The Breville Eye Q 850 Auto Toaster takes a fresh approach to a familiar kitchen appliance, replacing the standard timer with an internal optic sensor that watches the colour of the bread as it toasts. Rather than relying solely on time or temperature, the toaster monitors visual doneness and only finishes the cycle when the bread reaches the desired result.
Toasters remain a fixture in many kitchens despite the rise of air fryers and toaster ovens, largely because they offer a quick and convenient way to prepare toast. The challenge has always been achieving a consistent level of doneness. Most models measure progress using either time or temperature, and few take account of how the bread actually looks while cooking. Breville’s newly launched model aims to address that gap, with a recommended price of around £235.
How the Optic Sensor Works
At first glance, the Eye Q resembles any other high-end toaster. The test unit featured a matte black brushed stainless steel case with a ceramic top section. Once a cycle begins, the toaster lowers the bread and a green light inside starts to flash. This Eye Q Optic Sensor continually assesses the bread’s visual doneness as it toasts.
The sensor sits only in the left-hand slot, allowing a single slice to be toasted when required. The toaster will not run unless something is placed inside, a notable safety feature. In common with other premium models, it uses a motorised lift to lower and raise the bread rather than a spring-loaded pop-up mechanism. A chime sounds at the start and end of each cycle, and the volume can be adjusted or switched off entirely.
Controls, Modes and Cleaning
Five buttons handle the main functions, letting you start and stop toasting, adjust the doneness level, toggle bagel and English muffin modes, and activate a feature called A Bit More. The start button also selects the operation. A single press toasts standard bread, a long press caters for sourdough, and two presses switch on timer mode for items such as Pop-Tarts.
A power cord storage slot on the underside holds the cable when the toaster is put away, removing the need to manage the cord separately. The crumb tray is fully removable, making the appliance straightforward to clean, though it is not dishwasher safe and should be wiped clean with a cloth instead.
The Breville Eye Q 850 Auto Toaster is available directly from Breville and through Williams Sonoma.
