Smeg2 Slice Toaster with 6 Presets and Defrost Function and Removable Crumb Tray (Cream)

This toaster performs one function: toasting. Ok, 2 functions, because it also defrosts. One function while taking a lot of counter space and costing a chunk of change -- but it is worth every penny! I got tired of playing games with my fairly new Cuisinart toaster over, never knowing when it would actually toast bread or just sit there like a toy so I sacrificed it from the SMEG. I opted for the version that accommodates 4 slices (2 slices of bread per side) and it's perfect for slices of bakery-made misshapen loaves. The slots measure a generous 1.5" by 10". It offers 6 levels of toasty-ness (3 is a perfect middle ground) and the handy release button allows you to stop and check the "doneness". The red exterior is happy and the retro shape is just COOL! And there's a special setting for bagels. I am loving my SMEG and am eating toast to beat the band -- making up for lost time on that toaster oven. Wish I had bought the SMEG years ago!

I was going to return this before trying it as I read the reviews AFTER buying it; then I cancelled the return and decided to give it a go. Let me say, the first couple of days I toasted one-sided items, and it was working well - thus, my decision to cancel my return. THEN, today I put in regular bread for toasting, and lo and behold, it toasts more rapidly on one side, so if you want both sides toasted, you can expect one side to be burnt. The other side will be ok. If you toast to a normal setting you would like, you get one side toasted perfectly, and the other side barely toasted at all. I'm going to have to return it. What is nice about it: The toaster is big, the color is nice, it looks great on the counter, the holes are wide. I really like it and want to keep it, but it's not going to happen since it doesn't do what it is supposed to do very well - TOAST. My reason for buying a new toaster is/was just this reason My other one only toasts one side of the bread, so why would I spend this kind of money for the same problem. My search is on! If you know of a toaster that works well in the "toasting" department, give me a shout out.UPDATE: 5/14/17 - Well, my old toaster finally had to go and because I loved this one & it's look I decided to give it another try. The last one must have been defective for sure; this one works fabulously! So Far, that is. And I have high hopes that it will continue. I love this toaster. I would recommend it to anyone; just know that if it doesn't toast properly out of the box, ask for an exchange as you probably just got one that was defective (as I did the first go around). BUT, like I said, this one toasts perfectly - both sides evenly toasted when it pops out, and isn't this what we want. Not one that pops up and one side is toasted while the other side isn't barely toasted. Give this one a try. It might take 2 tries, but I love this thingnow.

The media could not be loaded. I've had this toaster for 4 months and I simply love it. Why? Because its so cute, makes my kitchen look nicer and toasts bread really well. The pink almost looks like a bubble gum color. The knob level goes up to 6 but I find the bread is toasted to my liking between the 2 and 3 levels. It has toasted evenly most of the time. I once put it on 4 and the bread was darker then I like. This toaster has a strong heating level so be careful it gets hot. There's 2 other buttons on the toaster one for toasting frozen bread and one setting for muffins or bagels. You just have to press a button for those settings. Is this toaster a splurge YES but if your looking for the cuteness factor in kitchen appliances this one is all that and more. I get a lot of use from it and just love how it looks next to my other SMEG appliances.

I’m in love with the look of this toaster. Too cute! Works great with all the functionality. Get it if you’re in the need for a toaster.

The media could not be loaded. Update: Seriously, this toaster is really bad. It actually does nothing well. I don’t know how that’s possible, but it’s true. Even basic toast flies out of the top when done (see video. This is ever time, not occasionally). And the toast that comes out if perfect tan on one side and over dark on the other. Waffles always get stuck and burn. Also, there is too much room on the side of the cage that hold the toast, which makes it easy to get a slice stuck outside the cage, and thus turning into a smoke situation as the bread touches the heating elements. And, those cute SMEG letters are impossible to clean around 🥺. Don’t be charmed by the brand or the cuteness! You will regret it!This toaster kinda sucks. Sadly, most toasters seem to suck, but this seemed to be a happy medium between form and function. After a couple weeks, its way more form than function. What it does well: toasting, pre sliced sandwich bread. Great. FTW. If that's the only thing you toast you will probably love it.What it does much less well: toast anything else. God forbid you want a toasty slice of your favorite crusty bread. You better cut it perfectly thin, but not too thin because it some how gets trapped and turns to charcoal. And it better be perfectly, standard toast slice. Odd sized toast will also get stuck in something. Make a Frozen Belgian Waffles and you will find yourself plucking it out with chopsticks, because it it too will get stuck (though the defrost works pretty well). Too small a slice and it will literally fly out of the toaster when it pops up.So, our quest for the perfect toaster (even adequate at this point) continues. We had high hopes, but are sadly disappointed. Quality seems fine, though the lever did not work on the first one we received.