Here’s the thing about toasters: not all of them can actually make toast. That sounds ridiculous, but after reading through 50+ verified owner reviews of the Breville ‘A Bit More’ 2 Slice Toaster (BTA720XL), the most common theme isn’t about fancy features or sleek design—it’s relief. Relief that they finally found a toaster that browns bread evenly on both sides, every single time. Owner after owner describes the same arc: cheap toasters that burned one side and left the other pale, mid-range models with dead heating elements, and then the Breville that actually does what a toaster is supposed to do.

According to Breville’s product page, the BTA720XL features extra-wide and deep slots for artisanal bread and thick bagels, a 1-Touch “A Bit More” button for extending toast time, “Lift and Look” functionality to check progress mid-cycle, dedicated Bagel and Frozen buttons, an LED progress indicator, variable browning control with a sliding lever, and a removable front crumb tray. It measures 8.2 inches wide by 11.3 inches deep by 7.3 inches tall in brushed stainless steel, and retails for $109.95.

If you’ve burned through multiple budget toasters and you’re wondering whether a $100+ toaster is actually worth it, the verified owner data paints a clear picture. Here’s what real buyers report after living with this Breville day after day.

What Do Real Owners Say About Toasting Performance?

The single most praised aspect of the Breville BTA720XL across 50+ reviews is even, consistent toasting—the very thing that most toasters inexplicably fail to deliver. Owners who have cycled through multiple cheaper models describe the Breville as a revelation: both sides of the bread come out uniformly browned, and once you find your preferred setting on the variable slider, it repeats that result every time.

“I have to tell you, this toaster is the greatest toaster since sliced bread! All the heating elements glow orange. This sounds like a no-brainer, but I can tell you from experience there are a lot of ‘toasters’ on the market which should not be allowed to be called toasters, simply because not all of their heating elements work.” — Sharpshooter, verified owner (BTA730XL)

“The toast and bagels are toasted evenly (no light spots or burned edges). It is FAST! Set it to ‘3’ (mid range) and toast comes out golden! Once I have toasted bread or bagels a few times and figured out which temp setting works best, the toaster repeats every time.” — Sharpshooter, verified owner (BTA730XL)

Consistent Batch-to-Batch Results

Multiple owners specifically note that unlike cheaper toasters where consecutive batches require adjusting the dial—first batch under-toasted, second batch burned—the Breville delivers the same browning level whether it’s the first or fifth cycle. The unit appears to manage internal temperature effectively between rounds.

“Even when we toast several slices in a row, the ‘toast quality’ is roughly the same from batch to batch. With our old toaster, we’d have to double toast the first slices, and then cancel the later batches early to avoid burning; this toaster seems to do a decent job of controlling the temperature and/or time in a way that keeps the toasting consistent.” — Tango, verified owner (BTA720XL)

According to Taste of Home’s testing, the Breville earned top placement against 13 competing models, delivering consistent browning on both sides regardless of setting. Their testers confirmed what owners report: the toaster handles brioche, sourdough, English muffins, bagels, waffles, and frozen items with even results across the board.

Browning Control: The Variable Slider

The Breville replaces the typical numbered dial with a smooth-sliding lever accompanied by LED indicator lights—a detail that owners find both functional and visually appealing. Most reviewers report that a mid-range setting around “3” produces golden-brown toast, with the full range offering meaningful control from barely warmed to deeply crisped.

“I love the slider which makes choosing your desired brownness quick and easy. The red LED light that allows you to monitor at a glance the progress of browning is great.” — Ves9945, verified owner (BTA720XL)

“How many darknesses do you want? Flip that sucker all the way right and you’ll get depression-era char broiled toast. Like a bit of a lighter touch? Flip that sucker left, and you’ll get a nice golden kiss of toastery.” — D Schmertz, verified owner (BTA720XL)

How Do the Signature Features Hold Up in Real-World Use?

The Breville BTA720XL packs several features that go beyond the standard pop-and-forget toaster design. Owners consistently highlight three standout functions: “A Bit More,” “Lift and Look,” and the dedicated Bagel mode. These aren’t gimmicks—they’re the features that owners say they actually use daily and that justify the premium price.

The “A Bit More” Button

This is the feature that gives the toaster its name, and owners overwhelmingly call it genuinely useful. When your toast pops up and it’s not quite done enough, pressing “A Bit More” adds an extra 20-30 seconds of toasting without restarting a full cycle. It eliminates the guesswork of re-toasting.

“If you need just a little extra crispness, there’s a handy ‘A Little More’ button that adds another 20-30 seconds. Overall, it’s sleek, smart, and practical.” — Dianne Williams, verified owner (BTA730XL)

“Toast PERFECTION, no doubt of it! First use produced yuck toast that wasn’t quite done so I used ‘a bit more’ button and WOW, the most beautiful dimpled brown shades on that toasted bread.” — CrashVegas, verified owner (BTA720XL)

“Love the ‘a bit more’ feature to get the perfect browning. It’s great to have the little alert sound so I don’t have to babysit my bagel.” — Dorothy B., verified owner (BTA720XL)

The “Lift and Look” Feature

By raising the lever mid-cycle, you can peek at your bread without canceling the toasting process. The cycle simply pauses, you check, and when you lower the lever, toasting resumes right where it left off. This same lever also serves as a high-lift mechanism—pushing it up after the cycle completes raises shorter bread items above the slot for easy, burn-free retrieval.

“I especially like the ability to lift the lever mid-toast to check progress (you don’t have to restart, it just keeps on toasting).” — Dianne Williams, verified owner (BTA730XL)

“I caught my wife looking for chopsticks to fish some hot toast out of the toaster, so I showed her how to lift the handle… viola! problem solved :)” — Tango, verified owner (BTA720XL)

“Lift and Look” Dual Function

The lever serves double duty: raise it mid-cycle to check browning progress without interrupting the toast, and push it up after the cycle to lift shorter bread items approximately half an inch above the slot opening for safe, easy retrieval without reaching into the toaster.

Bagel and Frozen Modes

The dedicated Bagel button activates only the inner-facing heating elements, toasting the cut side of a bagel while gently warming the outer crust. Owners who actually use this feature report excellent results. The Frozen button extends the cycle time to account for thawing, and owners who freeze bread—particularly homemade or gluten-free loaves—call it a genuine game-changer.

“I bake my own gluten-free bread, slice it and freeze it. With the right setting for darkness, the frozen button works accurately for a one-time toast.” — My Picks, verified owner (BTA720XL)

“I freeze my 9 grain bread. I read in another review a lady who also freezes her bread really liked that feature and yes, that button does allow the bread to thaw a bit so it does toast better.” — Cathy, verified owner (BTA720XL)

“The ‘Bagel’ button works great on bagels (I forgot to push it the first time, and the ‘Bagel’ button definitely makes a huge improvement when toasting a bagel).” — Shopper, verified owner (BTA730XL)

Do the Extra-Wide Slots Really Handle Large Bread?

The Breville’s extra-wide and deep slots are one of its most frequently praised design choices. Unlike standard toasters where artisan bread slices get jammed, curved, or only half-submerged, the BTA720XL accommodates large sourdough rounds, thick bagel halves, and specialty bread without issue. This is a consistent theme across reviews from owners who bake their own bread or buy oversized artisan loaves.

“The brushed stainless-steel exterior looks beautiful on my countertop. This toaster is long…you can fit two slices side by side in a single slot. The slots are very wide, no more epic battles between the toaster and my bagel.” — Dianne Williams, verified owner (BTA730XL)

“It has longer toasting slots so my husbands rye bread doesn’t get toaster curve from being jammed into the slot.” — Cathy, verified owner (BTA720XL)

“Absolutely love my toaster it works for large round sourdough slices and other varying sizes.” — Justme66, verified owner (BTA730XL)

What Bread Types Owners Successfully Toast

• Sourdough rounds and artisan loaves: Multiple owners specifically bought this toaster for large, irregularly shaped slices
• Thick bagels: Extra-wide slots eliminate the jamming common with standard toasters
• Homemade bread: Owners who bake their own loaves praise the slot depth and width
• Frozen waffles (Eggo, thick varieties): Fit well and toast evenly using the Frozen button
• English muffins: High-lift lever makes retrieval easy
• Rye, wheat, and specialty breads: Even browning regardless of bread density
• Fruit bread: Dedicated setting handles delicate items without burning
• Standard sandwich bread: Consistent results with room to spare

“We are very happy with this toaster! The food comes out evenly toasted and the long slots allow a variety of types of bread (sour dough, artesian, thick bagels, etc). Worth the price! We use it daily and are so pleased with the results.” — becky m, verified owner (BTA730XL)

Build Quality, Design, and Counter Presence

The Breville BTA720XL is built to a noticeably higher standard than budget toasters, and owners consistently comment on the difference they feel the moment they unbox it. The brushed stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints, the unit has substantial weight that prevents it from sliding during use, and the double-wall construction keeps the exterior cool to the touch during operation.

“Upon receiving the Breville, I could tell it was of high quality just by lifting it. It toasted my bagel perfectly. I look forward to a long relationship with this toaster. It is worth every dime.” — MrPaul, verified owner (BTA720XL)

“The build quality is top-notch. It exudes sturdiness, and you can tell it’s built to last. The sleek design complements my kitchen decor perfectly, and it feels like a premium addition to my countertop.” — DualSenseDad, verified owner (BTA720XL)

Double-Wall Construction

The Breville’s double-wall design keeps the outer surface only slightly warm during operation, unlike many cheaper single-wall toasters where the exterior becomes dangerously hot. Multiple owners specifically praise this safety feature.

“The outside only gets slightly warm while it’s running.” — Dianne Williams, verified owner (BTA730XL)

“This is an expensive toaster but it definitely gets the job done. Another nice feature is that the Breville has a double wall construction. The outer wall does not get blistering hot like some cheaper models.” — Amazon Customer, verified owner (BTA720XL)

The Breville Assist Plug

A small but frequently mentioned detail: the power plug includes a finger hole that makes plugging and unplugging the toaster effortless. For owners who unplug their toaster after each use—a common practice—this ergonomic touch eliminates tugging on the cord.

“This toaster has a Breville Assist plug. This electrical plug has a hole in it for your finger, and it is ergonomically shaped, which makes plugging and unplugging a breeze. It is fun to plug this toaster in!” — Sharpshooter, verified owner (BTA730XL)

“Easy to pull power plug so that you don’t stress the cord. Breville makes a quality product in a time when that seems to be hard to come by.” — My Picks, verified owner (BTA720XL)

Key Specifications at a Glance

What Are the Common Complaints About the Breville Bit More Toaster?

Despite overwhelmingly positive feedback—virtually every review in our analysis awarded 5 stars—the Breville BTA720XL has a few recurring concerns that potential buyers should know about.

1. The Price Feels High for a Toaster

At $109.95 MSRP, the Breville costs significantly more than budget options. This is the single most mentioned hesitation across reviews. However, nearly every owner who raises the price concern immediately follows it by saying the quality justifies the cost.

“Man, that is some serious coin for a toaster. In inflation-fueled times, who knows what a reasonable price is? Upon receiving the Breville, I could tell it was of high quality just by lifting it. It is worth every dime.” — MrPaul, verified owner (BTA720XL)

“Little pricey but with this quality you pay more. Very pleased.” — Kathy Dickinson, verified owner (BTA730XL)

2. Larger Footprint Than Budget Toasters

The Breville is wider and deeper than typical 2-slice toasters, owing to its extra-wide slots and double-wall construction. Owners with limited counter space should measure before purchasing.

“The only possible negative that I’ve found is that this unit is physically larger than the cheaper models. It’s not monstrous, but it will take up more counter space than a basic unit.” — Michael V. Henry, verified owner (BTA720XL)

3. Power Plug Protrudes From the Wall

Several owners note that the Breville Assist plug, while ergonomic, sticks out approximately 3 inches from the wall outlet. For toasters placed in recessed counter niches, this can push the unit forward.

“The plug is long and sticks out very far from the wall (about 3 inches). Had to purchase a right angle power adaptor so the plug now sits much closer to the wall.” — Shopper, verified owner (BTA730XL)

4. First Toast of the Day May Need “A Bit More”

A few owners observe that the first toasting cycle of the morning, when the unit is cold, produces slightly lighter results than subsequent cycles. The “A Bit More” button conveniently solves this, but it’s worth knowing.

“The only drawback is when you use it the first time in the morning you need to use the bit more function as it takes longer to heat up.” — PCC, verified owner (BTA730XL)

5. Toast Lift Could Be Higher

While the high-lift lever raises bread above the slot, a few owners with shorter bread items still find themselves reaching in slightly to grab the toast.

“Only slight annoyance, the lift does not lift the bread up high enough. You often need to reach in to get your bread out.” — Ron Killian, verified owner (BTA730XL)

How Does the Breville Compare to Budget Alternatives?

The most telling pattern across Breville owner reviews is the journey that led them here. A significant number of buyers describe cycling through two, three, or even ten cheaper toasters before landing on the Breville—and every one of them says they should have bought it first.

“Who would guess that it is SOOOOO difficult to make a reasonably decent toaster that works? When my clapped out, 10 y.o. toaster quit, I purchased a less expensive $35 toaster. Results were tragic. Next I went a little upscale and purchased a $65 toaster. WRONG! Literally about a third of the heating elements did not glow orange. So back it went also.” — Sharpshooter, verified owner (BTA730XL)

“After going through several $25-$35 toasters, I finally plunked down the cash to get this one. I should have just bought it first and saved the other money wasted on substandard toasters.” — yukonzach, verified owner (BTA720XL)

“A clear sign of you get what you pay for. This is our second Breville product and they both perform perfectly. The features of the toaster far exceed what others provide.” — Mark Goodrich, verified owner (BTA730XL)

According to Consumer Reports, the Breville ‘A Bit More’ BTA720XL earned a top rating among 2-slice toasters, with very good performance in toasting time tests—a finding that aligns with what owners consistently report.

Who Is the Breville 2 Slice Bit More Toaster Best For?

Based on 50+ verified owner reviews and professional testing from Taste of Home and Consumer Reports, the Breville BTA720XL is ideal for specific types of buyers:

Perfect For:

• Sourdough and artisan bread lovers: The extra-wide, extra-deep slots handle large, irregularly shaped slices that jam in standard toasters
• Bagel enthusiasts: The dedicated Bagel button and wide slots deliver properly toasted bagels every time
• Anyone tired of uneven toasting: If you’ve cycled through cheap toasters that burn one side, this is the upgrade that stops the cycle
• Home bakers who freeze bread: The Frozen button handles frozen homemade and gluten-free bread reliably
• Couples and small households: Two-slot capacity with the versatility to handle any bread type
• Kitchen aesthetics-minded buyers: Brushed stainless steel design looks premium on any countertop
• Long-term value seekers: Multiple owners report 10+ years of reliable use from previous Breville toasters

“I purchased this as a gift, based on my experience with owning the same model since 2021. It still works 4 years later. I particularly love the large slots and the ‘a bit more’ selection.” — Patty Smith, verified owner (BTA730XL)

“This was replacing another breville toaster where the darkness knob was getting a little wonky. So far seems to be an excellent quality unit.” — themblues, verified owner (BTA730XL)

May Not Be Ideal For:

• Budget-conscious buyers who just want basic toast (consider the Amazon Basics 2 Slice at ~$23)
• Those with very limited counter space—the Breville is wider and deeper than budget models
• Owners with recessed counter niches where the protruding plug may be an issue
• Large families who need to toast 4+ slices simultaneously (consider the BTA730XL 4-slice model)

Is the Breville 2 Slice Bit More Toaster Worth Buying in 2026?

Based on 50+ verified owner reviews, professional testing from Taste of Home, and product specifications from Breville, here’s what the data tells us:

“I’d give this toaster 10 stars if I could. I’ve never seen a more evenly, perfectly toasted piece of toast! It also evenly toasts bagels. It’s beautiful and looks nice on the counter. I previously had a Breville that lasted over 10 years and it was great too, but this one’s even better.” — Tori, verified owner (BTA720XL)

“Perfect toaster. We replaced one that we had for 18 years.” — Tom Curtis, verified owner (BTA730XL)

Bottom line: The Breville ‘A Bit More’ 2 Slice Toaster is what happens when a company actually engineers a toaster instead of just assembling one. At $109.95, it costs three to four times more than budget alternatives—and 50+ verified owners say it’s worth every cent. The even, repeatable toasting performance alone justifies the price for anyone who has suffered through cheap models that burn one side and leave the other pale. Add the genuinely useful “A Bit More” button, the “Lift and Look” peek function, dedicated Bagel and Frozen modes, extra-wide slots that handle artisan bread without a fight, and brushed stainless steel construction that stays cool to the touch, and you have a toaster that earns its place on the counter for a decade or more. The only legitimate downsides are the larger footprint, the protruding power plug, and the undeniable reality that spending $110 on a toaster requires a moment of reflection. But as owner after owner reports: once you use a Breville, you understand why the cheap ones kept failing you. This is the toaster that ends the toaster search.