Who would guess that it is SOOOOO difficult to make a reasonably decent toaster that works? That actually makes: 'toast'. When my clapped out, 10 y.o. toaster quit, I purchased a less expensive $35 toaster. Results were tragic (took forever, and half the slice was not toasted, while the other half was burned), so it was returned (Thank You Amazon for making returns so easy!). Next I went a little upscale and purchased a $65 toaster, figuring (Incorrectly) that if I spend more $$, I will get a better toaster. WRONG! Literally about a third of the heating elements did not glow orange, with predictably poor, uneven toasting results. So back it went also (Thanks again Amazon). I went back to research mode, and read a LOT (a really lot) of toaster reviews. These reviews were all over the map. Some people loved the model they reviewed, but mostly I saw a lot of toaster hate. Who knew this country was so divided... over toasters? I then read the Consumer Reports ratings for toasters. This Breville was rated #1 or #2, and yes it was (is) a $100 toaster. $100! I ordered it anyway, figuring my kids wouldn't miss the $100 from the estate, when I die... OR one of them will inherit a really nice toaster! 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. The toast and bagels are toasted evenly (no light spots or burned edges). It is FAST! I haven't timed it yet, but it toasts at least 2X faster than my old toaster. I like the Lift & Look lever, which allows you to peek at the toast without stopping. That same lever is also the high lift lever, which allows you to lift shorter bread products higher for easy removal. The long slots accept the long sourdough slices we like. The controls are intuitive and easy to use. The temp slider has a quality feel to it. Set it to '3' (mid range) and toast comes out golden! I know this model is called a 'Bit More, 4 slice Toaster', but I never use the bit more button. Once I have toasted bread or bagels a few times and figured out which temp setting works best, the toaster repeats every time. It is awesome! This Breville Toaster is also not racist or discriminatory. It toasted white, brown, or dark rye with equal enthusiasm, and speed. If everyone on both sides of the aisle would own a Breville, I am guessing we could end politically charged arguing. < Well, maybe that last statement is a bit of a stretch... AND, lastly, 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, and I sincerely hope that a lot more kitchen appliances get a Breville Assist™ plug! This toaster is highly recommended! I hope there is a Breville in every home in America. Think how much nicer this country would be! This is not a paid advertisement. The views expressed are the sole opinion, and experiences of the reviewer.
