The Smeg and Breville toasters are two of the most popular high-end options, but they appeal to very different users. The Smeg toaster is a design-forward, 1950s-inspired statement piece prized for its iconic retro look and bold colors, while a Breville toaster focuses on modern engineering, with innovative features like "A Bit More" and "Lift & Look" in a sleek, stainless steel package.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right toaster for your kitchen counter.
Smeg 2-Slice Retro Toaster
The Smeg toaster is an Italian-made appliance famous for its instantly recognizable vintage design. It's built for those who value aesthetics as much as performance, turning a mundane kitchen utility into a stylish piece of decor. Available in a wide array of colors, it adds a pop of personality to any countertop while delivering reliable, straightforward toasting performance.
- What it is: A premium, retro-style 2-slice toaster blending iconic 1950s design with modern functionality.
- Key features: Extra-wide slots (1.4"), six browning levels, self-centering racks for even toasting, and dedicated modes for reheating, defrosting, and bagels.
- Price: Around $199 - $250, depending on color and retailer.
- Style: Unmistakably vintage with a rounded, powder-coated steel body, a large stainless steel ball lever, and polished chrome accents. Comes in colors like cream, pastel blue, pink, and vibrant red.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable powder-coated steel exterior and high-quality stainless steel and chrome parts, giving it a heavy, substantial feel.
- Pros: Stunning design serves as a statement piece of decor. Available in a huge selection of colors to match any kitchen. Solid, durable construction. Straightforward and easy-to-use controls. Toasts evenly and effectively.
- Cons: High price point for its feature set. Bulky, rounded shape takes up more counter space. Limited to basic toasting functions compared to competitors in the same price range.
This toaster is a perfect fit for anyone who wants their kitchen appliances to be as beautiful as they are functional and is prioritizing style to create a specific aesthetic.
Shop this product: crateandbarrel.com/smeg-2-slice-retro-toaster/s131554
Breville 'A Bit More' Toaster
Breville is an Australian brand known for its thoughtful engineering and feature-rich small kitchen appliances. The 'A Bit More' toaster is a prime example, offering smart, user-friendly features in a sleek package. It's designed for the user who wants precision, control, and perfectly customized toast every single time.
- What it is: A modern, performance-focused toaster with innovative controls that solve common toasting problems.
- Key features: "A Bit More" button adds extra time without resetting the cycle, "Lift & Look" feature lets you check progress without interruption, LED toasting progress indicator, and extra-wide slots for bagels or artisan breads.
- Price: Around $99 - $129
- Style: Sleek, minimalist, and contemporary. Its brushed stainless steel finish and clean lines fit seamlessly into modern kitchen designs.
- Materials/Construction: Made with a durable brushed stainless steel exterior and high-quality internal heating elements designed for consistent, even heat distribution.
- Pros: Innovative features are genuinely useful for daily toasting. Excellent value for the price. Slim profile is space-efficient. LED progress bar is a much-appreciated detail. Browns bread very evenly.
- Cons: The modern, industrial aesthetic may not suit all decor styles. Brushed stainless steel shows fingerprints easily. Lacks the color and personality of the Smeg.
This is the ideal toaster for users who prioritize performance, innovative features, and a modern aesthetic at a reasonable price.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/toasters/bta720.html
Smeg vs. Breville Toaster Comparison
Style & Aesthetic
This is the most significant point of difference. The Smeg toaster is a clear investment in style. Its '50s-era design, from the rounded body to the charming ball lever, is made to be seen. With its extensive color palette, it can serve as a kitchen's centerpiece or a complementary accent. It’s for someone who wants their appliance to have personality.
The Breville embraces a modern, function-first aesthetic. Its brushed stainless steel body is sleek, utilitarian, and designed to blend in with other contemporary appliances rather than stand out. The look is clean and sophisticated, but it lacks the unique character and warmth of the Smeg.
Toasting Features & Performance
While both toasters produce evenly browned toast, Breville has the clear edge in features. The "A Bit More" button is a simple but brilliant solution for toast that isn't quite done, while the "Lift & Look" function lets you check browning without canceling the cycle. An LED light that shows your toasting progress adds another layer of modern convenience that the Smeg lacks.
The Smeg toaster offers the essential functions - bagel, defrost, and reheat - and does them well with its six browning levels. The self-centering racks ensure even exposure to the heating elements. However, its operation is more traditional and less interactive than Breville's tech-forward approach.
Materials & Construction
Both brands are known for quality construction. The Smeg toaster feels incredibly solid and weighty, thanks to its powder-coated steel body and chunky chrome-plated base. It's built to last and has a premium feel that justifies its price.
The Breville also uses a durable stainless steel housing, but it puts more emphasis on the internal engineering than the exterior heft. It feels sturdy and well-made, designed to provide consistent performance for years of daily use.
Price & Value
The Smeg toaster is significantly more expensive, with prices typically starting near $200. You are paying a heavy premium for the iconic Italian design and build quality. In terms of value, you're buying a functional piece of art for your kitchen.
Breville offers far more functional value. For about half the price of a Smeg, you get a highly reliable toaster packed with innovative features that improve the user experience. If your primary concern is performance and features per dollar, Breville is the clear winner.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines are excellent choices, but they are built for entirely different priorities and kitchens.
Choose the Smeg 2-Slice Retro Toaster if:
- Visual appeal and design are your top priorities.
- You want an appliance that doubles as a stylish piece of decor.
- Your kitchen has a retro, mid-century modern, or colorful aesthetic.
- You are happy with simple, effective functionality and don't need extra tech features.
Choose the Breville 'A Bit More' Toaster if:
- You want smart, practical features that perfect your daily toast.
- Performance and value for money are more important than design.
- You have a modern, minimalist, or contemporary kitchen.
- You love being in control of the toasting process with features like progress indicators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Smeg and Breville toasters?
The primary difference is design philosophy. Smeg prioritizes retro aesthetics and unique style, making its toaster a decorative statement piece. Breville prioritizes modern engineering and innovative features, making its toaster a high-performance tool.
Is the Smeg toaster worth the high price?
If you value design and want an appliance that contributes to your kitchen's decor, then absolutely. You're paying a premium for the iconic look, extensive color options, and heavy-duty build. From a purely functional standpoint, cheaper toasters offer similar performance.
Which toaster browns more evenly?
Both brands are praised for providing even, consistent browning. Breville's engineering focus often gives it a slight edge in control and consistency across different types of bread, but both are considered high-performance in this area.
Are Breville toasters' extra features actually useful?
Yes. Users consistently report that the "A Bit More" and "Lift & Look" features are genuinely helpful for achieving perfect toast without the guesswork of starting a whole new cycle. The LED progress bar is another simple but effective addition.
Do Smeg toasters come in different sizes?
Yes, Smeg offers its popular retro toaster in both 2-slice and 4-slice versions to accommodate different household sizes and countertop spaces. Breville also offers a variety of 2-slice and 4-slice models.
How do you clean these toasters?
Both toasters are equipped with a removable crumb tray at the bottom for easy disposal of crumbs. For the exterior, wipe the Smeg's powder-coated surface with a soft, damp cloth. The Breville's stainless steel finish can be cleaned with a soft cloth and a stainless steel cleaner to remove fingerprints.
Which brand is more durable?
Both toasters are built to last with high-quality steel construction. The Smeg feels notably heavy and substantial, suggesting long-term durability. Breville has a strong reputation for performance longevity. You can expect years of service from either brand.
Can I toast bagels and thick bread in both?
Yes, both the Smeg and Breville toasters feature extra-wide slots specifically designed to accommodate thicker items like bagels, artisan bread slices, and English muffins. They also both have dedicated bagel settings that toast the cut side more intensely.
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