The Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 2-Slice Toaster earned Taste of Home's 'best overall' designation, praised for its sleek design and performance. It features a touchscreen interface that's easier to clean and includes special settings for bagels and gluten-free bread. However, YouTube reviewer noted it uses the same internal components as cheaper models and that the capacitive touch controls can be problematic when hands are wet or when cleaning with damp towels.
Full review
Sleek design with practical functionality
The Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 2-Slice Toaster combines aesthetic appeal with functional features that make it stand out in a crowded market. Its matte finish and satin gold handle create a modern look that complements various kitchen decors. The appliance measures just 11 inches in width, making it compact enough for smaller kitchens without sacrificing usability. Reviewers noted that the touchscreen display adds a futuristic touch while also improving cleanliness, as there are no crevices where crumbs can accumulate. The lift function on the lever makes retrieving shorter slices easier, and special settings for bagels and gluten-free breads provide versatility for different dietary needs.
The toaster's color options reflect the brand's emphasis on style, offering seven shades including black sesame, cornflower blue, lavender, oyster grey, rose, sage green, and white icing. These choices allow consumers to select a color that matches their personal taste or kitchen theme. The touchscreen interface replaces traditional buttons, which not only enhances the visual appeal but also simplifies cleaning. The B monogram on the side adds a subtle touch of luxury that aligns with the brand's positioning as a premium lifestyle product.
During testing, the toaster demonstrated its ability to handle various bread types effectively. It performed well with thick-cut brioche, sourdough, English muffins, pastries, bagels, and frozen waffles. The waffle setting was particularly praised for its ability to brown the exterior while completely defrosting the interior, a task that other toasters struggled with. The performance across different settings showed consistent results, with the lowest setting providing a substantial crisp without excessive browning and the highest setting delivering even coverage throughout the bread slice.
Performance across multiple settings
The toaster delivers consistent performance across its range of settings, with each level offering distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The lowest setting produces a substantial crisp on both sides of the bread without excessive browning, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter toast. One setting up, the bread gets pretty dark, with a nice brownness that reaches the edges while maintaining even coverage. The upper quarter of each bread piece is ever-so-slightly darker than the rest, which provides a nice contrast and visual appeal.
The darkest setting offers all-over even darkness that covers the bread completely, ensuring that every part receives the same level of browning. This uniformity is particularly appreciated by users who want consistent results every time they use the appliance. The middle setting proves popular among most users, as it strikes a balance between light and dark browning. The performance of each setting was evaluated through multiple tests, and the results consistently showed that the toaster maintains its quality across all levels.
Specialized settings like the waffle function demonstrate the toaster's versatility beyond basic toasting. During testing, the waffle setting browned the exterior thoroughly while completely defrosting the interior, a feat that many other toasters failed to achieve. This functionality makes it a valuable addition for households that enjoy waffles regularly. The instructions note that the waffle setting should not be used for toaster pastries with runny filling, but users found no issues toasting one up on low settings, indicating a level of flexibility in usage.
Touchscreen technology and user experience
The touchscreen display represents a significant advancement in user interface design for toasters. Unlike traditional button-based models, this interface eliminates the need for physical buttons that can trap crumbs and become difficult to clean. The digital screen provides clear visual feedback and allows users to easily navigate through different settings. Reviewers found that the touchscreen technology made the appliance more intuitive to use, especially for those accustomed to modern digital interfaces.
The touchscreen also contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of the toaster. The sleek, minimalist design creates a contemporary look that fits well in modern kitchens. The display is responsive and easy to read, even when the appliance is in use. The absence of physical buttons reduces the risk of crumbs getting trapped in the mechanism, which is a common issue with traditional toasters. This design choice not only improves the appliance's longevity but also enhances its ease of maintenance.
Users appreciated the clean lines and the futuristic appearance of the touchscreen. The interface is straightforward and doesn't require extensive learning curves. The digital display allows for clear visibility of the current setting and timing, making it easier for users to achieve their desired level of toasting. The smooth operation of the touchscreen interface was noted as a highlight during testing, with no reported issues with responsiveness or accuracy.
Durability and maintenance considerations
The build quality of the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 2-Slice Toaster reflects its premium positioning in the market. The matte finish shows minimal fingerprints, which is a practical advantage for maintaining a clean appearance. The satin gold handle adds a touch of luxury while remaining functional and easy to grip. The overall construction feels solid and well-made, suggesting that the appliance will withstand regular use without showing signs of wear quickly.
Maintenance requirements are minimal due to the design features that reduce crumb accumulation. The touchscreen display eliminates the need for button cleaning, and the smooth surfaces are easy to wipe down. The lift function on the lever makes it simple to remove slices without leaving residue or crumbs behind. These features contribute to the appliance's longevity and ease of care, which are important factors for consumers who value low-maintenance kitchen appliances.
The appliance's design also considers practical aspects of daily use. The compact size makes it suitable for various kitchen layouts, while the color options allow for personalization. The touchscreen interface requires minimal maintenance, as there are no mechanical parts that can wear out or become jammed. The overall design philosophy emphasizes both form and function, ensuring that the appliance serves its purpose effectively while maintaining an attractive appearance.
Value proposition in the budget category
At less than $50, the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 2-Slice Toaster offers exceptional value for consumers seeking a high-quality appliance without breaking the bank. This price point positions it competitively against more expensive models from established brands like KitchenAid and Breville, which often cost significantly more. The performance of the toaster, as demonstrated in testing, rivals that of higher-end models, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who don't want to compromise on quality.
The toaster's performance across multiple categories was impressive, including size, packaging, food fit, slice removal, special settings, timing, appearance, material quality, and cleaning ease. These factors combined to earn it the 'best overall' award in testing, a recognition that highlights its value proposition. The appliance's ability to deliver consistent results across various bread types and settings makes it a versatile addition to any kitchen.
The value extends beyond just the initial purchase price. The appliance's durability and low maintenance requirements contribute to its long-term value. The touchscreen technology and design features reduce the likelihood of mechanical issues, which can be costly to repair or replace. The color options and aesthetic appeal also add value by allowing consumers to personalize their kitchen space while enjoying a functional appliance.
Strengths
- +Won 'best overall' award in Taste of Home's toaster testing
- +Features touchscreen technology that's easier to clean than traditional buttons
- +Compact design taking up only 11 inches of space
- +Includes special settings for bagels and gluten-free bread
Watch-outs
- −Uses same internal structure as lower-end toasters like Amazon Basics and Continental Electric
- −Capacitive touch controls may not work well with wet hands or oven mitts
How it compares
The Beautiful toaster stands out for its 'best overall' award from Taste of Home, outperforming even Breville's models in their testing. However, it shares the same basic internal heating components as lower-end models like the Cuisinart CPT-122, unlike the Breville BTA820XL which offers better performance with its die-cast construction. While it features a sleek touchscreen interface, it's less practical than the Breville BTA720XL's physical controls for users with wet hands or during cleaning.
Rating sources
“The Beautiful Toaster won the “best overall” honor during our toaster tests, coming out ahead of industry-leading brands like KitchenAid and Breville.”
Our 4.5 score is the average of the 1 scored review above; 3 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. 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.
