterior wipes clean easily, though it does show fingerprints readily — a common issue with this finish. The 6-foot-5-inch cord provides adequate reach for most counter configurations, so you can feel free to place it almost anywhere in your kitchen.

It takes about two and a half minutes to toast two slices on the medium setting, which is an average speed. While not the fastest we've tested, it's quick enough for typical morning routines. The manual lift feature helps retrieve smaller items like English muffins, though the lever doesn't provide as much additional height as some competing models.

Should You Buy the Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster?

The Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster makes sense for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize bagel and waffle toasting over regular bread. Its impressive performance with these specialty items and affordable price point create genuine value for the right household. Families who frequently prepare frozen breakfast items or enjoy daily bagels will find that this toaster meets their needs admirably. However, those seeking consistent, evenly toasted bread should look elsewhere, as the Amazon Basics' uneven heating patterns will be frustrating from the start.

What Other Toaster Should You Consider?