Quick Overview

If you're looking for a reliable, compact 2-slice toaster that doesn't compromise on functionality, the Breville BTA720XL Bit More Toaster might just be your new kitchen companion. You'll find yourself appreciating its thoughtful design and smart features, especially if you're someone who values convenience and precise control over your toast-making process. Whether you're making breakfast for two or want a machine that fits nicely in a smaller kitchen, this model brings a lot to the table.

Let’s be honest – we all have those mornings when you’re rushing out the door, and you need your toast to come out perfectly every time. The Breville Bit More Toaster is designed with that kind of everyday need in mind. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller kitchens or apartments, but it doesn’t skimp on features. In fact, it offers a surprisingly robust set of tools that let you customize your toast like never before.

What really sets this toaster apart is how it balances simplicity with innovation. While many toasters are either basic or overly complicated, this one strikes a nice middle ground. It still has the traditional manual lever for those who prefer hands-on control, but also includes modern conveniences like the “Lift & Look” feature and LED progress indicator. These additions make it easy to fine-tune your toast without getting in a tizzy trying to figure out how everything works.

Who Benefits Most?

Recommended For:

• Busy mornings: If you're always rushing to get breakfast on the table, this toaster's quick response and smart features mean less stress and more consistent results.
• Home cooks who love variety: Whether you're toasting sourdough, bagels, or frozen bread, this machine handles a wide range of bread types with ease thanks to its defrost and bagel functions.
• Those with limited counter space: The compact design means you don’t sacrifice functionality for footprint, so it’s great for tiny kitchens or tight countertops.

Not Ideal If:

• You’re looking for a heavy-duty commercial model: This isn't built for high-volume use. If you're a restaurant owner or someone who needs to toast dozens of slices at once, you’ll want something more industrial.
• You prefer full automation: While it’s got some smart touches, it still requires a bit of manual involvement. If you want a fully automatic experience with no interaction needed, this might not hit the mark for you.

What Makes It Stand Out

This toaster isn’t just another run-of-the-mill appliance – it's packed with features that actually make a difference in your daily routine. Let’s break down what makes this one special.

First off, there's the LED indicator. You know that moment when you're waiting for your toast and you're not sure how much longer it will take? That feeling goes away with this little light. It shows you exactly how much time is left in the toasting cycle, so you can plan around it or just relax knowing what’s happening.

Then comes the “Lift & Look” feature – yes, it sounds a bit silly, but trust me, it's incredibly useful. Imagine you’re halfway through toasting and realize you want to check the progress. Instead of stopping the whole process or risking burning your bread, you simply lift the lever, peek inside, and put it back down. The cycle continues seamlessly. It’s like having a personal assistant who keeps track of your toast without interrupting the show.

The “A Bit More” function takes things even further. Sometimes you need just a few extra seconds to get your toast just right. With this feature, you can extend the toasting time without starting over – no resetting or guessing games involved.

For people who love bagels or thick slices of bread, the Bagel function is a game-changer. It uses special heating elements to ensure even toasting on both sides, which is something that many standard toasters struggle with. And if you've got frozen bread or frozen pastries, the Defrost setting helps thaw and toast at the same time – no more guesswork or cold spots.

Lastly, the wider slots mean you won’t be stuck with only thin slices of bread. Artisanal loaves, thick sliced sourdough, and even oversized bagels fit comfortably in there. It’s a thoughtful touch that makes this toaster more versatile than most in its category.

How It Performs

In practice, the Breville Bit More Toaster delivers on what it promises. You’ll notice that it heats up quickly and gets to work almost immediately after you drop in your bread. The LED indicator gives you peace of mind, and the timing feels accurate and reliable. I found myself using the Lift & Look feature more often than expected – it's genuinely helpful when you’re unsure if your toast is going to turn out perfectly.

When it comes to bagels, it really shines. The dedicated bagel function ensures that the edges get that perfect golden-brown color while the center stays fluffy and evenly toasted. No more uneven results or burnt edges – just consistent, delicious bagels every time.

I also tested the defrost function with frozen croissants and frozen sandwich bread, and honestly, it was impressive. The machine handled the task well, bringing the frozen items to a warm, crispy finish without any signs of undercooking or burning. That alone makes it worth considering if you often eat frozen foods.

One thing that stood out during regular use was how easy it was to clean. The front crumb tray pulls out smoothly, and you can just dump it into the trash without having to lift the entire unit. It's a small detail, but it adds up over time. Plus, the stainless steel construction looks sleek and holds up well against daily wear and tear.

The manual lever gives you that classic toasting feel – it’s satisfying to operate, and you can tell when the toast is done by the slight pop and the visual cue from the LED light. It’s not too loud, not too quiet, just right for morning chaos.

Highs and Lows

Advantages:

• Smart features like Lift & Look and A Bit More: These make the whole process more flexible and less stressful, especially when you're juggling other morning tasks.
• Great for a variety of bread types: From thin slices to thick artisanal loaves and bagels, it handles it all without issue.
• Compact yet functional design: Perfect for small kitchens or anyone who wants a decent toaster without taking over their counter space.
• Easy cleaning: Pull out the crumb tray and you’re good to go – no lifting or scraping required.
• Variable browning control: You can dial in exactly how dark or light you like your toast, giving you total control over the final result.

The Cons:

• Not ideal for high-volume use: If you’re making toast for a crowd or doing it multiple times per day, it may not keep up with demand.
• Manual operation required: While it’s not necessarily a bad thing, some users might miss a fully automated experience, especially if they’re used to more tech-heavy appliances.
• Limited customization options compared to premium models: Sure, it’s got good features, but if you’re after something with tons of settings or smart home integration, you might find it a bit basic.

Price vs Performance

At its price tier, the Breville Bit More Toaster offers solid value. Yes, it’s not the cheapest option on the market, but you're paying for reliability, smart features, and a design that actually improves your daily routine. Compared to other mid-range toasters, it stands out because it doesn’t cut corners on functionality. It’s a step above basic models and below luxury versions, making it a smart pick for most people who want a toaster that does more than just toast.

It’s not going to break the bank, but it’s also not a budget item. If you're someone who values consistency and convenience in the morning, you’ll likely find the investment worthwhile. It’s the kind of appliance that pays for itself in fewer failed toasts and less stress each morning.

The Bottom Line

So here’s the deal – if you're someone who wants a dependable, user-friendly 2-slice toaster with a few clever tricks up its sleeve, the Breville BTA720XL Bit More Toaster is a strong contender. It’s perfect for everyday use, whether you're preparing simple breakfasts or more elaborate meals like grilled cheese sandwiches. The compact size is a bonus for smaller kitchens, and the features like the LED indicator, Lift & Look, and bagel function make it feel like a more advanced tool than most toasters out there.

You’ll appreciate the ability to adjust browning levels, the ease of cleaning, and how well it handles various bread types. It’s not going to blow your mind with cutting-edge technology, but it does what it says it will, and it does it well. If you're not looking for something overly complex or high-powered, this one checks all the boxes.

If you're someone who likes a little more control and a little more convenience, this is the toaster you want to add to your kitchen arsenal. It's reliable, practical, and surprisingly smart – a real upgrade from your average 2-slice model. So yes, give it a shot. You won't regret it.