"Breville BTA820XL Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster (Kitchen)
After 10 years my Rowenta toaster died. I searched the Amazon website for a toaster but was concerned by all the negative reviews about uneven toasting. Then I found the Breville listed and the majority of the reviews were positive. There were a few negative reviews about uneven toasting, but I figured they were defective toasters. There were also a couple of reviews were the toaster stopped working after a year of usage. The warrenty period is only one year so those people were out of luck. But since most reviews were positive I purchased the toaster from Hammacher Schlemmer were there is a life time warranty. The price was equal to Amazon's price. The only difference was that Hammacher Schlemmer was charging a $16.95 shipping charge. I searched the internet and found couponcabin.com where there was a promo code for free shipping. So far my toaster is working perfectly. It toasts both sides evenly and I love the buttons for Lift and Look and A bit More for 30 seconds of extra time. I haven;t used the Bagel or Defrost buttons yet but I'm sure they will work fine. So far I completely satisfied. It was a little expensive but well worth the price."

"I bought the Breville Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster, model BTA820XL, a month ago (November, 2010) specifically to see if it could toast English muffins the way I like them: crisp and toasty brown on the inside, and soft and warm but not toasted on the outside, and do it in one toasting cycle. This is the only toaster I know of that does this perfectly. It is a joy to use, and I am now eating more English muffins than I really should. In the Bagel mode that I use for English muffins, the Breville only powers the inner heating elements, but there is enough heat in the toasting chambers to fully warm the back sides of the muffin. In normal toasting mode, all heating elements are powered, and white bread is toasted to perfection, too, but I set the toasting time shorter than for English muffins. The cast aluminum case does not get too hot to safely handle after toasting one English muffin, unlike some other metal toasters. The Breville has several nice creature comforts, too: "Auto Lift and Look", "A Bit More", a slide adjustment to set the toasting time with 14 illuminated segments that indicate the time remaining, and convenient finger hole built into the power plug that simplifies removing it. If you like bagels or English muffins toasted on one side but not the other, buy this outstanding toaster. I have been looking for this toaster since 1975, and I finally found it."

"I've owned the 2-slice toaster for about 6 months now, and it's the best toaster anyone could ask for. The 'smart toaster' is a real delight to use, and you get an even and complete piece of toast or bagel every time. I can only echo what other reviewers have said - it's features are most impressive, and it's overall appearance immediately lets one know it is a upscale model. Breville products are the BEST (we also have a Breville coffee maker), and without hesitation, I can recommend these products to anyone!!"

"This toaster is not just good looking but works very bit as well as it looks. Easy to use, should you wish to review the progress just press "Lift and Look" button and and it will allow the toast to lift for you to review without interupting the original setting. No more burnt toast and if you would like to slightly extend the toasting time just press the "A Bit More" button. Just like the Breville Gourmet Coffee Single Coffee Maker it is another home run. I am using both of thes products to modernize my kitchen. I am slowing changing all the appliances over to stainless steel and these will add to the overall look extremely well. "

"I have had about 6 toasters so far, not because they break but rather whenever I move someone always ends up taking it or I give it away.
So this time when I decided to purchase one I thought why not purchase a nicer one than the standard Target models.
Wow what a difference, toasts quickly and efficiently and safe to touch, as well as automated.
On top of that people are really wowed when they see it in action and ask where can I get one?!?"

"I absolutely love using my toaster. I rave to eveyone that it toasts perfect...and even if needed, the "little bit" button is so fun to push for a slightly darker toast. It beeps when done and the settings all light up. WHAT FUN it is to make toast, bagels, english muffins and more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"I have had this toaster for about 2 years, previously I had the Ikon and this one wins hands down. Perfect toast & bagels everytime!"

"I have been buying toasters and this one is the best I have ever bought. Alittle pricey but after making the toast and bagel worth every penny"

"I love this toaster. I can make flawless toast, muffins, bagels, etc with no effort. I love the ease of operating it. If you don't want to cook but just look....it looks beautiful on any kitchen counter."

"I've owned this toaster for about 2 years now and it is far and away the best 2-slicer I've ever owned. I sought out to get the best toaster money could buy and after the span of time I've used it daily, I can now confirm it is in my opinion the greatest 2-slice toaster in the world. You will use every feature including the ones that may seem like gimmicks at first. The Smart Toaster gives you unparalleled precision and control over your toasting. You'll never go back. (One note... the directly-overhead shot of this product as shown is of the Ikon version which is cheaper and less-powerful than the Smart Toaster. Spring for the higher model -- you won't regret it.)"