Breville Bit More 2 Slice Toaster BTA720XL Review Compact and Stylish Option

Description

Sleek Design and Build Quality

The Breville Bit More Toaster 2 Slice BTA70XL immediately caught my eye with its brushed stainless steel body, which feels premium and complements any modern kitchen aesthetic. It’s compact, measuring 7.3”D x 11.3”W x 8.2”H, so it doesn’t dominate your countertop—a big plus for those with limited kitchen space. It has a classic style with a silver finish, exuding both simplicity and sophistication. The manual lever system is sturdy, and the LED display is a nice touch, making it easy to track the toasting progress. I’ve noticed that the wider slots are a lifesaver for thicker slices of bread and bagels, which is something my previous toaster struggled with.

Despite the durable build, the toaster is surprisingly lightweight at just 5.1 pounds, making it easy to move around if needed. The overall construction feels solid, and the minimalist approach to its design ensures it blends seamlessly into any kitchen setup.

Innovative Features That Stand Out

The toaster shines with its “Lift & Look” and “A Bit More” functions. The “Lift & Look” feature allows you to check the toast without stopping the cycle—an absolute game-changer for someone like me who prefers their toast light golden rather than burnt. On the other hand, the “A Bit More” function lets you add just a little extra time to the toasting cycle if your bread isn’t quite there yet. These options make toasting incredibly customizable, which is something I didn’t realize I needed until I tried this toaster.

Another standout feature is the bagel function. It focuses the heat on one side of the bread, ensuring perfectly toasted bagels every time. I’ve also tested the defrost function, and it works wonderfully for frozen slices or pastries, eliminating the need to pre-thaw them.

Key Benefits

• Wider slots accommodate artisanal bread and thick bagels effortlessly.
• Customizable browning control ensures toast comes out exactly how you like it.
• LED indicator provides a clear idea of how much time remains in the cycle.
• The crumb tray is easy to pull out, making cleaning simple.
• “Lift & Look” and “A Bit More” functions are incredibly practical for precise toasting.

Areas for Improvement

• The stainless steel finish, while beautiful, tends to show fingerprints and smudges, requiring frequent wiping.
• I noticed the LED display could be brighter; in a well-lit kitchen, it can be a little hard to read.
• While the manual lever is functional, it feels slightly dated compared to fully automatic models.

Excellent Performance and User Experience

Using this toaster daily, I can confidently say it offers consistent performance. The variable browning control is precise, and I’ve never ended up with unevenly toasted bread, which was a recurring issue with my old toaster. I even tested it with dense pastries and found the results to be consistently satisfying.

What’s more, the automatic shut-off provides peace of mind, especially during busy mornings when distractions are inevitable. This feature ensures safety and makes the toaster feel like a smart addition to my kitchen. However, I do think the 1000-watt power could have been slightly higher for even quicker toasting, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

Competing Products

Compared to other toasters like the Cuisinart CPT-160 or the KitchenAid 2-Slice Toaster, the Breville Bit More holds its ground well. The Cuisinart CPT-160 offers similar features but lacks the “A Bit More” function, which I now can’t live without. The KitchenAid model, while robust, is bulkier and doesn’t fit as neatly on smaller countertops.

Where the Breville toaster excels is its balance of functionality and design. Its compact size and intuitive features make it a more practical choice for everyday use. However, competitors like the Cuisinart do offer a slightly lower price point, which might appeal to budget-conscious buyers.

Value for Money

This toaster delivers excellent value for its features. The customizable toasting options, high-quality build, and innovative functions make it worth the investment. While it’s not the cheapest toaster on the market, the durability and thoughtful design justify the cost. You’re not just paying for a basic toaster; you’re investing in a kitchen appliance that simplifies your mornings and delivers consistent results.

What stood out to me the most is the perfect balance between aesthetics and performance. Unlike cheaper models, this toaster feels like it’s built to last, and the 1-year limited warranty adds an extra layer of confidence. For anyone who values quality craftsmanship and practical features, this toaster is a smart choice.

Additional information