Black & Decker TR1256B 850-Watt 2-Slice Toaster with Bagel Function and Removable Crumb Tray

I bought this toaster so that a few of us at work would be able to to use it. So far most use has been with toasting bagels, so my review is based on that. When I got the toaster the first thing I thought was this was a great looking toaster! I love that it has wide slots, which are great for bagels. Another feature I love is that it has a cancel button (I didn't realize this was a great feature until I had one toaster which I wasn't able to cancel). The downside to this toaster is that you practically have to put the setting very low or else you will burn your toast. Also, the toaster does not toast evenly, because every time I put a bagel in the toaster the bottom has toasted more than the top of the bagel. I'm a little disappointed in this toaster because my old cheap toaster toasted better than this one. But I guess for the price it will do for now.

In addition to the browning problems, the crumb tray doesn't cover all of the openings in the bottom of the toaster. There will be crumbs on the counter when it's used and in the cupboard when it's stored--even after turning the toaster upside down and shaking it. The lever to start the toaster will last about 10 months in my experience. After that, the toaster just won't turn on. B & D quality seems to have hit bottom in this appliance.

Just bought this toaster for $20, just because I liked the way it looked. Manual said set dial at 4 for reg. bread, but that burned it quickly + stunk up the whole house. Had to unplug to stop heating. Toasted thin bread on lowest setting + still burned. Made in China. Defective?

Called Black + Decker C.S. + waited a very long time for rude/nasty rep. named Diamond, who wanted # off metal part of elec. prong--042-EH. They're sending me another toaster. Bad reviews here about burning but will try another one.

Have looked at all black toasters online, and only other one I liked the look of was Kitchen Aid at about $40. Unfortunately, many reviews say it won't toast on even the highest setting. What? What's going on here? Can't anything be made right anymore? Where's quality control?