We Tried the $200 Retro SMEG Toaster—Here’s How It Performed
Updated: Jun. 27, 2024
At $200, the sleek and retro SMEG toaster certainly isn't cheap. But if you're looking for an heirloom appliance that offers even browning and a stylish look, it's well worth the initial splurge.
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Fancy a piece of toast? When it’s time for breakfast, nothing satisfies like this classic on-the-go meal. A perfect piece of bread topped with a portion of your preferred spread—be it butter, jam or cinnamon sugar—just hits the spot. Not to mention the fact that the right toaster cranks out crazy good waffles and piping hot pastries when the mood strikes. However, finding an appliance that delivers precise crunchiness without over-the-top bells and whistles often means settling for less stylish budget options.
You can certainly snag a cheap toaster that burns bread and breaks down after a year of use. Or—hear us out—enjoy a perfectly even kiss of golden brown made by the Corvette of toasters. The SMEG toaster may be a bit pricey, but this stylish and durable gadget is truly worth the splurge. Here’s why our Product Testing Team gives this classy toaster three thumbs up.
What is the SMEG Toaster?
The SMEG toaster is a beautiful appliance with rounded corners and a shiny chrome finish. The top is brushed or satin, depending on the chosen color. It comes in 11 different shades, including light blue, pink, cream, chrome, gold, pastel green, champagne, red, black and slate gray. The cute rounded lever and mirror finish give this toaster a distinctive style that echos retro appliances.
In addition to its charming looks, each component is thoughtfully designed. The shade knob is substantial and easy to turn, and beneath the toaster are four very solid silicone feet that prevent it from slipping and sliding. Settings include a defrost and bagel button, plus a browning control knob with six darkness choices and a stop function.
It arrives in a secure brown shipping box. Inside is a branded box with a molded cardboard insert for security. The toaster is wrapped in a cloth-like branded bag for additional protection. Like the KitchenAid toaster, we love the overall vintage vibes of this stylish option.
TMB STUDIO
We Tried It
SMEG Toaster
Our Product Testing Team was impressed by this pricey, retro-inspired pick.
How We Tested the SMEG Toaster
Over the course of several days, our Product Testing Team dedicated their time and Testing Lab to find the best toasters for every budget and need. This endeavor introduced us to various options, from the aptly named Beautiful toaster to splurge-worthy finds like the Breville toaster. The SMEG toaster was voted the “most stylish” option, earning its place in the top six. It flawlessly tackled tests in the following categories (and looked good doing it):
- Size and unit of measurements
- Packaging and shipping quality
- The fit of test foods, including thick-cut brioche, sourdough, English muffins, pastries, bagels and frozen waffles
- Ease of slice removal
- Any special settings and the performance of those settings
- How long the settings take
- Appearance, material and overall quality
- Ease of care and cleaning
- Quality compared to price
Before testing for our SMEG toaster review, we wondered how a toaster could possibly be worth $200. However, this appliance pleasantly surprised us with its aesthetics and overall performance against 12 competitors.
The settings offer toasting options for every breakfast eater, from no browning with a very light crisp to an impressively even browning with plenty of crunch. Toaster pastries also fared well on the lowest “defrost” setting, which, based on the icon, seems like a built-in reheat setting. It was perfectly heated through with an ooey, gooey center.
One-Month Update
Senior Video Producer Paul Klawien volunteered his kitchen to long-term test the SMEG toaster. So far, he is impressed with the glossy look and even results.
“Our family uses it about three to four times per week, and it does consistent toasting every time,” says Paul. “I really like the solid construction. Every piece on it feels sturdy and solid. The chrome and weight of it remind me of 1950s appliances that are durable and last forever.”
Regarding criticisms, Paul notes that the popping-up sound is rather quiet for his lifestyle. “My wife and I are running around in the morning with a family of young kids, so I’ll often put breakfast in to get toasted and then multitask. I rarely notice when it pops, so toast often gets left in and cold. A louder pop would remind me to grab it right away,” he says.
Additionally, he finds the combination of small numbers and a chrome surface make the knob a bit difficult to read. He also notes that he must crank the dial to the sixth toast setting for bagels. That said, Paul mentions that the simplicity of the controls, the “one-side” toasting feature and a well-designed crumb tray balance out the negatives.
Pros:
- Gorgeous design backed by strong, quality materials
- 11 different sizes, shades and finishes available
- Easy to clean and de-crumb
- Includes a stop button
- Has defrost and bagel buttons
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- No lift function on the lever
- Easily shows fingerprints
- Won’t fit squatter slices
- Expensive
Why You Should Trust Us
Our testing team has three years of experience testing and evaluating everything from the best coffee subscriptions to the best flower delivery services. Many of us have backgrounds in kitchen and culinary careers ourselves. The remainder of our team are passionate home cooks who want to recommend the best products using honest and fair testing practices.
FAQs
How much does a SMEG toaster cost?
At $200, the SMEG toaster isn’t cheap. However, it’s worth the splurge if you want an appliance that will last for years and offer perfectly even results.
How do you clean a SMEG toaster?
To clean the SMEG toaster, pour your preferred cleaning product onto a damp cloth, then wipe it thoroughly and dry it with a soft or microfiber cloth. Never use abrasive or chlorine-based acids. Also never submerge your toaster.
Where to Buy the SMEG Toaster
TMB STUDIO
We Tried It
SMEG Toaster
The SMEG toaster is a splurge-worthy option that looks lovely and delivers delightfully even, crunchy slices.
The SMEG toaster is available at several popular retailers, including Amazon, West Elm, Wayfair and Williams Sonoma. While it retails for around $200, the price depends on color. We tested the 2-slice model, but SMEG also makes a 4-slice toaster with two slots and a 4-slice toaster with four slots.
In line with the price, the overall build and performance of the appliance are top-notch, making this a worthwhile splurge for families who want a toaster that lasts through years of use.
Originally Published: June 18, 2024
