Smeg 2-Slice Review

The Smeg 2-Slice initially made us swoon with its adorable aesthetic, but really won us over with its top-tier toasting performance.

Bread Toasting

When it comes to the fundamental task of toasting bread, the Smeg 2-Slice is one of the best performers in our test kitchen, or any kitchen for that matter.

On the light setting, the Smeg produced beautifully golden slices with just the right amount of crispness. In comparison, most toasters either barely warm the bread on their lowest setting or jump straight to medium-brown. The Smeg hit that sweet spot of light golden perfection that's ideal for those who prefer a gentler toast.

Moving to medium heat, where most daily toasting happens, the Smeg truly shines. Each slice emerges with gorgeous, even browning from edge to edge. We didn't encounter the common issue of darker corners or pale centers that plague many toasters.

On the dark setting, the toaster continued to excel, producing deeply bronzed slices without any burnt spots or acrid smells. The range of toasting from light to dark demonstrates excellent control, giving users genuine variety across its six shade settings.

The consistency of the Smeg is impressive in both back-to-back toasting and between cycles. Whether we were toasting the first batch of the morning or the fifth, the results remained remarkably uniform, showing that the toaster does not let residual heat affect the next batch. Over multiple testing sessions, we found minimal variation in results on different days, which means you can trust it to deliver your preferred level of toasting every morning without constantly adjusting the dial.

Bagel Toasting

Bagel connoisseurs, take note — the Smeg 2-Slice handles this breakfast staple with remarkable finesse.

The dedicated bagel setting works exactly as it should, gently warming the outer rounded side while properly toasting the cut face to a crispy, golden finish. The interior stays warm and soft while the cut side develops that satisfying crunch that makes a properly toasted bagel so enjoyable. The heating elements adjust their output intelligently, preventing the common problem of either burning the cut side or leaving it disappointingly pale.

We appreciate how the wider slots easily accommodate even extra-thick bagels without requiring any cramming or careful positioning. The bagels emerge evenly toasted across the entire cut surface — no cold spots near the edges or overly dark centers. This even heating pattern holds true whether you use fresh bakery bagels or day-old ones that need a bit more revival.

Overall, the Smeg manages to create that ideal texture that is a contrast between a crispy, caramelized surface ready to hold cream cheese or butter, while maintaining a pleasantly chewy interior. This balance is harder to achieve than you might think, and many toasters we've tested either dry out the bagel entirely or leave it soggy in the middle.

Frozen Waffle

The toaster handled frozen waffles with impressive competence, heating them thoroughly from frozen solid to piping hot while achieving an appealing crispy exterior. The waffles emerge with nicely crisped ridges that hold up well to syrup and butter, avoiding the soggy disappointment that is the result of poor toasting or microwave reheating.

The internal temperature of the waffles reaches that just-right warmth throughout — no frozen centers or volcanic hot spots that burn your tongue. The exterior develops a pleasant golden-brown color with subtle caramelization that enhances both the appearance and taste. We particularly appreciate how the toaster manages to crisp the waffle without drying it out, maintaining a tender interior that complements the crunchy outside.

Timing is another strong point. The Smeg can bring frozen waffles to serving temperature reasonably quickly without giving you rushed-feeling results. This balanced approach meant we didn't have to choose between speed and quality — a common compromise with many toasters we've tested.

Ease of Use

Beyond its toasting prowess, the Smeg 2-Slice delivers an outstanding user experience that makes daily operation a pleasure rather than a chore.

The crumb tray catches the inevitable shower of crumbs effectively, and it is large enough to go several uses between emptying for normal household use. The tray slides out smoothly from the front of the toaster, and its smooth surface wipes clean effortlessly. Lastly, the fit is precise enough to prevent crumbs from escaping around the edges — a common issue with other toasters.

The control interface is the epitome of simplicity, but doesn't sacrifice functionality. Every button, switch, and lever has a satisfying tactile feel that is representative of good design. The main lever operates with satisfying mechanical precision, lowering bread smoothly and popping up with just the right amount of spring, and the browning control dial turns with pleasant resistance. We appreciated the clear markings and intuitive operation; we never had to consult the manual after initial setup.

The Smeg takes just under three minutes to toast two slices on medium heat. This is longer than the average for our tested toasters, but we feel it strikes a decent balance between thoroughness and efficiency. It's quick enough for rushed mornings but doesn't sacrifice quality for speed.

Select special features enhance the experience without overwhelming users with complexity. The bagel and defrost functions work intuitively, and the cancel button responds immediately if you realize a little too late that the toast is done to your liking. The extra-lift feature helps retrieve smaller items safely — a feature we used frequently with English muffins and smaller artisan bread slices.

Should You Buy the Smeg 2-Slice?

The Smeg 2-Slice makes an excellent choice for design-loving home cooks who refuse to compromise on performance. It sits at the intersection of style and functionality, and we recommend it particularly if your kitchen serves as a gathering space where appliances remain on display. The superior toasting performance across all food types makes it ideal for households with diverse breakfast preferences.

What Other Toaster Should You Consider?