The Smeg 50's Retro Style Toaster and the Breville 'Bit More' Toaster are top contenders in the premium toaster market, but they appeal to very different buyers. Smeg prioritizes iconic, vintage-inspired design and vibrant color options, making its toaster a kitchen statement piece. Breville focuses on innovative technology and user-friendly features, offering a sleek, modern appliance for those who value precision and convenience.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which toaster deserves a spot on your countertop.
Smeg 50's Retro Style Toaster (TSF01)
The Smeg toaster is instantly recognizable for its 1950s-era curves, high-gloss colors, and polished chrome details. It's designed for the aesthetically-minded person who wants their kitchen appliances to double as decor. Beyond its striking looks, it's a solid, well-built toaster that delivers reliable performance for daily use.
- What it is: A premium, design-forward 2-slice toaster with a distinct retro aesthetic.
- Key features: Extra-wide slots (1.4 inches) perfect for bagels, 6 browning levels, illuminated controls, and presets for reheat, defrost, and bagel functions.
- Price: Around $199.95
- Style: Iconic mid-century modern with rounded edges, a steel body, and a vast array of color choices like pastel pink, mint green, cream, and cherry red.
- Materials/Construction: It has a durable powder-coated steel body, a polished chrome base, and stainless steel controls that feel substantial and high-quality.
- Pros: Unmatched retro style makes it a visual centerpiece. Wide range of colors to match any decor. Heavy, sturdy build quality. Simple, intuitive controls. Self-centering racks ensure even toasting.
- Cons: High price point for its feature set. Has a larger footprint than many other 2-slice toasters. Browning can sometimes be less precise than on tech-focused models.
This is the perfect toaster for someone who values design above all and wants a reliable, beautifully made appliance that enhances their kitchen's style.
Shop this product: smeg.com/products/TSF01CRUS
Breville 'Bit More' 2-Slice Toaster (BTA720)
Breville's toaster is engineered for the perfect slice every time, emphasizing function and convenience over flashy design. Known for its thoughtful, user-driven features, this appliance solves common toasting frustrations with smart technology, all packaged in a sleek, contemporary stainless steel housing.
- What it is: A technologically advanced 2-slice toaster with unique features for precise browning control.
- Key features: 'A Bit More' button adds extra time without restarting, 'Lift & Look' lets you check progress without canceling the cycle, LED progress indicator, and an adjustable browning control slider.
- Price: Around $129.95
- Style: Modern and minimalist. Its brushed stainless steel finish and clean lines allow it to blend seamlessly into contemporary or industrial kitchen designs.
- Materials/Construction: A sleek brushed stainless steel housing makes it durable and easy to clean, with high-grade plastics for the controls and buttons.
- Pros: Innovative features like 'A Bit More' and 'Lift & Look' are genuinely useful. LED progress indicator is a great visual cue. Consistently even toasting results. More affordable than the Smeg.
- Cons: Limited aesthetic options - typically only available in stainless steel. Lacks the nostalgic charm and visual weight of the Smeg. The modern design may seem generic to some.
This toaster is ideal for the practical user who prioritizes perfect results, useful features, and a modern aesthetic that values function over form.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/toasters/bta720
Smeg Toaster vs. Breville Toaster Comparison
Style & Aesthetic
This is the starkest difference. The Smeg toaster is a deliberate style statement. It's built to be seen, with a design that recalls classic cars and retro diners. Its polished colors and chrome accents are meant to be a focal point on a kitchen counter, fitting perfectly into mid-century, eclectic, or even farmhouse kitchens that need a pop of color.
The Breville toaster takes the opposite approach. Its brushed stainless steel finish and minimalist lines are designed to blend in with other modern appliances. It has a clean, functional look that is versatile but lacks personality. It's handsome in a functional way, not a decorative one.
Features & Functionality
Here, Breville clearly leads the way. The 'Lift & Look' feature is a simple but brilliant innovation, letting you check on your toast's brownness without disrupting the heating cycle. The 'A Bit More' button is equally practical, solving the common problem of under-toasting. The visual LED progress indicator is another thoughtful touch you don't realize you need until you have it.
The Smeg offers all the standard functions you'd expect: bagel, reheat, and defrost settings, along with six browning levels controlled by a classic dial. It performs these tasks well, but it doesn't offer any innovative features beyond the basics. It's a straightforward toaster in a beautiful package.
Materials & Construction
Both toasters are exceptionally well-made. The Smeg toaster feels incredibly solid and weighty due to its powder-coated steel body and chunky chrome controls. It gives an impression of old-school durability and is built to last.
The Breville is lighter but still feels durable, with its sleek brushed stainless steel housing that resists fingerprints and is easy to clean. The construction quality is focused on the precision of the mechanics, like the smooth lowering mechanism and responsive buttons.
Price & Value
Both are premium appliances, but they offer different kinds of value. The Smeg retails for around $200, and a significant portion of that price is for its distinctive Italian design and build quality. Its value lies in being both a fully functional toaster and a premium decorative object.
The Breville typically costs around $130, and its value is packed into its smart features and consistent performance. You're paying for superior engineering and convenience that makes the daily task of making toast just a little easier and more precise.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Smeg toaster is for the design-conscious homeowner. If you've carefully curated your kitchen's look and want appliances that contribute to that aesthetic, the Smeg is the obvious choice. It's for someone who appreciates color, form, and vintage style and is willing to pay a premium for it.
The Breville toaster is for the discerning home cook and the tech enthusiast. It's for the person who says, "I hate it when my toast isn't perfect," and desires tools with precision and smart solutions. If you value function and intelligent design over nostalgic looks, the Breville is the more practical and satisfying option.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these toasters are excellent choices that excel in different areas, so your decision comes down to personal priorities.
Choose the Smeg 50's Retro Style Toaster if:
- Your top priority is aesthetic and design.
- You want your toaster to be a colorful statement piece on your counter.
- You’re decorating in a retro, mid-century modern, or eclectic style.
- You appreciate a heavy-duty, substantial feel and don't require advanced features.
Choose the Breville 'Bit More' Toaster if:
- You value smart, practical features that solve common toasting problems.
- You prefer a sleek, modern, and minimalist aesthetic.
- Precise and consistent toasting results are more important than color options.
- You want the best technology and user experience for a slightly lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Smeg and Breville toasters?
The main difference is their core philosophy. Smeg focuses on iconic retro design, color, and style, making their toaster a decorative piece. Breville focuses on technological innovation and user-centric features, making their toaster a high-performance tool.
Can the Smeg toaster fit thick slices of bread or bagels?
Yes, the Smeg TSF01 toaster features extra-wide slots that are 1.4 inches (36mm) wide, making them perfect for thick artisanal bread, English muffins, and bagels.
What is the 'Bit More' function on the Breville toaster?
The 'A Bit More' function allows you to add a little extra toasting time with a single button press if you find your toast is just slightly too light, without having to restart a full cycle.
Is the Smeg toaster worth the money?
For those who prioritize kitchen design and aesthetics, the Smeg toaster is absolutely worth it. You are paying for a premium brand, iconic Italian design, and solid build quality that looks fantastic on a countertop.
Which toaster brand is more durable?
Both brands are known for high-quality construction. Smeg's steel body feels very robust and built for longevity. Breville's focus is on engineering reliability. Both are considered durable premium options that should last for years with proper care.
Do Smeg induction cooktops come in different styles?
Smeg's unique design approach means its appliances offer a distinct, cohesive retro style available in a multitude of colors to match your entire kitchen appliance suite.
Does Breville offer a 4-slice toaster?
Yes, Breville offers several 4-slice models, including "The 'Bit More' 4-Slice Toaster" (BTA730XL), which provides all the same great features for larger households.
How do you clean these toasters?
Both models make cleaning simple. They each feature a full-length, push-to-open removable crumb tray at the bottom that slides out for easy emptying.
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