Breville Bit More 2 Slice Toaster Review Innovative Features and Compact Design Explored
Breville Bit More 2 Slice Toaster Review Innovative Features and Compact Design Explored
- Innovative ‘Lift & Look’ and ‘A Bit More’ features let you check or extend toasting without stopping the cycle.
- Wider slots easily accommodate artisanal bread, thick bagels, and dense pastries.
- The LED indicator shows toasting progress clearly, helping you achieve the perfect browning.
- Convenient front crumb tray slides out for effortless cleaning without lifting the toaster.
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Description
Positive Features of the Breville Bit More Toaster 2 Slice BTA70XL
Testing the Breville Bit More Toaster 2 Slice BTA70XL has been a pretty engaging experience, especially since it packs some clever features into a compact frame. Its innovative “Lift & Look” and “A Bit More” functions really stand out. These options let me peek at the toast without canceling the cycle or add a few extra seconds for that perfect golden finish. The LED indicator is another thoughtful touch, showing exactly how much toasting time remains, which is handy when you’re multitasking in the kitchen. This toaster really caters to those who like precise control over their toast doneness, something I found lacking in many other models.
- The wider slots easily fit thick bagels and artisanal bread, no awkward forcing required.
- The bagel function ensures the cut side gets toasted evenly without burning the outside.
- A defrost setting that actually works well for frozen bread, heating gently without over-toasting.
- The front crumb tray pulls out smoothly for quick and mess-free cleaning.
Design and Build Quality
I appreciate the brushed stainless steel finish on this toaster — it looks sleek without being too flashy. Its compact size (7.3″ deep by 11.3″ wide and 8.2″ high) fits nicely on my crowded kitchen counter, and at just over 5 pounds, it’s sturdy enough to stay put while in use. The classic lever for lowering bread feels solid, and the manual lift & look control operates smoothly, giving that satisfying click. The LED display complements the classic style without overwhelming it, combining tradition with modern convenience. I noticed the overall build quality feels durable but not overly heavy, striking a good balance for everyday use.
Performance and Toasting Results
The variable browning control with six settings lets me dial in exactly how dark or light I want my toast. I experimented with everything from lightly toasted English muffins to thick slices of sourdough, and this toaster delivered consistent results every time. The 900-watt power heats quickly, and the toaster evenly browns both sides without hotspots or uneven patches. The bagel setting truly deserves praise; it crisps just the inside of the bagel while keeping the outside soft, which my kids loved. The defrost feature was surprisingly effective, gently thawing frozen bread before toasting it to perfection without burning.
Drawbacks of the Breville Bit More Toaster
While there’s a lot to like, a few quirks kept me from being fully smitten. For starters, the toaster only fits two slices at once, which can be a bottleneck if you’re feeding a larger family or have guests over. Larger capacity models might be better for those needs. Also, the LED display, though helpful, could be brighter; in a dim kitchen, it’s not as visible as I’d hoped. The power cord is a bit short, which can make placement awkward if your outlets aren’t close to the counter. Lastly, despite the stainless steel finish, the surface does show fingerprints easily, requiring frequent wiping to keep its polished look.
- Limited to two slices only, which slows breakfast prep for more than two people.
- LED indicator visibility could be improved in low light conditions.
- Short power cord restricts flexible placement.
- Stainless steel finish is prone to fingerprints and smudges.
User Experience and Family Feedback
I invited my family to test this toaster, and it quickly became apparent that the “Lift & Look” feature was a favorite. My partner, who’s notorious for burning toast, appreciated being able to check progress without canceling the cycle. My kids enjoyed the bagel function because their breakfast bagels always came out just right, not dry or overly crunchy. Even my picky cousin remarked on how evenly the bread was toasted—no scorched edges or underdone centers. Cleaning was straightforward thanks to the crumb tray, which my wife appreciated since she dislikes disassembling appliances. Overall, this toaster felt like a thoughtful addition to a busy kitchen.
Price to Quality Ratio
Considering the features packed into this small appliance, the price feels reasonable. It’s not the cheapest toaster out there, but the combination of innovative controls, solid build, and consistent performance justifies the investment if you value precision and convenience. Some might balk at paying more for just two slices, but the quality of toast and user-friendly features make it a smart choice for small households or those who demand a bit more from their breakfast appliances. If you’re after something budget-friendly without many bells and whistles, this might feel like overkill. But for the price, it offers a good balance of style, function, and reliability.
Product Competitors
Comparing this toaster to popular rivals like the Cuisinart CPT-180 or the KitchenAid KMT2115, it holds its own in several areas. The Cuisinart offers four slots but lacks the precise “Lift & Look” feature, which I found especially useful. KitchenAid models often have a similar stainless steel aesthetic but sometimes don’t include the defrost or bagel functions. The Breville’s innovative settings and LED indicator make it stand out for those who want more control over their toast. However, competitors with four-slot capacity might be better suited for larger families or those needing to make multiple slices quickly. In short, the Breville excels in toasting precision and convenience, while others might win in sheer capacity or price.
Additional Thoughts on Features
The automatic shut-off safety feature gave me peace of mind, especially with kids around. It stops the toasting process if bread jams or if it overheats, which isn’t something all toasters offer. The six browning levels and four different programs (bagel, defrost, reheat, and standard toast) cover a wide range of breakfast preferences. I also liked that the toaster handles dense pastries and thick artisan slices without any issues, thanks to its extra-wide slots. Cleaning is straightforward since you don’t have to flip the toaster upside down to dump crumbs, just slide out the tray at the front. This practical design detail makes daily upkeep less of a chore.
The Breville Bit More has become my go-to for most toast needs, delivering consistently even browning and satisfying my family’s diverse breakfast choices. It’s a solid piece of kitchen tech that balances classic controls with modern features, even if it could use a few tweaks like a longer cord and better lighting for the display.
Additional information
Brand | Breville |
---|---|
Color | Stainless Steel |
Material | Stainless Steel |
Product Dimensions | 7.3"D x 11.3"W x 8.2"H |
Specific Uses For Product | Toasting |
Wattage | 900 watts |
Number of Slices | 2 |
Special Feature | Automatic Shut-Off |
Display Type | LED |
Style | Classic |
Finish Type | Silver |
Voltage | 120 Volts |
Number of settings | 6 |
Number of Programs | 4 |
UPC | 021614055408 |
Manufacturer | HWI/Breville USA |
Global Trade Identification Number | 00021614055408 |
Item Weight | 5.1 pounds |
Country of Origin | China |
Item model number | BTA720XL |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | April 25, 2013 |