Breville Smart Toaster Review: Worth It?

The Breville Smart Toaster BTA720 is often cited as the gold standard for premium toasters. With a price that sits well above typical models, it promises superior browning, thoughtful features, and a design that lasts. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to see if it truly justifies the investment.

Design and Build Quality

The Breville Smart Toaster features a die-cast metal body that feels solid and substantial. It is available in a few finishes, including brushed stainless steel and a classic black. The build quality is exceptional for a toaster, with no rattles or flimsy parts. The extra-wide slots are a standout, accommodating thick artisan slices and even small bagels with ease. The LED display and dial are intuitive, though the many settings may require a quick read of the manual.

Compared to other premium toasters like the Cuisinart Custom Select, the Breville feels more robust. The Cuisinart has a plastic housing that can feel less premium. The Breville's footprint is larger, so measure your counter space before buying.

Performance: Even Browning and 'A Bit More'

The core promise of the Breville is even browning, and it delivers. The toaster uses a smart algorithm that adjusts heating based on the bread's moisture content. In our analysis of buyer feedback, users consistently praise the uniform color from edge to center. This is a significant upgrade from cheaper toasters that often burn one side.

The 'A Bit More' function is a game-changer. When your toast comes up slightly lighter than you like, you press the button, and it adds a few seconds of toasting without resetting the shade. This is far more convenient than the usual 'pop and re-press' method. Lift-and-look is equally useful: you can raise the carriage mid-cycle to check progress, and the toaster pauses until you lower it again. This prevents over-toasting and is a feature many users say they can't live without.

In side-by-side comparisons with the KitchenAid Pro Line, the Breville edges out in consistency. The KitchenAid has a similar price point but lacks the 'A Bit More' feature. For bagels and frozen bread, the dedicated settings work well, though some users note that the bagel setting toasts a bit aggressively on the cut side.

Ease of Use

Despite the array of controls, the Breville is easy to use once you understand the layout. The dial selects the shade (1 to 7), and buttons for Bagel, Frozen, and A Bit More are clearly labeled. The lift-and-look lever is smooth and has a satisfying click. The LED display shows the selected settings, and a progress bar tracks the cycle.

One minor gripe is that the toaster lacks auto-centering for smaller slices. You have to manually center the bread in the slots to ensure even toasting. This is a common complaint but not a deal-breaker. The instruction manual is clear, and most users master the settings within a few uses.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The removable crumb tray is a highlight. It slides out from the bottom and catches most crumbs, making cleanup quick. The exterior wipes down easily with a damp cloth, and the stainless steel resists fingerprints reasonably well. The interior is not accessible for deep cleaning, but regular crumb tray emptying and occasional shaking will keep it tidy.

Compared to toasters with non-removable trays, the Breville is far easier to maintain. The tray is sturdy and doesn't warp, even after repeated use. Just be sure to unplug the toaster before cleaning.

Common Buyer Complaints

While the majority of feedback is positive, some buyers report issues. The most common complaints include:

• The price is high for a toaster, and some feel it is overkill for basic needs.
• The 'A Bit More' button can be accidentally pressed when lifting the lever, though this is rare.
• A few users experienced uneven toasting on thicker breads, but this seems to be an outlier.
• The toaster runs hot, so the exterior can be warm to the touch during use.
• Some users wish the cord was longer.

These issues are minor compared to the overall satisfaction. The Breville has a 4.6-star average across thousands of reviews, with many users calling it the best toaster they've owned.

Comparison to Other Premium Toasters

When placed against the Cuisinart Custom Select and the KitchenAid Pro Line, the Breville stands out for its feature set. The Cuisinart is more affordable but lacks the 'A Bit More' and lift-and-look. The KitchenAid has a similar build quality but is slightly less consistent in browning. For the price, the Breville offers the most thoughtful design and the best overall performance.

If you are considering a premium toaster, the Breville Smart Toaster is a top contender. It is not the cheapest, but it delivers on its promises. For occasional toast, a mid-range model may suffice, but for daily use, the Breville is a worthwhile investment.

Final Verdict

Our editorial team recommends the Breville Smart Toaster BTA720 for anyone who takes toast seriously. Its even browning, 'A Bit More' function, and lift-and-look feature set it apart from the competition. The build quality is excellent, and the toaster is a joy to use. While the price is steep, the performance justifies it for most users. Check the current price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'A Bit More' do on the Breville Smart Toaster?

The 'A Bit More' function adds a short burst of extra toasting time to your current cycle without resetting the browning level. It is perfect for when your toast is almost done but needs a little more color. Simply press the button after the cycle ends, and it will toast for a few more seconds.

How does lift-and-look work?

Lift-and-look lets you raise the toast carriage mid-cycle to check the browning progress without canceling the toasting. When you lift the lever, the toaster pauses the heating elements; when you lower it again, it resumes from where it left off. This prevents over-toasting and gives you full control.

Is the Breville Smart Toaster worth the price?

For serious toast enthusiasts, yes. The even browning, durable build, and thoughtful features justify the cost. However, if you only toast occasionally, a budget toaster can do the job. Our editorial team found that the Breville consistently outperforms cheaper models in consistency and longevity.

Can it toast bagels and frozen bread?

Yes. The Breville has dedicated Bagel and Frozen settings. The Bagel setting toasts the cut side only, while the Frozen setting adjusts the cycle to properly thaw and toast frozen bread. These settings work well and are a big plus.

How do you clean the Breville Smart Toaster?

The toaster has a removable crumb tray at the bottom that slides out for easy emptying. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. Do not immerse in water. The interior is best cleaned by gently shaking out crumbs over a sink.