The Breville 'A Bit More' 2-Slice Toaster offers thoughtful design and user-friendly features, particularly the 'Lift and Look' function that lets users check progress mid-cycle. TechGearLab rated it highly for ease of use and consistent performance, though noting uneven browning in one corner of each slice. While it delivers reliable results, especially on medium and dark settings, its bread toasting performance is described as merely moderate. This toaster is ideal for users who value convenience and consistent outcomes over absolute toasting perfection, but those seeking the best value or peak performance may want to consider alternatives.
Full review
Design and Features
The Breville 'A Bit More' 2-Slice Toaster stands out with its brushed stainless steel construction and sleek, modern aesthetic that fits well in contemporary kitchens. RTINGS noted its compact footprint at 8.2" x 11.3" x 7.3", making it suitable for smaller spaces, while TechRadar praised its 'smart design features' that include a progress indicator and dedicated bagel and frozen settings. The toaster's standout feature is the 'Lift and Look' lever, which allows users to check progress without interrupting the toasting cycle. This functionality was highlighted by both Tom's Guide and TechGearLab as a game-changing element for those who prefer precise control. The 'A Bit More' button provides an additional browning boost, which Breville's own marketing emphasizes as a user feedback-driven innovation. The device also includes variable browning control, an LED progress indicator, and extra-wide slots designed to accommodate artisanal breads and thick bagels, according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Real-World Performance
In practical testing, the Breville 'A Bit More' delivers consistent results across different bread types, though with notable inconsistencies in browning. Tom's Guide reported that while the medium setting achieved appealing golden coloration with a satisfying crunch, one corner of each slice showed uneven heating, a pattern that persisted across multiple tests. RTINGS found that the toaster's bagel setting performed admirably, creating the ideal contrast between a crispy interior and soft exterior, though they noted the same unevenness issue appeared with bagels as well. The frozen waffle setting was praised for its ability to adjust the toasting cycle to account for moisture and cold temperatures, though it was not the absolute best performer in this category according to Serious Eats. The device excels in bagel toasting and frozen waffle handling, with the manufacturer's claims of 'variable browning control' proving accurate, though uneven heating remains a recurring issue.
The toaster's performance on bread toasting was mixed, with TechGearLab's testers finding that the light setting barely changed coloration, while the medium setting delivered golden results that many users would find appealing. However, the dark setting consistently showed the same uneven browning pattern, with one corner remaining noticeably lighter. RTINGS noted that the bagel setting worked by reducing power to specific heating elements, toasting the cut side while gently warming the outer crust, which they found particularly effective with thicker, New York-style bagels. The device's ability to handle various bread types, including dense pastries and artisanal breads, was appreciated, though the uneven heating pattern was consistent across all tests, suggesting it's a design characteristic rather than a defect.
Build Quality and Durability
The Breville 'A Bit More' 2-Slice Toaster is constructed with brushed stainless steel, which provides a premium feel and appearance that aligns with Breville's branding. According to Breville's official product page, the toaster uses concealed cord storage and includes a slide-out crumb tray for easy cleaning, features that were also noted by TechGearLab as contributing to its user-friendly design. The build quality was generally well-received, with RTINGS acknowledging its 'sleek overall appearance with a fun interface' and Tom's Guide praising its 'thoughtful design choices and solid performance.' However, the device's durability was not extensively tested in the available reviews, and the manufacturer's warranty details were not specified in the provided sources. The inclusion of a 3-year Allstate Protection Plan at Williams Sonoma suggests some level of confidence in the product's longevity, though specific long-term durability data was absent from the reviews.
What Reviewers Loved
Reviewers consistently praised the Breville 'A Bit More' for its thoughtful features and user-friendly interface. RTINGS highlighted the 'Lift and Look' function as a key innovation that allows checking progress without interrupting the cycle, which they considered a 'game-changer' for those who prefer their toast just right. Tom's Guide also emphasized the 'Lift and Look' feature, calling it a 'smart design feature' that makes checking and perfecting toast easy. The 'A Bit More' button was another standout feature, with Breville marketing it as a user feedback-driven innovation that provides 'just a touch more browning' without overdoing it. TechGearLab noted that the toaster's 'dedicated bagel setting' works by reducing power to specific heating elements, toasting the cut side while gently warming the outer crust, and that it handled both fresh and day-old bagels well. The variable browning control and LED progress indicator were also appreciated for providing precise toasting control, with RTINGS noting the device's 'excellent medium and dark levels that offer good control over your toasting preferences.'
Where It Falls Short
Despite its innovative features, the Breville 'A Bit More' 2-Slice Toaster has notable shortcomings that detract from its overall performance. The most significant issue is the persistent uneven browning, which was observed across multiple tests by both RTINGS and TechGearLab. RTINGS noted that while the medium setting delivered golden results, one corner of each slice remained noticeably lighter, and this pattern was consistent across all toasting levels. TechGearLab reported that the bread toasting performance was 'mediocre' and that the uneven heating pattern appeared in every test cycle, suggesting it's a design characteristic rather than a one-off defect. The toaster's performance on the light setting was also criticized, with Tom's Guide noting that it barely changed coloration, and TechGearLab finding that even the level 2 heat test required experimentation to achieve desired results. Additionally, while the device is well-regarded for its features, it's not the cheapest option on the market, which may be a drawback for budget-conscious consumers.
Who It's Best For
The Breville 'A Bit More' 2-Slice Toaster is best suited for users who value thoughtful design and user-friendly features over absolute toasting perfection. RTINGS and Tom's Guide both emphasized that the device's 'Lift and Look' feature and 'A Bit More' button make it particularly appealing to those who want precise control over their toast. The toaster is ideal for households that frequently make bagels or frozen waffles, as it excels in these specific functions. TechGearLab noted that the device's 'dedicated bagel setting' and 'frozen waffle setting' make it a strong choice for those who regularly prepare these items. However, it's not recommended for users who prioritize even browning across all slices, as the persistent uneven heating pattern was consistently noted across multiple reviews. The device's premium features and construction make it a good fit for those willing to pay a higher price for convenience and innovation, though budget-conscious consumers may find more affordable alternatives that offer better overall performance.
How It Compares to Alternatives
When compared to other toasters in its category, the Breville 'A Bit More' 2-Slice Toaster holds its own in terms of innovative features but falls short in overall performance. RTINGS noted that while it has a 'sleek overall appearance with a fun interface,' it doesn't necessarily offer the absolute best toasting performance, particularly in bread toasting. Serious Eats' review of four-slice toasters found that the Breville Smart Toaster offered the most precision, versatility, and control, but they ultimately recommended the Cuisinart Custom Select 4-Slice Toaster for even browning and quick recovery between batches. The Breville 'A Bit More' was positioned as a premium product with smart features, but it was not the top performer in terms of even browning or overall value. Tom's Guide also noted that while the device has 'thoughtful design choices and solid performance,' it's not the cheapest option, and the uneven browning issue may be a dealbreaker for some users. Compared to the Black+Decker 4-Slice Toaster, which was recommended as the best under $60, the Breville offers more features but at a higher price point and with less consistent performance.
Value at This Price
At a list price of $109.95, the Breville 'A Bit More' 2-Slice Toaster is positioned as a premium product with smart features, but its value proposition is somewhat mixed. RTINGS noted that while the device delivers 'consistent results' and has 'excellent medium and dark levels,' the 'mediocre bread toasting performance' and 'uneven heating pattern' suggest that it may not offer the best value for money. TechGearLab also found that while the toaster brings 'thoughtful design and user-friendly features,' it 'comes with a few compromises' and that the 'uneven browning' issue is a significant drawback. The device's premium features, such as the 'Lift and Look' function and dedicated bagel and frozen settings, justify the higher price for users who prioritize convenience and innovation over absolute performance. However, budget-conscious consumers may find more affordable alternatives that offer better overall performance, such as the Black+Decker 4-Slice Toaster, which was recommended as the best under $60. The inclusion of a 3-year Allstate Protection Plan at Williams Sonoma suggests some confidence in the product's longevity, though this may not fully offset the performance drawbacks for value-conscious buyers.
Strengths
- +Features 'Lift and Look' function allowing mid-cycle toast checking without interrupting heating
- +Delivers consistent results with good control over toasting preferences
- +Excellent performance on medium and dark settings with appealing golden coloration
- +Sleek overall appearance with a fun, user-friendly interface
Watch-outs
- −Uneven browning observed in one corner of each slice across all settings
- −Moderate bread toasting performance compared to competitors
- −Not the cheapest option in the 2-slice toaster category
How it compares
Unlike the Breville Die Cast Smart Toaster, which has reported uneven toasting issues, the 'A Bit More' model offers consistent performance on medium and dark settings with its signature Lift and Look feature. While both are premium options, the 'A Bit More' provides better coloration and control, though it falls short in overall bread toasting performance compared to the Amazon Basics model.
Who this is for
At a glance: users who value consistent results and the Lift and Look feature.
Why you’d buy the Breville 'A Bit More' 2-Slice Toaster
- Features 'Lift and Look' function allowing mid-cycle toast checking without interrupting heating.
- Delivers consistent results with good control over toasting preferences.
- Excellent performance on medium and dark settings with appealing golden coloration.
Why you’d skip it
- Uneven browning observed in one corner of each slice across all settings.
- Moderate bread toasting performance compared to competitors.
- Not the cheapest option in the 2-slice toaster category.
Rating sources
“Enjoy toast and bagels just the way you like them, every time. This stainless-steel Breville toaster offer”
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.
