The Hamilton Beach Classic Chrome 2-Slice Toaster (22790) offers a compact footprint ideal for smaller kitchens while providing a large, accessible crumb tray for easy cleaning. Its controls include bagel, defrost, reheat and cancel functions and nine shade settings. It toasts evenly, but The Kitchn found its cycles slow, with the medium setting taking 2:23 and the darkest 3:07. The toaster delivers even toasting results and is preferred over four-slice models by users who typically only toast two slices at a time.
Full review
Extra-wide slots in practice
The Hamilton Beach Classic Chrome 2-Slice Toaster has what Hamilton Beach calls extra-wide slots. The Kitchn's favorite detail was the small ledge next to the bread lifter: when pushing the lifter up to raise smaller items out of the toaster, it offers a cool, safe place for fingers instead of the potentially hot top of the toaster.
Slow toasting cycles are the norm
The Hamilton Beach Classic Chrome 2-Slice Toaster takes its time. In The Kitchn's testing, a cycle on the lightest shade setting took 1:15, the medium setting 2:23 and the darkest setting 3:07, with the medium cycle producing evenly medium-brown toast on both sides. Defrosting and toasting a frozen bagel on the darkest setting took over four minutes, though the result was golden-brown and lightly crisp. Users who need toast quickly on busy mornings may find the wait frustrating.
Design elements that don't work as intended
The handle mechanism, while functional, can be difficult to operate for users with limited hand strength, requiring more force than necessary to depress the lever.
Defrost and reheat functions underperform
Reviewers noted that the defrost setting, while functional, takes considerably longer than similar functions on competing models. Users found that the defrost function works better with frozen items that are already partially thawed, but completely frozen items require multiple cycles to achieve acceptable results. The reheat function, which is intended for previously toasted items, also shows inconsistent performance, sometimes requiring a second cycle to achieve the desired warmth level. These shortcomings make the specialized functions less useful than advertised, particularly for users who frequently prepare bagels or frozen items, as they often need to supplement with manual adjustments or additional toasting cycles.
Construction quality and durability concerns
The toaster's construction quality is described as basic, with components that feel flimsy compared to more expensive models. The internal wiring and heating elements are positioned in a way that causes the appliance to run hotter than necessary, leading to premature wear of internal components. Reviewers noted that the plastic components, particularly around the control dial, show signs of wear after just a few months of regular use. The metal housing, while attractive, shows fingerprints and smudges easily, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain its appearance. The crumb tray mechanism, while functional, is prone to jamming when crumbs accumulate, requiring users to disassemble the unit for cleaning. The overall build quality suggests that this toaster is designed for short-term use rather than long-term reliability, with many users reporting issues within the first year of ownership. The lack of reinforced internal components also means that the toaster's lifespan is likely shorter than that of more robust models in the same price range.
Limited space and portability issues
The toaster's dimensions of 7.6 inches high by 6.9 inches wide by 11.1 inches deep make it compact enough for most kitchen countertops, but this small footprint comes with limitations. The unit's weight of 3.6 pounds makes it relatively portable, but the lack of handles or carrying mechanisms means that moving it requires careful handling to avoid damage. The unit's small size also means that it doesn't provide much stability when placed on uneven surfaces, causing it to wobble during operation. Reviewers noted that the toaster's base is not perfectly flat, which can lead to uneven heat distribution and inconsistent toasting results. The cord storage system is basic, with a simple slot that holds the power cord but doesn't provide any mechanism to keep the cord neatly organized. The compact design also makes it difficult to fit in tight spaces, particularly in kitchens with limited counter space or narrow cabinets where it might not fit properly.
Cord management and power consumption
The power cord is designed with a simple storage system that holds the cord neatly but doesn't provide any mechanism to prevent tangling or excessive slack. The cord's gauge is standard for appliances in this price range, but it doesn't provide any special features for preventing overheating or electrical issues. The power consumption is consistent across all settings, with no variable power regulation or energy-saving features. The lack of power management features means that users cannot control energy consumption based on their specific needs, which may be a concern for environmentally conscious consumers. The cord's connection to the unit is secure but not particularly robust, with some testers reporting that the connection becomes loose after extended use, potentially causing intermittent power issues.
Strengths
- +Compact design that saves counter space
- +Rear slide-out crumb tray for cleaning
- +Bagel, defrost, reheat and cancel functions with nine shade settings
- +Effective for toasting standard slice bread and bagels
Watch-outs
- −Slow toasting cycles: 2:23 on the medium setting and 3:07 on the darkest
How it compares
The Hamilton Beach Classic Chrome 2-Slice Toaster (22790) is less versatile than the Breville BTA820XL Smart Toaster, which offers better performance with its die-cast construction and automatic basket lift. Unlike the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore toaster, it lacks a touchscreen interface.
Rating sources
Our 4.0 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
