Breville ‘A Bit More’ 2-Slice Toaster Review: Elevate Your Morning Toast

For many, the humble toaster is a simple necessity, often overlooked until it fails to deliver that perfectly golden slice. But what if your toaster could anticipate your needs, offering a little extra browning with a single touch, or letting you peek without interrupting the cycle? Enter the Breville ‘A Bit More’ 2-Slice Toaster (Model BTA720XL), a smart kitchen appliance designed to transform your morning routine. This review dives deep into its innovative features, performance, and overall value, helping you decide if this sophisticated toaster is the right upgrade for your kitchen.

The Breville ‘A Bit More’ 2-Slice Toaster: A Closer Look

The Breville ‘A Bit More’ positions itself as more than just a basic appliance; it’s a thoughtfully engineered toaster that blends intuitive design with advanced functionality. Sporting a sleek brushed stainless steel finish, this compact two-slice model is built to complement modern kitchen aesthetics without demanding excessive counter space. It stands out in a crowded market by focusing on user convenience and precise control, aiming to eliminate the common frustrations associated with achieving the perfect toast.

Breville 'A Bit More' 2-slice toaster with brushed stainless steel finish on a kitchen counter.

Signature Innovations: “A Bit More” and “Lift and Look”

Breville’s commitment to solving everyday breakfast dilemmas is evident in its two standout features: the “A Bit More” button and the “Lift and Look” function. These aren’t mere gimmicks; they are practical innovations that significantly enhance the user experience.

The “A Bit More” button is a game-changer for anyone who has ever pulled out a slice only to find it slightly underdone. Instead of re-inserting the bread and guessing a new setting, this one-touch button adds a short, predetermined burst of extra toasting time, ensuring your toast reaches your preferred level of crispness without the risk of over-browning. It’s a small detail that offers remarkable control and convenience, saving countless slices from being either too pale or entirely charred.

Equally ingenious is the “Lift and Look” function. This feature allows you to raise the carriage to inspect your toast’s progress mid-cycle without interrupting the heating elements or canceling the toasting process. Once you’ve checked, simply lower it back down, and it continues precisely where it left off. This eliminates the need for guesswork or prematurely ending a cycle, ensuring you can achieve consistent results tailored to your exact preferences every single time.

Mastering the Toast: Performance and Settings

At the heart of any toaster review is its ability to deliver consistent and delicious toast. The Breville ‘A Bit More’ largely excels in this critical area, offering a versatile range of settings designed to accommodate diverse preferences and bread types.

The toaster features six shade presets and a variable browning control slider, giving you precise command over your toast’s darkness. Whether you prefer a light golden crunch or a deep, rich brown, the Breville provides the flexibility to achieve it. An LED countdown indicator visually tracks the toasting progress, removing the guesswork and letting you know exactly when your perfect slice will be ready.

When it comes to toasting consistency, the Breville performs commendably. Many users report even browning across the surface and consistent results from batch to batch. However, some detailed tests indicate a minor, consistent unevenness, particularly in one corner of each slice or a slightly darker inner face. While this might be a minor quirk for some, it rarely detracts from the overall satisfying toast quality.

The extra-wide and deep slots are another practical highlight. They comfortably accommodate a variety of bread sizes and thicknesses, from standard sandwich bread to thick bagels, artisanal sourdough, and dense pastries, without squishing or tearing. This generous slot design is particularly beneficial for breakfast enthusiasts who enjoy a wider range of toasted items.

Breville toaster showing extra wide slots comfortably fitting thick slices of bread and bagels.

Dedicated “Bagel” and “Frozen” settings further enhance its versatility. The Bagel setting toasts the cut side of your bagel to a crispy perfection while gently warming the outer crust, preventing it from becoming overly hard. The Frozen setting intelligently adjusts the toasting cycle to account for the extra moisture and cold temperature of frozen items, ensuring they are thoroughly heated and crisped without burning the surface, making it ideal for frozen waffles or pastries.

Beyond the Toast: Usability and Maintenance

A truly great kitchen appliance integrates seamlessly into your daily life. The Breville ‘A Bit More’ scores high marks for its ease of use. Its intuitive controls and clear labeling make it simple for anyone to operate, regardless of their technical proficiency. The lever mechanism feels sturdy and responsive, adding to the premium feel of the device.

Cleaning is also straightforward thanks to a removable crumb tray that slides out easily from the front. This design minimizes the hassle of crumbs accumulating inside the toaster or spilling onto your countertop. The brushed stainless steel exterior is generally easy to wipe clean, although, like most stainless steel appliances, it may show fingerprints. Some user reports, however, mention minor issues with crumbs occasionally falling underneath the toaster or getting trapped on internal ledges, suggesting room for slight improvement in crumb management.

Constructed from brushed stainless steel, the toaster boasts a solid build quality that feels robust and durable on the countertop. While the exterior can get warm during prolonged use, this is a common characteristic of many toasters. Although some isolated user reports mention longevity concerns and mechanical issues over several months, the overall sentiment points to a well-built appliance from a reputable brand.

Is the Breville ‘A Bit More’ 2-Slice Toaster Right for You?

The Breville ‘A Bit More’ 2-Slice Toaster is an excellent choice for individuals or small families who appreciate advanced features, precise control, and consistent toasting performance. If you frequently find yourself needing “just a bit more” browning or checking your toast mid-cycle, this toaster’s signature functions will feel like a revelation.

While it comes with a higher price tag compared to basic toasters, its innovative features, versatile settings, and solid construction justify the investment for many. It’s perfect for those who are tired of inconsistent results from budget models and are willing to splurge a little for a premium breakfast experience. However, if your primary concern is an absolute budget-friendly option, or if you require a toaster oven for broader cooking capabilities, alternative models might be more suitable. For those who prioritize convenience, thoughtful design, and consistently good toast, the Breville ‘A Bit More’ is a compelling contender.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

• “A Bit More” and “Lift and Look” Functions: Revolutionary features for perfect toast control.
• Consistent Toasting (Mostly): Reliable browning across various settings.
• Versatile Slots: Extra-wide and deep to accommodate diverse bread types.
• Dedicated Settings: Specialized options for bagels and frozen items.
• Intuitive Controls: User-friendly interface with LED countdown.
• Sleek Design: Brushed stainless steel aesthetic complements modern kitchens.
• Easy to Clean: Removable crumb tray simplifies maintenance.

Cons:

• Higher Price Point: More expensive than many basic two-slice toasters.
• Minor Uneven Browning: Some reports of slight inconsistencies, particularly in corners or sides.
• Potential Crumb Spillage: A few users reported crumbs escaping the tray.
• Exterior Heat: The exterior can become hot during operation.

Tips for Optimal Use and Care

To get the most out of your Breville ‘A Bit More’ 2-Slice Toaster and ensure its longevity, consider these tips:

• Experiment with Settings: Don’t hesitate to use the “Lift and Look” feature and the shade selector to find your ideal browning level for different types of bread. Thicker or denser bread might require a slightly higher setting or a quick press of the “A Bit More” button.
• Utilize Special Functions: Always use the “Bagel” setting for bagels and the “Frozen” setting for items straight from the freezer. These specialized cycles ensure optimal results.
• Regular Crumb Tray Emptying: For hygienic operation and to prevent crumb buildup, empty the removable crumb tray frequently. Ensure it’s fully re-inserted to catch all crumbs.
• Exterior Cleaning: Wipe down the stainless steel exterior with a soft, damp cloth to remove fingerprints and smudges. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish.
• Safety First: Be mindful that the toaster’s exterior can get hot during use. Always handle with care and keep it away from flammable materials. If you experience any unusual behavior, such as the cancel button not responding, unplug the unit immediately and consult the user manual or customer support.

Conclusion

The Breville ‘A Bit More’ 2-Slice Toaster stands out as a premium appliance for those who demand more from their morning toast. Its innovative “A Bit More” and “Lift and Look” functions, combined with precise browning control and versatile settings, make it a top contender in its category. While its price point is higher, the investment delivers a superior toasting experience, transforming a mundane task into a consistently satisfying one. If you’re ready to say goodbye to burnt edges and underdone centers, and embrace perfectly toasted bread every time, the Breville ‘A Bit More’ could be the ideal addition to your kitchen.

What’s your secret to the perfect slice, and how do you think a toaster like the Breville ‘A Bit More’ could change your breakfast game?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Breville ‘A Bit More’ 2-Slice Toaster worth the price?

For many users who value consistent results, intelligent features like “Lift and Look” and “A Bit More,” and a premium build quality, the Breville ‘A Bit More’ justifies its higher price point. It offers a more controlled and satisfying toasting experience than basic models.

Does the Breville ‘A Bit More’ toaster toast evenly?

Generally, yes, it provides consistent and even browning across both slots and multiple batches. However, some reviews note minor, localized unevenness, such as one corner of a slice being slightly lighter, though this often doesn’t significantly impact overall satisfaction.

Can I toast thick bread and bagels in this toaster?

Absolutely. The Breville ‘A Bit More’ features extra-wide and deep slots specifically designed to accommodate various bread types, including thick artisanal slices, bagels, frozen waffles, and dense pastries, without compression.

What is the “A Bit More” function?

The “A Bit More” button is a unique feature that allows you to add a small amount of extra toasting time at the end of a cycle without having to restart the entire process. It’s perfect for when your toast is almost, but not quite, perfect.

How do I clean the Breville ‘A Bit More’ toaster?

Cleaning is straightforward. The toaster includes a removable crumb tray located at the front, which slides out easily for disposal of crumbs. The exterior can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, while the interior can be gently shaken upside down over a bin.