Breville Bit More Toaster 2 Slice BTA720XL Review Compact Design and Features

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Breville Bit More Toaster 2 Slice BTA70XL is a sleek and compact kitchen companion that stands out with its brushed stainless steel finish. Its clean lines and modern design make it a natural fit for most kitchen aesthetics, blending functionality with style. I appreciated the thoughtful compact size, especially since counter space is always at a premium in my kitchen. At 7.3 inches deep, 11.3 inches wide, and 8.2 inches high, it doesn’t dominate the countertop but still feels substantial. The weight of 5.1 pounds gives it enough heft to stay stable during use without feeling overly bulky.

What caught my eye immediately was the LED display, which adds a touch of innovation. It’s not just about looks; the display serves a purpose by showing you the progress of your toast, ensuring you’re never left guessing. The manual lifting and lowering lever also feels sturdy and smooth, making it easy to check on your toast mid-cycle.

Performance and Functionality

Using this toaster has been a surprisingly satisfying experience. The “Lift & Look” feature is genius. I often find myself checking on my toast multiple times, and this lets me do that without stopping the cycle. Similarly, the “A Bit More” option is perfect when I underestimate the toasting time. With just a press of the button, the cycle extends slightly, delivering the exact level of crispness I want.

The 1000-watt power output ensures quick and even toasting, and the variable browning control offers six levels of doneness. Whether I’m toasting thin slices of sourdough or thicker artisan bread, the results are consistent. The bagel function deserves a special mention for evenly toasting the cut side while leaving the outer side warm and soft. Defrost functionality is also a lifesaver for frozen waffles or bread, ensuring they’re toasted evenly without being soggy in the middle.

Key Benefits

• Compact size: Perfect for smaller kitchens or limited counter space.
• Innovative features: “Lift & Look” and “A Bit More” enhance user experience.
• Consistent results: Even toasting across a variety of bread types.
• Wide slots: Accommodates thick bagels and dense pastries.
• Easy cleaning: The front crumb tray is easy to remove and clean.

Downsides

While this toaster performs well overall, no product is without its quirks.

• Price point: Compared to basic toasters, this one might seem a bit pricey.
• Limited capacity: The two-slice design is not ideal for families needing to toast multiple slices quickly.
• Exterior heating: The stainless steel exterior can get warm during use, so caution is needed.
• Bulky plug: The plug design could be slimmer for tighter spaces.

Competing Products

When comparing the Breville Bit More Toaster to other popular toasters, a few competitors come to mind. For instance, the Cuisinart CPT-160 offers a similar stainless steel aesthetic and browning control but lacks the “Lift & Look” and “A Bit More” functionalities. On the other hand, the KitchenAid KMT2116CU provides wider slots and a slightly higher capacity but falls short with its slower toasting time.

The Breville model shines in its intuitive features and consistent performance, making it ideal for those who prioritize precision. However, for users focused solely on cost-effectiveness or larger capacity, alternatives like the Black+Decker TR3500SD might be more appealing, albeit less sophisticated.

True Value

Is the Breville Bit More Toaster worth its price? For me, the answer lies in its unique features and reliability. While there are cheaper options out there, they often lack the attention to detail and innovative functionality this toaster offers. The LED display, combined with the intuitive controls, makes it feel like a premium appliance that doesn’t just toast bread but elevates the whole experience.

If you’re someone who values precision, versatility, and style, this toaster is a great investment. On the other hand, if budget or capacity is your main concern, there are simpler options that might meet your needs without the extra features.

Additional information