Black+Decker 2-Slice T2569B Review

The Black Decker 2-Slice is a modest toaster with a simple interface and few functions. It doesn't boast the bells and whistles of pricey competitors, and we wouldn't trust this model to make a standout bagel, but it excels at what's important: making toast.

Bread Toasting

When it comes to the most essential toasting task — transforming plain white bread into golden-brown perfection — the Black+Decker T2569B impressed us with its consistency and evenness.

This toaster excels at creating evenly browned bread with a satisfying crunch on the outside while maintaining a tender interior. The seven shade settings provide decent control over your desired level of doneness, though we discovered the toaster runs noticeably hotter than expected. Where most toasters produce lightly golden toast on their lowest settings, the T2569B delivered what we'd consider medium toast even on setting one. Using level two, we achieved our best results for what most people would consider “light” toast — crispy with light gold coloring that's perfect for butter and jam.

The heating elements distribute heat remarkably well across each slice, eliminating those frustrating patches of under-toasted bread that plague cheaper models. During our consistency tests, we were pleased to find minimal variation between rounds. Whether toasting the first batch of the morning or the fifth, the T2569B maintains its performance without the dreaded “first slice is pale, second slice is burnt” syndrome.

You'll need to experiment with the settings to find your sweet spot. What the toaster considers “medium” might be darker than your preference, so start conservatively and work your way up. Once you've dialed in your preferred setting (likely one or two notches lower than you'd expect), this toaster rewards you with reliable results every time.

Bagel Toasting

Bagel lovers will find the Black+Decker T2569B somewhat limiting, as it lacks a dedicated bagel function — a feature increasingly common even in budget models. Without the ability to toast only the cut side while gently warming the outer surface, you'll have to manage your expectations.

We tested using the medium heat setting, carefully positioning bagel halves cut-side toward the center heating elements. With this setup, the results can be mixed but manageable. The cut surfaces achieve decent browning and develop a pleasant crispness, though not quite the perfectly crisped interior you'd get from a toaster with true bagel functionality. The outer surfaces, unfortunately, get more toasted than ideal, resulting in a drier overall bagel.

The evenness across the cut side of the bagel is satisfactory, with the central areas browning uniformly. However, the edges occasionally showed slight variations in color — nothing deal-breaking, but noticeable to bagel aficionados. Texture-wise, while the toaster couldn't replicate that perfect contrast between crispy interior and soft exterior that dedicated bagel settings provide, it still produced an acceptably toasted bagel suitable for cream cheese or butter. We found the best results come from using a lower heat setting than you might expect (remember, this toaster runs hot) and keeping a close eye on progress.

For occasional bagel toasting, the T2569B will suffice, though if a bagel is your go-to form of morning carbs, you'll want to consider a model with dedicated bagel settings.

Frozen Waffle Toasting

Frozen waffles presented an interesting challenge for the Black+Decker T2569B, which lacks a defrost or frozen setting.

Medium-high heat (around setting 4-5) works best for standard frozen waffles. This setting allowed enough time for the waffle to thaw completely while developing appealing golden-brown edges and raised surfaces. The resulting texture pleased our taste testers — crispy ridges that held up well to syrup without becoming soggy, paired with a properly heated center that wasn't cold or gummy.

The toaster's tendency to run hot actually worked in its favor here, as frozen items often need extra heat to achieve proper browning after thawing. We appreciate how evenly the waffles toast, showing consistent coloring across the surface and no cold spots in the centers. The seven shade settings provide enough flexibility to accommodate different waffle thicknesses and brands, though thicker Belgian-style waffles occasionally benefited from a second, shorter toasting cycle, even on higher heat settings.

That said, without a frozen setting, achieving consistent results requires some trial and error. Your first few attempts might yield waffles that are either underdone in the middle or overly crispy on the edges. However, once you identify the right setting for your preferred waffle brand, the T2569B delivers reliable results.

Ease of Use

The Black+Decker T2569B embodies simplicity in both design and operation, though this minimalist approach comes with trade-offs. The straightforward controls — a single lever for lowering bread and a numbered shade selector — make operation intuitive even for those who've never read an instruction manual. We love the high-lift lever that raises smaller items like English muffins well above the slots for easy retrieval without burning fingertips.

We don't love the power cord placement. The cord is positioned awkwardly close to the front of the unit with a disappointingly short length, forcing you to place the toaster closer to your outlet than you might like. We found ourselves constantly working around the cord and repositioning the toaster for different kitchen tasks. This design oversight becomes particularly annoying in kitchens with limited counter space or poorly placed outlets.

Cleaning the toaster is refreshingly simple thanks to the removable crumb tray that slides out smoothly from the front. We recommend emptying it after every few uses to prevent smoking from accumulating crumbs. The toaster's smooth plastic exterior wipes clean easily, though it does show fingerprints and smudges more readily than stainless steel. The slots are wide enough to accommodate various bread thicknesses, from thin sandwich bread to thick artisanal slices, without jamming.

Speed-wise, the T2569B falls squarely in the middle of the pack. Our medium-setting toast tests averaged around 2 minutes and 30 seconds for two slices. The automatic pop-up function works reliably, and we experienced no issues with bread getting stuck or failing to pop all the way up during our testing.

Should You Buy the Black Decker 2-Slice?

The Black+Decker T2569B makes sense for budget-conscious shoppers who prioritize consistent toasting performance over fancy features. We'd recommend it for college students, first-time apartment dwellers, or anyone seeking a reliable backup toaster without spending much. Its straightforward operation and surprisingly even toasting results make it an excellent choice for those who simply want dependable toast without fussing with numerous settings. However, frequent entertainers or serious breakfast enthusiasts should look for a model with more versatility and convenient features.

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